Industrial Automation Show - IAS
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About this event
Industrial Automation Show (IAS)
The Industrial Automation Show (IAS) is a major international platform focused on industrial automation and the technologies that power intelligent manufacturing. The event is scheduled for October 12–16, 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), located in Shanghai, China. IAS brings together leading brands, solution providers, and industry professionals to explore how automation, robotics, electrical systems, industrial IT, and manufacturing informationization are shaping the next era of production.
Event Overview
IAS is positioned as a high-level, topic-driven showcase for the industrial automation ecosystem—where engineering innovation meets real-world adoption. By concentrating on automation, production and process automation, electrical systems, robotics technology, industrial IT, and manufacturing digitization, IAS supports both technical discovery and business decision-making.
Dates and Location
- Event title: Industrial Automation Show (IAS)
- Dates: October 12–16, 2026
- Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
- City & country: Shanghai, China
Core Themes and Topic Areas
IAS highlights the technology stack behind modern factories. Based on the event’s stated focus, attendees and participants can expect content and solutions spanning the following areas:
- Industrial automation: systems and solutions enabling automated operations across production environments.
- Production & process automation: technology designed to improve efficiency, repeatability, safety, and throughput for industrial processes.
- Electrical systems: components, architectures, and control-related solutions supporting stable and scalable automation.
- Robotics technology: robotics applications and enabling technologies for automation and intelligent manufacturing workflows.
- Industrial IT & manufacturing informationization: digitization, connectivity, data-driven manufacturing, and industrial software/IT systems.
- Micro-systems technology: advanced enabling technologies that support higher precision, performance, and system integration.
What the Event Is Built For
IAS is designed to connect the ecosystem—from technology providers to manufacturing stakeholders—around the practical challenges of industrial transformation. The show’s structure typically emphasizes both product discovery and trend-focused exploration, helping industry teams identify where automation investment can create measurable operational impact.
1) Technology discovery that maps to real industry needs
IAS focuses on the tools, systems, and capabilities that manufacturers use to accelerate production modernization. This makes the event valuable for participants evaluating current and next-step automation roadmaps.
2) A convergence of automation hardware and industrial digitization
Many automation programs now require combined thinking across controls, electrical infrastructure, robotics integration, and industrial IT. IAS’s theme alignment supports this convergence, helping companies compare integrated solutions rather than isolated components.
3) A platform for industry dialogue
In addition to exhibition activity, IAS includes “topics & trends” style program areas and show dynamics such as live and media cooperation sections. These elements are intended to reinforce the event’s role as a knowledge and trend sharing hub, not only a product marketplace.
Exhibition Dynamics and Visitor Experience
IAS is presented with a strong emphasis on event activity, including show information and dynamic content elements. The event experience is structured to support both on-floor exploration and deeper engagement through content areas such as:
- Topics & Trends: trend-focused presentation and ongoing updates tied to the exhibition’s technical scope.
- Product category exploration: navigation through technology categories aligned with industrial automation priorities.
- Show dynamics: live and media support elements to enhance event visibility and participant engagement.
- Press and media support areas: resources that support industry communication around the show.
- Download center: supporting materials for participants who want structured event information.
Why IAS Matters to the Automation Ecosystem
Industrial automation is one of the most infrastructure-dependent areas of modern manufacturing—progress requires alignment between engineering, operational execution, and digital systems. IAS is relevant for companies pursuing:
- Intelligent manufacturing upgrades that move production toward higher efficiency and flexibility.
- Automation capability expansion across production and process operations.
- Robotics adoption and integration to enhance capability and improve cycle performance.
- Industrial IT and data integration to strengthen visibility, control, and optimization.
- System modernization through electrical and control solutions supporting scalable automation architectures.
- Advanced component innovation including micro-systems technology for precision industrial applications.
Event Context in the Broader China International Industry Fair Landscape
IAS is presented as a flagship industrial exhibition under the wider umbrella of China International Industry Fair (CIIF). This context positions the event within one of China’s longest-running national-level industrial platforms, helping connect it to broader supply chain and industry momentum.
