IMTS 2026 to Showcase AI and Automation Reshaping U.S. Manufacturing

McLean, Va. — As manufacturing technology orders continue their upward trajectory and U.S. labor productivity achieves significant gains, the upcoming IMTS 2026 (International Manufacturing Technology Show) is set to highlight the technologies fueling the sector's next phase of growth. Scheduled for September 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event will provide industry professionals with a comprehensive look at industrial AI, automation, additive manufacturing (AM), and digital twin technologies.

Strong Manufacturing Growth in 2026

The momentum in the manufacturing sector is measurable. During the first four months of 2026, manufacturing technology orders reached $2.19 billion, marking a 28.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT. Additionally, the ISM Manufacturing PMI hit 53.3% in June, with the ISM Manufacturing New Orders Index expanding for the sixth consecutive month.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics further illustrates this trend: manufacturing labor productivity rose by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2026. Simultaneously, output grew by 3.3% without any increase in hours worked. This divergence suggests that manufacturers are successfully integrating technology to boost per-worker productivity rather than simply adding headcount.

Bridging the Gap with AI and Automation

“Production demands and workforce constraints are pushing manufacturers to take a closer look at technologies like AI, digital twins, additive, and advanced automation,” stated Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America and chairman of the board at AMT.

IMTS 2026 will serve as a venue for manufacturers to explore how advances in AI-driven vision systems, predictive analytics, and adaptive control can streamline programming and routine tasks. By implementing these digital manufacturing technologies, companies can enable their workforce to focus on higher-value responsibilities, making the automation of parts and data more accessible to operators of varying skill levels.

Doug Woods, AMT President, noted that the speed and scope of digital technology deployment across the production lifecycle make this year's show uniquely significant. The integration of these tools is playing a key role in larger economic shifts, including reshoring efforts and broader technology adoption rates.

Driving Resiliency Through Connected Operations

Technology is fundamentally altering the capabilities of modern job shops. High-performing contract manufacturers are increasingly relying on unattended operations to maximize machine utilization and revenue.

For instance, companies like MetalQuest Unlimited achieve these efficiencies by utilizing digitally connected shops, digital twin technology, and automated CNC machining operations. These connected systems allow businesses to evaluate how they can improve resiliency and navigate global supply chain disruptions.

The Growing Role of Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing continues to help suppliers shift away from prolonged supply chains in favor of localized, on-demand component production. At IMTS 2026, companies like EOS will introduce next-generation platforms, such as the EOS M4 Onyx, designed specifically for industrial-scale 3D printing.

Advancements in AM now frequently incorporate AI-enabled tools to optimize build preparation, simulate builds, and monitor meltpool behavior in real time. This integration helps ensure part quality and repeatability while significantly reducing trial-and-error and accelerating qualification cycles.

Unveiling New AI Attractions at IMTS 2026

To help attendees better understand and evaluate these innovations, IMTS 2026 is introducing two new features:

• The Industrial AI Arena: A dedicated space featuring 32 exhibitors and Sandia National Laboratories, focused entirely on AI-driven manufacturing solutions.

• The IMTS Industrial AI Conference: A comprehensive full-day program designed to educate manufacturers on practical AI applications, including predictive maintenance, quality control, edge versus cloud deployment, and data readiness.

Ryan Kelly, AMT’s vice president of technology, emphasized that the event will connect manufacturers with AI experts who understand real-world industrial workflows and can help transition businesses from curiosity to implementation.

Exploring AI Across the Ecosystem

Industrial AI will be on display at every level of the manufacturing stack at IMTS 2026. Major cloud providers, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft, will demonstrate how data infrastructure and AI tools can bridge the gap between engineering, operations, and IT systems.

Furthermore, AI-native platforms and embedded AI technologies will be showcased by industry leaders like Autodesk, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Heidenhain, Keyence, Mazak, and Siemens. These embedded solutions are designed to reduce setup times, shorten cycle times, stabilize machining accuracy, and streamline CNC program generation.

For professionals looking to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, IMTS 2026 offers an opportunity to compare technologies side-by-side and establish a practical roadmap for the future of advanced manufacturing.