IMTS 2026 Brings Manufacturing Technology to Chicago
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) returns to McCormick Place in Chicago September 14-19, bringing manufacturers, technology suppliers and industry professionals together for six days of exhibits, educational sessions and demonstrations focused on manufacturing technology.
Billed as the largest manufacturing technology show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS 2026 will feature technologies spanning machining, additive manufacturing, automation, digital manufacturing, quality and other areas of industrial production.
The event is expected to provide attendees with opportunities to evaluate manufacturing equipment and technologies while exploring developments affecting modern production operations.
Manufacturing Technology Takes Center Stage
Exhibits at IMTS 2026 cover a broad range of manufacturing technologies, including machine tools, machining systems, additive manufacturing equipment, automation, digital solutions and quality technologies.
Among the featured areas is the IMTS Emerging Technology Center, which will showcase a continuously operating, end-to-end manufacturing system on the show floor. The demonstration is designed to illustrate how multiple technologies can work together within a connected manufacturing environment.
The IMTS Main Stage will also host presentations and conversations involving manufacturing industry leaders, manufacturers and technology experts.
Additional programming will be offered through the IMTS+ Hubs, located in the East and South halls. The sessions focus on manufacturing challenges and technologies being applied to address them.
Sessions Examine Automation, AI and Digital Manufacturing
The 2026 educational program includes sessions addressing several major manufacturing trends, including smart manufacturing, industrial automation, artificial intelligence and digital standards.
One session, “From Warehouse to Factory Floor: Leveraging Automated Storage and Retrieval System Intralogistics in Smart Manufacturing,” examines the use of automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) beyond traditional warehousing applications.
The session focuses on how ASRS technology can support material movement within manufacturing facilities through just-in-time and just-in-sequence delivery. Topics include integration with production lines, warehouse management systems and enterprise platforms, as well as real-time visualization and tracking.
Another session, “Evolution of ISO STEP: A Key Enabler of the Model-Based Enterprise,” will examine the development of ISO 10303 STEP standards and their role in model-based manufacturing. Related standards, including JT, QIF, IFC and PRC, will also be discussed in the context of applications such as automotive manufacturing, inspection and 3D document sharing.
AI and Predictive Maintenance
Artificial intelligence is another focus of the IMTS 2026 educational program.
The session “AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance: From Reactive Repairs to Zero-Downtime Manufacturing” will address the use of artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance technologies to identify potential equipment issues and support maintenance planning.
The program examines how manufacturers are applying AI-based approaches to maintenance, including the use of real-world applications across industrial operations.
Predictive maintenance has become an area of interest for manufacturers seeking to monitor equipment conditions, reduce unexpected downtime and improve the management of maintenance activities.
Industry Insights Continue Beyond the Show Floor
IMTS+ will also feature IMTS Unwind, a series of interviews and discussions on the IMTS+ Main Stage. Programming will include conversations with industry experts, keynote speakers, manufacturers and manufacturing-focused influencers.
The program is intended to provide updates on show activities and highlight manufacturing technology developments throughout the event.
With its combination of equipment exhibits, technology demonstrations and educational programming, IMTS 2026 is bringing together a range of technologies influencing machining and modern manufacturing operations.
The event runs September 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Sep 14, 2026
