IMTS 2026 Automation Demand Soars Amid Labor Shortage

The biennial International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago drew over 90,000 attendees last month to explore AI, automation, and emerging manufacturing technologies. Demand for automation is 'off the charts' due in part to the manufacturing labor shortage, according to principal economist Chris Chidzik. Durable goods manufacturers currently face a reported shortage of 435,000 workers.

AI and robotics innovations take center stage at IMTS 2026

Exhibitors demonstrated AI-enabled vision systems, collaborative robots, and microfactories designed to address production challenges. The focus was on enabling more operations per setup, increasing unattended production, and simplifying repetitive tasks. Robotics and collaborative automation systems emphasized easier deployment, integrated vision, and greater adaptability for high-mix, low-volume production.

Kawada Robotics demonstrated Fillie, a stationary, dual-arm humanoid upper-body robot designed for light automation and research tasks. Caracol's additive manufacturing robot automates component fabrication, part of a broader trend of integrating additive manufacturing with traditional metal removal. Microfactories, small modular facilities leveraging robotics and advanced technologies, aim to alleviate long lead times for parts.

Tooling and workholding exhibitors focused on technologies to address skilled labour shortages while improving tool life and changeover times. The AMT Emerging Technology Center demonstrated interconnected machine tools, automation, and additive manufacturing to increase production capacity. Metal additive manufacturing was featured prominently, including demonstrations for aerospace and defense applications.

Industry leaders stress integrated approach to automation success

Executives emphasized that people, processes, data, and systems are essential for effective automation strategies. Sven Diedrich, head of digital transformation at Pinaxis, stated that "People, processes, data and systems are essential elements of any automation strategy." Leaders from Fanuc America, Honeywell, Generac, and Briggs and Stratton discussed AI impacts and the industry's future. The MTConnect standard was highlighted for connecting controls, machines, and software to provide key data for digital and AI systems.

IMTS 2026 draws record engagement across global manufacturing community

The event, held Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place, is the largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere. It attracted 91,295 registrants from all 50 states and 123 countries. Student participation was significant, with 14,447 attendees through the Smartforce Student Summit. The show floor hosted 1,788 exhibiting companies across 1.17 million square feet.

Specialized conference attendance saw dramatic growth. The inaugural IMTS Industrial AI Conference sold out twice after capacity was expanded. Other notable increases included:

The Reshoring Initiative projects approximately 400,000 jobs will have been reshored by the end of 2026. Manufacturing technology orders exceeded $500 million for the fifth consecutive month on Sept. 13, 2026.