The 2026 edition of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, held Sept. 14-19 in Chicago, reflected growing investment in manufacturing technology and increased interest in artificial intelligence, automation and advanced manufacturing.
The show attracted 91,295 registrants, including 14,447 students, with attendees representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 123 countries. A total of 1,788 exhibiting companies occupied 1.17 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.
“What differentiated IMTS 2026 was the strong focus on how manufacturing technology and investment are renewing America’s industrial capability and strengthening the U.S. economy, industrial base, and national defense,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. “Manufacturers and job shops came to find technologies that could immediately increase productivity, and they were joined by investors, Fortune 500 and Silicon Valley companies, government agencies, universities, and a new generation drawn to industrial AI, automation, space, and advanced manufacturing.”
Manufacturing investment and workforce challenges were recurring themes throughout the show. AMT reported that manufacturing technology orders exceeded $500 million for the fifth consecutive month on Sept. 13, while durable goods manufacturers face a reported shortage of 435,000 workers. The Reshoring Initiative projects that approximately 400,000 jobs will have been reshored by the end of 2026.
AI and Automation Gain Momentum
AI was a major focus at IMTS 2026 exhibitors demonstrating applications designed to reduce programming requirements, improve machine tending, optimize toolpaths and increase productivity. The inaugural IMTS Industrial AI Conference sold out twice after capacity was expanded, reflecting demand for practical applications of the technology.
The show also highlighted the convergence of AI, robotics, machine tools and software. Technologies included AI-enabled vision systems, natural-language programming, autonomous and collaborative robots, and software designed to accelerate CNC programming.
“IMTS 2026 highlighted how quickly manufacturing technology is moving from concept to application,” said Mike Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America and chairman of the board at AMT. “Manufacturers are looking for practical ways to improve productivity, increase flexibility, and address workforce challenges, and many of the conversations throughout the show were focused on technologies that can help them achieve those goals today.”
Technology Supports Defence and Reshoring
Advanced manufacturing technologies were also presented as tools for expanding U.S. production capacity and supporting the defense industrial base. IMTS programming included presentations from U.S. Navy and Department of War officials on submarine production and the role of automation and advanced manufacturing in increasing output.
The AMT Emerging Technology Center demonstrated how interconnected machine tools, automation, additive manufacturing and other technologies can be combined to rapidly increase production capacity. The demonstration also highlighted the role of MTConnect in connecting controls, machines and software to provide data that can be used by digital and AI systems.
Automation Targets Productivity and Flexibility
Exhibitors focused on CNC systems, robotics and workholding solutions that enable more operations per setup, increase unattended production and simplify repetitive tasks. Robotics and collaborative automation systems emphasized easier deployment, integrated vision, improved safety and greater adaptability for high-mix, low-volume production.
Tooling and workholding exhibitors also focused on technologies designed to address skilled labour shortages while improving tool life, changeover times, process reliability and productivity.
Additive manufacturing was integrated with the metal removal sector at the show, reflecting the growing use of both technologies within manufacturing workflows. Metal additive manufacturing was featured prominently in IMTS programming, including demonstrations of its role in aerospace and defense applications.
Students and Industry Groups Drive Engagement
IMTS 2026 attracted 14,447 students through the Smartforce Student Summit, while specialty programming addressed industrial AI, investment, job shops, professional development, international opportunities and defense manufacturing.
Attendance at the IMTS Investor Summit increased 118%, while the ELEVATE Conference and Job Shops Workshop each grew 34%. The IMTS LATAM conference increased 200%, and the Mission-Ready Manufacturing conference focused on Department of Defense, space and aerospace opportunities grew 227%.
“The communities coming together at IMTS created an energy at McCormick Place that was incredible,” said Michelle Edmonson, vice president – exhibitions at AMT. “We heard story after story of connections made here that will lead to new ideas, solutions, and opportunities long after the show ends.”
