New Taipei's 20 Companies Head to Chicago to Showcase Smart Manufacturing in North America

(Central News Agency reporter Huang Hsu-sheng, New Taipei, June 17) Twenty companies from New Taipei City departed tonight for the 'AUTOMATE 2026 North American Automation Technology Expo.' They will meet with Mayor Hou Yu-ih on June 18 local time and jointly inaugurate the 'New Taipei Pavilion' on June 22, while also visiting local enterprises to demonstrate New Taipei's smart manufacturing capabilities.

Sheng Hsiao-jung, Director of the Economic Development Bureau of the New Taipei City Government, said in a phone interview with CNA today that the city has gathered 20 local companies to attend the 'AUTOMATE 2026' exhibition in Chicago, USA. This is the largest automation and robotics event in the Americas, bringing together global leaders in automation equipment, system integration, and industrial software technologies.

She said the 20 companies will jointly establish the 'New Taipei Pavilion' to showcase the city's smart manufacturing strengths internationally and seek buyers. The participating companies' technologies span industrial AI (artificial intelligence) applications, smart manufacturing, automation systems, industrial computers, edge computing, intelligent sensing and monitoring, and precision key components.

She explained that edge computing involves moving data processing, analysis, and storage from cloud data centers closer to the source of data generation, thereby improving computational efficiency. For example, factories have many automated devices that require real-time responses. If data is sent to the cloud for analysis and then returned, delays may occur, affecting safety and efficiency.

Mayor Hou traveled to the U.S. on June 13 at his own expense for a private trip. Sheng said Hou will meet the delegation on June 18 local time, attend the opening ceremony of the technology exhibition on June 22, and inaugurate the 'New Taipei Pavilion.' New Taipei City is the only Taiwanese city to establish a city pavilion at this year's exhibition.

Sheng added that before the opening ceremony, Mayor Hou and the delegation are scheduled to visit FANUC America, a global industrial automation giant, and HIWIN USA, the U.S. branch of Taiwan's precision machinery company HIWIN Technologies, to understand trends in automation equipment development, smart factory applications, and the practical experiences of Taiwanese businesses expanding into North America.

The New Taipei City Government stated in a press release that the U.S. is a key export market for the city. Last year, New Taipei's total exports reached $46.5 billion, with exports to the U.S. accounting for approximately 24%. Over 4,500 companies directly export to the United States. As such, New Taipei's industries are actively deepening international cooperation with their comprehensive industrial capabilities.

The city government said Mayor Hou will not only lead companies in exhibiting but also visit local government agencies, returning to Taiwan in the early morning of June 24. (Edited by Chang Ming-kun) 1150617