Who This Event Typically Serves
IAS is designed for stakeholders who influence automation strategy, technology selection, and implementation planning across manufacturing environments. The event’s scope supports engagement across:
- Automation and engineering decision-makers
- Industrial IT and manufacturing informationization teams
- Robotics and systems integration professionals
- Electrical and control system specialists
- Operations and production improvement stakeholders focused on measurable outcomes
- Industry leaders evaluating investment priorities in intelligent manufacturing
Practical Travel and Participation Notes
IAS provides official guidance through venue information, including transportation and travel & accommodation sections. Participants planning attendance can reference the event’s venue and visitor sections for structured logistics and preparation.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Event name | Industrial Automation Show (IAS) |
| Dates | October 12–16, 2026 |
| Venue | National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) |
| City & country | Shanghai, China |
| Primary focus areas | Industrial automation; production & process automation; electrical systems; robotics technology; industrial IT & manufacturing informationization; micro-systems technology |
Suggested Engagement Approach for Participants
To get the most value from IAS, participants generally benefit from aligning their on-site conversations with clear automation objectives such as: improving production efficiency, reducing downtime, increasing process stability, accelerating modernization, and strengthening digital visibility. Because IAS covers both operational automation and industrial digitization, attendees are well positioned to compare end-to-end solution approaches.
If you would like, we can tailor an IAS participation plan based on your company’s technology category (automation systems, robotics, electrical/control, industrial IT, micro-systems, or related solutions) and the specific manufacturing outcomes you want to target during the show dates.
Data sheet
| Event Name | Industrial Automation Show - IAS |
| Event Date | October 12–16, 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) |
| City | Shanghai |
| State / Region | Shanghai Municipality |
| Country | China |
| Organizer | Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd. |
| Official Event Website | industrial-automation-show.com/En/ |
| Event Type | International industrial automation trade show and conference |
| Primary Category | Industrial Engineering |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | IT & Technology; Electric & Electronics |
| Audience Reach | Global, with strong China and Asia-Pacific industrial buyer concentration |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. Organizer’s 2025 site content referenced nearly 3,000 exhibiting companies across the broader CIIF platform; this is a market-scale indicator, not a confirmed IAS 2026 attendance number. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Moderate. Date, venue, and organizer are confirmed; public 2026 attendance totals are not confirmed. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To showcase industrial automation technologies, smart manufacturing solutions, robotics, industrial software, motion control, sensors, and factory digitalization solutions for manufacturing buyers and ecosystem partners. |
Industrial Automation Show (IAS) is one of China’s flagship industrial automation exhibitions and a core theme within the China International Industry Fair platform. The official website confirms the 2026 edition will take place from October 12 to 16, 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The event focuses on industrial automation, production and process automation, electrical systems, robotics, industrial IT, manufacturing informatization, and micro-system technologies.
IAS matters because it sits at the intersection of manufacturing modernization, factory digital transformation, and production efficiency improvement. It attracts decision-makers and technical teams from industrial end-user companies, equipment suppliers, system integrators, software vendors, and channel partners seeking automation upgrades, process optimization, and smart factory investment opportunities. It is highly relevant for lead generation, B2B outreach, and account targeting across industrial, technology, and electrical supply chains.
