IMTS 2026 to showcase physical AI and additive manufacturing

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, scheduled for September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature advanced manufacturing technologies including physical AI, robotics, and additive manufacturing.

FANUC America plans to demonstrate physical AI in collaboration with NVIDIA, allowing robots and machines to interpret and respond to changing environments. The company will also showcase Smart Digital Twin technology, which enables manufacturers to virtualize machine tools and machining processes to reduce setup time and scrap.

The AMT Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at the event will highlight how additive manufacturing supports the United States' defense industrial base. Key exhibits include the 11-foot-tall Aires Tide test flight vehicle, developed using metal additive manufacturing and advanced computing, and live demonstrations of 3D-printed quadcopter drones. These technologies aim to increase domestic production agility and reduce reliance on international supply chains.