Published 9/10/2024

Four Automation Technology Trends You Won't Want to Miss at IMTS 2024

Robotics technology is advancing, enabling shops to automate more tasks than ever before.

Julia Hider

Senior Editor, Modern Machine Shop

Automation is a major theme at IMTS 2024. Not only is automation technology found in nearly every sector at the show, it has its own dedicated area for the first time. The Automation Sector, Accelerated by SPS — Smart Production Solutions can be found in the North Hall. Here are some trending automation technologies visitors can see in the automation sector and throughout the show:

AI. AI is having a moment in all industries, and automation is no different. Earlier this year, Teradyne Robotics, parent company of cobot company Universal Robots, announced a partnership with Nvidia. UR has worked with the chipmaker to incorporate its CuMotion package into cobot path planning, which can speed the process by as much as 80%. The cobot maker is also collaborating with Nvidia to incorporate AI tools into its PolyScope X operating software.
Vision systems. With the addition of 3D vision systems, robots can perform more complex tasks, such as bin picking, material handling and inspection, particularly when parts vary in shape or orientation. AI can further enhance these capabilities — Siemens Robot Pick AI is a deep learning-based vision software enables robots to pick unknown objects, without pre-training.
Easy-to-use robots. Machine-tending robots will be ubiquitous at the show, but suppliers and integrators are developing solutions to take over more manufacturing tasks, including inspection, welding and painting. FANUC is highlighting its CRX-10iA/L Paint, an explosion-proof collaborative robot that’s specially designed for painting, powder and/or gel coating with fiberglass reinforcement.
Autonomous robots. Technology has progressed from robots fixed in one place to cobots that can be moved from machine to machine. Now, robots are going fully mobile. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming commonplace in warehouses and beginning to make their way into manufacturing facilities for tasks such as material handling. Boston Dynamics, well-known for its autonomous dog-like inspection robot Spot, has also launched an autonomous robot for warehouses called Stretch, and will be exhibiting at the show.

Vision systems, like the one that enables robots to pick castings at MetalQuest, give robots the capability to accomplish more complex tasks. Source: MetalQuest Unlimited Inc.