Automate Pre-Show Briefing: AI, Humanoids and Industrial Automation Set the Tone in 2026

Concerns that “AI” has become an overused blanket label are likely to be tested on the show floor at this year’s Automate, where the focus is shifting toward more concrete applications of intelligent automation, according to Association for Advancing Automation (A3) President Jeff Burnstein.

The industry is increasingly working out how to deploy AI-enabled robotics across logistics, warehousing and other operational environments, with adoption also extending into sectors such as retail and food service, he said.

“Companies are figuring out how to use AI-enabled robots in logistics and warehousing operations,” he said. “You’re going to see it at Automate, in manufacturing, and you’ll see other industries—like retail, for instance, and restaurants. How do we use this intelligence to not only make the processes more efficient but also fill in gaps of areas where you can’t hire people to do some of these jobs that people don’t want to do.”

Automate 2026, the largest robotics and automation event in North America (June 22-25, 2026), will offer a preview of how manufacturers are using intelligent automation to close workforce gaps, improve productivity and scale operations more effectively.

The show features technologies powering modern industrial systems, including robotics, motion control, vision systems, AI, digital twins and software, and the digital infrastructure behind intelligent automation. It also spans the applications shaping today’s engineered world, from manufacturing, food and beverage, logistics and healthcare to energy, aerospace, defense and more.

Held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Automate is expected to draw about 50,000 attendees and feature more than 200 speakers, 140-plus conference sessions and upwards of 1,000 exhibitors.

Robotic Industry by the Numbers (Q1 2026)

The robotics market held steady in early 2026 but the real story emanates from where demand is shifting. Total orders amounted to 9,055 units worth $543 million, almost unchanged from last year. Yet, revenue fell 6.4%, according to data released by A3. This dip reflects a slowdown in automotive OEM spending, which dropped 35.1% in units and 48.2% in value, it noted.

The cobot market is one of the strongest-performing categories in the quarter. Cobots accounted for 1,637 collaborative robots and $69.8 million in orders. This represents a 55.6% increase in units and 78.2% in revenue year over year. Collaborative robots represent 18.1% of all robot orders. and 12.9% of total order revenue during the quarter. Cobots represent 60% of orders in life sciences and nearly half (45.9%) in electronics.

OEMs and machine builders can make note of the diversification across industries and application requirements based on the vectors for flexibility and ease of integration. 

Keynotes Focus on Robotics, AI Integration, Scalability

The keynote lineup will home in on the current state of automation and explore how manufacturers are integrating AI with automation systems, as well as examine ways to enable the workforce to scale new technologies responsibly.

• The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable. Panelists: Mike Cicco, President and CEO, FANUC America; Andre Marino, SVP, Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric; Matt Moschner, President and CEO, Cognex; Wendy Tan White, CEO, Intrinsic (Mon., June 22)
• The Automation Impact: AI, Automation, and the Human Element. Presented by: Annemarie Breu, Senior Director, Automation Software Deployment and Incubation, Siemens Digital Industries and Chris Stevens, President, U.S. Automation, Siemens Digital Industries (Tues., June 23)
• 99% of Tasks Still Can’t Be Automated: How Physical AI Changes That. Presented by: Evan Beard, Co-founder and CEO, Standard Bots (Wed., June 24)

The Humanoid Question

Humanoids will command a larger presence at Automate 2026. The Humanoid Robot Forum will remain a separate, paid conference with dedicated programming. In addition, a dedicated show-floor pavilion will showcase the latest platforms, components and real-world applications driving the global contest to commercialize humanoid robotics. Burnstein noted in a press note that the humanoid platform is a “practical opportunity to learn where the technology stands today, what challenges remain, and how humanoids may fit into real-world applications over time.”

Startup Challenge Shapes Future Entrepreneurs

Early-stage robotics and automation innovators get their chance to pitch their technologies during the Automate Startup Challenge. A panel of experts will evaluate their technologies for a chance to win $10,000 and earn the title of 2026 Startup Challenge Champion. The competition takes place Mon., June 22, from 3-5 p.m. at the Automate Show Theater.

Networking and Meet-Ups

Looking for opportunities to connect with industry leaders or engage with peers navigating similar challenges? The annual gathering offers dedicated spaces for building meaningful relationships:

• Automate Empower Forum. Designed to support and elevate women in automation, the Empower Forum brings together established leaders and emerging professionals for candid discussions on leadership, career growth and navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry. Taking place on Tues., June 23, at 4 p.m. in Room N426ab at McCormick Place, this event is free to attend with basic show registration but does require an RSVP.
• Automate Networking Party. Cap off the first day of the show at one of Automate’s signature social events. Taking place Mon., June 22, from 5:15-7:30 p.m. in the Vista Ballroom (S406) at McCormick Place, attendees and exhibitors will have the chance to meet automation professionals, exchange ideas and build new connections. Admission is $45 and includes food and beverages.

Check out the keynote sessions, stages, and demo daily schedules before you arrive. For more information and to register for Automate 2026, visit automateshow.com.

READ MORE: Automation as Strategy: State of Robotics Adoption, AI and Scaling with A3’s Jeff Burnstein