FANUC Brings Physical AI and Expanded Robotics to IMTS 2026

At the center of the showcase is the implementation of Physical AI, a collaborative effort involving tech giants including Google Cloud, NVIDIA, and AWS. By linking real-time sensor data with AI reasoning, FANUC aims to move beyond rigid automation toward systems that adapt to dynamic production floors. Demonstrations will include robots interpreting handwritten instructions and generating code via verbal input, significantly reducing the programming barriers for complex assembly and machining tasks.

Hardware updates play a critical role in this expansion, led by the debut of the R-50iA Compact DC Controller. Designed for CRX collaborative robots mounted on autonomous mobile robots, the controller operates on direct battery power, removing the need for external inverters and simplifying integration. The company is also rolling out the CRX-3iA, a lightweight cobot with a 3 kg payload, alongside next-generation ROBODRILL machining centers, such as the D116CS, which features an expanded X-axis stroke to accommodate larger automotive components.

Virtual commissioning and digital twins will also take center stage, allowing manufacturers to validate processes before physical installation. By integrating NVIDIA Isaac Sim with FANUC’s ROBOGUIDE platform, developers can simulate and test robotic applications in virtual space. These tools, alongside new CNC control platforms like the 500i-A, are intended to help manufacturers cut cycle times, improve surface quality, and minimize material waste, bridging the gap between digital design and factory-floor execution.