MT Magazine May/June 2026

26

IMTS

THE STATE OF AUTOMATION ISSUE

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.