“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. 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.” - Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology Read more here: hubs.ly/Q04ycNy80

Manufacturing has been using AI longer than most people realize. The question now is how AI scales beyond individual applications to transform the entire factory. Read AMT's new report, Industrial AI and the Factory of the Future Beyond Digital Manufacturing, to learn more: hubs.ly/Q04ycWV90

12 manufacturing investments to watch: Amazon supplier Wiwynn, Ford, Kikkoman Foods, and Hitachi Energy lead this week’s manufacturing investments, each announcing projects valued at more than $500 million. Other announcements include investments in ventilation systems, battery materials, die casting, mechanical systems, and large-format additive manufacturing equipment.  hubs.ly/Q04y853k0

At #IMTS2026, conversations turned into action plans, partnerships grew stronger, and manufacturers found solutions they could put to work. Read how IMTS brought the manufacturing technology community together: hubs.ly/Q04y3wtS0

At #IMTS2026, the future of manufacturing was on full display inside the Emerging Technology Center, powered by AMT, last week. This year’s ETC showed what happens when government, research, and industry come together to accelerate innovation: from concept to production, and from production to real-world impact. Visitors saw an automated drone production cell manufacture, assemble, test, and fly quadcopters on-site. They stood next to Aires Tide, an AI-designed flight-test vehicle developed in just six months. And they explored MTConnect-powered digital experiences that brought live manufacturing data and simulation-ready models to life. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, FANUC, Mazak, Velo3D, Prusa Research, Edgewater Automation, and all of the commercial manufacturing partners who helped bring the ETC to life at IMTS.

And just like that, #IMTS2026 is in the books. What a week! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us, explored the show floor, and helped make this the best show yet. We’re so grateful for the energy, ideas, and excitement that made it one to remember. Now, who’s excited for #IMTS2028?

#IMTS2026 is coming to a close, but yesterday was still packed with people, printing, and processes. In every hall, visitors were learning something new, closing a purchase, or making a lifelong memory. What has been the biggest takeaway from the show this year? Check back in this evening for the final post from the floor.

Day four of #IMTS2026 was elevated by the ELEVATE conference, bringing together people from all levels of the manufacturing industry. In partnership with WiM, the conference featured a dynamic program with speakers who are designed to inspire, empower, and connect manufacturing professionals. Then the event continued with a networking reception where fun was had and connections were made. What was your favorite part of Day 4? Day 5 has started with sunshine and we can't wait to see what comes next!

Day 3 of #IMTS2026 didn't start with a bang, but with a run! Hundreds of runners ran along the river in the Miles 4 Manufacturing 5K to help raise money for the next generation of manufacturing. It never gets old seeing the community come together for mornings like this! Back on the floor, new technology and new connections were being made and solidified across McCormick Place. What are you most excited to see today? Make sure to tag us in your photos from the floor!

There was so much to see yesterday afternoon for day 2 of #IMTS2026! On the MainStage, we had @amtonline Vice President of Research, Kevin Bowers, chatting with Sanjay Thakore of @autodesk and Ujiwal Kumar of @SiemensUSA about the convergence of digital manufacturing and automation. You also might have seen Kristin Schaaf and Matthew Draper of the @DeptofWar discussing how their program, Build Freedom, is inspiring the next generation of manufacturing talent to fill the workforce pipeline. In addition, we saw so many of you on the floor taking in the latest manufacturing technology has to offer! Make sure to tag us in your photos and check out the timeline in the Grand Concourse celebrating 100 years of IMTS!

Drones, admirals, and automation were just a few of the things to see this morning on day 2 of #IMTS2026! Over in the ETC, drones are being made, assembled, and flown all on the show floor. Or did you catch Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher on the MainStage talking about how data-driven insights and empowering partners to drive speed and innovation are the crux of the submarine enterprise? Let us know in the comments your favorite part of the show so far, and check back here tomorrow for updates and highlights from day 3!

The first day of #IMTS2026 was PACKED with amazing content and both on and off the stages! Yesterday afternoon, the stage was out of this world with Sharon Cobb, Associate Program Manager at @NASA; Wendy Lawrence, retired Astronaut; Michelle Lucas, Founder & CEO at Higher Orbits; and Nathan Zeien, Director of Aerospace Services at Scot Forge. Making Chips' Mike Payne and Paul Van Metre sat down with Ty Willis, Equipment Financing Expert and Erik Skie, Managing Principal at CLA to give the ins and outs of equipment financing and what is worth your time and money. There was also plenty to see in all four halls as well as the next generation of manufacturing flooding the Smartforce Student Summit! We can't wait to see what day 2 brings!

#IMTS2026 has officially begun, and we could not be more thrilled! This morning, AMT President Doug Woods was joined on stage by AMT's Vice President of Exhibitions, Michelle Edmonson, and Larita Clark, CEO of MPEA, to officially start the show by opening the North and South halls of McCormick Place. We are so excited to welcome you to Chicago and experience the latest that manufacturing technology has to offer! Don't miss out on the IMTS Plaza and visit the Rally Fighter and more.

Getting to the @IMTS_Smartforce is easier than ever with a brand new escalator in the North Hall at McCormick Place. Michelle Edmonson took the inaugural ride on the escalator with Chris Konecki, General Manager of McCormick, to talk about the new addition! Make sure to register for #IMTS2026 to see it yourself: hubs.ly/Q04xjMNQ0

The pieces are coming together for the best IMTS yet! We walked the show floor today and saw the freight, signage, and hardworking people bringing it all together. We cannot wait to welcome you to #IMTS2026 in just a few short days! Stay tuned over the next few days for some exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Make sure to register today: hubs.ly/Q04xhg5B0

Check out @pufkin1486 in our latest season of The Architect by @HexagonMI before seeing him on the Mainstage at #IMTS2026!

At booth #338009, find the answer to your finishing, conveyor, and filtration needs with Jorgensen, ALMCO, and MFI next week at #IMTS2026! See what options they have for your business by adding their booth to your Show Planner: hubs.ly/Q04xbZKG0

Parking in the city is never anyone's favorite part of an event. So, to make it easier for those who want to come to IMTS and experience the latest technology but may have trouble getting away, we're offering free parking on either Friday or Saturday of the show when you register using custom discount codes! The first 100 to register with each code will receive free parking on the designated day at McCormick Place: - FRIDAYIMTS26 for parking on Friday - MTSSAT26 for parking on Saturday Register for #IMTS2026: hubs.ly/Q04x90lq0

Looking for a robotics solution? Add @nachirobotics to your Show Planner for #IMTS2026 at booth #236603! Nachi provides successful turnkey solutions for robotic applications, including material handling and machine loading. Nachi robots handle load capacities ranging from 1kg to 1000kg. Learn more and add them to your Show Planner: hubs.ly/Q04x21K-0

Make sure to add @hornusa to your Show Planner for #IMTS2026. At booth #431722, they will showcase live machining, precision tooling, Greenline solutions, and our machining experts, all ready to help solve your toughest challenges. Learn more and add them to your Show Planner: hubs.ly/Q04x1NLj0