Robots meet machine tools at the IMTS party

Purpose – To review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were conducted with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications. Findings – Robots are becoming smarter with more integrated capabilities such as vision and autonomous part picking from random bin locations. They are becoming more economical, faster and more application specific. Robot system integrators are creating more efficient solutions for customers to consider. Originality/value – Users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found they did not meet applications requirements should revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.