automatica: Innovations, trends and news at the leading trade fair for automation & robotics

automatica is not just one trade fair among many. Those who exhibit here are not just talking about technology - they are talking about economic orientation, industrial change and strategic decisions. Every two years, Munich becomes a place where industry and research, large corporations and specialized developers meet at eye level. This is where it becomes clear where automated production is heading - not as an abstract future scenario, but as a concrete change that has already begun. Robotics, machine intelligence, flexible manufacturing processes - many of the developments that will later become the industry standard are first visible at automatica. This makes it a must-attend event for anyone working in production, system integration or technical business management.

Videos, articles and images from this year's automatica:

What makes automatica the world's leading trade fair for automation and robotics?

Historical development and current significance of the trade fair in a global context

The term “world's leading trade fair” is easy to say, but rarely as justified as here. automatica has been held at the Messe München exhibition center since 2004 - and has gradually developed into one of the most important international industry gatherings. What started out as an event for specialists is now a global forum for technology policy, industrial development and practical innovation.

A few facts to prove it:

• Exhibitors from over 40 countries, including global market leaders and specialized niche suppliers
• Regular presence of corporations such as ABB, KUKA, Festo, Yaskawa and Schunk
• Close links with research institutions such as Fraunhofer IPA, VDMA and TUM
• Relevance beyond the trade fair stand: numerous product premieres, market analyses and political impulses are generated here

Trends and visions: Where is the automation of tomorrow heading?

Expert interviews and background reports on future topics

automatica is rarely about what is already in series production. The focus is on developments that will only become standard in the coming years. This is precisely what makes the trade fair so exciting for many: it provides a glimpse of what is to come - even if not everything is ready yet.

The key topics include:

• Artificial intelligence in production: for example for error detection, process optimization or autonomous control loops
• Human-robot collaboration: increasingly without a safety fence, but with sensitive sensor technology
• Data-driven production: Systems that learn, evaluate and adapt themselves
• Predictive maintenance: systems that detect faults before they occur

What is remarkable is that many exhibitors deliberately open up their development processes for discussion. In panels, stand talks or background discussions with the trade press, they not only present products - but also thought models. Like Universal Robots, which responds to changing market requirements with flexible robotics solutions. Or Siemens, which is increasingly focusing on software-defined production architectures.

Practical insights for exhibitors and decision-makers

Tips for maximum trade fair presence and networking through digital offerings

automatica is not a showcase - it is a working tool. For exhibitors who want to strategically position their brand. And for decision-makers who need to classify and evaluate technological developments.

What is important?

• A clear focus at the stand: those who show everything often show nothing. A few, well-staged exhibits have a greater impact than a packed stand.
• Trained staff: If you only answer technical questions with general marketing phrases, you will lose contacts faster than you gain them.
• Digital visibility: Whether livestream, digital exhibitor portal or matching platform - if you are looking for reach, you need to think hybrid.
• Accompanying formats: Side events, B2B meetings, guided tours - those who actively participate will also be noticed.

For medium-sized exhibitors in particular, the trade fair offers the opportunity to assert themselves alongside the “big players” with a clear profile. And those who make contacts early on - for example via the exhibitor portal - already have a foot in the door in direct discussions.

Sustainability and social responsibility in automation

Focal points and best practice examples from the trade fair report

Automation alone does not solve problems. But it can be part of the solution - if it is thought of correctly. This is also becoming increasingly clear at automatica. Many companies are demonstrating how efficiency and responsibility can be combined.

Examples?

• Bosch Rexroth has already set standards several times with a CO₂-neutral trade fair stand - not as an image project, but as a practiced strategy.
• Festo is demonstrating the use of robotics in care professions - not as a replacement for people, but as support.
• Other exhibitors will be focusing on topics such as energy consumption, recyclability and social inclusion in the world of work.

One thing is clear: Sustainability is increasingly becoming the benchmark - not only for products, but also for corporate attitudes. automatica reflects this aspiration without boldly stating it. It is the concrete solutions that are convincing.

Why a visit to automatica 2025 is worthwhile

For many, the trade fair is a must-attend event - not because they have to, but because it gives them what they can't find elsewhere: Consolidation. Orientation. Conversations at eye level. And yes, also friction - between vision and reality, between technical feasibility and economic pressure.

Some reasons why it's worth a visit:

• Keynotes and panels that deliver more than PR phrases
• Live demos where technology actually works - or doesn't
• Networking formats that create targeted connections without feeling like speed dating
• Digital media library that makes content accessible even after the trade fair

Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.automatica-munich.com

Whether for developers, strategists, system integrators or investors - automatica not only offers information, but also an environment in which decisions are prepared. Not always linear, not always convenient. But relevant.