Automation Articles for Manufacturers and Engineers

AIR, a manufacturer and developer of Smart Aircraft, announced a strategic partnership with Elmo Motion Control (Elmo), a global producer of motion control technology. Elmo will integrate its high-performance motion control solution into AIR's Heavy Lift UAS – a VTOL-capable uncrewed cargo aircraft capable of 550lb payloads.

igus will showcase its latest technologies for moving, automating and optimizing manufacturing processes at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026 at Booth 236131 in the North Building. Under the theme “Motion in Automation,” igus will demonstrate how motion components and automation technologies can work together to help manufacturers reduce costs, simplify machine design and improve production efficiency. Visitors will be able to explore solutions ranging from lubrication-free motion plastics and energy supply systems to robotics and low-cost automation.

Looking to push the boundary of edge computing applications, Aetina has announced a new “AI system” designed to slot into your local 2U server rack and offer a localized competitor to the massive Cloud-based AI tools. That’s a bold position to claim, and one Aetina will be hard-pressed to back on specs alone, but as AI companies are repeatedly proving, there’s more to consider than just raw computing power.

If you’re planning to attend IMTS 2026, you will definitely want to plan ahead, especially if you're coming to Chicago to learn about the latest in manufacturing technology. While most attendees come with a solid plan for which exhibitors they want to see, it's also important to consider the many educational opportunities at the show. Because IMTS isn't just about seeing the latest models of machinery, tooling and accessories for manufacturing. It's also about knowledge. To make your life easier, the editors at AutomationMesh have done a little advance planning for you, identifying some of the key presentations happening right on the show floor that will be most interesting to those with a focus on automation, robotics, motion control and AI.