IMTS 2026 took place in Chicago last month. It is the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere. Suppliers showcased robotics, industrial AI, and machining. Kawada Robotics demonstrated Fillie, a dual-arm humanoid robot for light automation. Microfactories were highlighted as a trend using robotics and additive manufacturing. Four pillars for automation were named: people, processes, data, and systems. Demand for automation is rising due to labor shortages. AI is driving demand for power transmission and electrical equipment.

• 90,000 attendees at IMTS 2026