AI and Robotics Leaders to Headline Automate 2026 as Industry Prepares for Next Wave of Automation

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has unveiled an impressive keynote lineup for Automate 2026, highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and robotics across industrial sectors. Scheduled to take place from June 22–25, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event will bring together global automation leaders, technology innovators, manufacturers, and industry professionals to examine the future of automation and intelligent manufacturing.

As organizations increasingly adopt AI-powered solutions to address labor shortages, improve productivity, and enhance operational efficiency, Automate 2026 aims to provide practical insights into the technologies and strategies shaping the next generation of industrial transformation.

Industry Leaders to Discuss the Future of Automation

The event’s keynote program will feature senior executives from some of the automation industry’s most influential companies. Opening the conference on June 22, a leadership roundtable will bring together executives from FANUC America, Schneider Electric, Cognex, and Intrinsic to discuss market trends, emerging technologies, and the challenges and opportunities facing automation adoption.

The discussion is expected to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current trajectory, including the increasing integration of AI, machine vision, robotics, and digital manufacturing technologies.

Siemens to Explore AI and the Human Workforce

A major focus of Automate 2026 will be the relationship between artificial intelligence and workforce development. On June 23, executives from Siemens Digital Industries will lead a keynote session examining how manufacturers are deploying AI-driven automation systems to create more adaptive and productive operations.

The presentation will address how organizations can responsibly scale new technologies while empowering employees to work alongside advanced automation systems. As AI becomes increasingly embedded within industrial environments, balancing technological innovation with workforce readiness remains a critical priority for manufacturers worldwide.

Standard Bots to Highlight the Potential of Physical AI

On June 24, Evan Beard, Co-founder and CEO of Standard Bots, will deliver a keynote exploring the concept of Physical AI and its role in expanding automation capabilities.

The session, titled “99% of Tasks Still Can’t Be Automated: How Physical AI Changes That,” will examine why many real-world industrial tasks continue to present challenges for traditional automation systems. Beard will discuss how AI-native robotic platforms could enable robots to perform a broader range of complex tasks, opening new opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and service industries.

Leadership Lessons from Championship Performance

Closing the keynote program on June 25, former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and veteran sports broadcaster Jeff Joniak will discuss leadership, teamwork, and sustained high performance.

Their session will draw parallels between elite sports organizations and modern businesses, offering insights into building resilient teams, maintaining competitive advantages, and fostering a winning mindset in rapidly changing environments.

Automate 2026 Expected to Set New Attendance Records

Automate continues to strengthen its position as North America’s largest automation and robotics event. Organizers expect more than 50,000 attendees, over 1,000 exhibitors, 200 expert speakers, and more than 140 conference sessions during the four-day exhibition.

The event will showcase innovations spanning robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, industrial software, and smart manufacturing technologies. The anticipated scale represents significant growth compared to the 2024 Chicago edition, which attracted nearly 43,000 registrants and 867 exhibitors while generating an estimated $50 million economic impact for the city.

With automation adoption accelerating across industries, Automate 2026 is positioned to serve as a key platform for technology discovery, industry collaboration, and strategic discussions about the future of intelligent automation.

Strategic Significance for the Automation Industry

The keynote themes selected for Automate 2026 reflect the industry’s evolving priorities. AI-driven automation, workforce transformation, and advanced robotics are becoming central components of modern manufacturing strategies as organizations seek greater flexibility, efficiency, and resilience.

By bringing together technology providers, manufacturers, researchers, and business leaders, the event provides a unique opportunity to explore how emerging automation technologies can address real-world operational challenges while supporting long-term growth and competitiveness.