Detroit robotics conference returns with manufacturing focus
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Automate, the largest robotics show in North America, returns to Detroit next week as the industry confronts tariffs and a renewed focus on U.S. manufacturing.
Why it matters: More than 50% of all robotics orders historically come from the auto industry — a connection that has strengthened Metro Detroit's ties to global robotics companies such as Fanuc and Kuka, conference organizers tell Axios.
Context: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), which hosts Automate, has 140 robotics and automation member-companies in Michigan representing 70,000 workers.
What they're saying: Industry leaders are striving to make robotics a larger part of everyday life — from AI-assisted training of humanoid robots to food delivery robots in Miami, says A3 president Jeff Burnstein.
- "Robots are tools to help people do their jobs better," Burnstein tells Axios. "And so if a robot is serving you in a restaurant, then hopefully that means the people that are employed in the restaurant are spending more time with you."
State of play: This year's Automate is May 12-15 at Huntington Place.
- The conference covers 335,000 square feet, where hundreds of exhibitors will have robots on display for use in health care, agriculture, defense and other industries.
- Many of the 200 speakers and panelists are expected to delve into the challenges and opportunities that President Trump's tariff program presents, organizers say.
The intrigue: Lions general manager Brad Holmes, the event's opening keynote speaker, will talk about strategies to transform an organization into a powerhouse at 9am Monday.
- Nvidia's vice president of robotics and edge AI, Deepu Talla, is scheduled to speak at 9am Tuesday about how AI is accelerating industrial transformation — from factories and warehouses to the vehicles that transport goods.
Zoom out: Student outreach is a big part of this year's conference.
- The show floor will have an education pavilion where students can explore careers in automation and network with professionals.
If you go: It's free to walk the show floor and attend the daily keynote speeches. Registration is required.
- Attendees must be at least 12 years old.
- Conference sessions, exams and social events involve fees.