Automate 2026 Recap: Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Manufacturing

Every year, the Automate Show brings together the latest advancements in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing technology. From June 22–25, the GCG Automation & Factory Solutions team joined thousands of manufacturers, engineers, OEMs, and technology leaders in Chicago to explore the innovations shaping the future of manufacturing.

Throughout the week, we had the opportunity to connect with customers, collaborate with supplier partners, and demonstrate how integrated automation solutions can help manufacturers improve productivity, increase flexibility, and solve complex production challenges.

A Booth Built Around Real-World Automation

At the center of our booth was an interactive basketball-playing robot demonstration that quickly became a favorite among attendees. While it was fun to watch, the demo represented much more than a game.

The application brought together industrial robotics, machine vision, motion control, and intelligent sensing into one integrated system, demonstrating the same technologies manufacturers rely on every day to improve accuracy, increase throughput, and automate repetitive tasks.

Beyond the demo itself, it created valuable conversations about how these technologies can be applied to real production environments.

Expanding Our Presence Beyond the Booth

Our involvement extended beyond the GCG booth throughout the week.

Visitors also had the opportunity to see our ATLIS solution featured in the FANUC Cobot & Go exhibit, highlighting collaborative automation and application expertise alongside one of our key robotics partners.

Members of our team also shared their expertise during technical presentations across the show floor, including presentations by GCG AFS President, Michael Mahfet and sessions in the Siemens booth presented by two of our Application Engineers, Kevin Young and Bill Hook. These opportunities allowed us to discuss automation trends, application best practices, and practical solutions with manufacturers from across North America.

What We Heard from Customers

One of the most valuable parts of Automate is the opportunity to hear directly from manufacturers about the challenges they're facing.

Many of the conversations centered around common priorities, including:

• Modernizing legacy automation systems
• Integrating robotics into existing production lines
• Improving machine safety and compliance
• Leveraging machine vision and intelligent sensing
• Increasing productivity while addressing workforce challenges

These discussions reinforced that manufacturers are looking for more than individual products; they're looking for experienced partners who can help evaluate applications, recommend the right technologies, and support projects from concept through implementation.

Thank You for Visiting

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, attended one of our presentations, or connected with our team during the show. We appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your business and discuss your automation goals.

If we met in Chicago and you're ready to continue the conversation—or if you weren't able to attend but have an automation challenge you'd like to discuss—we'd love to help.

Whether you're exploring robotics, machine vision, machine safety, motion control, industrial networking, or another automation solution, our application engineers are ready to work with you to identify the right approach for your operation.

We look forward to continuing the conversations that started at Automate 2026 and are hoping to see you in Las Vegas for Automate 2027!

Have an Automation Challenge?

From robotics and motion control to machine safety and industrial networking, our engineering team works with manufacturers every day to solve complex automation challenges.

Tell us about your application, and we'll help you identify the right path forward.

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