Global automation specialist FANUC AMERICA will emphasize “the future of manufacturing” at IMTS 2026, in the South building at booth 338900, demonstrating how trusted automation powered by Physical AI is bringing together advanced CNC technologies, machining automation and robotics to improve productivity, increase flexibility and accelerate deployment.

“Manufacturing is entering a new era where Physical AI enables robots to see, reason and act in real-world production environments, allowing manufacturers to automate increasingly complex tasks with greater intelligence and adaptability,” said Mike Cicco, President and CEO of FANUC America. “At IMTS 2026, FANUC will demonstrate how AI-powered robots, cobots, CNC technologies and digital twin and virtual commissioning solutions are helping manufacturers simplify programming, bring automation online faster and improve productivity.”

Physical AI

Google Cloud, NVIDIA and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are working with FANUC to advance Physical AI technologies that allow robots to perceive their environments, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously in manufacturing operations. At IMTS 2026, a featured demonstration developed with Google Cloud shows how AI agents can interpret handwritten instructions and direct robots to identify, locate, and kit the parts needed for the intended task.

Attendees also will see how generative AI and natural-language commands can be used to automatically generate Python code and robot programs through FANUC's CRX Vibe Coding demonstration, enabling robots to perform tasks based on verbal instructions.

Physical AI demonstrations will include a dual-arm CRX-5iA robotic connector assembly application with AI that helps robots use vision and force data to perform complex connector insertion and assembly tasks. An intelligent bolt-tightening demonstration on moving parts will use Inbolt Physical AI tracking technology and NVIDIA-powered processing with FANUC’s CRX-20iA/L and R-30iB Mini Plus Controller.

FANUC also will feature several Physical AI examples showing what is possible with AI-driven machining through FANUC CNC solutions. Exhibits will include AI-powered optimal toolpath generation, intelligent program generation that reflects user instructions, automated machining improvements based on digital twin technology, and an autonomous failure recovery demonstration.

Digital twins and virtual commissioning

FANUC will demonstrate how digital twin and virtual commissioning technologies help manufacturers simulate robotic and machining applications, evaluate process changes and improve engineering decisions before equipment is installed.

For CNC machining operations, the following technologies in FANUC’s digital twin suite help manufacturers simulate, validate and optimize machining processes before production begins, preventing machining issues, improving surface quality and reducing wasted time and materials:

• CNC Reflection Studio creates digital twin machines to simulate and check CNC programs and real-world machining processes
• CNC Guide 2 imports real machine data to accurately reproduce a real mechanical system
• Surface Estimation replicates real-world surface finish results in digital simulations to accurately check part shape and machining quality level
• Tool Path Optimizer uses CAD data to adjust the toolpath in a machining program to create a high-quality finish
• Smart Digital Twin Manager keeps track of digital twin manufacturing workflow changes and processes

For robotic automation, digital twin technologies help manufacturers design, validate, and optimize applications before installation. By identifying issues earlier and reducing commissioning time, digital twins provide a faster path from concept to production.

NVIDIA Isaac Sim will be featured in a live digital twin of a robotic spot-welding application and integration with ROBOGUIDE.

A Digital Twin CRX-5iA demonstration will show a cobot handling computer hard drives for a data server application, illustrating how changes made in ROBOGUIDE or on a physical robot can be synchronized and reflected across both platforms.

Collaborative robots

FANUC continues to expand the capabilities of its CRX collaborative robot portfolio with the introduction of the new portable CRX-3iA, featuring a 3 kg payload and lightweight (11 kg) design, and broader availability of the new R-50iA controller platform across the CRX lineup. Making its debut at IMTS, the new R-50iA compact DC controller is designed specifically for CRX applications mounted on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Supporting direct 24V to 48V DC battery power, the lightweight controller eliminates the need for a separate inverter, reducing system complexity and simplifying mobile robot integration. Featured in a connected manufacturing demonstration, CRX robots powered by the R-50iA platform showcase advanced assembly, machine tending, part transport, inspection and washing operations. The R-50iA also delivers industry-leading cybersecurity certification, advanced vision capabilities, Ethernet connectivity and Python support for easier system integration.

CNC automation innovation

Factory Automation exhibits will highlight the 500i-A CNC, FANUC's next-generation control platform designed to improve manufacturing performance, simplify programming and enhance ease of use. Demonstrations will showcase reduced cycle times, automatic programming from CAD models and advanced tool management capabilities.

Also on display will be FANUC's new industrial PC models, delivering intelligent, touch-based programming solutions directly on the CNC machine. Other demonstrations will include FANUC’s next-generation servo motor αi-D Series, as well as retrofit and 5-axis machining applications designed to enhance productivity and machining performance.

New ROBOMACHINE products

IMTS 2026 will mark the debut for FANUC's next-generation ROBODRILL DC Series machining centers featuring FANUC’s latest CNC and servo technologies:

• The D54CS performs heavy drilling, high-speed drilling and tapping on S50C steel with the 10k high torque spindle paired with Smart Spindle Load Control
• The D74CS performs high-speed cutting capabilities with the new 12k high-acceleration spindle, showcasing the latest in software functions and G-codes exclusive to ROBODRILL for cycle-time reduction
• The D116CS introduces the expansion of the X-Axis stroke to 1100 mm and Y-Axis to 600 mm; using the high-inertia DDR-TiB, FANUC performs high-precision positioning and high-speed processing of large electric vehicle instrument panels

Assembly

FANUC will present advanced assembly technologies designed to simplify integration, improve precision and expand access to automation. A transmission assembly demonstration performed by a CRX-30iA and R-50iA Mate controller will use integrated force control to assemble a planetary gear system, illustrating how collaborative robots can perform increasingly complex assembly tasks without external force sensors.

Another exhibit will highlight a CRX-30iA and R-50iA Mate Controller in a high-torque bolt tightening application that provides real-time process feedback, torque validation and quality verification.

Material joining and robotic machining

FANUC will demonstrate how robotic automation is advancing welding and material joining applications. The new CRX-3iA will demonstrate vertical-up welding on structural steel, highlighting how collaborative robots can support flexible welding applications in environments such as shipbuilding.

An additional exhibit will feature two new R-2000 E Series robots in automotive spot welding application, highlighting the maintenance-free design, enhanced axis speeds, increased wrist load capacity and digital twin capabilities of FANUC's latest industrial robot platforms powered by NVIDIA Isaac Sim. Together, these applications illustrate how manufacturers can improve quality, increase throughput and support more efficient production using advanced robotic welding and material joining solutions.

The new M-810/190-20B robot will be used in a wet machining demonstration that shows robot-based milling, drilling and tool changing capabilities powered by FANUC CNC and robot G-Code technologies.

Learn more at www.fanucamerica.com