Automate 2026 Draws Record Crowds as Robotics and AI Demand Surges
Event summary
- Automate 2026 attracted over 50,000 registrants and 1,230 exhibitors, filling 425,000 square feet of show floor space in Chicago.
- The event featured a new Humanoid Robot Pavilion sponsored by NVIDIA, drawing 1,100+ registrants to the Humanoid Robot Forum.
- Mbodi won the Automate Startup Challenge with its natural language robotics platform, securing $10,000 and the title of Startup Champion.
- Automate Innovation Awards recognized winners in Automation Systems, Vision, AI and Software, and Components categories.
The big picture
Automate 2026 underscores the accelerating demand for robotics, AI, and automation technologies as companies seek to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The event's record attendance and innovative showcases reflect broader industry trends toward industrial AI adoption and workforce transformation. The strategic emphasis on humanoid robots and startup innovation highlights the rapid evolution of automation solutions beyond traditional manufacturing.
What we're watching
- Humanoid Robotics Growth
- The pace at which humanoid robotics technologies are advancing and being adopted across industries.
- Startup Innovation
- Whether early-stage companies like Mbodi can sustain momentum and scale their solutions in a competitive market.
- Workforce Development
- How the industry's focus on education and workforce development will address talent gaps in automation.
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