In focus: key industrial automation technologies
This is unique: as the leading platform, automatica covers from June 24–27, 2025 the entire value chain of industrial automation. The spectrum ranges from individual components and complete systems to turnkey applications and highly qualified services - for all manufacturing sectors, of course. And increasingly also far beyond the manufacturing industry.
Assembling, joining, handling, bolting, gluing, testing, verifying, dosing – assembly and handling technology covers a variety of work steps. And they are changing as digitization and Industry 4.0 shape the assembly process of the future. What are the trends and how to smartly automate assembly processes?
Robotics is a key technology of smart automation – that drives the implementation of new production processes. Two examples: collaborative robots work hand in hand with human colleagues – without any safety fence between them. And: autonomous mobile robots independently find their way in production and assembly facilities. automatica is your opportunity to learn what is possible today and what is coming next.
They transport components in production facilities, independently pick goods from shelving racks, or take on tasks in the healthcare sector: Service robots do not just populate industrial production plants, but also homes, catering businesses, and all kinds of other important facilities.
Machine vision systems for industrial applications have many talents. They read codes, identify components, and perform quality checks of manufactured products. And now this technology is becoming an increasingly important part of production control, too. At automatica you will experience how vision systems pave the way for digital progress in smart factories.
Smart factories require digitization: It takes full digital mapping and control of all physical processes to make production facilities intelligent. This requires smart software – from design and production all the way to business processes and service. And: Data security should not be neglected over all the advantages of digital networking. The producers of such software will show you the current possibilities at automatica.
When everything is where it should be: Positioning systems place workpieces or tools in machines and plants – with precision and flexibility. In Munich you will learn about new developments by leading suppliers and what’s next in their product pipelines.
Modules • Grippers • Clamping and stop devices • Pneumatic and electric positioning systems • Pneumatic and stroke feed units • Micro-positioning systems
This is the driving force of automation – literally. And there are several competing technologies. Apart from flexibility and service life, energy efficiency, and sustainability are becoming increasingly important factors in choosing one of them.
Bearings • Linear guides • Linear motion drive elements and systems • Numeric controlled rotation and linear axes • Gears • Industrial motors, motor controls, motor protection devices • Special drives • Multi-axis systems
Automated machines and production facilities require sensors to perceive their environment or recognize the processing status of products. That is why they are an integral part of any smart production environment – and seamlessly integrate into the control systems of modern production facilities. automatica showcases the entire range of sensors.
Proximity and position switches • Rotary encoders • Length, displacement, distance and thickness sensors • Force torque sensors • Optoelectronic sensors • Ultrasonic sensors • RFID systems • Micro-sensors • Compressed air measuring devices • Pneumatic pressure switches
Control systems technology is the ‘brain’ and industrial communication is the ‘spinal cord’ of any automated production facility. There is plenty of untapped potential to increase productivity and flexibility here – and opportunities for implementing smart Industry 4.0 concepts. What is the functional scope of modern industrial controllers and what are the advantages of solutions based on decentralization or industrial PCs? And what’s new in communications infrastructure?
Electronic controls • Mechanical controls • Pneumatic controls • CNC control systems • Freely programmable controls (FPCs) • Industrial PCs • BUS systems • Bus terminals • Components for fieldbus systems • Valve islands • Servo controllers • CPU-cards • Power supply units • Display and operating equipment • Electrical components for controls • Industrial enclosures and control cabinets • Data transmission via wireless or mobile communications • Optical data transmission • Wireless data transmission • Remote maintenance and diagnostic systems • Systems for machine-to-machine communication (M2M) • Systems for human-machine communication • Virtual reality systems for industrial applications
In automation technology, and in robotics in particular, the familiar safety fence is increasingly being replaced by smart safety sensor technology – or the entire safety aspect is shifted from hardware to software. Collaborative robotics require an entirely new set of safety solutions that will also be presented in Munich. Apart from safety, productivity of the affected plants is another important criterion.
Mechanical and electro-mechanical safety devices • Safety-related control systems • Safety-related sensor technology • Safety-related communications technology • Safety-related drive systems • Safety-related software
Every automated plant needs energy such as electricity, pressurized air, etc. Having the right energy supply in the right place has an impact on the entire production process, especially if it involves moving parts and millions of cycles executed in quick succession. The communication of all actors, sensors, and control components is at least as important – whether it is implemented via cables, bus systems, or wireless.
Cable and hose carrier systems • Cable protection systems • Cable and tube bushings • Electrical power supply • Compressed air supply • Ventilation technology and extraction systems • Components for ventilation technology and extraction systems • Vacuum technology • Hydraulic supply • Oils, fats, and lubricants
automatica offers a complete overview of services along the entire value chain of industrial production. Companies of all sizes are represented here – from general contractors and system integrators to highly specialized consultants. Discover a wide range of services and entirely new business models.
System integrators • Engineering, consultancy, planning • Feasibility studies • Simulations • CAD/CAM services • Optimization of existing systems • Integration in new/existing IT-environments • Programming • Robot calibrations • Trainings • Condition monitoring • Predictive maintenance • Retrofit • Mechanical, electrical services, etc. • Certifications • Additional services provided by consultancies, trade associations, publishers, and many more
Robotics and automation are at the center of an enormous transformation process that is sweeping the industry. On the one hand, they are drivers of progress. On the other hand, advancing digitization presents major challenges to the industry. Therefore, research and new technologies are more popular than ever. At automatica, renowned universities and institutions provide insights into current research projects and thus a glimpse into the future of robotics.
Industrial automation • Industrial robotics • Service robotics • Machine and plant construction • Transport and traffic • Electrical engineering • Information transmission and communications • Micro technology • Nano technology • Optical technology • Medical technology • Energy and environment • Materials • Physics • Composites technology • Battery technology
Automation continues to progress at a rapid pace. Stay up to date: Subscribe to the free automatica newsletter.