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INOV.AM realizou visita de prospeção à feira IMTS 2024

IMTS 2024 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS 2024: Analysis of Trends Shaping the Future of Industry

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS 2024), held from September 9 to 14 at McCormick Place, Chicago, USA, reaffirmed its position as one of the most influential manufacturing technology exhibitions in the world. The event brought together 89,020 participants from over 110 countries and 1,737 exhibitors, occupying more than 114,000 m², making it a true epicenter of innovation.

This biennial fair serves as a barometer for the future of industrial production, offering a clear view of the technologies and strategies that will determine global competitiveness. The scale and diversity of IMTS make it a must-visit event for understanding the direction of the sector.

A Global Platform for Industrial Innovation

The IMTS 2024 pavilions provided a live demonstration of the factory of the future, highlighting the convergence between the physical and digital worlds.

Key Highlights and Dominant Themes

Industrial Automation and Collaborative Robotics: Automation was a central theme, with growing focus on collaborative robots (cobots) capable of working safely and flexibly alongside human operators, increasing productivity in complex tasks.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Connectivity: The application of AI in process optimization, predictive maintenance, and quality control was prominent, demonstrating how real-time data analysis drives smarter decision-making.
Additive Manufacturing: Additive manufacturing showed its maturity, with solutions for series production of metal and polymer parts for sectors such as aerospace and automotive, far beyond prototyping.
Digital Transformation of Processes: There was a strong focus on integrated digital ecosystems that connect the entire product lifecycle — from design and simulation to production and after-sales — ensuring greater efficiency and traceability.

Strategic Relevance for National Companies

The trends observed in Chicago are crucial for Portuguese industry. Adopting intelligent automation, integrating AI, and leveraging additive manufacturing are essential vectors for increasing efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness in international markets.