MT Magazine May/June 2026

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AMT’s 2026 Automation Report

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EXPLORING AUTOMATION AT IMTS 2026 by Stephen LaMarca and Kathy Keyes | 19

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MAY/JUNE 2026 THE STATE OF AUTOMATION ISSUE VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 3

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Andy Grove Meets Isaac Newton I worry about products getting screwed up, and I worry about products getting introduced prematurely. I worry about factories not performing well, and I worry about having too many factories. I worry about hiring the right people, and I worry about morale slacking off. they simply decide for whatever reason to go with a new supplier, or they go out of business. Technology changes – it could be something small, like a new type of tooling that facilitates faster setups or a whole new way of processing parts. Customers’ technologies change – the demand for pistons disappears when vehicles have electric motors. And customers’ expectations change – if their supplier fulfills contracts faster and with better quality products, they’re going to want the same thing from you – even if you make an entirely different component. And, of course, I worry about competitors. I worry about other people figuring out how to do what we do better or cheaper, and displacing us with our customers. — Andrew S. Grove, “Only the Paranoid Survive”

Every company has experienced a period of significant growth – significant momentum. A good exercise for management is to determine that period’s growth velocity and then use it as a benchmark. While conditions between then and now are likely different, what isn’t is that for a company to continue succeeding, it must have forward momentum. So, track and compare the current rate of growth to what it had been by month, quarter, and year. Make it visible to the entire organization: “This is what we once did, and this is what we are doing now.” If the organization is underperforming compared to what it once accomplished, then it must assess the mass it has accumulated (aka “unessential overhead”) – and determine what may be slowing its velocity. One of the problems that can exist is something that doesn’t seem to be a problem – until it becomes all too evident. Back in my days at Liberty, we had a great customer. One day, I was at our contact’s office to pick up a purchase order. When the meeting started, he got up from behind his desk, moved to the chair next to mine, and put his hand on my shoulder. “I gotta tell you, you guys are doing a great job,” he said. “I’m getting all kinds of requests from our teams to use you.” He pointed to the purchase order to prove the point. “But listen,” he continued. “In my experience, we kill more good suppliers than we gain. We kill them with love.” He meant that regular orders could lead to complacency. And if – when – something changed, then that complacency was fatal for the supplier that had grown too comfortable. So, every day, I thought about what we needed to do to get better. I attended every trade show I could and walked every aisle. I made sure my people were aware of and had access to the best technology I could bring to the operation. Worry without deliberate action is irrelevant to momentum. Andy Grove didn’t just worry: While he was CEO of Intel, the market cap of the company went from $4 billion to $197 billion. He helped generate the critical mass.

Although I hadn’t read former Intel CEO Andy Grove’s book when I ran Liberty Precision, I shared all of those concerns he enumerated. Yes, at the time, he was running one of the leading microprocessor companies in the world, while I was operating a special machinery company, but I was concerned every

day that we would lose a good person, or a competitor would enter our market, or a customer would decide to go elsewhere. While this might seem like a stressful way to run a business, I always knew that if you’re not moving forward – if you don’t maintain momentum – then before you realize it, you’re in a bad situation. Many who reach a stable, comfortable status quo can suddenly have the rug pulled out from under them. As you may recall from one of your engineering books: p = mv. Or momentum (p) is a measure of an object’s motion, which is calculated by multiplying mass (m) by velocity (v). This is derived from Newton’s second law: F = ma. Or force (F) is equal to the mass (m) of an object multiplied by acceleration (a). What I want you to think about is that a key aspect of both momentum and force is the amount of mass. From an organizational perspective, mass represents the elements that make up a business, from employees to customers to the technology utilized to produce the products those customers need. But there are two types of mass. One aggregates over time. At points along the way, people are hired, machines are bought, customers are acquired, and things just continue on in a seemingly satisfactory way. The other type is what I call “critical mass.” This is the accumulation of resources and customers that achieves sustainable growth through a competitive advantage – an advantage predicated on people, processes, and technology. The first type of mass lacks both the momentum of the first equation and the velocity of the second. This is a situation of high comfort and little consideration for the possibility that it might disappear in an instant. But the reality is that competition always changes – and if you’re good at something, you can be certain that someone else is doing their best to be better. Customers change – whether

Douglas K. Woods President AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

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MT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

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Editorial Team Mike DiFranco VP, Sales & Media mdifranco@AMTonline.org

Executive Team Douglas K. Woods President dwoods@AMTonline.org Travis Egan Chief Revenue Officer tegan@AMTonline.org Becky Stahl Chief Financial Officer bstahl@AMTonline.org Christopher Kasmark Chief Information Officer ckasmark@AMTonline.org

