Next Level Shop was an immersive experience that recreated the energy and collaboration of today’s modern machine shop only on the show floor. This experience, which took place inside the Kennametal booth, brought together tooling, software, machine tool builders, and manufacturing experts to solve real-world production challenges. The idea was to allow visitors to explore the latest machining technologies, engage directly with engineers and partners, and wholly experience how connected manufacturing solutions drive better performance on the shop floor. 

“Manufacturers are looking for more than great tooling, they’re looking for integrated solutions that help them machine smarter, solve complex challenges, and drive productivity. Next Level Shop brought those technologies, partnerships, and conversations to IMTS,” said Dave Bersaglini, Kennametal Vice President & President Metal Cutting. 

Live Customization

A centerpiece to the show floor experience was the customization of an Indian Sport Chief motorcycle, which included input from Carey Hart and Satya Kraus, as well as a custom paint scheme completed by leading motorcycle and automotive painter, Taylor Schultz of Schultz Designz. 

For the team at KRAUS MOTO, customizing a motorcycle is about enhancing the standardized safety features with adjustments that allow for a more controlled, comfortable ride no matter the speed or environment. And while the word “performance” is often associated only with touching the fastest speeds in the motorsports industry, for KRAUS the definition involves much more: it’s about a bike operating at its absolute best capabilities whether it’s sitting in traffic, moving at 5 miles per hour, ripping down a track or anywhere in between.

An essential element for achieving ideal rider positioning and comfort for motorcycles is the risers, which were featured on the custom-designed Indian Sport Chief at IMTS 2026. KRAUS puts risers at the top of the list of importance for bike customizations because they ensure that a rider is in the correct position for a distinguishable balance of comfort and function.

KRAUS’ kickback risers are designed with ergonomics and functionality at top of mind, including geometries that bring the handlebars of a bike closer to the rider, allowing the rider to better control their movement with the parts of their body that are proven to be stronger like the shoulders or lats. Similarly, KRAUS handlebars—which were also a part of the customization process on the Indian Sport Chief at IMTS 2026—are designed to be different. They lift a riders’ elbows upward naturally for better control.

The kickback section of the riser design allows for the angle of the riser to change by gently pushing up and backwards toward the rider. And for managing the movement and vibrations that come from being on the road, KRAUS has designed the risers’ midsection with rubber isolators that put a barrier between the riser and the rest of the bike. That better protects riders from the disruptive physical consequences of vibrations when riding like hand fatigue, numbness and more.

And like many KRAUS products, the risers are part of a modular system made up of many pieces that allow for height customization—which helps riders of all sizes to really get the most out of their setup. These modular pieces or “legs” are created via an automated process with Kennametal turning tools on a lathe, making it extremely efficient for keeping up and consistent with quality when tailoring risers to meet varying customer needs.

The Next Level Shop Experience

Every detail of the Next Level Shop was designed to feel as though the booth visitor was stepping into the shop floor of the future. The booth was designed in partnership with EWI Worldwide, whose Account Executive, Don Kuhn, explained that “Every detail of the Next Level Shop was designed to encourage exploration, spark conversations, and demonstrate how innovation comes to life when technology, craftmanship, and collaboration come together.” 

Highlighted were some of Kennametal’s newest tooling innovations across milling, holemaking, turning, and Swiss machining, advanced additive manufacturing capabilities, large-scale machined components, and an expanding digital manufacturing ecosystem that features CAM integration, tooling data, and software partnerships that streamline programming, improve productivity, and optimize machining performance. 

Visitors were able to watch live machining demonstrations, explore the latest Kennametal and WIDIA tooling innovators, experience software integrations for digital manufacturing, and connect with specialists serving aerospace and defense, medical, transportation, power generation, Swiss machining, and, of course, get to meet Carey Hart, Satya Kraus, and Taylor Schultz. 

For information: 

Kennametal

WIDIA

Hart Luck Parts & Gear

Kraus Moto

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