IMTS '26: Robots, AI and seriously cool machinery take over McCormick Place

Chicago has become the center of the manufacturing universe as thousands of industry leaders, engineers, innovators and technology companies descend on McCormick Place for IMTS 2026, the International Manufacturing Technology Show, now through Sept. 19.

Billed as the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS will fill more than 1 million square feet of McCormick Place with more than 2,000 exhibitors and is expected to attract about 90,000 visitors from around the world. Produced by AMT, the Association For Manufacturing Technology, the six-day show is a massive showcase of the machines, technologies and ideas shaping the future of American manufacturing.

In an exclusive interview with Chicago Star Media, Doug Woods, president of AMT, shared his perspective on what makes this year’s show particularly exciting.

Woods pointed to the rapidly evolving role of industrial AI and, more importantly, how manufacturers are applying it to their existing equipment. “Every show is dramatically different,” Woods said. “What’s most different about this, I would have to say, is the different way people are leveraging industrial AI in their existing equipment.”

He noted that more than 40 companies are participating in the new Industrial AI Center, but said the bigger story is how AI is being integrated into automation throughout the show. “You see a lot more automation integrated in all the booths,” he said. “Now you’re seeing all of that automation accelerated by people leveraging an industrial AI application into their cells.” Woods also highlighted the presence of technology giants such as Google and Microsoft, saying they are “changing the paradigm of showing who’s new in manufacturing” and who is becoming a player in manufacturing technology. 

And while “manufacturing technology” may not sound like the most glamorous reason to head to McCormick Place, this is definitely not your grandfather’s trade show. IMTS is surprisingly interactive, think robots, drones, race cars, a supersonic flight simulator and even a personal flying aircraft among the attractions.

Take the controls of a supersonic aircraft- One of the show's most attention-grabbing experiences is the Boom Supersonic flight simulator, where visitors can climb into a full-scale flight deck and try their hand at landing a supersonic aircraft. The simulator gives visitors a taste of what it could be like to fly Boom's planned Overture supersonic airliner, with realistic controls, force feedback and a scored landing challenge. It can be found in Booth 432000 in the West Building.

Tiny cars, big technology- For something a little more playful, head to IMTS Community Park, Booth 432200, where visitors can take remote-controlled RC rock crawlers through an obstacle course.The miniature off-road vehicles may be fun, but the attraction also provides a hands-on look at precision engineering and control technology. Community Park also offers a place to relax and connect with other attendees, along with cornhole and other activities.

Automotive enthusiasts have plenty more to see throughout the show. The IMTS Shops Zone features an Ilmor Engineering V8 engine, the precision-machined powerhouse used in the Hennessey Venom F5, as well as a giant 12-foot CNC-machined dart and target.

And yes, there is a robot involved there, too. A FANUC robot dispenses swag to badge-scanning visitors, proving that even getting a trade-show giveaway can become an automated manufacturing demonstration.

The robots are everywhere- If there is a star of IMTS 2026, however, it may be the robot. Robotic systems throughout the show are demonstrating everything from machine tending and material handling to welding, inspection, assembly and packaging. Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are also getting plenty of attention as manufacturers look for ways to have robots work alongside human employees.

At the AMT Emerging Technology Center, Booth 236700, visitors can watch an automated system actually manufacture, assemble, test and fly drone quadcopters during the show. The demonstration, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, combines FANUC robots with Mazak equipment to show how a flexible manufacturing system can take a product from production through testing and flight.

FANUC has additional robotic demonstrations throughout IMTS, including its popular Swag Bot, which picks up and delivers items such as T-shirts, tote bags and safety glasses to visitors who scan their badges. That's one of those demonstrations that makes the phrase “factory of the future” feel considerably less theoretical.

AI gets a starring role-  Artificial intelligence is a major theme running throughout IMTS. The Industrial AI Arena focuses on practical applications for AI on the manufacturing floor, including process optimization, quality inspection, downtime reduction, cybersecurity, ergonomics and demand forecasting.

The Emerging Technology Center features Aires Tide, an 11-foot-tall AI-designed flight-test vehicle developed through the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission with Sandia National Laboratories. Its modular sections were produced using additive manufacturing, offering a striking example of how AI, advanced computing and 3D printing can work together.

And then there's the flying machine-  Outside McCormick Place, visitors can get an up-close look at the Pivotal Helix, a personal electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, or eVTOL. The aircraft is part of the IMTS Manufacturing Showcase and is displayed outside on McCormick Square, between the West and North/South buildings. The futuristic aircraft is designed for recreational flying and short-distance travel and is another example of the increasingly important relationship between advanced manufacturing and the future of transportation.

Inside the West Building, the Manufacturing Showcase features the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie autonomous combat aircraft and two aerial target drones, along with a live CNC machine-tending demonstration.

A manufacturing industry on the move - The technology on display comes at an interesting time for American manufacturing.U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $2.19 billion during the first four months of 2026, a 28.9 percent increase over the same period in 2025, according to AMT data cited ahead of the show.

That makes IMTS more than a giant showcase. It is also a snapshot of an industry investing heavily in AI, automation, digital technology and new production capabilities.

Manufacturing, but make it fun- That's the surprise of IMTS. Yes, there are enormous CNC machines, precision tools and sophisticated manufacturing systems spread across McCormick Place. But there are also miniature rock crawlers, a supersonic flight simulator, robots handing out T-shirts, drones being manufactured and flown, AI-designed vehicles and a personal aircraft sitting outside the convention center.

 In other words, you don't have to be a manufacturing engineer to find something fascinating.

IMTS runs now through Saturday, Sept. 19 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive. With attractions spread throughout the North, South, East and West buildings, as well as outdoor displays, visitors should check the IMTS Show Planner before heading in. It’s the first show to utilize every bit of space at McCormick Place so wear good walking shoes!

Sources:

Quality Magazine

Voxelmatters

IMTS

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