Technology Ryan Kelly VP, Technology rkelly@AMTonline.org Intelligence Kevin Bowers VP, Research kbowers@AMTonline.org Smartforce Catherine Ross Director, Community Engagement cross@AMTonline.org

Kristin Bartschi Director, Marketing & Communications kbartschi@AMTonline.org

Kathy Keyes Managing Editor, Content kwebster@AMTonline.org Dan Hong Writer/Editor dhong@AMTonline.org Jacob McCloskey Senior Graphic Designer jmccloskey@AMTonline.org

Advocacy Amber Thomas VP, Advocacy athomas@AMTonline.org International Achilles Arbex VP, Global Services aarbex@AMTonline.org Sales Mike DiFranco VP, Sales & Media mdifranco@AMTonline.org Membership Bill Herman VP, Membership bherman@AMTonline.org

Tiffany Kim Graphic Designer tkim@AMTonline.org

Hailey Sarnecki Graphic Designer hsarnecki@AMTonline.org

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Table of Contents

Click See what’s trending

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Manufacturing Matters Get details on the latest industry news

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AMT Upcoming Events Important manufacturing technology dates and events to bookmark

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Automation on Demand by Gary S. Vasilash

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Exploring Automation at IMTS 2026 by Stephen LaMarca

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The Big Picture Automation in U.S. Manufacturing: Then vs. Now vs. Next

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Making Something More: Industrial AI in Focus at IMTS by Michelle Edmonson

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Buckle Up for Automotive Innovation by Stephen LaMarca

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Coming Off the Heels of SHOT Show 2026 by Stephen LaMarca

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Tracking Automation Demand Growth by Chris Chidzik

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COVER DESIGN Jacob McCloskey | Graphic Designer

INFOGRAPHIC DESIGN Automation in U.S. Manufacturing: Then vs. Now vs. Next Hailey Sarnecki | Graphic Designer

MT Manufacturing Technology (ISSN # 2836-2896), May/June 2026, Issue 3, is published bimonthly by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean, VA 22102. Periodicals postage paid at Merrifield, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to MT Manufacturing Technology at 7901 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 900, McLean, VA 22102.

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DATE: January 28-30, 2026 | LOCATION: Fort Worth, TX An exclusive event for NTMA’s Chapter Leadership. This event has a targeted group of registrants. Chapter Leadership Summit provides a great opportunity to get in front of and personally meet our Chapter Executives, Chapter Presidents, and Trustees (also member company owners and Presidents). This event will help maximize your connections at the local level. Anticipated Attendance: 60-75 People

2026 NTMA CALENDAR OF EVENTS Please contact Kristen Hrusch, our Events Manager for more information and to register: Kristen Hrusch - Krusch@ntma.org 216.264.2845 or visit www.ntma.org/upcoming -events www.ntma.org/events

DATE: April 27-29, 2026 | LOCATION: Grand Rapids, MI NTMA gathers the best and brightest up-and-coming industry leaders to network, share knowledge and brainstorm about tomorrow’s manufacturing industry. Since this event targets the younger generation, they may be more receptive to newer technologies and processes. Build and grow your relationships with these industry influencers and be top of their mind. Anticipated Attendance: 100-150 People *NTMA has invited industry associations to partner for this event. Partnering associations will be: AMT, NFFS, AGMA and TMA.

DATE: September 14-19, 2026 | LOCATION: Chicago, IL This is the perfect place to showcase your product and any new technologies. NTMA will be hosting a luncheon to a targeted audience during IMTS that will allow our National Associates the opportunity to showcase new products and/or technologies. Anticipated Attendance: TBD

* Events Subject to Change*

DATE: November 10-13, 2026 | LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV NTMA’s signature event! Targeting Presidents, Owners and C-Level professionals for endless networking and learning opportunities. Anticipated Attendance: 150-200 People

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Click MT Magazine is more than just paper pulp and ink. Explore our content on AMTonline.org and engage with discussions on a wide array of topics affecting manufacturing technology now.

AMT Announces 2026-27 Board of Directors At The MFG Meeting in March, AMT elected its 2026-2027 board of directors to guide the organization and industry through a period of accelerating demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities. Newly elected are Steve Carlson, president at Mayfran International; Milton Guerry, president of Schunk USA; and Jim King, president, CEO, and chief operating officer at Okuma America.

Executive Insights, Real Connections: Inside The MFG Meeting 2026 Missed The MFG Meeting 2026? Here’s a brief recap: digital manufacturing, applying AI and automation, understanding the economic outlook, rethinking strategy and decision making, and identifying new opportunities in defense and biomanufacturing. The MFG Meeting 2026 showed that manufacturing’s future will be defined not just by technology, but also by how people think, lead, and act. AMT Honors Al Moore Award Winner Harry Moser By championing data-driven decision-making, strengthening industry collaboration, and advocating at the highest levels of policy, Harry Moser has helped shape a stronger, more competitive future for American manufacturing. With the presentation of the 2026 Albert W. Moore AMT Leadership Award, AMT proudly recognizes a leader whose work resonates across the industry and will reshape the conversation around domestic manufacturing for decades to come.

