Bengaluru roadshow garners a rousing reception as the countdown for Automation ExpoSouth 2026 has begun.
With a little over two months left for the grand opening of the highly anticipated 3rd edition of Automation ExpoSouth, scheduled for March 12th to 14th, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre, the recent roadshow at Bengaluru in mid-December 2025 offered a tantalizing preview of the main event. This regional expansion of the Automation Expo series is set to become a focal point for industry clusters in South India, driving the rapid adoption of industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and autonomous systems across the subcontinent.
Leadership and Vision: The Road to Chennai 2026
The Bengaluru event was inaugurated with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp ceremony, symbolizing the enlightenment and progress that automation brings to the Indian manufacturing landscape. This ceremony took place in the presence of esteemed members of the Steering Committee and the Board of Governors for Automation ExpoSouth 2026. Among the prominent industry veterans and thought leaders present were:
- Dr B R Mehta, Former Sr VP – Reliance Industries Ltd and Chairman of the Board of Governors for Automation Expo 2026.
- Dr Kirti Shah, Director, Amar Sustain Tech Solutions.
- Dr Thampy Mathew, CEO, Agate Advisory.
- Mr Shivkumar Srinivasan, Managing Director, MEL Systems and Services Ltd.
- Mr Sudarsan Surendran, GM Projects – Process Automation, Schneider Electric India.
- Mr V B Srikar, Co-Chairman, Nagman Instruments And Electronics Pvt Ltd.
The roadshow was organized as a closed-door, invitation-only meet, meticulously designed for senior leaders who are currently shaping the next wave of industrial transformation, robotics, and digital manufacturing. The exclusive guest list included CEOs, Managing Directors, CTOs, and Heads of Automation & Instrumentation. Additionally, Plant Heads, Factory Directors, and leaders of Robotics & Digital Transformation companies mingled with R&D and innovation experts, creating a high-density networking environment for automation industry professionals.
Bridging the Gap Between Vendors and End-Users
“The automation exhibition showcases the power of collaboration between the solution providers—the vendors and engineering companies—and the actual users of these solutions,” said Dr B R Mehta during his keynote address. “Our first two editions held in Chennai were very successful in creating a localized ecosystem for South Indian manufacturers. With the enthusiastic response garnered at the various roadshows, we are confident that the third edition of Automation ExpoSouth will be a great success. This exhibition will showcase the latest technologies in terms of products, solutions, and breakthrough innovations in the rapidly evolving fields of AI and digital transformation.”
Automation ExpoSouth offers an unparalleled opportunity for the region, featuring over 300 exhibitors and an estimated visitor turnout of over 25,000, based on the record-breaking response to previous editions. Key industry players such as Advantech, Axis Solutions, Alstrut India, Mootek Technologies, JUMO India, and Deceler Vibrotek Controls are expected to showcase their flagship technologies.
“For exhibitors, it is a premier opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience; for visiting professionals, many of whom are key decision-makers, it is an opportunity to look at products and understand their technical features from global experts,” added Mr B Sudarshan. “The event is not just for established entrepreneurs, but also serves as a critical learning experience for students and young professionals who are new to the field. With the specialized conclaves and technical conferences held concurrently, this is a great networking opportunity for all stakeholders to benefit from the collective knowledge of the industry.”
Embracing Cybersecurity, AI, and IIoT Solutions
Dr Thampy Mathew emphasized the staggering speed of technological shifts currently hitting the market: “Things are changing around us, and changing fast. In modern technology, we have these massive pillars like digitalization, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence that are all part of this change. To remain competitive, we have to be really up to date. But how can we stay current? We cannot just read from the internet, nor can we simply get enough insights from one-to-one talks. We must go to a place where all these technologies are physically available, and where the experts are present to discuss and debate the best way forward. At the Chennai Trade Centre from March 12-14, 2026, you will find exactly that at Automation ExpoSouth.”
Exhibitors like Exor India, DNCL Technologies, Dynalog (India), Eldac Process Automation, Gravitech Solutions, and Lubi Electronics are leading this charge into Industry 4.0.
Varun Arora, General Manager – EXOR India, highlighted their specific contribution to the event: “At Exor India, we are driving digitization solutions through our X platform, which comprises a seamless integration of hardware, software, and Cloud services. In hardware, we offer advanced HMIs and IoT gateways; in software, we have our JMobile Studio software, which takes care of programming for all connected devices; and in Cloud, we provide comprehensive IoT and digitization solutions. Our experience at this pre-event roadshow in Bengaluru has been great, offering a lot of customers and networking opportunities in different industry segments. We now look forward to the main Chennai event in March 2026.”
