Humanoid Robot SKYE Draws Crowds at NAEC 2026 Convention
News related to:Metropolis Robotics · 1 min read
CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Metropolis Robotics' full-size humanoid robot, SKYE, drew crowds at the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) 2026 Convention & Exposition, held Sept. 28, Oct. 1 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The activation was a collaboration between Metropolis Robotics and Adams Elevator, turning the trade show booth into an interactive experience for attendees.
Molly Cruz, National Sales and Process Manager at Adams Elevator, saw an opportunity to bring something new to the vertical transportation industry. She partnered with Metropolis Robotics to bring SKYE to the show, making the robot an integral part of the Adams Elevator booth. SKYE greeted attendees and carried Adams-branded first aid kits, inviting visitors to take one and share the experience.
The activation was part of a broader strategy by Adams Elevator to introduce new technologies to the industry. SKYE's presence at the NAEC 2026 Convention & Exposition followed activations at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show and the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair. Metropolis Robotics also partnered with Cognizant's Life Sciences consulting team to bring SKYE to a corporate town hall for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical leader at The Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, Ill., one week after the NAEC event.
Metropolis Robotics will next demonstrate SKYE at IMEC's NextGen Manufacturing AI Summit on Nov. 12, 2026, in Downers Grove, Ill. The company has been active in bringing its humanoid robot to various trade shows and corporate events since 1985, when 3DL Design, Inc., based in Gurnee, Illinois, was founded. Its sister company, Metropolis Robotics, has been at the forefront of integrating humanoid robots into live events, aiming to create engaging and memorable experiences for attendees.
The success of the SKYE activation at the NAEC 2026 Convention & Exposition underscores the growing interest in innovative technologies within the vertical transportation industry. By leveraging the presence of a full-size humanoid robot, Adams Elevator was able to draw significant attention and spark meaningful conversations among attendees.