AMT Additive Manufacturing Report The Additive Manufacturing Report is the first in The State of Manufacturing Series reports from AMT Research Services. This offers a practical guide to learning where AM is delivering value (and where it isn’t); evaluating economics beyond cost-per-part; integrating AM into facilities, workflows, and teams; and much more! Scan the code to gain key insights into making AM work for your company.

THE ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING REPORT 2026

The College That Solves Crimes With Manufacturing Technology Episode 3 of “The Architect” investigates how advanced digital metrology transforms both manufacturing and forensic science education at Fullerton College. Through hands-on learning and partnerships with tech leaders like Hexagon, students gain the precision, digital skills, and problem-solving mindset needed for today’s high-demand careers – where accuracy matters, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

Data is power, and AMT bridges the gap between the data and turning those insights into real opportunities. When I entered the industry, I thought that the manufacturing community would be more protective of their resources and knowledge. But everyone has been willing to share – and I have a lot of questions!

ANDY CHU Vice President Supertec Machinery, Inc.

YOUR MINDSET

After more than 120 years, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and its members know that manufacturers are in the same boat. So, when companies like Supertec Machinery want to combine their 70-year-old traditions with new technology, AMT provides the glue through data, connections, market insights, and key support to level up.

Learn About Joining AMT

Email membership@AMTonline.org or scan the QR code to learn more about AMT membership.

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Manufacturing Matters Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.

TECHNOLOGY Ditch the Spec Sheet: Unlocking Machine Uses

What can your fancy new machine do for your shop? After all, the manuals and materials for your new toy can struggle to reflect how machines are built, configured, and operate on the shop floor. AMT’s Technology team is exploring standards-based methods to describe their real structure, configuration, and operating state so that manufacturing systems can determine what a machine is truly capable of at any given moment. The result is more trustworthy information for digital twins, higher quality machine data, and a stronger foundation for interoperability, aligning with the original vision behind MTConnect. Stay tuned for exciting updates!

INTERNATIONAL Supply Chain Automation Drives Competitiveness

Automation in manufacturing supply chains is shifting from a focus on throughput and cost reduction to becoming a core driver of strategic intelligence that drives competitiveness. Manufacturers that leverage it to create adaptive, self-optimizing networks will gain real-time visibility, anticipate disruptions, and respond at scale – turning their supply chains into a strategic advantage rather than just an operational function. For manufacturers managing complex, multi-tier supplier networks and just-in-time production models, automation enables supply chains that continuously sense, predict, and respond to change. This allows them to anticipate risks like supplier delays, capacity constraints, or geopolitical shocks before they impact operations. In this context, the supply chain becomes a decision engine, not just a fulfillment function. As volatility increases, from demand swings to component shortages, manufacturers that treat automation as a strategic capability will outperform those that view it as an incremental process improvement. The competitive edge lies in building supply chains that are not only lean but also intelligent and responsive at scale.

SMARTFORCE Automation Is Advancing, but Who Will Run It?

As capital investments accelerate in robotics, AI, and smart production systems, one challenge remains: a shortage of skilled talent to implement, operate, and maintain these technologies. Roles in automation, controls, and digital manufacturing remain especially hard to fill. The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2026 helps address this gap by connecting more than 16,000 students and educators to real-world automation in action. New this year, the Career Pathways program gives exhibitors a direct line to this talent – promoting entry-level jobs, internships, and apprenticeships to thousands of attendees. IMTS exhibitors and visitors are invited to participate and start building a workforce pipeline as advanced as the technologies driving the shop floor. Visit IMTS.com/smartforce to get involved.

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ADVOCACY SBA Launches Loan Guarantee Program To Support U.S. Manufacturing Investment The U.S. Small Business Administration announced a new “Made in America Loan Guarantee” to expand domestic manufacturing capacity by increasing access to capital. The program uses the SBA’s International Trade Loan platform. It raises the federal loan guarantee to 90% from the usual 75% to motivate lenders to fund manufacturing investments. Eligible small manufacturers can use the funds to upgrade equipment, modernize facilities, expand, and reshore production. The higher guarantee is meant to lower lender risk and make financing easier for manufacturers investing heavily in capital. This is especially important, as borrowing costs remain high. The announcement signals a policy shift toward rebuilding U.S. industrial capacity. There is now more focus on supply chain resilience, domestic production, and national security.

