As manufacturers face rising demand alongside persistent labor constraints, IMTS 2026-The International Manufacturing Technology Show will spotlight the next wave of enabling technologies reshaping how work gets done on the shop floor. From automation to digital workflows to AI-enhanced solutions, job shops and contract manufacturers will learn how they can increase productivity, extend unattended operations, and eliminate non-value-added tasks across their operations. IMTS 2026 runs Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
"Boosting labor productivity is essential to strengthening the U.S. industrial base, and the technologies on display at IMTS demonstrate how manufacturers can do more with the teams they have," said Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. "The pace of innovation, both in capability and in how quickly and easily solutions can be implemented, makes advanced manufacturing solutions more accessible than ever. IMTS is where manufacturers can see these technologies in action and learn how to apply them to solve problems and elevate performance."
"The technology and human intelligence found at IMTS drive American competitiveness," said Ryan Kelly, Vice President of Technology at AMT. "For example, 71% of high-performing job shops employ some form of unattended operation, significantly increasing machine utilization and revenue. As a result, machine use rises from 8-1/2 to 15 hours per day, and sales per machine rise from $183,000 to $350,000. However, adoption remains uneven, creating a major opportunity for shops that invest in advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge."
In addition to foundational machine tools, the advanced and enabling technologies at IMTS encompass automation, software, machine control, metrology, workholding, and tooling, as well as more than 10 conferences, so visitors can network and learn how to apply the technology.
Easier Automation
Surveys show that less than 40% of job shops use automation, yet the technology is essential for the future. At IMTS 2026, exhibitors in the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS-Smart Production Solutions, are removing historical barriers to adoption, such as cost and complexity.
Standard Bots believes robots should be taught, not programmed, to make it easier and more affordable for customers without robotics experience. IMTS visitors can demonstrate a task to the robot, which will then perform the task autonomously in a learning mode and self-adapt to variations in the environment.
Gimbel Automation rethinks automation with its in-machine CNC automation solutions, where the CNC acts as its own robotic part loader. Solutions such as its CNC spindle grippers, integrated GripFlipGrip part-flipping modules, and pallet automation systems require no programming expertise and deliver payback in an average of seven weeks.
AI-Enhanced Software
Exhibitor Toolpath offers AI-powered estimating and CAM software that can, in seconds or minutes, determine whether a shop has the tooling and capabilities to machine a part, calculate the job's cost and profitability, and program the toolpath.
The new Mastercam Copilot software brings AI automation to everyday programming tasks. Machinists can adjust feedrates and spindle speeds across multiple operations using voice or text commands, with confirmation prompts built in for safety.
Job Shops Workshop
To connect the people with the technologies being exhibited, the IMTS 2026 Job Shops Workshop, which will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, features panel discussions on automation integration, how AI will change the future of today's job shop, and navigating this new manufacturing landscape while managing change and business opportunities.
"We created the Job Shops Workshop so businesses of all sizes can learn from their peers and connect with people facing the same challenges," says Michelle Edmonson, Vice President of Exhibitions at AMT. "Six of the IMTS 2026 Job Shops Workshop panelists own small businesses. Four are contract manufacturers, and all are manufacturing thought leaders committed to strengthening U.S. manufacturing."
New CNC Controllers
As with automation and software, the capabilities of new CNC controllers, such as the M8V Series from Mitsubishi Electric Automation, help shops achieve shorter cycle times, better surface finish, faster set-up, and offer clearer visibility into the machining process.
"The challenge today is not just machining faster. It is getting from set-up to stable production with fewer touchpoints and less trial and error," said Scott Strache, Senior Product Manager, Mechatronics at Mitsubishi Electric Automation. "What modern manufacturing needs right now are platforms that reduce complexity while increasing throughput."
For shops that want to retrofit a manual machine with next-generation technology, Acu-Rite Solutions, a Heidenhain brand, will debut the MillPWR CT (contour touch) control. This bridge solution leverages the TNC control platform but in a configuration tailored for older equipment.
Tooling and Workholding
At IMTS 2026, exhibitors will demonstrate tool management systems for a connected, automated system that directly impacts productivity, uptime, and profitability. Leading exhibitors such as Zoller, WinTool USA, TDM Systems, and BIG DAISHOWA (via its Speroni brand) are showcasing centralized platforms that integrate tool data across CAD/CAM, ERP, and shop floor systems, enabling real-time visibility and control. For completely autonomous lights-out production, Haimer's Automation Cube One integrates a cobot for fully autonomous tool measurement, shrinking/unshrinking, and total tool assembly.
Compressing cycle times starts before cutting begins with the new "Greenline" program from precision tooling provider Horn USA. Instead of the standard wait time of six to 12 weeks, the Greenline option for qualified designs ships a U.S.-manufactured, low-volume special insert in five business days at no additional cost.
Quality Assurance
At IMTS 2026, look for quality assurance systems and software that can unify metrology data and images, analytics, and data management into a single, connected platform. Exhibitors, including Hexagon, Lumafield, Nikon Metrology, Zeiss, and others, will feature solutions that streamline complex metrology tasks for users of all experience levels. Rather than mere tolerance confirmation, advanced quality assurance technologies have become a strategic business advantage.
Explore more technologies, exhibitors, and features at IMTS.com.