Automate 2026 breaks records: demand for robots and AI is growing
English translation from Unibot. Source published 2026-07-09.
Automate, North America's largest robotics and automation trade show, broke all records this year. More than 50,000 participants and 1,230 exhibitors gathered at Chicago's McCormick Place from June 22 to 25.
Record scale and geography
The organizer was the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). Automate 2026 took up 425 thousand square feet of exhibition space. They showed the latest technologies in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control and industrial automation.
This record-breaking show reflects the rapid growth of automation across a wide range of industries. Companies are looking for tangible ways to improve productivity, solve workforce problems, strengthen supply chains and remain competitive.
“Automate 2026 was our strongest show yet, not only in size, but also in the quality of the technology, conversations and connections that were made right at the booths,” said Jeff Bernstein, president of A3.
“The energy in Chicago was incredible. From humanoid robots and industrial AI to machine vision, motion control, autonomous mobile robots and industrial automation systems, visitors saw first-hand how quickly this industry is moving and how much opportunity lies ahead.”
Atmosphere and business program
The scale and drive of the event was felt throughout McCormick Place. Key reports were given all week without interruption. New products were presented at the exhibition site and live technology demonstrations were held. Programs for women, students, teachers and young professionals attracted a huge number of participants.
The Latin American event and Women's Empowerment Forum attracted hundreds of guests. This underscores the industry's increasing focus on leadership, inclusion and developing the next generation of workforce.
The conference program also reached a new high, with over 1,600 registered participants and over 140 sessions. Topics include industrial AI, robot adoption, workforce transformation, US competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and the expansion of automation beyond traditional manufacturing.
Automate 2026 Highlights
Pavilion of humanoid robots. Humanoid robotics became one of the main magnets of the exhibition. The new pavilion, sponsored by Nvidia, allowed visitors to get an up-close look at humanoid robots and the technologies that make them possible.
Humanoid robots forum. For the first time, the popular A3 forum was held as part of Automate on June 23-24. It attracted more than 1,100 participants.
Startup Challenge. Young companies in the field of robotics and automation competed for 10 thousand dollars and the title of champion. The 2026 winner is Mbodi, whose platform allows industrial robots to be taught new tasks through natural language and simple demonstrations.
Automate Innovation Awards. The awards went to new products and technologies entering the market in 2025. 2026 winners: CeiliX InfinityCrane and SkyRunner in the Automation Systems category; Standard Bots’ Flux AI in the Vision, AI and Software category; Synapticon ACTILINK-JD with POSITRON Safety AI in the category "Components, equipment and supporting technologies".
Joseph F. Engelberger Award. The most prestigious award in robotics was presented at a gala dinner. The honorees are Hiroshi Fujiwara, executive director of the Japan Robotics Association (JARA), and Robert Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation. Details about the winners are on the website.
Students and teachers. Automate 2026 continued to expand its work with the future workforce: Education Pavilion, A3 NextGen Theater, Student Challenge, A3 NextGen Excursions and programs on curriculum, career tracks, recruitment and workforce development.
Automate Rewind
For those who missed out on Automate 2026, Automate Rewind is now available. This digital library contains recordings of keynotes, theater appearances, Automate LIVE interviews and exhibitor reviews. All knowledge shared at the exhibition remains available.
Automate is moving to Las Vegas in 2027
Automate 2027 will take place in Las Vegas from May 10 to 13, 2027 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.