INTELLIGENCE Faster Machines, Evolving Work

Automation in manufacturing isn’t new – it’s cumulative. Each wave has added capability: mechanization reduced physical effort; electrification unlocked flexibility; assembly lines synchronized production; and robotics introduced reprogrammable motion. Today, data and AI extend that progression, allowing factories not just to move parts but to interpret conditions and act in real time. What’s changed is the pace. Electrification took decades to fully transform factories while industrial robots scaled globally in roughly half that time – and digital, software-driven technologies are diffusing even faster. As these cycles accelerate, the impact on work follows a familiar pattern. Automation does not eliminate jobs so much as it reorganizes them – shifting demand toward higher-skill, technology-enabled roles while expanding productivity and creating new opportunities across the manufacturing ecosystem.

Acceleration of Technology Adoption in Manufacturing (Illustrative From Historical Data)

The AI curve reflects synthesized diffusion trends based on published research from Paul A. David’s 1990 National Bureau of Economic Review paper, “Computer and Dynamo: The Modern Productivity Paradox in a Not-Too Distant Mirror”; IFR World Robotics; McKinsey Global Institute (2018); and McKinsey’s State of AI 2024 report.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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AMT Upcoming Events Learn more or register at AMTonline.org/events. Your datebook will thank you.

UP NEXT

AMT WEBINAR 2026 AMT Summer Economic Webinar July 16, 2026 | Online

Join AMT’s annual Summer Economic Webinar for the latest manufacturing technology market forecast from Oxford Economics.

MTFORECAST MTForecast 2026 October 14-16, 2026 | Schaumburg, Illinois

AMT MEMBER MEETUPS

AMT Member Meetups are regional gatherings of the AMT community. These free events bring together diverse perspectives from every corner of the supply chain to help manufacturing communities grow and innovate. Stay tuned for more dates for upcoming AMT Member Meetups.

MTForecast offers attendees the latest economic and global forecasts, manufacturing technology market insights, and information on new opportunities and challenges. Learn from the actual experts about the pitfalls and opportunities shaping manufacturing technology over the next few years.

MILWAUKEE, WI: June 2, 2026 MINNEAPOLIS, MN: June 4, 2026

Events & Media Sponsorship

IMTS IMTS 2026 September 14-19, 2026 | Chicago, Illinois

Looking for an all-access pass to an audience of manufacturing technology OEMs and distributers? Look no further! AMT offers event sponsorship opportunities that get your brand in front of your key audience.

The largest manufacturing trade show in the Western Hemisphere returns to Chicago! Find new equipment, software, and products to move your business forward, connect with industry experts and peers, and attend conference sessions to boost your industry knowledge.

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Automation on Demand Think of automation as a lever that can help move your operations forward. BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING DIRECTOR When it comes to industrial automation, the first word that should come to mind is “opportunity,” because that’s exactly what it provides for manufacturing operations, whether it is a two-person shop or a 2,000-person plant.

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automotive industry had 135,461 robot installations worldwide. Likewise, robots have increased in electrical and electronics (125,804 installations) and metals and machinery (76,831) industries. Still, robot density in the United States, as measured by the number of robots installed per 10,000 employees, is behind many countries. The number of robots per 10,000 employees, according to the IFR: • Republic of Korea – 1,012 robots • Singapore – 770 robots • China – 470 robots • Germany – 429 robots This shows there is opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to increase their productivity and thereby become more competitive at home and in the world market. The AI Element One of the major developments changing the deployment of robotic automation is artificial intelligence (AI). According to Vikas Butaney, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Secure Routing and Industrial IoT: “We’re seeing companies bring AI to life in impactful ways: from deploying machine vision to ensure product quality in manufacturing, to rolling out AI-powered automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that are reshaping material handling and logistics, to leveraging agentic operations that drive more autonomous, adaptive, and efficient workflows across industrial environments.” Butaney and his colleagues saw that as part of Cisco’s 2026 State of Industrial AI Report, a global survey conducted in 19 countries and across 21 industry sectors, including manufacturing. And the study shows that the No. 1 reason, with 63%, for the adoption of AI in manufacturing is improving productivity. Of course, AI isn’t necessarily automation, as it can be used for planning, logistics, and other functions. Yet nowadays, AI and robots are becoming more closely aligned. Closing the Sim-to-Real Gap On March 9, 2026, Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics, announced, “Today, using NVIDIA accelerated computing and simulation technologies, we have removed the last barriers to making industrial and physical AI a reality at a global scale by closing the sim-to-real gap.” In other words, ABB is integrating Nvidia Omniverse libraries into its RobotStudio, a robotics programming, design, and simulation suite. Omniverse is a platform of libraries, • Japan – 419 robots • Sweden – 347 robots • Denmark – 306 robots • Slovenia – 306 robots • Switzerland – 302 robots • United States – 295 robots

