When it comes to industrial innovation, few events match the scale, energy, and strategic value of Automate, North America’s premier robotics and automation expo. Brought to life by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), Automate 2025 brings together manufacturers, engineers, C-level leaders, startups, and investors under one roof to explore how technology is reshaping every sector. Setting its stage in Detroit, the historic Motor City, this four-day extravaganza shines a spotlight on automation’s pivotal role in modern business.
Venue & Timing
Automate 2025 is scheduled from May 12 to May 15, 2025, at Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center), located at 1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan . The facility, spanning over 365,000 square feet, will host a mix of exhibit halls, conference stages, certification zones, and award ceremonies.
What to Expect: Scale & Scope
This year marks the largest gathering yet:
- Over 45,000 registered attendees, setting a new attendance record automateshow.com+2huntingtonplacedetroit.com+2automation.com+2automation.com+1wileyindustrynews.com+1
- More than 900 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge solutions automation.com+1roboticsandautomationnews.com+1
- A robust education program featuring 200+ speakers and 140+ conference sessions huntingtonplacedetroit.com+9talosautomation.com+9info.mouser.com+9
- 800 live demos across robotics, vision systems, AI, motion control, and more wileyindustrynews.com+15talosautomation.com+15roboticsandautomationnews.com+15
Automate isn’t just a show—it’s a sprawling ecosystem where hundreds of industries converge to learn, connect, and invest. The Motor City backdrop adds historical resonance, tying Detroit’s mechanical heritage to its tech-forward future ai.motion.com+15roboticsandautomationnews.com+15showsbee.com+15.
Exhibit Categories & Product Coverage
The Expo covers the full spectrum of automation:
- Industrial and collaborative robotics (cobots)
- Machine vision and AI-powered inspection systems
- Motion control and drives
- Sensing, safety, and control systems
- Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems
- Mobile robots (AMRs) and factory‑floor mobility
- Software platforms like digital twins, ERP integration, and cybersecurity
- Emerging tech demos, including humanoid robots and AR/VR tools info.mouser.com+15roboticsandautomationnews.com+15automationmag.com+15expressnews.comtrade.gov+3ai.motion.com+3automation.com+3
From practical assembly tools to futuristic prototypes, every corner of automation appears here.
Conference Features & Highlights
Executive Keynotes
Hear from luminaries such as NVIDIA’s Deepu Talla, Schneider Electric’s Aamir Paul, and automotive-savvy speakers like Brad Holmes—highlighting the intersection of automation and business strategy automation.com.
Certification Courses
Exam tracks include Certified Vision Professional (CVP) and Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP), offering attendees advanced credentials automationmag.com+4automateshow.com+4supplychaney.com+4.
Hands-On Labs & Demos
See systems in action—from real-time robotic welders to AI inspection stations and mobile robot tours .
Startup & Innovation Challenges
Emerging robotics companies compete in the Automate Startup Challenge for visibility and investment wileyindustrynews.com+3talosautomation.com+3automation.com+3.
Student & Educator Programs
Educational outreach includes student competitions and sessions tailored to the next generation of automation professionals .
Awards & Networking Events
Social events include the Joseph F. Engelberger Awards dinner, Global Trade Reception, and region-specific networking breakfasts and evenings huntingtonplacedetroit.com+6bospar.com+6roboticsandautomationnews.com+6.
Audience & Attendee Profile
Automate draws an interdisciplinary audience:
- Industrial OEMs and systems integrators
- Manufacturing engineers and plant managers
- CIOs and factory-floor digital leaders
- Robotics and software startups
- Investors and private equity firms
- Educators and workforce development programs
- Government trade and export facilitators automateshow.com+15trade.gov+15info.mouser.com+15automationmag.com+2expressnews.com+2automation.com+2
Last year’s event drew cross-industry professionals from automotive, pharma, food production—even restaurant sectors exploring kitchen automation—highlighting the show’s breadth automationmag.com.
Hotel & Accommodation Options
Huntington Place is centrally located in downtown Detroit, with nearby lodging options including:
- Marriott at the Renaissance Center – A short walk across the riverfront
- The Westin Book Cadillac – Historic luxury within minutes
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Mid-range, business-friendly
- Detroit Foundation Hotel – Design-driven boutique experience
Downtown Detroit offers a mix of high-end and affordable stays, all linked via rideshare services. Detroit Metropolitan Airport is just 20 minutes away.
Why Attend Automate?
- Strategy-Aligned Exhibits
Everything on display—from AI to AMRs—is built for real-world impact in productivity, labor, and cost. - Immediate ROI through Learning
Sessions focus on practical implementation: reducing downtime, improving quality, and scaling automation. - Elite Networking
Receptions connect global system integrators, manufacturers, startups, and investors. - Talent Pipeline Access
Student competitions and educator programs signal the future workforce and foster recruitment. - Global Reach
Trade receptions promote international partnerships, especially with Latin America and Asia markets expotobi.com+12bospar.com+12huntingtonplacedetroit.com+12roboticsandautomationnews.com+1automation.com+1expressnews.com. - Future Trends in Focus
Attendees see AI agents, humanoid robots, digital twins, and robotics-integrated workflows before mainstream adoption expotobi.com+1expressnews.com+1.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Register early—to reserve training courses and high-demand sessions
- Arrive on opening day for keynote and awards events
- Use the app to schedule demos and meetings in advance
- Bring business cards and press-ready materials
- Participate in receptions and awards nights to connect with decision-makers
- Plan transport via bus or rideshare—downtown is walkable but spread out
Final Thoughts
Automate Detroit is more than a trade show—it’s a strategic summit for forward-thinking industries. From automotive giants to nimble startups, lunch-packers to university labs, automation is becoming central to competitiveness. Over four days, attendees glean insights, form alliances, and invest in the technologies that will shape manufacturing’s next era.
For business leaders intent on transformation, Automate offers a powerful vantage point—and a clear roadmap for success.
To view the full agenda and book tickets, please visit:
https://ww