Upcoming Events:June 22, 2026 - June 25, 2026
Location:
About the Event
Get ready to plug in. Automate, North America’s largest and most influential automation trade show, is returning to Chicago’s McCormick Place from June 22-25, 2026. Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), this is the premier event for anyone who wants to see, touch, and understand the future of manufacturing, logistics, and beyond. If it involves a robot, a smart camera, or an AI that’s cleverer than your average toaster, you’ll find it here.
After a record-shattering 2025 show in Detroit that pulled in over 45,000 registrants, the expectations for Chicago are nothing short of massive. Automate has become the essential meeting ground for C-suite executives, engineers, and factory floor managers who are tired of hearing about “Industry 4.0” and are ready to actually implement it. The show floor is a sprawling metropolis of technology, showcasing everything from six-axis industrial arms to the latest in collaborative robots and autonomous mobile platforms.
This isn’t just a tire-kicking expedition. Attendees come with real-world problems and shopping lists. The event is designed for professionals across a vast array of industries—including automotive, aerospace, life sciences, and consumer goods—who are looking for tangible solutions to labor shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and the relentless pressure to increase efficiency. Whether you’re looking to make your first robotics investment or scale an existing fleet, Automate is the one-stop shop for the hardware, software, and brainpower to get it done.
The four-day event is split between a massive, free-to-attend exhibition and a paid educational conference. The former is where you’ll see the tech in action; the latter is where you’ll learn how to make it work for you, with sessions led by the brightest minds in automation.
Key Numbers
Past Automate events have set staggering benchmarks. While we wait for the 2026 numbers to roll in, the recent 2025 show in Detroit gives us a taste of the scale:
- 45,000+ registrants: A record-breaking number of attendees from around the globe descended on the 2025 show.
- 900+ exhibitors: The sold-out 2025 show floor featured a massive ecosystem of technology providers, from established giants to disruptive startups.
- 400,000 square feet: The 2025 exhibition space was a sprawling showcase of cutting-edge automation.
- 140+ conference sessions: The paid conference offers deep dives into the most critical topics in the industry.
- $10,000 prize: The Automate Startup Challenge awards a $10,000 prize to the most innovative young company in the field.
Important Dates
While the full schedule of deadlines for the conference program is still forthcoming, mark your calendars for the main event.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Automate Startup Challenge | June 22, 2026 |
| Exhibition & Conference | June 22-25, 2026 |
| Exhibitor Registration & Conference Submission Deadlines | To Be Announced |
Keep an eye on the official Automate website for updates on paper submissions and early-bird registration for the conference.
Venue & Getting There
Automate 2026 will take place at the colossal McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, Illinois. As the largest convention center in North America, it’s a fitting home for the continent’s largest automation show.
- By Air: Chicago is served by two major international airports, O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW), both with multiple transport links to the downtown area and convention center.
- By Public Transit: The Metra Electric Line has a dedicated stop underneath McCormick Place. Several CTA bus routes also serve the venue directly, and the Cermak–McCormick Place station on the ‘L’ Green Line is a short walk away.
- Accommodation: A wide range of hotels are available in the surrounding area. Official hotel blocks with discounted rates are typically announced on the Automate website closer to the event date.
Key Themes
The conference and show floor will be organized around the core pillars of modern automation. Expect to see deep dives and groundbreaking technology in the following areas:
- AI & Smart Automation: Exploring how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision are making automation more intelligent and adaptable than ever.
- Robotics: Applications, Systems & Innovations: From heavy-payload industrial arms and collaborative robots (cobots) to the much-hyped Humanoid Robot Forum, this is the heart of the show.
- Machine Vision & Imaging: A focus on the eyes of automation, covering advanced optics, 3D imaging, and inspection systems that ensure quality and precision.
- Motion Control & Motors: The fundamental components that enable robotic movement, including the latest in drives, motors, and conveyance systems.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) & Logistics: Sessions and demos focused on optimizing the supply chain, warehousing, and material handling with intelligent mobile platforms.
Competitions
Automate Startup Challenge
A highlight of the event, the Automate Startup Challenge pits ten of the most innovative early-stage automation companies against each other. Contestants pitch their solutions live on stage to a panel of industry experts and venture capitalists, competing for a $10,000 cash prize and invaluable industry exposure. The competition is scheduled for Monday, June 22, and is a must-see for anyone looking to spot the industry’s next big thing.
Student Challenges
Automate is also heavily invested in the next generation of automation talent. The event will feature several robotics competitions for students, including the VEX Robotics High School Contest, providing a platform for young engineers to test their skills.
Exhibition & Industry
The Automate show floor is a city of its own. With over 900 exhibitors at the last event, expect to see every major player in the automation space. Industry giants like FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots, Cognex, and Yaskawa will have massive booths showcasing their latest platforms.
Beyond the big names, the floor is a treasure trove of discovery. You’ll find hundreds of specialized companies offering everything from end-of-arm tooling and advanced sensors to groundbreaking software platforms. Special pavilions, such as the Humanoid Robot Pavilion and the Education Pavilion, will offer focused looks at specific corners of the industry.
Schedule at a Glance
A detailed day-by-day schedule will be released closer to the event. However, the general structure will be as follows:
- Monday, June 22: Show Floor Open (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM), Conference Sessions, Automate Startup Challenge (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Tuesday, June 23: Show Floor Open (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM), Conference Sessions, Keynotes
- Wednesday, June 24: Show Floor Open (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM), Conference Sessions, Keynotes
- Thursday, June 25: Show Floor Open (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM), Final Conference Sessions
Registration
The best part? It won’t cost you a dime to witness the future.
- Exhibition Registration: Access to the massive show floor, keynotes, and theater presentations is completely free.
- Conference Registration: The in-depth technical conference requires a paid pass. Pricing tiers (including single-day and all-access options) and early bird deadlines will be announced on the official website.
You can sign up for updates and register for the free expo pass at the official Automate Show website.