This isn’t necessarily the future of industrial robots. BMW tested Figure 01 in its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. (Image courtesy of BMW)

Another word associated with it is “productivity,” or the ratio of output to input. Automation is a beneficial input. Nowadays, for various reasons, the availability of skilled – and even not-so-skilled – personnel has decreased. And U.S. tariffs are making material inputs – with steel, aluminum, and copper facing rates of 50% – more expensive, so the ability to enhance output is essential. Few disagree with the importance of automation for manufacturing competitiveness: 92% think that’s the case, according to a recent survey of 214 U.S. manufacturers conducted by IndustryWeek and Vention, an automation company that provides a cloud‑based industrial automation platform for manufacturers. However, the survey also found that only 37% of manufacturers have automated at scale. Yes, more manufacturers have some automation here or there in their plants, but the number of those who have gone beyond individual projects to embedding automation into their operations is comparatively small. The good news is that 73% plan to increase their automation investment over the next three years. This Is Not New What is surprising – and somewhat disappointing – is that robots aren’t more widespread in the United States, despite being pioneered domestically and being a fundamental yet flexible automation technology. The first industrial robot, from Unimation, was installed in a General Motors trim plant in New Jersey back in 1961. That was the very first. Anywhere. Robot use has increased in the decades since. According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2023, the

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Talla explained: “If you look at robotics and automation for the last 50 years or so, it’s been deployed mostly in the high-volume, low-mix applications – things like the automotive industry and high volume electronics. But much of the world is in small and medium enterprises.” He said that a problem is that setting up and programming the robots can be too expensive for the smaller operations, particularly because they tend to have a high mix of tasks rather than the repetitive production characteristic of larger operations. The solution? “The only way to solve that is to use a reasonably good enough general-purpose AI brain, and that’s what we’re able to do with the latest-generation AI technology,” Talla said, adding, “And before you actually go and deploy this in the factory or your manufacturing facility, you want to be able to test it in simulation because it’s faster, safer, and cheaper.” Can It Be Done? All of that said, simulation, AI, and the like may appear beyond the competence of small or medium-sized manufacturers. Foxconn using this tech is one thing – but it’s another for less-capitalized shops. So, MT Magazine asked whether shops would need to find hires from Stanford University or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to use this tech. Talla answered with an analogy – the release of ChatGPT in November 2022: “Two fundamental things happened, right? The first one, of course, is that the model was general purpose – that it could do multiple tasks. “Before ChatGPT, you had AIs for specialists in one specific task. ChatGPT changed that with being a good generalist model. The second thing was, of course, it was so easy to use for anybody literally on the planet. That’s the same idea we have for robotics experience.” He said that the object will be to go from traditional robot programming to teaching or instructing them what to do – and doing so in a way that will be accurate in the physical world. Do You Need a Humanoid? Another development in the automation world is the introduction of humanoid robots. Although Tesla’s Optimus may be the most famous, there are several, including the Figure series from Figure AI, Apollo from Apptronik, and Digit from Agility Robotics. FANUC is among the largest industrial robot companies in the world. Mike Cicco is president and CEO of FANUC America Corp. Although the company doesn’t offer bipedal, human shaped robots, Cicco said that if the need is for two arms working together, they can provide that – in fact, one control can orchestrate four arms. If the situation requires a robot that can move on the factory floor, they have that, too: mount a robot (or two) on a mobile robot, and it can go where it is needed.

microservices, and real-time 3D technologies that can be used to robustly and accurately create and simulate industrial twins. AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology is working with Nvidia on Omniverse implementation in manufacturing operations, including deployment with MTConnect. Deepu Talla, Nvidia vice president of robotics and edge AI, said, “The industrial sector needs physically accurate simulation to bridge the gap between virtual training and the real-world deployment of AI-driven robotics at scale.” If you’re going to create a simulation for training robots to perform tasks, making it as close to physical reality as possible is important. ABB claims manufacturers will see significant benefits by using RobotStudio HyperReality to create production lines: • Setup and commissioning times can be reduced by up to 80% • Costs can be reduced by up to 40% (because there is said to be such fidelity with the physical world, physical prototypes aren’t necessary) • Time-to-market for complex products can be reduced by 50%

Working with Nvidia, ABB Robotics is creating more accurate and realistic simulations for training robots. The scene above is what could be created with its simulation system; below is the Nvidia-powered version. (Image courtesy of ABB)

