CHICAGO, Ill. – As manufacturing technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, educational environments must evolve alongside it. That was a key takeaway for the Kingscott team as they attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026, held September 14-19 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Widely recognized as the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS brings together thousands of manufacturers, technology leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals to explore the future of industry.
This year, Kingscott participated alongside FANUC America, one of the nation's leading providers of industrial robotics, automation, andCNC technologies. The event showcased cutting-edge advancements in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing while also highlighting the growing importance of workforce development and technical education.
Beyond the main exhibition halls, Kingscott participated in the Smart Force Student Summit, a dedicated area of IMTS focused on inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, engineers, and innovators. The Summit welcomed more than 10,000 students, educators, and chaperones from across the country, providing hands-on opportunities to explore robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing technologies, and related career pathways. Working alongside FANUC America, the Kingscott team engaged with students as they discovered emerging technologies and began envisioning the possibilities available to them through education and training.
"Industry is changing faster than ever, and education must keep pace," said Rob Atkins, President of Kingscott Associates." Our role is to help schools create spaces where students can gain hands-on experience with the tools, technologies, and problem-solving approaches used in today's workplaces."
For Atkins, some of the most meaningful moments of the event took place within the Student Summit.
"The most rewarding part of IMTS was seeing the curiosity, passion, and excitement in these students as they explored what's possible for their future," Atkins said. "You could see their eyes light up as they interacted with new technologies and started making connections between what they're learning today and the careers they may pursue tomorrow. It reinforced why creating inspiring, hands-on learning environments matters so much. When students can see what's possible and imagine themselves in these industries, it can shape the trajectory of their future."
Experiences like the Student Summit highlight the powerful connection between education, industry, and workforce development, underscoring the importance of preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven world.
Kingscott has been helping school districts respond to these changes by designing educational spaces that blend traditional classroom learning with hands-on technical experiences. Whether developing innovation labs, robotics classrooms, fabrication spaces, engineering centers, or advanced career and technical education facilities, the firm's approach centers on creating authentic learning environments that connect academic concepts to real-world applications.
As districts continue investing in STEAM education and workforce readiness initiatives, Kingscott remains focused on helping educators understand where industry is headed and how learning environments can support those goals.
"Students benefit from opportunities to learn in spaces that feel relevant and connected to the real world," Atkins noted." Events like IMTS help us stay connected to industry leaders so we can bring those insights back to the schools and communities we serve."
Following its participation at IMTS 2026, Kingscott is returning with fresh perspectives on emerging technologies, workforce trends, and educational best practices, all with a shared objective: designing learning environments that prepare students for success in the workplaces of tomorrow.
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