Collaborative Robotics and Global Partnerships
The event also places a heavy focus on the integration of robotic technology solutions into existing manufacturing workflows. Charles R, Vice President – Client Relations at Xboom Utilities Pvt Ltd, noted: “We were invited by the organizers for this roadshow, and we are glad to be present. We got exposed to a lot of OEMs and we are looking forward to integrating their technologies and collaborating with them to introduce their products on our platform. I believe Automation ExpoSouth in Chennai is going to be a place where a lot of like-minded people can meet and collaborate. From what we have seen at this roadshow, I am sure there are going to be many more opportunities at the main exhibition in March where we can meet companies from India and even from other parts of the world.”
Jyothi Joseph, Director of IED Communications Ltd—the organizers of the Automation Expo series—concluded: “The Bengaluru Roadshow was a great success with 27 exhibitors offering glimpses of the products and technologies that are going to be on display. To all our friends from Bengaluru who have missed this roadshow, we look forward to seeing all of you in Chennai from 12th to 14th of March at the Chennai Trade Centre. Mark your calendars and prepare for Automation ExpoSouth 2026.”
Additional notable participants contributing to the event’s success include Karandikar Laboratories, specialized in testing and certification, ensuring that the latest automation innovations meet rigorous global safety standards.
Companies that participated at the Bengaluru Roadshow
3DCAD India Pvt Ltd
Advantech Industrial Computing India Pvt Ltd
Alstrut India Pvt Ltd
Autobots
AXIS Solutions Limited
Blackbox
Centum Controls Pvt Ltd
Deceler Vibrotek Controls Pvt Ltd
Dynalog (India) Ltd
Eldac Process Automation
Gravitech Solutions Pvt Limited
JUMO India Pvt Ltd
Karandikar Laboratories Pvt Ltd
Lubi Electronics
MEL Systems And Services Ltd
Mesaverse Automation
Moons' Intelligent Motion System India Private Limited
Mootek Technologies Pvt Ltd
Nagman Instruments & Electronics (P) Ltd
Nano Technologies
Process Precision Instruments
RN Embedded
Robonetics Automation Solutions LLP
SBEM
Signals & Systems (India) Private Limited
Tekodyne
For more information please visit www.south.automationindiaexpo.com or email [email protected]/Mobile: 99204 89667, 98200 93667.
FAQ
1. When and where is Automation ExpoSouth 2026 taking place?
Automation ExpoSouth 2026 will be held from March 12th to 14th, 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India.
2. What are the key focus areas of Automation ExpoSouth 2026?
The event focuses on industrial automation, robotics, Industrial AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), and smart manufacturing solutions.
3. Who are the major exhibitors at Automation ExpoSouth 2026?
Leading companies include Nagman Instruments And Electronics, Advantech, EXOR India, MEL Systems and Services, JUMO India, and Lubi Electronics, among 300+ other exhibitors.
4. Why should I attend the Automation ExpoSouth roadshows?
Roadshows, like the one held in Bengaluru, offer an exclusive preview of upcoming technologies, networking opportunities with CEOs and CTOs, and a chance to engage with industry experts before the main exhibition.
5. Is Automation ExpoSouth 2026 suitable for students and young professionals?
Yes, the event features specialized conferences and conclaves designed as a learning platform for students and early-career professionals to understand the latest trends in robotics and AI.
6. What role does Industrial AI play in the 2026 exhibition?
Industrial AI is a central theme, showcasing how machine learning and autonomous systems are being integrated into factory floors to optimize production and predictive maintenance.
7. How can I register for Automation ExpoSouth 2026?
Registration details are managed by IED Communications Ltd. Professionals can typically register through the official event website to gain access to the exhibition halls and technical sessions.
8. What makes the Chennai Trade Centre a significant venue for this event?
The Chennai Trade Centre is located in the heart of South India's industrial belt, providing easy access for key industry clusters in automotive, electronics, and manufacturing sectors.
9. Will there be international companies at Automation ExpoSouth 2026?
Yes, the event attracts global OEMs and technology providers from around the world, fostering international collaboration and technology transfer.
10. What kind of networking opportunities are available at the event?
Attendees can participate in B2B meetings, specialized conclaves, and interactive sessions with industry leaders, CEOs, and technical experts.
