Automate 2026: AI and robotics leaders to give keynote speeches

Keynotes explore forces reshaping automation and the future of work

Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

By Robotics 24/7 Staff June 8, 2026

Automate 2026: AI and robotics leaders to give keynote speeches

Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Monday's keynote at Automate 2026 in Chicago features an industry leader roundtable discussing ongoing market trends and automation advancements.

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The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has announced the keynote lineup for Automate 2026, as artificial intelligence reshapes industrial automation and drives manufacturers and other industries to find new ways to address workforce shortages, improve productivity and remain competitive.

The Association said that these themes will take center stage this year at Automate, June 22-25, 2026, in Chicago at McCormick Place.

Automate 2026 keynote speakers

A3 said that industry leaders from Siemens Digital Industries and Standard Bots will headline keynote sessions exploring the growing role of AI in automation, workforce transformation and the expanding capabilities of robotics across manufacturing, logistics and other industries.

The program will also feature a leadership conversation with Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher and longtime Bears radio voice Jeff Joniak.

Automate is expected to attract more than 50,000 people, with 200+ expert speakers, 140+ conference sessions and 1,000+ exhibitors across 450,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The Association said that its keynote program will highlight the most important trends shaping automation today, from industrial AI to workforce transformation and leadership.

Monday, June 22

The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable
- Mike Cicco, president and CEO, FANUC America
- Andre Marino, SVP, industrial automation, Schneider Electric
- Matt Moschner, president and CEO, Cognex
- Wendy Tan White, CEO, Intrinsic
  - These industry leaders will share their perspectives on the current state of automation, key market trends and the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry’s future.

Tuesday, June 23

Annemarie Breu & Chris Stevens from Siemenes Digital Industries will provide Tuesday's Keynote at Automate 2026. Source: A3

The Automation Impact: AI, Automation and the Human Element
- Annemarie Breu, senior director, automation software deployment and incubation, Siemens Digital Industries
- Chris Stevens, president, U.S. automation, Siemens Digital Industries
  - This session explores how manufacturers are integrating AI with automation systems to improve productivity, build more adaptive operations, and enable the workforce to scale new technologies responsibly.

Wednesday, June 24

Evan Beard, co-founder and CEO of Standard Bots, will provide Wednesday's Keynote at Automate 2026. Source: A3

99% of Tasks Still Can’t Be Automated: How Physical AI Changes That
- Evan Beard, co-founder and CEO, Standard Bots
  - Beard will examine why most real-world tasks remain difficult to automate and how AI-native robots could dramatically expand the range of tasks automation can address.

Thursday, June 25

Former Chicago Bears' lineback Brian Urlacher and play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Joniak will provide Thursday's Keynote at Automate 2026. Source: A3

Built to Win: The Mindset Behind Championship Performance
- Brian Urlacher, former linebacker, Chicago Bears
- Jeff Joniak, play-by-play announcer, Chicago Bears
  - This session explores the leadership principles behind sustained high performance, drawing parallels between elite sports teams and modern organizations.

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Automate 2026: AI and robotics leaders to give keynote speeches