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing procurement and sourcing teams | Discrete manufacturers, process manufacturers, OEMs, plant operators | Specifies equipment, compares suppliers, negotiates price and service | High-value audience for automation hardware, software, and systems integration |
| Plant operations and factory management | Factories, industrial parks, contract manufacturers | Influences uptime, productivity, maintenance, and capex decisions | Strong fit for robotics, sensors, SCADA/MES, and predictive maintenance vendors |
| Automation and controls engineering | System integrators, OEM engineering teams, plant engineering departments | Defines technical requirements and product compatibility | Key audience for PLCs, drives, motion control, industrial networks, and control software |
| Technology and digital transformation leaders | Industrial groups, smart factory programs, enterprise IT/OT teams | Influences digital architecture, integration, cybersecurity, analytics | Relevant for industrial software, cloud, data platforms, and OT security suppliers |
| Maintenance and reliability teams | Asset-intensive manufacturers, utilities-adjacent operators, heavy industry | Evaluates serviceability, spare parts, uptime, lifecycle support | Good fit for condition monitoring, industrial IoT, and service contracts |
| Product development and manufacturing engineering | OEMs, electronics manufacturers, machinery builders | Influences new equipment selection and line modernization | Important for industrial components, machine vision, and automation design tools |
| Distributors and channel partners | Industrial distributors, regional resellers, value-added partners | Sources products for resale and regional delivery | Strong for supplier recruitment, channel expansion, and territory coverage |
| Consultants and industry advisors | Automation consultants, manufacturing advisors, digital transformation firms | Influences vendor shortlists and project specifications | Useful for early-stage pipeline creation and referral networks |
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Shanghai | Local manufacturers, engineering firms, distributors, and technology vendors | Very High | Shanghai is a major industrial, trade, and HQ market with strong buyer density. |
| Host region: Yangtze River Delta | Buyers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and surrounding industrial corridors | High | A dense manufacturing belt with strong automation spending and supplier networks. |
| National reach: China | State-owned enterprises, private manufacturers, industrial groups, and channel buyers from across China | High | The event is positioned as a national-level industrial fair within CIIF. |
| Asia-Pacific / international | Regional buyers, global OEMs, system integrators, and technology suppliers | Medium to High | Shanghai’s trade profile supports cross-border industrial sourcing and partnership activity. |
| Global industrial hubs | Automation buyers from Europe, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and North America | Medium | More relevant for multinational vendors, exporters, and partnership development. |
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Primary classification | IAS is part of a major international industrial fair platform and attracts cross-border industrial buyers, suppliers, and technology partners. |
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIC Motor | Automotive manufacturer / industrial buyer | Large-scale manufacturing automation, robotics, and factory software buyer. | saicmotor.com | Procurement Director, Automation Manager, Plant Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| BYD Company | EV and battery manufacturer | Highly automation-intensive production and industrial digitalization buyer. | byd.com | VP Operations, Engineering Director, Sourcing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| CATL | Battery manufacturer | Automated production lines, industrial control, and quality systems are core needs. | catl.com | Procurement Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Automation Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Gree Electric Appliances | Appliances manufacturer | Factory automation, controls, motion systems, and smart manufacturing solutions buyer. | gree.com | Operations Director, Procurement Director, Plant Engineering Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Haier Smart Home | Consumer appliances manufacturer | Uses advanced production automation and digital factory systems. | haier.com | Manufacturing Director, Sourcing Director, CIO | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Midea Group | Industrial and appliances manufacturer | High-volume production makes it a strong automation and industrial IT prospect. | midea.com | VP Manufacturing, Procurement Lead, Digital Transformation Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Foxconn | Electronics manufacturing services | Major buyer of automation, robotics, machine vision, and industrial software. | foxconn.com | Procurement Manager, Factory Automation Manager, IT/OT Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Foxconn Industrial Internet | Industrial digitalization / smart manufacturing | Directly aligned with industrial IT, automation, and manufacturing software ecosystems. | fii-foxconn.com | Platform Director, Product Manager, Enterprise Architecture Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| CRRC Corporation | Industrial manufacturer / transportation equipment | Large, engineering-driven buyer of controls, automation, and industrial equipment. | crrcgc.cc | Engineering Director, Procurement