TestZone: Robotics for SMEs
The live robotics and automation application experience
Are you looking for solutions to increase productivity and quality while lowering costs in line with the requirements of SMEs? Welcome to the interactive ‘TestZone: Robotics for SMEs‘ in Hall A5. This is the perfect opportunity for you to see how easy it can be to handle innovative applications. Try workable automation solutions for small parts assembly, palletizing, pick and place, surface machining, welding, quality inspection, and more—live and hands-on.
How to: automation for SMEs
Robotics for SMEs still need a lot of work. But the course has been set and an increasing number of SMEs are now discovering the advantages of innovative applications in this field. Barriers to entry? A thing of the past. The usability of robots is improving at tremendous speed and very soon they will be just as easy to operate and set up as devices such as smartphones are now. It is already possible for users to put together their own modular systems with very little prior knowledge using configurators. And entire robot travel paths can be taught with ‘no code’—i.e. without programming or IT skills. In brief: Automation is becoming more and more accessible. For all of us.
Visit the automatica TestZone to experience first-hand what this ‘democratization of robotics’ means for your business. Which product suits the needs of my company? Which solutions is most beneficial for my production facility? Just try it out—through learning by doing with expert guidance. Whether they are specialized in no-code, cobots, or low-cost; whether large established manufacturer or newcomer taking a leap forward—all of our exhibitors have one thing in common: They know the needs of SMEs.
Test it—our application spectrum:
- Pick-and-place tasks
- Palletizing
- Small parts assembly
- Surface Treatment
- Welding
- Quality inspection
Touching encouraged: Meet the Robots 2025
Simple and innovative: An experienced trainer from the FANUC Academy will demonstrate live how the CRX cobot can be programmed in just a few steps – in a practical manner and tailored specifically to typical applications in small and medium-sized businesses. Visitors will experience automation firsthand and gain valuable insights into the efficient use of collaborative robots.
Easy to understand and flexible in use: What does easy to understand and flexible robot automation look like in everyday operations at a medium-sized company? Automation partners fruitcore robotics and Dreisbach & Jungmann demonstrate this with a complete system. In everyday use, the machine with integrated HORST robots operates autonomously in three shifts at a German spring manufacturer – and is making a special guest appearance at automatica. Discover how you can increase your output dramatically without straining your budget, flexibility, or space with this real-life automation system.
Cost-effective: With RBTX, IGUS offers a marketplace that connects users and suppliers of cost-effective robot components. Feasibility tests are carried out in the TestZone, where customers can bring their own workpieces. IGUS provides on-site support in finding components that meet requirements and budgets.
Hands-on experience: Have you ever operated and programmed a robot yourself? Hands-on experience with an LBR iisy 11 kg cobot from KUKA shows how easy it can be to get started. You learn with us and we learn with you: We look forward to your feedback.
Machine vision made easy: MERLIC from MVTec is an all-in-one software for quickly creating machine vision applications without programming. It combines reliable, fast performance with ease of use. An image-centered user interface and intuitive interaction concepts such as easyTouch provide an efficient workflow, which leads to time and cost savings.
Faster and better: At the CoLab robot application center from SCHUNK, processing and handling processes are individually validated and optimized for customers. The aim is to speed up commissioning and minimize investment risk. Various gripping systems can be tested using a machine load, allowing initial experience to be gained with programming the application.
Focus on SMEs
The TestZone forms part of our large-scale 2025 SME campaign. In cooperation with strong multipliers such as the BVMW e.V. SME association and the CCIs, we have compiled an overall program for SMEs currently going the first or second mile towards automated production. It includes case studies, workshops, panel discussions, and presentations as well as a dedicated SME Day on Friday, June 27.
Workshop: Automation in SMEs - from orientation to implementation
🗓 Friday, June 27, 2025 - 12:30-13:30
📍 automatica, Hall A5, TestZone
From idea to implementation - together with SMEs.
Automation often starts with a simple question: How can we actually get started? In the workshop, manufacturing SMEs get talking - about entry options, tried-and-tested methods and pragmatic solutions for the first steps towards automation.
Companies that have already gained experience will give an insight into their path and show which measures have proven successful - directly from the company, without theoretical detours. The exchange is open, targeted and at eye level.
The focus is on orientation, feasibility and concrete added value for your own company.
The end result is a clearer picture - and initial concrete ideas on how automation can be introduced in your own company.
Doing is believing. More than 4,000 excited visitors seized the unique opportunity to explore how robots can transform and facilitate their businesses. Whether expert audience or first exposure to robotics: 94 % of all visitors gave this format an excellent to good rating. Feel free to revisit the big test in our video.
Review of the 2023 TestZone
Date | Tuesday, June 24 until Thursday June 27, 2025 |
Time | Daily 09:00 - 17:00 (Tuesday-Thursday) and 09:00 - 16:00 (Friday) |
Place | Hall A5 Stand 430 |
Language | German and English |