This story originally posted on Sept. 10, 2024, and was updated on Sept. 18, 2024.
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 showcased new product introductions, automation solutions and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. “IMTS 2024 has more of everything,” said Peter Eelman, chief experience officer at AMT, noting that the density of technology on display created an atmosphere of excitement and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the manufacturing sector.
READ MORE: On the Floor at IMTS 2024: Experience Live Machining and Automation Demos
While there was no shortage of state-of-the-art machining equipment at this year's event, between the robots, cobots and tooling were the tech companies—including big names such as Google, Microsoft and AWS.
These industry leaders along with a host of other companies presented on the Main Stage, which was set up on the concourse between the North and South Halls, where representatives shared insights that reflect the latest trends and innovations in manufacturing.
The Emerging Technology Center (ETC) booth was at the entrance of the North Building, and visitors were able to experience technologies aimed at addressing today’s most pressing manufacturing issues, including automation, additive manufacturing, reshoring, the surge in aerospace and defense investment, and raising productivity per worker.
READ MORE: Focus on Innovation as IMTS 2024 Opens in Chicago
North Hall Highlights: Robotics and Automation
With all four halls packed with 1.2 million square feet of exhibits, here are just a few of the innovative technologies from the North Hall:
Universal Robots and Vectis Automation Offer Coordinated Motion Feature
At the Universal Robots booth, Vectis Automation showcased their new coordinated motion feature for welding robots, which adds a seventh degree of freedom through a rotary axis. This innovation ensures the weld puddle remains perpendicular to gravity, enhancing weld quality. UR’s Chris Savoia said the system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no advanced engineering knowledge, and comes with online tutorials for quick setup.
igus’ Two Booths: One for Signature Products, One for Automation
The company’s standard booth showed off many of its signature products, like e-chain cable carriers, linear actuators, motors and motor controllers. The new RBTX booth was dedicated to showing off its automation products, which include robot arms, cobots, gantries and more, along with individual components and accessories. Among those is a cartesian (pictured), which is advantageous for visual inspection systems due to their simplicity in programming XYZ motion in a 3D space. The system can be enhanced with additional tools and rotational (theta) motion. Specifically, the unit mentioned is used for scanning cans in defense applications, checking for dents, scratches or punctures by analyzing the space between the sensor and the can.
Kawasaki’s New Robot Line Made for Easy Integration
Kawasaki Robotics introduced a robot line designed for easy integration and programming using tablets, with a focus on material handling and machine tending. They offer easy tool changes and durability, which includes an IP 66 rating and high accuracy. Future plans for the company include further simplifying integration with other machines through partnerships, such as with the Hurco CNC machine (pictured).
Check out more coverage from Machine Design’s IMTS 2024 content hub.
