Navigating the Future: Insights from the 2026 A3 Business Forum
The automation industry is moving faster than ever, but staying ahead isn't just about having the newest gadgets—it's about understanding the pulse of the market.
While the massive Automate show is great for seeing hardware in action, the A3 Business Forum is where the strategy for the next 24 months is defined.
We spent time on the ground in Orlando talking with leaders to find out what actually matters for technicians and business owners in 2026 and 2027.
Data Over Instinct: The ITR Economic Outlook
One of the most critical sessions this year focused on the ITR Economics outlook for 2026 and early 2027. In the past, many businesses made expansion decisions because a move "felt right" or because they saw a competitor doing it.
The message this year was clear: use the indicators. To remain competitive, you need to look at leading indicators—such as capacity utilization and capital goods orders—to provide the "why" behind your investments. If you aren't tracking the data, you're just guessing.
Is Your Tech "Plant-Ready"?
A recurring theme during the Executive Roundtable was the reality check on high-tech trends. While humanoid robots continue to dominate headlines and social media, the consensus among those with "boots on the ground" is that we are still in a transition phase.
The most important takeaway for any facility is that technology must be ready for the plant, not just the laboratory. High-tech solutions are useless if:
They cannot be maintained by the current workforce.
They don't solve a specific bottleneck in production.
They are too complex for the people on the floor to operate daily.
Bridging the Workforce Gap
The automation industry has grown to over 1,400 member companies, a record high. However, with that growth comes a challenge: we need more people. Kathy Ryan emphasized that the focus for 2026 must be on creating a ready workforce.
It is no longer enough to just buy a robot; you have to empower the people who will work alongside it. This means constant upskilling and ensuring that as we implement new tech, we are also implementing the training necessary to support it.