Automate

What Automate does

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation trade show, produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a non-profit industry trade association. The flagship event is a four-day annual trade show and conference that travels across major US convention cities — Detroit (2025), Chicago (2026), and Las Vegas (2027) — and draws over 50,000 attendees, 1,000+ exhibitors across roughly 450,000 square feet, and 200+ expert speakers. The core product surface comprises two layers: a free-to-attend show floor featuring live robotics, machine vision, motion control, and AI demonstrations, and a paid conference program offering classroom-style sessions, professional certifications (CVP-Basic, CVP-Advanced, CMCP), and networking. Supporting products include the Automate Mobile App, the Automate REWIND on-demand video platform, the Automate Innovation Awards, the NVIDIA-sponsored Humanoid Robot Pavilion, and the Automate Startup Challenge co-sponsored with Microsoft.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: exhibitor booth fees (transaction-based, scaled to square footage with 33% growth committed for 2026), sponsorship packages (NVIDIA flagship, plus Microsoft, Schneider Electric, FANUC, Cognex, Intrinsic, Siemens, and others), and paid conference passes sold as add-ons to free show-floor registration. The customer base spans global industrial OEMs (Ford, GM, Toyota, Boeing, Caterpillar, Tesla), logistics giants (Amazon, DHL, FedEx, UPS), healthcare and consumer firms (Abbott, Pfizer, Walmart, Coca-Cola), and technology platforms (NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, Intel). Go-to-market is event-driven, amplified through A3's content channels including the Automate Rewind YouTube series, the Automate Blog, press releases, and the #AUTOMATESHOW2027 social campaign, with earned media coverage from IFR and trade publications.

Strategically, Automate is scaling aggressively: attendance grew roughly 50% from 2023 to 2025 (35,000 to 45,000+), exhibitors committed to 33% more square footage for 2026, and the show relocated to the Las Vegas Convention Center for 2027 to accommodate further growth. The flagship NVIDIA partnership positions the event as the premier launch venue for humanoid robotics, while A3's underlying authority, proprietary certification programs, and decades-old Joseph F. Engelberger Awards provide durable structural advantages that independent competitors cannot easily replicate. No funding, M&A, or revenue figures are disclosed in the source data, consistent with A3's status as a non-profit trade association rather than a venture-backed commercial entity.

Name

Automate

Legal name

Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Website

https://automateshow.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation trade show, produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). It hosts 50,000+ attendees and 1,000+ exhibitors annually across robotics, AI, machine vision, and motion control, serving industrial buyers and technology vendors across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and energy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Trade Shows

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

akta.pro primary industry

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Robotic Process Automation (RPA) & Hyperautomation Platforms (HDAEAKAF), Robotics, Motion & Actuation Components Retail (CRACAKAJ)

Keywords

• Robotics trade show
• Industrial automation events
• Automation conference
• Machine vision certification
• Robotics industry exhibition

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Conference Passes: Paid conference sessions offering classroom-style education, certifications, and networking. Conference passes may be purchased or added to show registration.
2. Exhibitor Booth Fees: Revenue from exhibitors renting booth space at the show. The 2025 show featured over 900 exhibitors, and 2026 committed to 33% more square footage.
3. Sponsorship Packages: Sponsorship opportunities for exhibitors and partners including the Humanoid Robot Pavilion (sponsored by NVIDIA), Startup Challenge (Microsoft/NVIDIA), and other program sponsorships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Automate is North America's largest robotics and automation trade show and conference, produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The event brings together over 1,000 exhibitors and 50,000+ attendees to showcase robotics, AI, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation solutions, complemented by paid conference sessions, professional certification programs (CVP, CMCP), and the Automate Startup Challenge offering a $10,000 prize.

Product overview

Automate is a trade show and conference event produced by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The core offering consists of the Automate Show (the largest robotics and automation trade show in North America featuring over 1,000 exhibitors across 450,000+ square feet) and the Automate Conference (classroom-style educational sessions with world-class experts). Supporting products include the Automate Mobile App for attendee navigation, the Automate Innovation Awards recognizing industry innovation, the Automate Startup Challenge offering a $10,000 prize for emerging companies, and professional certification programs including Certified Vision Professional (CVP) and Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP). The Automate REWIND platform provides on-demand access to session recordings. The event travels annually across North American cities including Detroit (2025), Chicago (2026), and Las Vegas (2027).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Automate Startup Challenge: Competition where startups pitch automation, robotics, and AI companies for $10,000 prize
• Automate Innovation Awards

