Smartforce LIVE!
Step into the action with Smartforce LIVE!, a fast-paced series of in-booth presentations happening throughout the 2026 Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS.
In just 5 minutes, exhibitors, educators, industry experts, and workforce leaders will spotlight the technologies, programs, career pathways, and big ideas shaping the future of manufacturing. These quick-hit sessions are designed to spark curiosity, share real-world insights, and help students and educators discover what's possible.
| Date | Time | Location | Session Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9/15 | 9:30a | Booth 211330 | Human Deep Space Exploration: The Artemis Program How do we, as humans, return to the Moon through the harsh environments of deep space? The Artemis program was designed to safely return humanity to the Moon. The ground systems, the rocket, and the crew capsule work together as one system to provide the power to explore. This presentation will highlight the key systems and their critical roles in returning humans to the Moon, to stay and establish the first lunar outpost. |
| 9/15 | 10:00a | Booth 211704 | Precision Starts Here - Calibration, Probing, and Measurement From fundamental to advanced CNC probing techniques, learn how probing can drive better accuracy, faster setups, and more predictable results. The session will also introduce key concepts in machine calibration and final inspection to round out a modern approach to process control. |
| 9/15 | 10:30a | Booth 211300 | What's Your Manufacturing Match Your interests, hobbies, and personality can point to exciting careers in manufacturing. Explore how you can find a pathway in manufacturing. |
| 9/15 | 11:00a | Booth 211810 | From Classroom to Industry: Teaching Metrology with CMM Technology Metrology is a crucial part of manufacturing. The ZEISS Academic Program is focused on bringing this knowledge to students to prepare them for success. |
| 9/15 | 11:30a | Booth 211500 | Mitsubishi Electric – Introduction to Smart Manufacturing & Automation Using our 3-robot automation line developed for Kettering University as a centerpiece, we'll demonstrate how technologies such as robotics, PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, vision systems, and sensors integrate across a network to drive real-world applications and improve factory efficiency. |
| 9/15 | 12:00p | Booth 211900 | Robots, Role Models & Reality Robots, Role Models & Reality introduces students to the people, technology, and careers behind modern robotics and manufacturing. By breaking old stereotypes and showing real-world pathways, students discover that there's a place for many different skills and interests in automation. The goal is simple: help students see something that makes them say, “I could do that!” |
| 9/15 | 12:30p | Booth 211730 | Building the Pipeline for American Manufacturing Matt Draper with the Department of War's IBAS program is here to share with students and educators the bright futures that await them in manufacturing. Through multiple IACMI-led national programs like America's Cutting Edge and METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning), he'll share how they inspire, explore, educate, train, experience, and employ the full talent pipeline from K to career. |
| Date | Time | Location | Session Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9/16 | 9:30a | Booth 211330 | Additive Manufacturing to Enable Exploration Additive manufacturing empowers engineers to improve component performance while cutting cost and production time. With advanced materials and next generation fabrication processes, we're building the propulsion systems that will drive future exploration – returning us to the Moon and pushing onward to Mars. |
| 9/16 | 10:00a | Booth 211704 | Precision Starts Here - Calibration, Probing, and Measurement From fundamental to advanced CNC probing techniques, learn how probing can drive better accuracy, faster setups, and more predictable results. The session will also introduce key concepts in machine calibration and final inspection to round out a modern approach to process control. |
| 9/16 | 10:30a | Booth 211300 | What's Your Manufacturing Match Your interests, hobbies, and personality can point to exciting careers in manufacturing. Explore how you can find a pathway in manufacturing. |
| 9/16 | 11:00a | Booth 211316 | Hands-on Manufacturing Learning with HAMMER's PET-FABs The HAMMER Engineering Research Center is sponsored by the National Science Foundation to develop new technologies for the metal deformation industry. To revolutionize U.S. manufacturing, the next generation of the workforce needs authentic training with real equipment. HAMMER's PET-FABs are open-source, low-cost, tabletop-sized pieces of equipment that provide training to students in foundational engineering and manufacturing skills. |
| 9/16 | 11:30a | Booth 211100 | Pathways to Automation Careers
|
| 9/16 | 12:00p | Booth 211814 | The Phillips Student Competition and Skilled Knowledgeable Youth (SKY) This year the Phillips Machinist Student Competition will include the opportunity to give back by contributing to a cause that provides prosthetics to underserved rural communities in South America. This is designed to give meaning to the projects students will be working on at their schools. |
| 9/16 | 12:30p | Booth 211320 | From Classroom to Career: Building the Future Manufacturing Workforce with CNC LEAP Discover how Siemens' CNC LEAP (Lifelong Educational Advantage Program) is helping students develop the advanced machining and digital manufacturing skills employers need today. Join us to learn how industry-recognized CNC training, certifications and digital twin technology are preparing the next generation for successful careers in modern manufacturing. |
| Date | Time | Location | Session Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9/17 | 9:30a | Booth 211330 | Walking and Driving on the Moon!! The Artemis campaign will put humans on the Moon (first time in 54 years!) to walk and ride on the lunar surface. What does that take? It takes a next generation spacesuit as well as brand new lunar rovers. These are both essential to building a permanent presence on the Moon – NASA's Moon Base. |
| 9/16 | 10:00a | Booth 211100 | Pathways to Automation Careers
|
| 9/17 | 10:30a | Booth 211403 | From Classroom to Show Floor What does it take to transform a classroom project into an exhibit on the IMTS show floor? This session explores how students use industry tools, mentorship, and hands-on experience to bring ideas from concept to reality while building the skills needed for future careers in engineering and manufacturing. |
| 9/17 | 11:00a | Booth 211610 | Your Mission: Build the Future Every great innovation starts with someone who has an idea. Then somebody that knows how to build it. Discover how engineers, technicians, programmers, and problem-solvers use advanced manufacturing technology to turn ideas into reality and launch careers that make a difference. |
Smartforce Studio
Stop by the Smartforce Studio throughout IMTS 2026 to see some of manufacturing's leading podcasts record live from the show. Hear conversations with industry leaders, educators, workforce experts, and innovators focused on the people, technologies, and ideas shaping manufacturing's future.
Featured podcasts include Manufacturing the Workforce of Tomorrow presented by SME, The Manufacturing Mentor presented by CHAMPION Now, and The TechEd Podcast from LAB Midwest, with additional shows to be announced.
Find the Smartforce Studio in Booth 211136.
