Automate 2025 returns to Detroit’s Huntington Place Convention Center from May 12-15, and it is expected to be the largest Automate Show yet—with more than 850 exhibitors across 325,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, occupying the entire Huntington Place. With anticipated attendance exceeding 35,000 registrants, Automate 2025 will showcase the latest breakthroughs and industry trends in automation.
“It’s going to be fantastic,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), in an interview with Machine Design. After a brief return to Chicago in 2024, the Automate Show is coming home to Michigan, with A3’s headquarters located nearby in Ann Arbor. Detroit itself is a vibrant city and a fitting home for the massive automation trade event. “So much new is taking place not only at the show, but also in Detroit. For people who haven't been there in a while, it’s a really dynamic city and one of my favorites, actually,” he said.
The show will spotlight key technologies that are pushing the boundaries of automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be front-and-center, not only on the showroom floor but throughout conference sessions and theaters featuring deep-dives into AI applications. Attendees can expect to see cutting-edge humanoid robots—a hot topic with diverse perspectives on their future evolution—alongside advances in machine vision, motion control, IIoT and Industry 4.0 technologies. Other solutions for a range of applications on the show floor will include:
- Additive manufacturing
- Cameras and smart cameras
- Controls
- Conveyors
- End-of-arm tooling
- Frame grabbers
- Laser equipment and systems
- Metrology equipment
- Motors
- Robots
- Safety products
- Sensors and feedback devices
- Software
- Vision systems
- 5G technology
Conference Programming and Education Pavilion
The show’s comprehensive conference program will complement the exciting exhibits with expert-led sessions that explore practical applications and emerging challenges. Attendees will hear from thought leaders who will unpack the latest trends shaping the future of robotics and automation. The conference agenda is robust, featuring workshops, panels and networking opportunities. Burnstein said that people are the most important part of any automated solution, and Automate is a unique chance for professionals across industries to share knowledge and build relationships.
“We believe that people are the key to any automated facility, any solution. And all these people that are coming to Automate…they all have knowledge to share, and it’s a great way to make business connections and to learn,” he said.
Another important part of Automate is its Education Pavilion. “We have all these universities and technical schools exhibiting at the show,” he said. “There'll be lots of students coming through. We have a whole educator day. That is, again, because the people are the most important part of any solution,” he added. “We have to focus more on workforce development, and we put a lot of emphasis on that at A3.”
Safety Standards and Expert Access
Robotics safety is evolving, and Automate attendees can access the latest standards information at the event. Carole Franklin, a key voice from A3’s standards committee, highlights that the updated ISO 10218 standard presents a significant change since 2011. Visitors can get their questions answered directly by experts who helped develop the standard, Franklin told Machine Design in an upcoming exclusive interview.
“They’ll be on the show floor in the booths of their employer companies. And you can…walk right up to them and ask [a question] that came from having read the standard. But really, you got to start by reading it,” she said.
This direct access is invaluable for integrators and professionals looking to navigate new regulatory landscapes effectively.
Looking Ahead
Following a record-breaking show in Chicago in 2024, where more than 30,000 registrants and 800 exhibitors set a new standard, Automate 2025 in Detroit aims even higher. Despite recent challenges in the robotics market, industry leaders remain optimistic about the accelerating integration of automation technologies and their impact on industry.
A3 even presented its vision for a national robotics strategy to the U.S. Congress on March 26 and urged government leaders to adopt policies that foster technological advancements and prepare the workforce for automation. Visit the Automate 2025 website for more information about the Motor City event.
For more show coverage, be sure to check out Machine Design’s Automate 2025 content hub.
