As one of the largest manufacturing trade shows, the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 displayed the latest innovations and technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.
New product introductions, automation solutions and advanced technologies were among the plethora of exhibits (more than 1,600) at the event. “IMTS 2024 has more of everything,” said Peter Eelman, chief experience officer at the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), the producer of the show.
He wasn’t wrong, and while it would be impossible to include everything that was relevant to Machine Design’s audience, we did put together some insights from the show, which readers can find on our dedicated IMTS 2024 hub.
This biennial event will convene again at Chicago’s McCormick Place, Sept. 14-19, 2026.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, ANCA Celebrate 50 Years
Sometimes, trade shows intersect with company milestones, and that was the case for Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. and ANCA CNC Machines this year.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. celebrated its 50-year anniversary of support to the machine tool industry through service and repair in North America at its gold-themed booth. Visitors got to participate in giveaways, view a demo of machine tending solutions, and preview the M800V/M80V Series CNC controller, with additional functions to the M800/M80 Series, which was released in 2014. These include high-definition 3D machining simulation to minimize trial cutting and a streamlined operator interface.
In addition to their presence in the South Hall, they were also at the Student Summit with their Diamondworks workforce development program and in the conference area with Mechatronics Product Marketing Manager Patrick Varley’s presentation “How Their First Robot Purchase Enabled a 70-year-Old Company with 11 Facilities on 3 Continents to Profitably Expand their Domestic Manufacturing.”
ANCA CNC Machines also celebrated 50 years in the industry as well as 35 years of operations in the United States, celebrating those twin milestones by exhibiting the first ANCA machine ever bought in the U.S.: a refurbished TG4. Contrasted with the company’s latest solutions, this was a striking visual display of the firm’s journey in the tool and cutter grinding industry.
ANCA celebrated with partners, customers and industry at a gala dinner event during IMTS. The show also provided the stage to announce awards, including this year’s Female Machinist honoree, Stephanie Chrystal from Sandvik Coromant USA. Chrystal was recognized for her exceptional problem solving, leadership in expanding and training her team, and abiliity to deliver outstanding results under pressure.
Innovation Awareness: Cognizant Joins MxD
Also in conjunction with the timing of IMTS, MxD announced that Cognizant joined as a member, aiming to drive innovation in digital manufacturing solutions. Cognizant will establish a collaboration space on MxD’s 22,000-square-foot future factory floor, with methods for improving production operations at scale. Cognizant’s Manufacturing Innovation Center opening at MxD took place on Sept. 9, 2024.
The facility will have cutting-edge technology demonstrations, workforce training and a focus on cybersecurity, which is essential for modern manufacturing. “I am delighted to welcome Cognizant to MxD,” said Berardino Baratta CEO of MxD. “This partnership will accelerate innovation and bring significant value to the industry.”
READ MORE: On the Floor at IMTS 2024: Live Machining and Automation Demos
Cognizant is known for its expertise in modernizing technology and processes. The new Manufacturing Innovation Center will highlight how manufacturers can achieve differentiated results and foster collaboration. Demos will include an innovation lab and operations command centers.
“We are thrilled to introduce our manufacturing Innovation Center at MxD,” said Nishanth Vallabhu, vice president of manufacturing at Cognizant. “Our center leverages MxD's ecosystem to help clients unlock value through technology, data and AI.”
With more than 300 members, MxD remains committed to empowering U.S. manufacturing through technology innovation and workforce development.
Big Tech, Sustainability
Two noticeable trends at this year’s show were the presence of major tech companies and a strong emphasis on sustainability initiatives.
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—for smart manufacturing and the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning as well as predictive and prescriptive maintenance.
These industry leaders, along with a host of other companies presented on the Main Stage, where representatives shared insights that reflect the latest trends and innovations in manufacturing.
As the manufacturing sector faces increasing pressure to decrease its environmental impact, many exhibitors presented solutions designed to create more efficient processes and reduce waste. Technologies that emphasize eco-friendly practices not only support regulatory compliance but cater to a growing market demand for sustainable products and practices.
Inspiring STEM Students, Future Engineers
The Smartforce Student Summit put the latest in manufacturing technology from the highest profile industry exhibit partners on display to provide educators and students with fun and engaging learning experiences centered around the industry’s vision of the “manufacturing technology classroom of the future.”
WATCH: Day 3 Offers Candid Insights from the Heart of IMTS 2024
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.4% compared with 3.6% for non-STEM occupations. As an increasing number of the nation’s youth consider manufacturing careers, the Smartforce Student Summit was designed to inspire students who are seeking an education in STEM that leads to a career path in manufacturing.
As we look forward to IMTS 2026, it is clear that the advancements made today will shape the trajectory of the manufacturing sector and drive it toward greater efficiency, reduced environmental impact and more collaboration across disciplines.
Check out more coverage from Machine Design’s IMTS 2024 content hub.