Products and services

• Automate Show North America's largest robotics and automation trade show featuring over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing world-leading automation solutions including AI, robotics, motion control, and machine vision systems. Free show floor access for attendees.
• Automate Conference Paid classroom-style educational conference featuring world-class experts and industry leaders discussing real applications, implementation strategies, and emerging trends in automation. Requires conference pass purchase.
• Certified Vision Professional (CVP) Program Professional certification program including CVP-Basic (3-day) and CVP-Advanced (5-day) training programs for machine vision expertise.
• Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) Program Professional certification program offering CMCP-Basic certification through high-quality core motion control training.
• Automate REWIND On-demand video platform providing access to Automate show session recordings, keynote recaps, and expert interviews from prior events via YouTube.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% increase in attendance from 2023 to 2025 (35,000 to 45,000+ registrants)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• NVIDIAflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026NVIDIA is sponsoring the Humanoid Robot Pavilion at Automate 2026, offering free-to-attend demos and presentations for humanoid robot exhibitors. NVIDIA is also co-sponsoring the Automate Startup Challenge. This partnership positions the show as a leading showcase for humanoid and AI-powered robotics.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Microsoft is co-sponsoring the Automate Startup Challenge along with NVIDIA, providing a $10,000 prize for winning startups in automation, robotics, and AI.
• Schneider ElectriccoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Schneider Electric is a prominent exhibitor and keynote speaker at Automate 2026, with executives presenting on AI, automation, and the human element in manufacturing.
• FANUC America CorporationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026FANUC America is a major exhibitor and keynote speaker at Automate 2026, participating in the executive roundtable on the state of the automation industry.
• Cognex CorporationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Cognex is a major exhibitor and keynote speaker at Automate 2026, contributing to discussions on machine vision and automation trends.
• Intrinsic (Alphabet-backed)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Intrinsic (Alphabet's robotics software company) is a keynote speaker at Automate 2026, discussing AI and the future of robotics automation.
• Siemens Industry, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Siemens is a major exhibitor at Automate 2026 with executives presenting on automation impact and industrial AI integration.
• Standard Bots CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Standard Bots is both an exhibitor and keynote speaker at Automate 2026, presenting on physical AI and robot learning through demonstration.
• Universal RobotscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Universal Robots is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, showcasing collaborative robotics solutions.
• Boston DynamicscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Boston Dynamics is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, demonstrating advanced robotics solutions.
• EPSON RobotscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026EPSON Robots is a sponsor and exhibitor at Automate 2026, showcasing industrial robotics solutions.
• Yaskawa America, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Yaskawa America is a sponsor and exhibitor at Automate 2026, presenting robotics solutions.
• Intel CorporationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Intel is a sponsor and exhibitor at Automate 2026, showcasing computing solutions for automation.
• ABB Robotics LLCcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026ABB Robotics is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, demonstrating industrial automation and robotics solutions.
• Beckhoff AutomationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Beckhoff Automation is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, showcasing automation and control technology.
• Festo CorporationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Festo Corporation is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, demonstrating automation components and systems.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Rockwell Automation (OTTO) is an exhibitor at Automate 2026, showcasing industrial automation solutions.
• International Federation of Robotics (IFR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026IFR is both an exhibitor and key industry data provider for Automate, presenting market research and industry statistics on global robotics adoption.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Automatica: Munich-based trade fair for robotics and automation, focused on smart production, vision, and AI. Direct peer targeting overlapping European and global exhibitor/attendee bases.
• IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show): Biennial manufacturing technology trade show held at McCormick Place, Chicago, attracting 80,000+ attendees and 1,800+ exhibitors. Direct competitor for industrial automation exhibitor wallet share in North America.
• Hannover Messe: The world's leading industrial trade fair held annually in Hannover, Germany, covering automation, robotics, digital industry, and energy. Direct global counterpart to Automate for industrial automation exhibitors.
• SPS (Smart Production Solutions): Leading European trade show for smart and digital automation held annually in Nuremberg. Direct peer competing for industrial automation exhibitor budgets with strong focus on controls and drives.
• FABTECH: North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, and welding event with strong automation and robotics content. Comparable audience of manufacturing decision-makers and exhibitor mix.
• ProMat: Premier material handling and logistics automation trade show in North America, hosted by MHI. Competes for the same logistics and warehouse-automation exhibitors and attendees that Automate now courts.
• PACK EXPO: Packaging automation trade show produced by PMMI, drawing 40,000+ attendees and 2,000+ exhibitors across Las Vegas and Chicago events. Direct peer for packaging-line automation exhibitor spend.

Regional players

• IREX (International Robot Exhibition): Japan's flagship biennial robotics trade show held in Tokyo, with strong attendance from Asian robotics suppliers and integrators. Comparable scope on robotics specifically, but focused on the APAC market.

Broad incumbents

• CES (Consumer Electronics Show): Largest consumer electronics trade show, increasingly featuring AI, robotics, and automation exhibitors. A broader incumbent that draws overlapping sponsors and aspirational automation vendors.

Others

• Association for Advancing Automation (A3): Parent organization that produces Automate and serves as the umbrella trade association for robotics, vision, motion control, and AI. Included as the organizing entity whose strategic decisions directly govern Automate's direction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AutomateShow
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5OrlBGLknQ9vOVs8f3A2qQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/automateshow
• Instagraminstagram.com/automateshow
• Facebookfacebook.com/AutomateShow

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Automate