Automate Detroit
May 12, 2025 - May 15, 2025
Automate Detroit: North America’s Leading Robotics and Automation Event
In the heart of Detroit, a city historically associated with industrial innovation, Automate stands as the definitive event for robotics, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation. Organized annually by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate is not just the largest automation trade show in North America—it’s where the future of global manufacturing is envisioned, discussed, and set into motion.
With its ever-growing reputation, Automate has evolved into a must-attend gathering for professionals looking to adopt or improve automation within their operations. Whether you're a plant engineer, executive decision-maker, or a technology supplier, Automate provides the space, network, and resources necessary to stay competitive in the age of intelligent manufacturing.
Why Automate is the Premier Automation Conference in North America
Automation is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s today's competitive edge. From smart robotics to advanced machine vision systems, Automate Detroit gives attendees firsthand access to the tools and techniques that are transforming global industries.
Core advantages of Automate include:
A comprehensive trade show floor featuring 800+ world-class exhibitors
Direct access to factory automation leaders and top-tier industry specialists
Unrivaled networking opportunities with integrators, OEMs, and manufacturing strategists
A massive 365,000+ sq ft exhibition area filled with practical automation solutions
Each year, the event draws more than 30,000 attendees, proving its value as a knowledge-sharing and deal-making hub.
Diverse Exhibitor Base and Industry Reach
From Fortune 500 manufacturers to nimble automation startups, Automate welcomes organizations at all stages of their automation journey. The diversity of exhibitors ensures a wide array of perspectives, tools, and innovations across key sectors.
Exhibitors represent technologies and services such as:
Collaborative and industrial robotics
Machine vision and AI-based inspection systems
Industrial sensors and IoT integration
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
End-of-line packaging and materials handling solutions
This wide scope makes Automate not only a technical showcase but also a strategic marketplace where solution providers and buyers come together with purpose.
High-Impact Learning Through Keynote Talks and Technical Sessions
Automate doesn’t just show technology—it teaches how to implement and optimize it. The conference features over 200 expert speakers, including industry veterans, engineers, and researchers, delivering talks that tackle real-world problems and futuristic possibilities alike.
Topics covered include:
Digital transformation in manufacturing
Industrial cybersecurity in automated environments
ROI-driven automation deployment
Robotics programming and integration
Machine learning in factory settings
These sessions help participants evaluate the feasibility of adoption, understand cost-benefit analyses, and prepare for the evolving regulatory and technical landscape.
Key Attendee Profiles: Who Comes to Automate?
Automate’s attendee list reads like a who’s who of modern manufacturing. The show is attended by professionals with direct influence over operations, procurement, and strategic planning.
You’ll meet:
Plant engineers responsible for automation integration
Operations managers exploring tools for efficiency gains
C-level executives scouting innovation to maintain a competitive edge
System integrators seeking components for large-scale projects
R&D specialists evaluating early-stage technologies
This elite attendee base ensures that conversations at Automate are meaningful and geared toward action.
Why Detroit is the Perfect Location
Detroit, Michigan has long been considered the epicenter of industrial progress in North America. As the home of automotive giants and numerous tech-forward manufacturers, it provides an ideal backdrop for discussions on robotics and automation.
Besides its symbolic status, Detroit offers world-class venues and infrastructure to support a global-scale event. From convenient travel connections to ample space for demonstrations and facility tours, the city plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall event experience.
Unique Benefits for Exhibitors and Sponsors
Participating in Automate as an exhibitor or sponsor delivers measurable ROI and long-term brand visibility. Whether your company is launching a new product or aiming to solidify its market position, Automate offers a highly qualified audience eager for innovative solutions.
Exhibitor advantages include:
Access to over 30,000 targeted buyers and engineers
Real-time feedback and demo engagement
Exposure in pre-event marketing and digital outreach
Participation in exclusive networking and press events
By interacting directly with attendees, companies can fine-tune their offerings, build trust, and generate high-quality leads.
Fueling Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
One of the most powerful aspects of Automate is the ecosystem of partnerships that it nurtures. The show is more than a sales opportunity—it’s a breeding ground for long-term collaboration.
As component OEMs interact with system integrators and solution developers, new alliances form that lead to:
Joint ventures
White-labeled solutions
Exclusive distribution deals
Collaborative product development
These partnerships help accelerate the deployment of automation technologies across diverse sectors, from food processing to aerospace.
What’s New at Automate This Year?
Each new edition of Automate introduces fresh experiences and features that reflect the dynamic nature of the industry. Here’s what attendees can look forward to this year:
A dedicated AI & Machine Learning Pavilion
Live robotics competitions and programming challenges
Enhanced interactive exhibitor demos
Women in Automation leadership forums
Guided tours of automation facilities in the Detroit metro area
These additions not only enrich the event experience but also offer new opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Automation Starts Here
In a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, staying current with automation technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. Automate Detroit is the premier gathering where the best minds, tools, and strategies converge to shape the future of industrial efficiency and intelligence.
From high-level strategy to ground-level implementation, Automate offers something for everyone involved in robotics and automation. It’s where business goals meet technological excellence—and where ideas are transformed into operational reality.
