A3's Automate 2026 puts humanoid robots, industrial AI, and safety standards at center stage

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is bringing together robotics, machine vision, motion control, and industrial AI communities at Automate 2026, set for June 22–25 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The four-day event serves as the primary North American gathering for automation professionals, and this year it debuts a dedicated Humanoid Robot Forum running June 23–24 within the broader show.

Humanoid robots move from concept to conversation

A3 describes the Humanoid Robot Forum as a venue for industry leaders to examine the technologies, safety frameworks, and real-world potential that will define the next phase of humanoid robotics. The timing reflects a broader acceleration in the sector: A3's own news feed recently catalogued fresh funding rounds for five robotics companies—Integra Robots, Maneva Robotics, NEURA Robotics, Sintroy, and Theker Robots—signaling sustained investor appetite. Genesis AI also drew attention with the launch of Eno, a minimalist humanoid platform aimed at practical industrial use cases.

ABB Robotics is among the established players amplifying activity around the show, announcing what it calls industry-ready physical AI at Automate 2026. The company is also working with prosthetics firm PSYONIC to apply human-generated motion data toward advancing robotic dexterity, an approach that blurs the line between assistive technology and industrial automation.

Vision and motion control draw fresh product launches

Machine vision exhibitors are using Automate as a launch platform across multiple imaging categories. JAI Americas introduced new single-sensor shortwave infrared (SWIR) line scan cameras ahead of the show, while Opto Engineering will present its vision portfolio at Booth #661. B&R Industrial Automation is showcasing its smart camera for intelligent vision, emphasizing new application possibilities for embedded imaging in industrial settings.

On the motion control side, Weidmüller's SNAP IN connector technology—selected by Schneider Electric for its new TeSys series—is reported to cut wiring time by up to 75%, according to A3's news coverage. Allient Inc. and Mouser Electronics are also scheduled to present motion control and automation solutions at the show, reflecting the breadth of the supply chain represented on the floor.

A newer application drawing attention across vision and AI categories is precision agriculture: A3 highlighted how startup PerPlant is deploying AI cameras to reduce pesticide usage, illustrating how automation technology is extending well beyond traditional factory settings.

Safety standards and workforce development take the webinar stage

A3 has built a structured webinar calendar running through the second half of 2026 that tracks closely with regulatory and deployment concerns. A safety standards update focused on industrial robot arms is scheduled for July 21, followed by a mobile robot equivalent on August 18—both reflecting the growing pressure on manufacturers to align with evolving compliance requirements as robot density on factory floors increases.

An industrial AI case-study session planned for September 17 will examine cross-industry deployments, and a webinar on deploying humanoids in industry is also on the calendar, addressing form factors, applications, and early successes. A3 is simultaneously offering a new on-demand training course, Introduction to Industrial Robotics, targeting professionals seeking foundational knowledge as the sector expands its workforce demands.

AI and cybersecurity surface as cross-cutting themes

Industrial AI content on automate.org spans exhibitor announcements and editorial analysis. Cincoze is set to showcase edge AI computing at the show, while Ankercloud published editorial coverage on cybersecurity strategy for industrial facilities—a topic A3 is framing around what it calls the "fortified factory of the future." Reynolds & Moore also announced the addition of Qt Group's Axivion tool to its safety partner ecosystem, targeting software quality in robotics and automation environments.

A3 additionally hosts a Mexico Business Forum under the tagline "Automation that transforms. Connections that drive the future," pointing to growing cross-border interest in automation adoption across North America. Its MI Plus market intelligence platform is positioned as a data resource for businesses tracking sector trends, rounding out an offering that extends well beyond the annual trade show floor.