Director, Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Sinopec | Energy and process industry buyer | Process automation, instrumentation, and industrial safety buyer. | sinopec.com | Procurement Manager, Instrumentation Manager, Plant Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| PetroChina | Energy and process industry buyer | Large-scale process automation and industrial control use cases. | petrochina.com.cn | Sourcing Director, Operations Director, Reliability Engineer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| State Grid Corporation of China | Utility / infrastructure buyer | Industrial systems, digital infrastructure, and automation for energy operations. | sgcc.com.cn | Procurement Director, Digitalization Lead, Project Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| China Railway Group | Infrastructure and industrial contractor | Automation, control systems, and industrial project procurement relevance. | crec.cn | Procurement Manager, Project Director, Subcontracts Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Lenovo | Technology hardware / manufacturing buyer | Advanced production systems, factory automation, and industrial IT buyer. | lenovo.com | Procurement Lead, Operations Director, IT Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| JD.com | Distribution / logistics / fulfillment | Warehouse automation, robotics, and industrial software in fulfillment operations. | jd.com | Automation Director, Warehouse Operations Lead, Procurement Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer | Procurement | C-level | Owns sourcing strategy for automation, software, and plant investments. |
| 2 | Director of Procurement | Procurement | Director | Drives supplier selection and negotiation for industrial projects. |
| 3 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Sourcing | Manager | Directly evaluates automation suppliers and commercial terms. |
| 4 | Supply Chain Director | Supply Chain | Director | Influences resilience, warehouse automation, and logistics technology. |
| 5 | Plant / Operations Director | Operations | Director | Owns production efficiency, uptime, and capex priorities. |
| 6 | Automation Manager | Engineering / Automation | Manager | Core technical buyer for controls, robotics, and industrial integration. |
| 7 | Industrial IT Director / CIO / CTO | IT / Digital Transformation | Director / C-level | Responsible for industrial software, data, security, and OT/IT integration. |
| 8 | Maintenance & Reliability Manager | Maintenance | Manager | Looks for uptime tools, condition monitoring, and service support. |
| 9 | Engineering Director | Engineering | Director | Influences platform selection and technical standards. |
| 10 | System Integrator Business Development Director | Partnerships / Sales | Director | Builds channel relationships and project pipeline. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial Automation | Direct event alignment with automation systems and controls. | Core target for industrial hardware, software, and integration vendors. |
| 2 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Engineers influence machine selection, plant design, and upgrades. | Best for technical sales and product-led outreach. |
| 3 | Machinery | Machine builders and OEMs attend for components and systems. | Target OEM engineering, sourcing, and product teams. |
| 4 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Core automation buyer category for electronics factories and equipment makers. | Excellent for controls, sensors, and industrial electronics. |
| 5 | Computer Software | Industrial software, MES, AI, data, and platform buyers are relevant. | Best for SaaS, analytics, and industrial IT solutions. |
| 6 | Information Technology & Services | IT/OT convergence and digital factory projects require service partners. | Great for integrators, consultants, and managed services. |
| 7 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Warehouse automation and factory intralogistics are major topics. | Useful for AGVs, WMS, and robotics suppliers. |
| 8 | Semiconductors | High-precision manufacturing creates strong automation demand. | Relevant for cleanroom automation and production systems. |
| 9 | Automotive | Automotive plants are major buyers of robotics and control systems. | Best for line automation, vision, and industrial networking. |
| 10 | Food & Beverages | Process automation and packaging are important in food manufacturing. | Good for hygienic automation, packaging lines, and controls. |
| 11 | Oil & Energy | Process automation and industrial safety are major use cases. | Target controls, instrumentation, and reliability solutions. |
| 12 | Utilities | Automation, monitoring, and plant optimization buyers exist in utilities. | Good for SCADA, OT security, and asset management vendors. |
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer does not publicly confirm 2026 attendance in the extracted site text. | Use as a lead generation event; avoid hard attendance claims. |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed for 2026 | Unconfirmed | 2025 organizer content referenced nearly 3,000 CIIF exhibitors across the broader fair platform. | Broader CIIF platform scale indicator only. |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No official buyer number published in the supplied source text. | Attendance data reliability is moderate. |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Agenda/forum details exist, but a current numerical speaker count is not confirmed in the provided text. | Use agenda review for speaker prospecting. |
