It’s here! The Automate 2026 Conference agenda is live and ready for you to dive in.
This year’s conference is full of expert-led sessions meant to meet the moment in automation. You’ll find a range of topics on robotics, AI, motion control, vision systems, simulations, industrial safety, and so much more.
Whether you’re just beginning your automation journey, fine-tuning complex systems, or working anywhere in the automation ecosystem, you’ll find something of interest. Each session is built to deliver real-world insight and practical takeaways. Attend a single day or go for all four, it’s up to you.
Note: Conference pricing is based on one-day and all-access pass options. Early bird pricing ends May 11, 2026.
Choose your own learning journey
The Automate Conference agenda is designed for flexibility. Topic paths are curated based on emerging trends, in-demand skills, and feedback from past attendees. We’ve made it easy to dive deep into a single area or mix and match sessions across multiple paths.
To help you plan, we’ve organized key topics and must-see sessions by area of interest, so you can quickly build a personalized agenda that aligns with your challenges, priorities, and where you want to take automation next.
Areas of interest include:
- Automation for beginners
- Robotics
- Industries and applications
- Technology
- Industrial safety
- Beyond the sessions
Automation for beginners
Those just starting to adopt automation can gain practical insights around integration, proving ROI, building the business case, and choosing the right partners. These sessions are designed for newcomers to automation and for teams looking to strengthen their foundation.
Topic paths:
- Getting Started with Automation helps you make smart choices as you adopt automation with expert guidance, transforming uncertainty into confidence.
- The Business Case for Automation offers guidance on how to justify automation investments with clear ROI and business benefits. This path is great for decision-makers evaluating automation for the first time.
Session spotlights:
- Getting Started with Industrial Robotics – Explore how and why to choose Robot-based automation systems, principles of system integration, and ROI.
- Machine Vision Made Simple – Take a look into machine vision for quality control and inspection through real-world applications.
- From Chatbots to Agents: How AI is transforming Sales and Service in Industrial Automation – Dive into how AI agents are transforming the way industrial companies sell, quote, and support automation systems.
View the full agenda here.
Robotics
Explore the latest in robotic systems, collaborative robotics, and real-world applications across industries. If you are an engineer or manager looking to maximize your robotic systems, these paths and sessions are great starting points.
Topic paths:
- Automation Systems, Design, & Integration breaks down how to design and integrate automation solutions effectively.
- Autonomous Mobile Robotics covers the latest advancements and use cases of AMRs across industries, from logistics to manufacturing.
- Collaborative Robotics dives deep into how cobots are transforming human-machine collaboration.
- Robotics: Applications, Systems & Innovations explores cutting-edge advancements in robotics technology.
Session spotlights:
- Unlocking Unstructured Environments Through AI Robotics – Learn how AI robotics can perform tasks that require human-level perception and adaptability.
- Collaborative Robotics in High-Mix Manufacturing Environments – Explore how cobots can integrate into existing workflows, adapt to changing production needs, and minimize reprogramming requirements.
- Let’s Build an Embodied AI Robotics Demo Together – Help build an embodied AI experience together live on stage.
- When Your Robot Won't Reach: Pros and Cons of Floor Tracks, Overhead Tracks, and Gantry Robots – Explore three key technologies that extend robotic capabilities beyond a fixed base.
View the full agenda here.
Industries and applications
Discover how automation is transforming industries like manufacturing, logistics, and more. These topics and sessions are perfect for those seeking industry-specific solutions and automation opportunities.
Topic paths:
- Emerging Applications walks through new and unexpected uses of automation technology.
- Logistics & Supply Chain addresses ways to optimize warehousing and distribution.
- Material Handling Advances highlights how to improve productivity and workflows.
- Material Removal, Grinding, & Abrasives delves into the latest updates and advancements in robotics for metalworking.
Session spotlights:
- Automation Made Simple: Scalable Robotic Solutions for Food & Beverage – Delve into how standardized robotic solutions are transforming packaging, palletizing, and material handling across food and beverage operations.
- Last Mile Delivery - What Might the Future Look Like? – Examine the processes, people, equipment, and technology required to deliver packages today, and how automation could change it all.
- Staying Ahead with Flexible Automation: Unlocking Greater Value and Adaptability – Learn how building flexibility into robotic end-of-arm tooling and supporting technologies can improve deployment success and long-term value.
- Smart Machine Tools: Intelligent Components for Cognitive Production – Explore how intelligent monitoring systems are helping to enable cognitive autonomous decision making.
View the full agenda here.
Technology
Get up to speed on the latest advancements in AI, machine vision, simulation, and motion control. These topics and sessions are great for innovators and technical teams interested in cutting-edge solutions.
Topic paths:
- AI & Smart Automation explores how AI is making automation smarter and more adaptable.
- Machine Vision, Imaging, & Inspection focuses on advanced optics, cameras, and vision fundamentals.
- Motion Control & Conveyance dives into the latest trends, applications, and what to know.
- Motors & Drives breaks down components, system basics, and advancements.
- Simulation and Digital Twins present automation design and deployment strategies.
Session spotlights:
- Self-Learning Vision Systems Get Smarter Over Time: The Next Frontier in Machine Perception – Get a clear view of how adaptive AI can make factories more resilient, efficient, and intelligent over time.
- Common Sensing Technologies for Distance Measurement Applications – Gain insight into modern distance measurement technologies and how they can be used to improve automation processes.
- Choosing the Best Fit Motion Control Components & Systems – Weigh the pros and cons of electric vs. pneumatic actuation, and gather considerations to guide you in finding the best fit for the application.
- Automation in 3D: The New Standard for Smart Manufacturing – Discover how 3D simulation is transforming the way manufacturers design, validate, and deploy automation systems.
View the full agenda here.
Industrial safety
Learn how to protect automation systems and ensure workplace safety. These topics and sessions can help you better recognize risks and implement effective measures to enhance both safety and productivity.
Topic paths:
- Cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding automation systems from cyber threats.
- Safety in Automation and Manufacturing provides best practices, guidelines, and safety regulations to stay compliant.
Session spotlights:
- Introduction to Mobile Robot Risk Assessment – Explore the additional safety factors to be considered when autonomous mobility is introduced.
- Introduction to Robot Risk Assessment – Learn to help you keep your team safe and learn the basics of conducting a risk assessment for your facilities.
- Modernizing Security and Efficiency in Passwordless Authentication – Dive into the importance of managing access to the production process, eliminating shared passwords/open workstations, and holding operators accountable.
View the full agenda here.
Beyond the Automate Conference sessions
Attending the Automate Conference unlocks more than just world-class sessions; it’s also your pass to the FREE Automate Show, which happens simultaneously. Step from theory into practice as you:
- Witness live demos of technologies discussed in conference sessions.
- Connect with solution providers who can implement what you've learned.
- Network with peers facing similar challenges in and outside of your industry.
- Touch and test the exact systems that could transform your operation.
- Gain immediate takeaways and actionable strategies for your business.
Give yourself the competitive edge. REGISTER NOW to secure your place at the largest and most influential automation event in North America.
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