When it comes to automation, the answer to the question, “What’s next?” – in the form of predictive analytics – is part of the solution visitors can find at IMTS.The follow-up question – “Where can you find automation at IMTS?” – is better rephrased as “Where won’t you find automation?” Start with the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – smart production solutions. But it doesn’t end there: Automation solutions will be found in every aisle at IMTS. Even conversations about hardware are now about hardware’s role in an automated, connected, and digital environment.Visitors to IMTS will find a broad range of cutting-edge, smart, intelligent, and digital solutions. Most importantly, these solutions can be applied at every stage of production and are ready to implement now. In fact, solutions such as a collaborative robot (cobot) can arrive at your loading dock in the morning and be welding or loading parts by the afternoon.Know What’s NextTo answer the “What’s next?” question in automation, here are a few previews from IMTS exhibitors:Linear motion guide pioneer THK America shows how its OMNIedge IoT system combines connected sensors and artificial intelligence to detect part failures before they occur. “We can improve machine operating rates, make maintenance more efficient, and reduce inventory management costs,” says John Dykas, marketing and events manager at THK.A paradigm shift has occurred with cobots. “The breakthrough occurred because of a hyper focus on simplifying integration and improving the cobot operator experience,” says Will Healy, global industry leader – welding, Universal Robotics. “At IMTS, conversations center around how artificial intelligence, 3D vision systems, and cobots combine to pick a wider variety of parts with an unprecedented reliability.”One-stop shopping. “You simply can’t talk about the advances in automation and machining without talking about them together, and IMTS is where everyone comes together,” says Scott Harms, president of MetalQuest Unlimited and a longtime IMTS visitor. “For example, we committed to the machining and automation strategy that we were going to use to fulfill a new contract in a conference room above the Okuma booth, where our FANUC representative was also present.” Automation PartnerAMT has entered into a partnership with European trade show producer Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, which produces SPS – smart production solutions. This collaboration debuted at IMTS 2024 with the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – smart production solutions, where it will host 108 exhibitors on 75,000 square feet of space.Looking Around the CornerAnother result of AMT’s collaboration with SPS – smart production solutions is SPS Atlanta, to be held at the Georgia World Congress Center on Sept. 16-18, 2025. SPS Atlanta will showcase a multitude of practical solutions, offer a spectrum of digital innovations (learn more in this video), and provide a vision of a fully digitalized industrial future.
“Where can you find automation at IMTS?” – is better rephrased as “Where won’t you find automation?” Start with the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – smart production solutions.
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