IMTS 2024: Looking Ahead to Manufacturing Automation

Manufacturing literally creates our world; from CNC machines to 3D printers, and all of the accessories and materials that operate alongside them. The most brilliant minds in the industry work hard to cut, build, assemble, and fashion every part of our lives.

Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of technology to keep up with the constant demands of the manufacturing world. The ultimate showcase, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), takes place from Sept 9th to 14th at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

And it’s shaping up (no pun intended) to be one amazing show.

IMTS 2024 will be at McCormick Place in Chicago. Image used courtesy of IMTS

Here are just a few of the many exhibits you can expect to see in Chicago next week.

Universal Robots (UR)

UR is a familiar name in both robotics and manufacturing. The ever-growing collaboration of companies that make up the UR+ ecosystem has recently reached a benchmark of 500 members, each with unique designs tailored to meet the needs of specific applications and industries.

Material handling and machine tending is a major application focus of UR at IMTS. Image used courtesy of UR

At IMTS, Universal Robots will display some of these ecosystem applications, but with a continuous theme for forward-thinking innovation with AI integration. One benefit of this ever-improving AI technology is the faster and more efficient creation of motion paths, and it’s used by the PolyscopeX system for programming UR cobots.

Booth N-236131

Acieta

Some companies specialize in the manufacture of robots, while others provide the experience and resources to bring the product into full operation on the shop floor. Acieta works hard to bring solutions and support to all kinds of industries, but that energy is focused on manufacturing here at IMTS.

Acieta’s FastGAUGE metrology solution. Image used courtesy of Acieta

‘Fast’ is literally the name of the game for Acieta, and visitors can expect to get a firsthand demonstration of the FastGAUGE metrology system to accelerate quality inspections and the FastLOAD mobile cobot platform that can tend multiple machines to speed up production.

Booth N-236419

FANUC

There are indeed many applications that call for small, nimble robots with the ability to work alongside humans. But other times, you need a really, really big robot. Debuting at IMTS is the 500 kg payload M-950iA/500 from FANUC, and it’s a big robot.

The huge M-950iA/500 industrial robot. Image used courtesy of FANUC

FANUC will also showcase collaborative applications, including paint and screwdriving from its CRX robot series, along with new controllers for both robots and CNC technology, the two flagship product types from this automation leader.

Booth S-338919

Hirebotics

Increasing the output of your workforce can happen in two different ways: either you can hire more people, or you can reduce the amount of work that your current people need to perform. That second option is the goal of automation, but Hirebotics had a mission to satisfy BOTH of those goals. Robots that you can ‘employ.’

Welding with a collaborative robot solution. Image used courtesy of Hirebotics

Welding and fabricating robots are the bread and butter of Hirebotics, and with a short delivery and setup time, they can be ‘hired’ and running on the floor in a very short time. The cost of these systems is a great relief from the burden of a large upfront capital expense, so the solution can begin earning money right away.

Booth N-236341

IMTS 2024

IMTS is quoted to be the largest manufacturing tech show in the entire western hemisphere, covering sectors including additive, CNC, CAD/CAM, automation, inspection, finishing, and many others. The show runs from Sept 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Check out the IMTS website for show and registration information.