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.” According to Burnstein, the Humanoid Pavilion displayed an enormous collection of humanoid robots and A3 received excellent feedback from attendees at the show. “Currently, China is ahead of the game as far as humanoid adoption is concerned, especially with government support, but this is likely going to change in the next few years, and the West will start catching up.” In general, Burnstein saw robotic and automation technologies expanding out of automotive and into areas such as photonics, life sciences and food and beverage. “Pay close attention in the near future to what automation is going to look like in our hospitals as well as our bio labs,” he added. “And though safety and government standards still need to be addressed, we see a path down the road for the use of consumer robotics in households. It’s been vacuum cleaners for a long time, but when will we see robots doing mundane tasks such as folding laundry or washing dishes? We’re just not sure what this timeframe realistically looks like.” If the Automate Show in Chicago was any indication, we’re merely scratching the surface on the potential of robotics and Physical AI technology in manufacturing moving forward. Next Stop Las Vegas Automate 2027 will move West for the first time next year, taking place May 10–13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Per the A3 blog: “Automation is becoming more accessible and more capable at the same time. Tools that once required heavy customization are easier to deploy. Machine vision is handling more complex tasks. AI is making systems more adaptable in real environments, not just controlled ones. Ideas that felt early or experimental even a couple of years ago are starting to show up in day-to-day manufacturing. The shift is something more immediate, more usable and increasingly widespread. Las Vegas, with its scale and visibility, is built for moments like this, where a lot of attention is focused on one place. A perfect backdrop for where the industry is right now.” Burnstein urges attendees heading to Las Vegas to plan for next year’s show by downloading the app, planning your exhibitor visits and schedule appointments as early as possible. “We had a record sign-up for booth space for the 2027 show this summer,” Burnstein added. “We’re adding more floor space, a larger humanoid pavilion, more conferences, everything about Automate Las Vegas is getting bigger. We’re extremely excited to share what’s happening in robotics and automation next year.” After reflecting on the success of Automate 2026 in Chicago, Burnstein discussed how the rebranding of the show back in 2009 really set the stage for future growth. “The show was formerly known as the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show, not exactly the easiest thing to say,” Burnstein said. “The rebrand to Automate happened in 2011. Outside of the COVID years, attendance and exhibitor numbers have steadily grown each year. 2027 should be an incredible year for robotics and automation.”
