A3’s Automate 2026 Opens Next Week in Chicago

North America’s largest robotics and automation event brings humanoids, AI, industrial robots and the future of automation to McCormick Place June 22-25

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Automate 2026, North America’s largest robotics and automation event, opens next week at McCormick Place in Chicago, bringing more than 50,000 people, over 1,000 exhibitors and 450,000 square feet of robotics and automation technologies to the city June 22-25.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate brings together professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to explore the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control and industrial automation. The show is free to attend for anyone ages 12 and up.

“Automate is where people can see the incredible technology of robotics and automation up close, from humanoid robots and AI-powered systems to proven solutions already helping companies improve productivity, address workforce challenges and compete globally,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “This year’s show reflects the full scale of the industry, bringing together the leaders in robotics, machine vision, motion control, AI and more. It is bigger, more diverse, and more accessible than ever.”

The four-day event will include 200+ expert speakers and 140+ conference sessions focused on the trends shaping automation today, including industrial AI, workforce transformation, robotics adoption, U.S. competitiveness, supply chain resilience and the expanding use of automation beyond traditional manufacturing.

A Major Showcase for Humanoid Robots, AI and Automation

One of the biggest draws at Automate 2026 will be humanoid robotics. The show will feature a dedicated Humanoid Robot Pavilion, sponsored by NVIDIA, where attendees can see a range of humanoid robots and related enabling technologies on the show floor. A3 will also host the Humanoid Robot Forum, a paid conference program taking place at Automate on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with sessions focused on humanoid robot development, deployment and real-world applications.

In addition to humanoids, Automate 2026 will span the full automation ecosystem. Attendees will find robotics systems, AI-enabled automation, autonomous mobile robots, machine vision, motion control, sensing, software, end-of-arm tooling, safety technologies and all other industrial automation solutions used across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, food production, energy and other sectors.

Attendees won’t want to miss:

Keynotes and Special Events

• Keynote Speakers – Leaders from Cognex, FANUC America, Intrinsic, Schneider Electric, Siemens Digital Industries and Standard Bots, as well as a leadership conversation with Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher and longtime Bears radio voice Jeff Joniak. June 22-25, 9:00 a.m.
• Automate Networking Party – Attendees and exhibitors can celebrate the first day of Automate with food, drinks and new connections across the automation industry. June 22, 5:15 to 7:30 p.m. Registration required. Paid event.
• Women’s Empowerment Forum – Women and allies in automation will come together to share their experiences, build connections and strengthen leadership skills. June 23, 4:00 p.m. Registration required.
• Latin American Business Networking Reception – Attendees interested in entering or expanding in Latin America can hear from industry experts and executives, then connect with speakers and participants during a networking reception. June 23, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The event is free. Registration required.

Trends and Innovation

• Automate Show Theater – Sponsored by Harmonic Drive, the Show Theater will feature sessions with thought leaders and industry experts from Dell Technologies, General Motors, Intel, Mayo Clinic, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and more on the major issues shaping automation today.
• Innovation Stage – Leading automation companies will showcase new technologies, applications and ideas advancing the industry.
• AMR Technology Demonstrations – Attendees can see next-generation autonomous mobile robots in motion, including live demonstrations of multi-vendor fleets coordinating in real time using emerging interoperability standards.

Students and Educators

• A3 NextGen Theater – New this year, the theater will feature sessions on curriculum, career pathways, hiring and talent development for students, educators and employers.
• Education Pavilion – A favorite among students and educators, the Education Pavilion features schools, training programs and industry leaders helping prepare the next generation of automation talent.
• Student Challenge – Middle and high school robotics teams will compete in daily contests on the show floor.
• A3 NextGen Student Tours – Guided tours of Automate will help students and educators explore the show and connect what they see on the floor to future career opportunities. June 25. Tours are free. Registration is required.

Awards and Recognition

• Automate Startup Challenge – Sponsored by Microsoft and NVIDIA, the Startup Challenge gives early-stage robotics and automation companies the chance to pitch their technology solutions for $10,000 and the title of Startup Challenge Champion. June 22, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Automate Innovation Awards – This competition will recognize new products and technologies advancing automation, with three winners selected live. June 23, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
• Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards – The robotics industry’s most prestigious honor will be presented during a dinner and ceremony recognizing Hiroshi Fujiwara, Executive Director of the Japan Robot Association (JARA), and Robert Little, co-founder of ATI Industrial Automation. June 24, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration required. Paid event.

For more information on all events and activities, and to register for Automate 2026, please visit www.automateshow.com.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent more than 1,450 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including Automate (June 22-25, 2026, in Chicago, IL), the Humanoid Robot Forum (June 23-24, 2026, at Automate Show in Chicago, IL), A3 Mexico Business Forum (September 9, 2026, in Querétaro, Mexico), Advanced Vision & AI Conference (September 23-24, 2026, in Santa Clara, CA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2026, in Detroit, MI) and the A3 Business Forum (January 18-20, 2027, in Orlando, FL).