| Historical attendance / scale | 2025 CIIF platform referenced nearly 3,000 companies | Historical / prior-year evidence | Official website notice on IAS 2025 / CIIF scale | Indicates large industrial audience potential, not exact IAS 2026 turnout. |
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial automation | Improve productivity, reduce downtime, modernize lines | Executive and engineering demos, ROI discussions | PLC, HMI, drives, motion control, sensors |
| Robotics | Labor efficiency and repeatability | On-floor demos and application-specific use cases | Industrial robots, cobots, end effectors |
| Industrial IT / smart factory | Connect machines, data, and operations | Digital maturity conversations with IT and OT leaders | MES, IIoT, analytics, dashboards |
| OT cybersecurity | Protect industrial systems from threats | Security assessment and architecture sessions | OT monitoring, segmentation, access control |
| Process automation | Stable control and compliance in process industries | Reliability and compliance-led meetings | Instrumentation, control systems, safety systems |
| Predictive maintenance | Lower unplanned downtime and service costs | Asset health and ROI-led buyer conversations | Condition monitoring, CMMS, AI maintenance tools |
| Sustainability and energy efficiency | Reduce energy consumption and emissions | ESG and operational efficiency discussions | Energy monitoring, power management, optimization software |
| Warehouse automation | Speed up storage, picking, and fulfillment | Logistics-focused demos and integration workshops | AS/RS, AGVs/AMRs, WMS integrations |
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event directly serves industrial buyers, automation engineers, procurement teams, and plant operators. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Procurement, engineering, operations, and digital leaders are highly likely attendee profiles. |
| Data collection potential | High | Exhibitor lists, agenda content, and prior-year event materials support robust prospecting and segmentation. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Industrial, software, engineering, logistics, and manufacturing industries map cleanly to Apollo filters. |
| Geographic targeting potential | Very High | Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta create strong regional concentration, with national reach. |
| Best outreach approach | High-touch account-based outreach | Target procurement, operations, engineering, and digital transformation leaders with application-specific messaging. |
| Overall lead quality | Very High | Strong B2B event for industrial lead generation, exhibit sales, channel development, and buyer profiling. |
| Best use case | Attendee list building and qualified account targeting | Ideal for suppliers of industrial automation, software, controls, robotics, and related services. |
| Limitations / risks | Moderate data transparency | Public 2026 attendee totals and current-year buyer lists are not confirmed in the supplied official text. |
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Industrial Automation; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Machinery; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Computer Software; Information Technology & Services; Logistics & Supply Chain; Automotive; Semiconductors; Food & Beverages; Oil & Energy; Utilities | Align target accounts with industrial buyers and automation influencers. |
| Departments | Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, IT, Digital Transformation, Maintenance | Reach functions that influence purchase decisions. |
| Seniority | Manager, Director, VP, C-Level, Owner | Prioritize decision-makers and budget owners. |
| Job titles | Procurement Director, Sourcing Manager, Operations Director, Plant Manager, Automation Manager, Engineering Director, CIO, CTO, Digital Transformation Director, Supply Chain Director, Maintenance Manager | Improve relevance for outreach and list quality. |
| Geography | China; Shanghai; Jiangsu; Zhejiang; Anhui; Guangdong; national China; Asia-Pacific | Mirror likely event traffic and high-density industrial markets. |
| Employee size | 200–500; 500–1,000; 1,000–5,000; 5,000+ | Prioritize organizations with active capex and automation budgets. |
| Keywords | industrial automation, smart factory, robotics, PLC, SCADA, MES, IIoT, machine vision, motion control, predictive maintenance, OT security | Capture technically relevant companies and teams. |
| Company type | Manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, industrial distributors, process plants, utilities, logistics operators | Focus on true buyers and implementation partners. |
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Automation Show official website | Official organizer source | 2026 dates, venue, event identity, event positioning, organizer branding, visitor/exhibitor sections | High |
| Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd. / Hannover Milano Fairs group | Organizer background source | Organizer identity and event management context | High |
| National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) | Venue website | Venue naming and location confirmation | High |
| IAS Show Profile / Introduction page | Official event content | Event scope, industrial automation focus, and participant relevance | High |
| IAS 2025 concluded successfully news page | Official organizer news | Historical scale reference and platform significance | Medium to High |
| Visitor pre-registration page | Official visitor pathway | Confirms buyer/attendee registration infrastructure | High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Industrial Automation Show - IAS — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.