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Cicco explained that some people are interested in the humanoid robot because they may have a task where there is high absenteeism, so swapping out a person with a robot to do the task seems to make sense. Cicco thinks the better approach is: “Look at what the problem is and not how a person currently does it. Solve the problem in the most effective way possible – not try to recreate exactly what a person does, step by step.” One of the things they’re finding as they develop applications is using collaborative robots (cobots) to work alongside people – with the robots providing supplemental assistance – leverages the talent and capabilities of the individuals. Help Wanted — and Needed In many ways, it comes down to people. In an address about U.S. manufacturing presented in February, Carolyn Lee, president of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), stated: “Manufacturing has been facing a structural talent shortage for many years, one that could leave us with 1.9 million unfilled manufacturing positions by 2033, according to the MI’s research with Deloitte.” She added: “Tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce will need digital fluency, comfort with data, and the ability to work alongside intelligent systems. People often ask me whether AI is coming for manufacturing jobs. Here’s what I believe: AI won’t take your job. But jobs will go to people who know how to use AI. People who can leverage new technologies into the way they operate – who can use it to help them solve problems, make better decisions, and get more done – will succeed in the job market and power the future.” The “intelligent systems” she mentions are undoubtedly based on robotic automation powered by AI and the like. And while 2033 and the impending labor crunch may seem like a long way off, rest assured – it isn’t.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact Gary at vasilash@gmail.com.

If the objective is to have a mobile robot rather than thinking a humanoid is the answer, a more conventional robot mounted on an autonomous mobile robot or an automated guided vehicle can be a more effective approach. (Image courtesy of FANUC America)

MISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLO CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS • PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC LITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • MISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLO CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS • PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC LITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • MISING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLO CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS • PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC ILITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITIN ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • SING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLOG CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS •PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • ITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • SING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLOG CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS •PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • ITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • SING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLOG CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS •PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • ITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • SING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLOG CREDIBLE • EXCITING • CONTINUOUS •PROMISING • OPTIMISTIC • ITY • INTEGRITY • CHANGE • SPEED • INCREDIBLE • EXCITING ATION • TECHNOLOGY • TRAINING • CREDIBILITY • INTEGRITY • SING • OPTIMISTIC • DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION • TECHNOLOG From apprenticing as a technical draftsman, to selling bicycle gear, to working on every side of manufacturing, Marcus Stoller’s career and interests have been wide. As CEO of United Grinding North America, he focuses that energy with micron-level precision to build on a simple tenet: relationships.

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Exploring Automation at IMTS 2026 America was born of automation, and our future is automation. BY STEPHEN LAMARCA | SENIOR TECHNOLOGY ANALYST KATHY KEYES | MANAGING EDITOR, CONTENT Automation built American manufacturing, and it’s about to reshape it again. With the 2026 edition of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show on the horizon, automation is moving beyond a technical focus to become a strategic lever for addressing workforce constraints, accelerating productivity, and strengthening U.S. competitiveness. Our industry faces a structural workforce gap, with roughly 495,000 open jobs in January 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hiring alone won’t close it. But we can get there with intelligence, technology, and our uniquely American ability to innovate and embrace change.

TOOLING & WORKHOLDING

AUTOMATIO

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

METAL REMOVAL

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American Manufacturing Spirit To appreciate just how deeply automation and innovation are ingrained in American manufacturing, recall Season 1, Episode 1 of “Road Trippin’ with Steve” and our visit to the American Precision Museum. The museum’s home, the former Robbins & Lawrence Armory in Windsor, Vermont, is widely recognized as one of the birthplaces of machining, repeatable precision, and interchangeable-part manufacturing. Entrepreneurs took technologies developed for the mass production of colonial firearms and quickly adapted them for making consumer products, spurring the Industrial Revolution. To succeed in the digital era, we need to expand our vision. We’ve somehow narrowed our concept of automation to purely physical movement; yet, as Merriam-Webster defines it, automation is “the technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically.” By focusing solely on the physical apparatuses and movements of a manufacturing workflow, we miss part of the opportunity automation offers. In other words, if we address a factory’s processes and systems – like data flow, decision-making, and anything else that creates a bottleneck – we can achieve greater manufacturing efficiency and growth to address the challenges outlined above. Here are some areas that can benefit from automation: • Concept and product design • Estimating and quoting • Manufacturing and process engineering • Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES) • Material procurement, scheduling, and inventory management • Machining, production, assembly, finishing • Inspection, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) • Packaging and shipping • Customer service (Caution! Bad chatbots drive customers away) • Part performance, maintenance, and life-cycle management • Continuous improvement • Closing the loop between all systems (model-based engineering) Approaching Automation at IMTS 2026 Searching for automation at IMTS starts by identifying your bottlenecks, problems, and goals and mapping them to the corresponding “apparatus, process, or system” in the 10 Technology Sectors at IMTS 2026. Next, rely on your traditional relationships and build new ones, because those who know your business will help you the most. To prime you for finding automation, here are just a few examples of automation successes visitors to IMTS have discovered and implemented – and what they may expect at this year’s show.

