IMTS 2024: Reinforcing the ‘Can-Do Attitude’

Positivity loomed large at McCormick Place, Chicago, where the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) was held from September 9-14, 2024. Tech giants demonstrated software, AI, machine learning, and cloud-based applications, while manufacturing leaders and budding innovators showcased cutting-edge solutions to improve workforce productivity and lower costs.

Organized by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), IMTS served as a comprehensive platform for staying informed about the latest in manufacturing technology. The 2024 edition of the manufacturing trade fair stayed true to its reputation, kicking off with a spirited start that set the tone perfectly. Douglas K Woods, President, of AMT, welcomed visitors to IMTS 2024, saying, “You’re the backbone of the economy in the United States, and IMTS is the place where the very best manufacturers connect with the very best technology.”

An Out-and-Out Success

Emphasizing the transformative potential of the show, Peter R. Eelman, Chief Experience Officer, AMT, said, “IMTS 2024 will accelerate the adoption of advanced technology in ways visitors could not have imagined before the show. A sense of new possibilities generated an enthusiasm throughout the show.”

The event featured 1,737 exhibitors, a record of more than 40 million pounds of machinery, 1,226,523 sq ft of show space, and 89,020 registrants, including 14,713 at the Smartforce Student Summit. The IMTS 2024 Conference attracted 53 percent more registrants. There were 1,70,000 organic impressions on posts from the IMTS official channels (#WEAREIMTS) and hundreds of thousands more impressions for all IMTS posts.

Douglas K Woods, President, of AMT, shared, “Exhibitors fine-tuned their demonstrations, packaging their solutions in the way people want to consume them. Rather than featuring a product, exhibitors showed how they solved problems with systems. That’s the genius that excited visitors.”

A Hub of Innovation

Kathleen Mitford, Corporate Vice President, Global Industry Marketing, Microsoft, opened the show with a keynote speech focusing on how ‘AI solutions are accelerating manufacturing outcomes across the sector from factory floors to boardrooms’.

BlueForge Alliance exhibited in AMT’s Emerging Technology Center, which also featured a convergent manufacturing platform from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The ETC featured Apollo, a humanoid robot from Apptronik. The company uses AI to teach the robot how to perform tasks autonomously by leveraging a technique called imitation learning, almost like teaching a young child how to do something for the first time.

At IMTS 2024, AWS announced additional edge partners for its AWS IoT SiteWise Edge service, from Belden and Litmus, which makes it easy to collect, organize, process, and monitor equipment data on-premises.

In a first for IMTS, contract manufacturers learned how they could partner with the U.S. Navy and its submarine industrial base.

Automation Beckons

The show witnessed the launch of the new Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – smart production solutions.

“Creating the Automation Sector at IMTS and SPS – smart production solutions in Atlanta reflects our commitment to helping manufacturers enhance and accelerate their productivity and support the expanding U.S. manufacturing market,” said AMT’s Woods.

Every major machining exhibitor in the Metal Removal Sector demonstrated integrated systems featuring large pallet changers, bar feeders, load/unload robots, chip removal systems, and more. 

First-time exhibitor Lights Out Mfg collaborated with Universal Robots to demonstrate the first robot system that can load a different part every time and clamp it in the company’s RoboWrench X5 pneumatic CNC vise.

Additionally, Fanuc exhibited the industry’s first explosion-proof cobot.

The technology in the Additive Manufacturing Sector, accelerated by Formnext and educational opportunities on the Formnext Stage made IMTS an additive manufacturing (AM) destination.

Jupiter Machine Tool, a strategic integration partner in Meltio’s booth, unveiled its high-precision five-axis vertical mill integrated with Meltio’s 3D metal wire head.

Student Summit

A total of 14,731 students and educators visited the Smartforce Student Summit to experience hands-on technologies and gain valuable insights into the future of manufacturing.

India Shines at IMTS

One of the special highlights during IMTS 2024 was the ‘India
Opportunities’ session, jointly
organized by Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) and AMT.

An interesting panel discussion titled, ‘Synergy for Indo-US Partnership in Manufacturing’, provided an outlook on the Indian Manufacturing and Machine Tool industry. Moderated by TK Ramesh, Managing Director, Ace Designers Ltd, the session featured panelists including Rajendra S Rajamane, President, IMTMA and Managing Director, Rajamane Industries Pvt Ltd; Ravi Raghavan, Past President, IMTMA and Managing Director, Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd; David Moskey, Territory Manager - India, South-East Asia and Middle East, Mastercam; and Arun Mahajan, Director, India - AMT.

India Advantage

The session deliberated on the advantages that India has to offer:

A Global Force – As the world’s most populous country, India boasts a strong consumer-driven market, making it a hub of opportunity for businesses worldwide.

Economic Powerhouse – India is the 5^th largest and fastest-growing economy, with a GDP of US$ 3.94 trillion in 2024, and is projected to reach US$ 10 trillion by 2035.

Trade Momentum – India's trade strength is evident, with exports amounting to US$ 437 billion and imports reaching US$ 675 billion in FY 2023-24.

Startup Leader – Ranking as the 3^rd largest startup ecosystem globally, India is a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Indian Machine Tool Industry Overview

According to the Gardner Intelligence World Machine Tool Survey - 2023, the global machine tool industry recorded a production value of US$ 85.26 billion, imports at US$ 38.64
billion, exports totaling US$ 44.87 billion, and consumption reaching US$ 79.04 billion. Within this global framework, India's machine tool industry showcased a production value of US$ 1.52 billion, imports of US$ 1.73 billion, exports amounting to US$ 0.18 billion, and consumption at US$ 3.06 billion. Additionally, India ranked 9^th in global machine tool production and stood 6^th in consumption in 2023

See You in 24 Months!

This year’s edition garnered an overwhelming response from the industry stakeholders, setting the stage for the next the preparations of which have already begun with great gusto. Mark your calendar for IMTS 2026 scheduled for September 14-19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Poonam Pednekar Chief Copy Editor Magic Wand Media Inc poonam.pednekar@magicwandmedia.in

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