In the dynamic world of modern manufacturing, staying competitive means constantly evolving, embracing new technologies, and optimizing every process. At the forefront of this evolution are automation and robotics, transforming factories into intelligent, efficient, and highly productive environments. For businesses and professionals across the Midwest, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) Minneapolis serves as the vital hub for discovering these transformative innovations.

ATX Minneapolis isn’t just a trade show; it’s a pivotal component of the larger MD&M Midwest event (formerly known as Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis). This strategic co-location creates an unparalleled industry ecosystem, bringing together five specialized expos under one roof: Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis, ATX Minneapolis, Design & Manufacturing (D&M) Minneapolis, Plastec Minneapolis, and Pack Expo. This comprehensive approach allows attendees to explore the entire product development and manufacturing lifecycle – from initial design and raw materials to advanced robotics, medical device production, and final packaging solutions. It’s an indispensable gathering for anyone involved in manufacturing, engineering, R&D, and supply chain management who is eager to accelerate innovation, enhance efficiency, and build the smart factories of tomorrow.

The Midwest’s Hub of Innovation: The Venue and Its Time

ATX Minneapolis consistently takes place in the thriving urban center of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a region renowned for its robust medical technology, food processing, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The event is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, located at 1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA. This state-of-the-art facility boasts expansive exhibition halls, modern conference rooms, and a prime downtown location, ensuring ease of access and a comfortable experience for all attendees. Its close proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and excellent public transportation links make it a highly convenient destination for both regional and national visitors.

ATX Minneapolis is an annual event, strategically scheduled to align with industry advancements and provide timely insights. For 2025, the entire MD&M Midwest co-located event, including ATX Minneapolis, is scheduled for October 21-22, 2025. The main expo hall is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21st, and from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22nd. Beyond the bustling exhibition floor, the event also features an extensive conference program. These in-depth educational sessions typically begin earlier, around 9:00 AM each day, and conclude in the late afternoon, offering attendees the chance to dive deeper into specific topics and gain actionable knowledge. This compact, two-day format is designed to be highly efficient, maximizing learning and networking opportunities.

The Building Blocks of Smart Factories: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at ATX Minneapolis is a vibrant showcase of the cutting-edge technologies, equipment, and services that are driving the automation revolution across diverse industries. Attendees can expect to discover a comprehensive array of solutions designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and intelligence in every aspect of manufacturing:

• Industrial Robotics & Collaborative Robotics (Cobots):
  • Demonstrations of the latest robotic arms for tasks like assembly, welding, pick-and-place, inspection, and material handling.
  • Focus on collaborative robots (cobots) designed to work safely alongside human operators, increasing productivity and flexibility.
• Motion Control & Drives:
  • Precision servo and stepper motors, drives, and controllers for accurate and repeatable movement.
  • Linear motion systems, actuators, and linear guides enabling precise positioning in automated systems.
• Sensors & Machine Vision Systems:
  • Advanced sensors (proximity, photoelectric, ultrasonic, laser, force, torque) for detection, measurement, and quality control.
  • High-resolution cameras, sophisticated lighting, and intelligent software for automated optical inspection (AOI) and robot guidance.
• Control Systems & Software:
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and Industrial PCs for robust process control and operator interaction.
  • SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) for comprehensive factory floor management.
  • Latest advancements in industrial software, including simulation tools, digital twins, and AI-driven optimization platforms.
• Automated Assembly Solutions:
  • Custom and standard automated assembly machines for high-speed, high-precision product assembly.
  • Automated fastening systems (screwdriving, riveting) and dispensing equipment.
• Test & Inspection Equipment:
  • Automated test equipment (ATE) for functional testing, in-line quality control, and metrology solutions to ensure product integrity.
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) & Connectivity:
  • Sensors, gateways, and software platforms for connecting industrial equipment, collecting real-time data, and enabling predictive maintenance and remote monitoring.
  • Cybersecurity solutions for connected manufacturing environments.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) in Manufacturing:
  • Applications of AI/ML for defect detection, process optimization, predictive analytics, and enhanced robotic capabilities.
• System Integration & Consulting Services:
  • Expert providers offering complete automation system design, integration, installation, and support for tailored solutions.
• Safety Systems:
  • Machine guarding, safety sensors, light curtains, and safety PLCs designed to protect personnel in automated environments.
• Other Cross-Industry Solutions (due to co-location):
  • Advanced materials and design software (from D&M Minneapolis).
  • Specialized components and manufacturing processes for medical devices (from MD&M Minneapolis).
  • New resins, molding equipment, and recycling solutions for plastics (from Plastec Minneapolis).
  • Packaging automation, materials, and machinery (from Pack Expo Minneapolis).

This vast and integrated array ensures that attendees can find end-to-end solutions, discover new suppliers, and gain insights across the entire manufacturing value chain.

The Minds Driving Progress: Visitor Count and Demographics

ATX Minneapolis, as a cornerstone of the MD&M Midwest event, attracts a significant and highly qualified audience from the manufacturing and technology sectors, particularly strong in the Midwest region. The combined MD&M Midwest event is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees and feature more than 575 exhibiting companies in 2025. This robust participation solidifies its position as the largest annual end-to-end design and manufacturing event in the Midwest.

The attendee profile at ATX Minneapolis is highly specialized and includes key decision-makers and technical experts from various roles and industries:

• Automation & Robotics Engineers: Professionals directly involved in designing, programming, and implementing automation systems.
• Manufacturing & Production Managers: Seeking to optimize production lines, increase throughput, and reduce costs through automation.
• Controls Engineers & System Integrators: Experts in industrial control systems, PLCs, and HMI development.
• Operations & Plant Managers: Responsible for overall factory performance, efficiency, and the strategic adoption of new technologies.
• R&D Professionals: Exploring future trends in AI, machine learning, advanced robotics, and intelligent manufacturing.
• Design Engineers: Interested in how automation impacts product design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Quality Assurance Managers: Implementing automated inspection and testing solutions to ensure product quality.
• Supply Chain & Procurement Professionals: Sourcing automation equipment, components, and integration services.
• Executives & Business Owners: Seeking strategic insights into industry trends, competitive advantages, and new business opportunities in automation.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: A significant portion of attendees due to the strong co-location with MD&M, seeking specialized automation solutions for cleanrooms, sterile environments, and precision assembly.

