A3’s Automate 2026 Breaks Records as Demand for Robotics, AI and Automation Grows
Automate, North America’s largest robotics and automation event, celebrated its most successful show to date, drawing more than 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors to McCormick Place in Chicago from June 22-25.
Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate 2026 filled 425,000 square feet of show floor space with the latest technologies in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, motion control and industrial automation. The record-setting event reflected the continued growth of automation across industries as companies look for practical ways to improve productivity, address workforce challenges, strengthen supply chains and remain competitive.
“Automate 2026 was the strongest show we have ever had, not just in size, but in the quality of the technology, conversations and connections taking place across the show floor,” said Jeff Burnstein, 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, attendees saw firsthand how quickly this industry is moving and how much opportunity lies ahead.”
The scale and energy of the event could be felt throughout McCormick Place. Keynotes were packed throughout the week, the show floor featured product launches and live technology demonstrations, and programs focused on women, students, educators and emerging professionals drew strong participation. The Latin America Networking event and Women’s Empowerment Forum attracted hundreds of attendees, underscoring the industry’s growing focus on leadership, inclusion and the next generation of talent.
The conference program also reached a new high, with more than 1,600 registrants and 140+ sessions focused on industrial AI, robotics adoption, workforce transformation, U.S. competitiveness, supply chain resilience and the expanding use of automation beyond traditional manufacturing. Key highlights from Automate 2026:
•Humanoid Robot Pavilion: Humanoid robotics was one of the major draws at Automate 2026. The new Humanoid Robot Pavilion, sponsored by NVIDIA, gave attendees a close look at humanoid robots and the enabling technologies behind them.
