SEMA 2026 showcased the latest automotive aftermarket innovations including AI-powered structural repair software, advanced ADAS calibration systems, and emerging technician training technology, with Celette's WebTools and NAPA's XR training goggles among the top award winners recognized for transforming collision repair practices.
- Event Details: SEMA 2026 took place November 3-6 at Las Vegas Convention Center with Jay Leno as opening speaker
- Top Award Winners: Celette's WebTools structural repair software won collision repair category; ADAS Depot's CarCal QuickCal 5.0 won tools and equipment; NAPA's XcceleratoR XR Training Goggles won emerging technology
- Competition Scale: Over 1,300 product entries competed across 15 categories for annual New Product Awards
- Key Focus Areas: ADAS calibration, AI integration, sensor alignment, and immersive technician training dominated educational programming
- Industry Impact: Innovations featured structural repair data platforms, portable calibration systems, and VR-based technician development with 148+ hours of immersive learning
The 2026 SEMA Show brought automotive aftermarket professionals from around the world to the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, with new collision repair products, technical demonstrations and custom vehicle displays among the highlights of the four-day event.
The show opened Nov. 3 with automotive enthusiast Jay Leno helping kick off the event. Exhibitors filled the show floor with new products, equipment demonstrations and vehicle reveals, while educational programming offered collision repair professionals opportunities to explore developments in repair technology.
Among the featured displays was custom builder Dave Kindig's collection of seven vehicles, including a 1957 Corvette known as 'Shark Bite' and a 1969 Dodge Super Bee named 'Killer Bee'.
Technical education was another focus, with sessions covering welding, ADAS calibration, diagnostics, sensor alignment and vehicle geometry. An expanded ADAS showcase featured engineers from Ford, General Motors and Rivian demonstrating how repairs and modifications can affect vehicle safety systems.
Canadian attendees also gathered for Canada Night, hosted by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada at HaSalon in The Venetian Resort. The annual event, which has been running for more than 50 years, brought together representatives from Canada's collision repair, parts distribution, manufacturing and automotive service sectors.
The show also recognized new aftermarket products through its annual New Product Awards. More than 1,300 entries competed across 15 categories, with Celette's WebTools structural repair software winning the collision repair and refinish category.
The platform brings structural vehicle data, measuring software, fixture setup guidance and repair documentation together in one online system. It supports Celette equipment including its Naja 3D and Eagle measuring systems and Cameleon universal fixtures, along with selected third-party repair benches.
Bossauto Innova's Ionizer Pro and Innovative Tools & Technologies' Innovative Truck Cab Protectors were named runners-up in the category.
In other awards, ADAS Depot's CarCal QuickCal 5.0 Full System and Targets won the tools and equipment category. The portable calibration package combines a calibration stand, bumper jigs, laser alignment equipment and targets.
NAPA's XcceleratoR XR Training Goggles took first place in emerging technology. The technician development platform combines skills assessment, simulated repair work and repair information, with a curriculum offering 53 lessons and more than 148 hours of immersive learning.
Collision Repair magazine also participated in the show's Media's Choice Awards, joining a select judging panel at the New Product Showcase to evaluate products for their potential value to automotive aftermarket professionals.
Three products stood out to the magazine's judging team: 3M's Precision Finish Nozzles, Celette's WebTools AI and Identify by AirPro and Revv.
3M's Precision Finish Nozzles use micro-injection moulding to create five redesigned fluid tips and nozzles. Their internal geometry is designed to improve paint atomization at lower air pressures, offering painters greater application control.
Celette's WebTools AI brings artificial intelligence into structural repair information and operations, while Identify by AirPro and Revv addresses ADAS calibration requirements. The system reviews OEM requirements, repair estimates and vehicle scan information, then uses follow-up questions to help identify calibrations that may be required but are not evident in the available documentation.
With product awards, technical education and new developments across the automotive aftermarket, SEMA 2026 offered attendees a look at the equipment, technology and training shaping the industry's next chapter.