This concentrated and highly engaged audience makes ATX Minneapolis an exceptionally productive environment for networking, knowledge exchange, and direct business development.

Automating Your Ascendancy: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending ATX Minneapolis (and its co-located expos) offers a wealth of strategic advantages for professionals looking to embrace and leverage industrial automation:

• Experience Live Technology: Witness real-time demonstrations of cutting-edge robots, automated assembly lines, and control systems. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding capabilities that spec sheets simply can’t convey.
• Comprehensive Automation Solutions: Explore an unparalleled range of automation technologies under one roof, from the latest industrial and collaborative robots to advanced motion control, sensors, machine vision, and AI-powered solutions.
• Direct Access to Industry Leaders: Meet face-to-face with hundreds of the top manufacturers, suppliers, and integrators in the automation and robotics space. Engage in direct conversations, get your specific questions answered, and find the ideal partners for your projects.
• Unparalleled Networking: Connect with a vast network of peers, thought leaders, and potential collaborators from diverse industries. Share challenges, discuss solutions, and forge valuable professional relationships that can drive future success.
• Actionable Educational Content: Benefit from an extensive conference program and numerous free on-floor educational sessions. Learn about the latest trends, best practices, implementation strategies, and real-world success stories in factory automation, AI, and smart manufacturing.
• Solve Pressing Challenges: Bring your specific manufacturing automation hurdles to the experts on the show floor. Discover tailored solutions and gain insights from others who have successfully implemented automation for similar applications.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Get a direct pulse on emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and advanced robotics that are fundamentally shaping the future of manufacturing.
• Efficient Sourcing & Comparison: Consolidate your research and sourcing efforts into a single, highly efficient event. Compare multiple vendors and solutions side-by-side, saving significant time and travel costs compared to individual supplier visits.
• Inspiring Future Factories: Be immersed in an environment of innovation, seeing how groundbreaking automation solutions are revolutionizing production across diverse industries, from medical devices to consumer goods.

Your Minneapolis Automation Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Minneapolis’s vibrant downtown area, where the Minneapolis Convention Center is situated, boasts a wide array of hotel options catering to various preferences and budgets. Many are conveniently located within comfortable walking distance or easily accessible via the city’s unique skyway system (enclosed pedestrian walkways connecting various buildings) or efficient public transportation.

Some popular and convenient hotel options near the Minneapolis Convention Center include:

• Hilton Minneapolis: Often directly connected to the convention center via a skyway, offering the utmost convenience for attendees.
• Hyatt Regency Minneapolis: A major convention hotel located very close to the convention center, providing easy access.
• Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis Downtown: Offers comfortable lodging and amenities, typically just a short walk or quick skyway connection away.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis-Dwtn (Conv Ctr) by IHG: A straightforward and convenient option offering complimentary breakfast, very close to the convention center.
• Millennium Minneapolis: Provides upscale rooms and amenities, also within easy walking distance.
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown: Offers spacious suite-style accommodations, suitable for those desiring more room during their stay.
• The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton: A more upscale and distinctive hotel experience in downtown Minneapolis, also readily accessible to the convention center.

Given Minneapolis’s status as a significant convention city, especially during large co-located events like MD&M Midwest, it is highly recommended to book your hotel accommodations well in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates. Exploring options through the official event housing block (if provided by the organizers) is often a good strategy for securing discounted rates.

Invest in Intelligent Manufacturing: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend ATX Minneapolis (and its co-located events) is structured to provide flexible access, with options ranging from free expo-only passes to more comprehensive conference passes.

While specific pricing for ATX Minneapolis 2025 will be finalized closer to the event date, based on previous editions of MD&M Midwest, you can anticipate the following general structure:

• Expo Pass: Often, access to the expansive exhibition floor is free if you register online in advance as a qualified attendee. This is a significant perk, allowing you to explore hundreds of exhibitors and witness live demonstrations at no cost.
• Conference Pass: To access the in-depth educational sessions, keynote speeches, and more specialized technical presentations offered as part of the MD&M Midwest conference program, there will be a fee.
  • Early Bird Conference Pass: These rates are generally lower, potentially ranging from $399 – $599 USD for early registrants.
  • Standard/On-site Conference Pass: These rates will be higher, potentially $699 – $999+ USD.
• Group Discounts: The organizers often offer discounts for groups registering together (e.g., 15% off for 3-5 people, 20% for 6-9 people).

The “free expo pass” model makes ATX Minneapolis highly accessible for professionals primarily interested in sourcing new equipment and connecting with suppliers. For those seeking deeper technical knowledge and professional development, the conference passes offer excellent value. Always consult the official event website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, registration deadlines, and any available group discounts. This investment can unlock significant opportunities for your business.

Revolutionize Your Operations at ATX Minneapolis!

ATX Minneapolis, as a core part of the MD&M Midwest event, is the indispensable annual convergence for anyone passionate about driving innovation through automation and robotics. It’s where cutting-edge technologies are unveiled, critical industry insights are shared, and the powerful collaborations that drive manufacturing excellence are forged. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to deepen your expertise, discover the latest solutions, and ensure your operations remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of intelligent automation.

To learn more and secure your attendance at the next ATX Minneapolis, visit: www.mdmmidwest.com