Crowds Gather Around the Humanoid Robot SKYE at NAEC 2026 Convention

Humanoid Robot SKYE Draws Attention at NAEC 2026

The recent NAEC 2026 Convention held at McCormick Place in Chicago witnessed an unprecedented level of excitement as Metropolis Robotics unveiled its life-sized humanoid robot, SKYE. This innovative robot became a pivotal attraction at the Adams Elevator booth, transforming the typical trade show experience into an engaging, interactive event that drew significant crowds.

The creative idea to incorporate SKYE into the booth came from Molly Cruz, the National Sales and Process Manager at Adams Elevator. Recognizing a unique opportunity to captivate the vertical transportation industry audience, she worked closely with Metropolis Robotics to co-brand the robot for the event. Unlike the traditional separation of attractions and booth identity, SKYE was integrated seamlessly into their presentation, becoming a key part of the booth's theme rather than just a standalone exhibit.

Throughout the event, SKYE greeted attendees with charm and flair. The robot walked the aisles of the exhibition, distributing Adams-branded first aid kits, which not only served a practical purpose but also sparked interest and created a memorable interaction. Visitors were compelled to stop, take photos, and share their experiences on social media, a testament to the effective blend of technology and engagement that SKYE brought to the show.

Molly Cruz reflected on the success of this approach, stating, "Our booth has always aimed to give contractors a reason to stop and engage with us, and SKYE did exactly that. People lined up to meet the robot, snap photos, and even returned with colleagues to share the experience. It was by far the most discussed booth we've had at NAEC." This innovative strategy clearly paid off, as attendees expressed genuine curiosity and enthusiasm about SKYE, making it a highlight of the convention.

Randy Harju, the founder of Metropolis Robotics, praised Cruz's forward-thinking approach that led to the successful unveiling of SKYE at NAEC. He expressed optimism about how such unexpected presentations could ignite curiosity and foster meaningful conversations within the industry.

Following its NAEC appearance, SKYE has been actively participating in various events, showcasing its versatility and appeal. Just a week later, the robot was featured at a corporate town hall organized by Cognizant for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company held at The Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, Illinois. Looking ahead, Metropolis Robotics plans to showcase SKYE again at the IMEC's NextGen Manufacturing AI Summit on November 12, 2026, in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Since its inception in 1985, 3DL Design, based in Gurnee, Illinois, has been at the forefront of designing and constructing unique trade show exhibits. Its collaboration with Metropolis Robotics in bringing the captivating humanoid SKYE to trade shows and corporate events exemplifies how innovative attraction design can elevate audience engagement and interaction.

For those interested in learning more about SKYE or booking an activation for upcoming events, more information is available at metropolisrobo.com/skye-humanoid-robot. This partnership between design and robotic innovation represents a new frontier in the trade show industry, continually redefining what attendees can expect from live demonstrations.