1. Automation The Automation Sector, launched at IMTS 2024, features more than 260 exhibitors, including global automation giants, software and digital manufacturing leaders, established providers, and innovators of all sizes. After a demonstration at IMTS 2024, Mindrum Precision acquired three machine-tending systems from Hurco/ ProCobots (IMTS booth #338319), featuring arms from Universal Robots (IMTS booth #236744). Machine uptime jumped to more than 160 hours per week (a 41% production boost) and lowered cost-per-part by up to 55%.

Hands-on demonstration of a ProCobots Profeeder Tray system in the Hurco booth at IMTS 2024.

2. Additive Manufacturing AM is inherently automated; how far you can automate it is up to your imagination. AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) (IMTS booth #236700) featured a convergent manufacturing platform that combines AM, 5-axis machining, robots, pallet pools, heat treatment, and more for a “done-in-one” system to create more robust supply chains, reduce energy consumption, and bring new efficiencies to tooling and mold production and metal part repair. At contract manufacturers such as Incodema3D, AM plays a central role in parts production, and automation further enhances throughput. EOS (IMTS booth #338450) Smart Monitoring software combines real-time process monitoring with automated process correction, enabling data-driven, closed-loop additive manufacturing.

The convergent manufacturing platform featured in AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at IMTS 2024.

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3. Abrasive Machining / Sawing / Finishing Acme Manufacturing’s (IMTS booth #237030) field-proven robotic finishing and polishing (RFP) series transforms how custom knee implants are completed, combining advanced scanning, adaptive path generation, real-time compensation, and multistep abrasive polishing to create smoother, longer lasting components. The RFP series also integrates robots from FANUC Corp. (IMTS booth #338900), tool changers from ATI Industrial Automation (IMTS booth #236144), and workholding from Schunk Inc. (IMTS booth #432010).

5. Gear Generation Exhibitors such as Liebherr Gear and Automation Technologies (IMTS booth #237044) will demonstrate how to digitize gear generation. Through its LHMachineInfo app, users can access machine dashboards to visualize data, machine status, machining results, process logging, manufacturing analysis, production status, and production optimization. Liebherr’s automation solutions also include a portfolio of robot vision applications for part inspection and bin picking. Gleason’s (IMTS booth #236909) closed-loop metrology systems ensure the direct transmission of measured data from the metrology system to the production machine with manually prompted or autocorrective feedback. 6. Components / Cleaning / Environmental IMTS reporters gathered examples covering the spectrum of processes, including deburring, cleaning, polishing, and marking. Even traditional products such as the Easy Arm floor mounted crane from Gorbel (IMTS booth #135784) now incorporate electric servo motors and sensors that actively assist and stabilize the load while the operator guides it by hand. Instead of the operator supplying all the force (and fighting inertia, sway, and friction), the crane’s control system detects operator intent and provides controlled motion.

Acme Manufacturing’s robotic finishing and polishing (RFP) series deployed at Hammill Medical in Ohio for its Knee Implant Polishing System. (Image Courtesy of Acme Manufacturing)

4. Fabricating & Lasers Automation benefits from parts identification. Many shops need to mark parts with tracking information to meet industry-specific traceability standards or to maintain internal transparency. IMTS exhibitors such as Monode Marking Products (IMTS booth #135434), FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving (IMTS booth #135436), and Laser Marking Technologies (IMTS booth #135402) all provide machines that can automatically etch serial numbers or QR codes onto a part in seconds. When automated, they can accomplish this, ensuring every piece is labeled for full traceability with minimal operator oversight – and some laser markers can even do so as parts pass on a conveyor.

7. Metal Removal Exhibitors will showcase automated solutions for spindle machines that enable longer unattended runtimes and increased efficiency in high-mix, low-volume applications. One shop taking advantage of technology at IMTS is Marathon Precision, a 60,000-square-foot machine shop that purchased a Matsuura (IMTS booth #338630) MAM72-52V 5-axis CNC and a Haas (IMTS booth #338100), both with pallet feed systems. “You can’t go anywhere else and see as much technology as you can at IMTS. For the week of the show, IMTS is the largest, most advanced shop in the world,” says Marathon Precision owner Michael Bauer. “If you buy technology before anybody else and get good at it, chances are you can win new business.” When Tavis Vaughn, vice president of engineering at CNC Machine Products, needed a lifting solution to serve three Mazak CNCs, he remembered seeing the Gorbel Easy Arm crane at IMTS.

Monode Marking Products’ machines automatically etch serial numbers or QR codes onto a part in seconds.

