Automation Fair 2026: Know Before You Go
The 2026 Automation Fair® event from Rockwell Automation® is coming to Boston, Massachusetts on November 16-19. This year's event, themed Future in Focus, will bring together industry professionals to explore new technologies, industrial automation solutions, and strategies for modernizing operations.
From next-generation controllers and visualization platforms to artificial intelligence (AI) and software-defined automation, attendees will have opportunities to see new products, participate in hands-on training, and connect with technical specialists.
Here is a preview of several developments to watch at Automation Fair 2026.
Next-Generation Industrial Controllers and I/O
Rockwell Automation is expanding its Logix controller portfolio with new capabilities designed to support modern industrial control architectures.
CompactLogix® 5390 Controllers: Built on the same chipset as the ControlLogix® 5590, the new CompactLogix 5390 features dual Ethernet ports, integrated safety capabilities up to SIL 2, and compatibility with PointMax™ I/O.
PointMax I/O: New modules expand the platform's application range, including eight-point AC input modules, AC/DC output modules, and a direct interface module for stepper motors. These additions support applications ranging from industrial control systems to conveyor automation.
Studio 5000 Logix Designer® V39: The upcoming release introduces new capabilities while marking an important transition for legacy hardware. Version 39 will no longer support ControlLogix L7 processors or 1769 CompactLogix controllers, making lifecycle planning an important consideration for existing installations.
LogixEdge™: This new software-defined automation platform combines controller functionality, FactoryTalk® Optix™ visualization, and scripting capabilities within a Linux-based device.
Advances in Industrial Visualization
Several developments in the Rockwell Automation visualization portfolio will be highlighted at Automation Fair.
PanelView™ Pro: The next generation of PanelView operator interfaces introduces a modular architecture with separate display and logic modules. This design will allow customers to select either a FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition or FactoryTalk Optix-based platform while retaining a common display.
FactoryTalk Optix 1.8: The latest release introduces high-availability configurations using three-node clusters, workstation clients that launch web-based interfaces as desktop applications, and an AI design assistant within FactoryTalk Optix Studio.
Attendees can explore these technologies through demonstrations and technical sessions covering FactoryTalk Optix, FactoryTalk View, remote access, and ThinManager®.
New Motor Control and Drive Technologies
Rockwell Automation will also showcase developments in variable frequency drives (VFDs) and distributed motor control.
PowerFlex® 535: This next-generation compact drive will support CIP Security™, FactoryTalk® Design Workbench™, and commissioning through the DeviceTools™ mobile application. Initial configurations will feature an IP20 enclosure, with additional options planned for 2027.
Armor PowerFlex® 330: This integrated motor and drive solution combines an IE5 permanent magnet motor, variable frequency drive, and On-Machine™ logic module. Its architecture supports decentralized control applications, including conveyor systems and material handling equipment.
AI and Software-Defined Automation
Artificial intelligence will be another major focus at Automation Fair 2026.
The Innovation Booth, themed Journey to Autonomy, will feature demonstrations exploring AI-assisted HMI development, autonomous adaptive control, and AI-enabled drive commissioning and troubleshooting.
Rockwell Automation will also introduce FactoryTalk® Conductor™, an AI agent platform designed to connect Rockwell Automation software, technical documentation, and knowledge resources. The platform is expected to support development, troubleshooting, and technical assistance through connections to hosted or customer-selected AI models.
Plan Your Automation Fair Experience
Beyond product demonstrations, Automation Fair offers:
- + Technical sessions
- + Hands-on labs
- + Industry-focused summits
- + Opportunities to connect with industrial automation experts
Attendees should register for sessions early, explore available expo tours, and use the official event app to build their schedules.