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The new world of assembly and handling technology

Innovations in automated assembly

automatica will take you on a journey to the future of assembly and handling technology. Whether high-speed positioning of very small parts, high-precision handling of sensitive components, or development of pioneering, networked digital assembly systems – the trade fair showcases the state of the art.

Assembly digitization

Assembling, handling, bolting, gluing, testing, inspecting, dosing – when looking at the basic processes, one might get the impression that visiting professionals should expect evolution rather than revolution in the field of integrated assembly solutions, or IAS for short. automatica will prove this notion wrong because: digitization and Industry 4.0 are shaping the assembly process of the future. Also: Assembly systems of the latest generation are capable of overcoming the challenges of great variant diversity and fluctuating quantities more economically and sustainably than ever.

However, recent advances in digitization can be fully exploited only if assembly plants become fully networked cognitive production systems capable of using digital data for deep learning or AI-based optimization.

Matrix assembly: the maximum in flexibility

Matrix assembly is the most popular example of such visionary systems. Here, independent assembly stations are arranged in a matrix offering highly flexible access for different variants via autonomous transport systems, i.e. so-called AGVs (automated guided vehicles). The products find their way through the assembly facility almost entirely on their own. And the matrix solution has another significant advantage: The systems can be quickly expanded or fitted with new processing stations due to the detached arrangement of the stations.

Whether classic assembly plant or matrix solution – assembly and handling technology industry leaders will be represented at the trade show alongside innovative start-ups and manufacturers of components and subsystems for automation.

Individual product categories

Assembly stations and systems • Assembly systems for specific fields of application • Equipment for storage • Equipment for organizing, sorting, and feeding • Equipment for linking and transport • Components for linking and transportation equipment • Equipment for fastening and joining • Equipment for marking • Test and measuring systems • Basis and construction elements • Manual workplace systems • Workplace equipment • Packaging units • Surface treatment

IAS back on the upswing: good prospects for 2023

The field of integrated assembly solutions has turned things around and is now back on track for success after facing declining revenues due to the Covid 19 pandemic and transformation processes in the automotive industry.

In 2021, German IAS companies increased their revenue by 11 percent to 7.1 billion euros. For 2022, VDMA R+A projects further recovery and a growth in revenue of 7 percent to 7.6 billion euros.