Rockwell Automation is preparing to demonstrate practical approaches to autonomous manufacturing at PACK EXPO International 2026, scheduled for October 18–21 in Chicago, Illinois. The company plans to bring together industrial control systems, artificial intelligence, digital twins, robotics, and automated material handling to illustrate how manufacturers can improve productivity while building on their existing automation infrastructure.

Manufacturers worldwide are under increasing pressure to improve production efficiency, manage labor shortages, and modernize aging equipment. Rather than replacing entire production systems, many facilities are exploring gradual upgrades that combine established programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial drives, remote input/output modules, and supervisory control software with newer digital technologies.

At the exhibition, Rockwell Automation plans to highlight its Integrated Architecture portfolio, including PowerFlex drives, PointMax I/O, On-Machine products, and upcoming LogixEdge controllers. These technologies are intended to support flexible machine designs and more adaptable industrial control architectures.

Digital twins will also be an important part of the demonstration. FactoryTalk Optix and Emulate3D software can help engineering teams visualize equipment, simulate production processes, and evaluate machine designs before physical implementation. By testing control strategies in a virtual environment, manufacturers may identify engineering issues earlier and improve commissioning preparation.

Another area of focus is FactoryTalk Analytics Model Predictive Control, which combines multivariable closed-loop control with agentic artificial intelligence. Such approaches can help manufacturers analyze operating conditions and make more informed adjustments to complex production processes. Their practical value depends on reliable process data, validated control models, and appropriate engineering oversight.

Rockwell Automation also plans to demonstrate FactoryTalk Orchestration, which coordinates material movement and production workflows in real time, alongside OTTO autonomous mobile robots designed for factory logistics. Coordinating machines, material handling, and production information can help reduce unnecessary movement and improve workflow visibility.

For PLC engineers and system integrators, these developments reinforce the importance of a dependable automation foundation. Stable control logic, reliable industrial communications, suitable sensors, and accurate production data remain essential when introducing advanced analytics and autonomous equipment.

The planned demonstrations illustrate a gradual route toward smarter manufacturing. Companies can assess individual processes, introduce digital tools where they offer measurable value, and expand automation capabilities over time.

For industrial equipment suppliers, the trend creates opportunities in PLC hardware, industrial I/O modules, drives, communication components, control-system upgrades, and commissioning services. As manufacturers connect existing equipment with advanced software and robotics, compatibility and long-term system reliability will remain key purchasing considerations.