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10. Tooling & Workholding After presetting and balancing, zidCode technology from Zoller (IMTS booth #432018) links all data to a QR code on the tool. At the CNC, the operator scans the QR code, which automatically imports all setup and other data into the machine, saving time and eliminating data entry errors. “Good shops can machine, but great shops can manage tools,” says Max Egan, CEO of Atlas Fibre, a thermoset composite leader that grew its revenue 500% in five years.

The Haas pallet feed system at IMTS 2024.

8. Quality Assurance Zeiss (IMTS booth #134302) Inspect software automates recurring inspection tasks, such as alignment, feature creation, GD&T evaluation, and reporting, using project templates and parametric workflows, allowing inspection plans to update automatically as part geometries or requirements change. Hexagon’s (IMTS booth #134102) Metrology Mentor is a new software-as-a-service application that automates the creation of CMM measurement programs.

For more, read “10 Quality Control and Inspection Automation Solutions at IMTS 2026.”

Job Satisfaction Atlas Fibre exemplifies how companies can achieve the impossible and strengthen U.S. manufacturing by combining technology with visionary leadership and dynamic change. Just as important, increased automation is helping make manufacturing more attractive to the next generation of workers – strengthening the industry’s long-term foundation. Ultimately, the opportunity is clear: Automation is no longer confined to individual processes. It is transforming entire workflows and business models. IMTS 2026 brings that transformation into focus, offering manufacturers a chance to see these technologies in action, connect with solution providers, and identify the next steps to turn strategy into results. After presetting and balancing, zidCode technology from Zoller links all data to a QR code on the tool. Recognizing Atlas Fibre’s efficiency and quality achievements, Zoller awarded Atlas Fibre with its Tool Room of the Year Award, which was announced at IMTS 2024.

The Zeiss Scanbox automates recurring inspection tasks.

9. Software Catamount Machine Works upgraded an existing Mitutoyo (IMTS booth #134117) CMM with Verisurf Software (IMTS booth #134330, a provider of model-based inspection and measurement software, and High QA (IMTS booth #134500), a company that offers ballooning and quality management software. High QA shortened document preparation time by about 80% and is the company’s highest ROI project in the last five years.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact Stephen at slamarca@AMTonline.org.

The Verisurf MTP (machine tool probing) suite for in-process automated inspection features a touch probe mounted in a tool holder, so users do not have to take their part off the machine to measure it.

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THE BIG PICTURE

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THE BIG PICTURE

MAY/JUNE 2026

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Mechanization enabled repeatable precision and interchangeable parts, laying the foundation of modern manufacturing. Automation focused on physical processes and machinery, especially in mass production environments. Innovations from industries like firearms manufacturing spilled into consumer goods, accelerating the Industrial Revolution.

Automation addresses workforce shortages (approximately 495,000 open jobs) by boosting productivity rather than relying solely on hiring. Systems combine robots, software, sensors, and data to automate machining, inspection, quoting, and more. Real-world results show major gains: +41% production increases Up to 55% cost reduction per part

Automation evolves into fully connected ecosystems linking design, production, supply chain, and life-cycle data. Closed-loop, data-driven systems will enable real-time optimization and autonomous decision-making. Done-in-one platforms and digital threads will create resilient, ecient, and adaptive manufacturing networks.

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Making Something More: Industrial AI in Focus at IMTS BY MICHELLE EDMONSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXHIBITIONS

Industrial AI at IMTS 2026 Reflecting the industry’s evolving priorities, IMTS 2026 introduces two major additions: the Industrial AI Arena and the Industrial AI Conference. The Industrial AI Arena brings together more than 25 established leaders and emerging innovators in a dedicated environment focused on applied AI. Manufacturers can evaluate solutions that address critical challenges across quality and inspection, process optimization, downtime reduction, cybersecurity, safety, and demand forecasting. The Industrial AI Arena emphasizes practical tools delivering measurable impact across the production life-cycle. Complementing the exhibit experience, the Industrial AI Conference is a one-day, practitioner-focused program designed for implementation. The agenda outlines a framework for understanding AI, including predictive maintenance, quality applications, edge versus cloud deployment, and data readiness. Attendees will gain:

“Every night we lie awake and dream of making something more,” sings P.T. Barnum in “The Greatest Showman.” For manufacturers, that ambition is more than inspiration – it’s a strategic imperative. The

drive to improve performance, increase efficiency, and unlock new capabilities is accelerating the adoption of industrial AI across the production landscape. At IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, that shift comes into sharper focus. Returning Sept. 14-19, 2026, to McCormick Place in Chicago, IMTS 2026 will span more than 1.2 million square feet and feature more than 1,800 exhibitors across 10 technology sectors. The show brings together direct access to advanced manufacturing solutions, industry expertise, and decision makers focused on operational performance and growth.