In just a few weeks, McCormick Place in Chicago will be packed with engineers, innovators, business leaders, and automation teams all looking for what’s next.
It’s not just the hunt that makes Automate so exciting. It’s the show floor that’s full of breakthrough technology, live demos, big conversations, and unexpected discoveries. Every year, a few moments create the kind of buzz that people talk about long after the doors close.
At Automate 20206, a few standout experiences are already drawing serious attention.
From humanoid robotics and startup innovations to leadership conversations driving the future of the industry, you won’t want to miss these moments.
Get technical at the Humanoid Robot Forum
The Humanoid Robot Forum is one of the most talked-about experiences at Automate this year. Previously, the forum was a standalone event, but this year it’s under the Automate roof, and the excitement is bigger than ever.
Taking place Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24, this co-located event brings together some of the leading voices shaping the role of humanoid robotics and embodied AI for in-depth sessions.
It also arrives at a moment when humanoid technology is one of the biggest conversations in automation. This isn’t about imagining what’s possible, but rather sharing real-world deployment insights.
Registration for the Humanoid Robot Forum can be added to any Automate registration. Admission to all sessions is included for attendees with an Automate All-Access Conference Pass.
As the third annual forum, this is already shaping up to be one of the highest-interest destinations at Automate 2026.
Put the Humanoid Robot Pavilion on your list of must-sees.
Since humanoids are such a hot topic, you’ll also want to stop by the brand-new Humanoid Robot Pavilion, sponsored by NVIDIA. This gives all show attendees free access to a dedicated space on the main show floor focused on humanoid innovation.
That means live demos, real-world applications, and conversations happening just feet away from some of the most advanced systems in the industry.
Don’t miss the Automate Startup Challenge.
If you love fast-moving ideas, high stakes, and a close look at where innovation is heading, you’re going to want to see the Automate Startup Challenge.
Held Monday, June 22, from 3-5 PM, this live competition takes place at the Automate Show Theater and is completely free to attend with a standard show badge.
Ten startup finalists will pitch their innovations live in front of a panel of expert judges from major industry leaders, including Microsoft and NVIDIA. Each finalist will be bringing a different vision for the future of automation.
- Axomind: AI-powered robotic orchestration for manufacturing and assembly
- CeiliX: The first omnidirectional ceiling-mounted mobile cobot that moves automation overhead
- Copper Robotics: A new class of operating systems for safe, scalable physical AI and autonomous vehicles
- Daxo Robotics: Highly dexterous robotic hands designed for physical AI
- Hardhat Robotics: End-to-end robotic solutions that improve safety and productivity on construction sites
- KoiReader Technologies: Vision AI for logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and supply chains
- Luffy AI: Self-optimizing industrial AI controllers that run directly on PLCs and drives
- Mbodi AI: Physical AI software that translates human intent into robot actions
- Mowito Robotics: Advanced Physical AI that learns from human demonstrations and drives robot arms for material movement and intralogistics
- Reops Intellitech: An AI-driven robotic snake designed for confined-space navigation, real-time perception, and autonomous decision-making
One of these companies will walk away with the $10,000 grand prize. The bigger story may be which of them becomes the next breakout name in automation.
This is your chance to witness the future in the making and hear from founders building what could become the next major names in robotics, AI, and industrial technology.
It’s fast-paced, high-visibility, and one of the most unique live experiences on the show floor.
Get inspired at the Women’s Empowerment Forum.
The Women’s Empowerment Forum brings together leadership, perspective, and community in one of the most meaningful conversations happening during the week.
Taking place on Tuesday, June 23, at 4 PM in Room N426ab at McCormick Place, this event is free to attend with basic show registration, but does require an RSVP.
The forum features discussions with accomplished female leaders helping shape the future of robotics, manufacturing, and automation, including executives from globally recognized companies such as UPS and Siemens.
These conversations often go beyond technology. They touch leadership, workforce growth, career development, visibility, and the evolving future of the industry itself. Expect networking, inspiration, practical knowledge, and good vibes.
Don’t sleep on this one. Space is limited, and a reservation is required to secure a spot.
As Automate continues to bring together more voices from across automation, this forum remains one of the most valuable opportunities for connection and insight during the week.
Make sure you’re in on the conversations.
One of the best parts of Automate is that no two attendees experience it the same way.
Some come for the technology. Some for networking. Some for inspiration, ideas, or the next big opportunity.
But events like the Humanoid Robot Forum, the Automate Startup Challenge, and the Women’s Empowerment Forum tend to become the moments people reference all week long.
With Automate 2026 just weeks away, now is the time to secure your spot. Register free for the show.
- Add the Humanoid Robot Forum, or an Automate Conference All-Access Pass to your registration. (Fees apply.)
- RSVP for the Women’s Empowerment Forum.
Also, check out the exciting keynote sessions and stages, and demo daily schedules and start planning your itinerary before you arrive, so you don’t leave feeling like you’ve missed out.
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