automatica x SMEs
Our new SME campaign addresses small and medium-sized companies looking to take the next step towards automation. And those who are just starting out on their automated production journey and want to learn the general and technical basics as they identify opportunities. Experience products and solutions that have been tailored to increase productivity and quality while lowering costs in line with the requirements of SMEs. And take the opportunity to ask all your specific questions: We offer the perfect environment for exchange between peers. Real-world application examples by SMEs for SMEs: Learn from companies who are further along on their journey—they have the experience to offer valuable advice and support.
How to: automation for SMEs
Automation is for large companies only? Those times are gone. Innovative technology paves the way for small and medium-sized companies to easily benefit from robotics and automation. New control concepts enable handling with no specific prior knowledge. Low-code and no-code solutions let anyone program robots—it’s much like using a smart phone. And: The new robot generation is flexible, supports quick conversions, and is perfectly suitable for producing small batch sizes.
Yet entering the world of automation and robotics is a huge step—especially for SMEs. That is because some fundamental questions pop up even before getting started: How can my company benefit from automation? Does robot deployment make sense for small batch sizes? Will the effort pay off? What fields of application are there? Then it’s on to implementation: Who will program the robots? Which modules and systems should I choose? Can I successively implement individual automated steps or do I need to rethink my entire chain of processes?
A special focus on SMEs
We discussed these questions within the framework of a workshop initiated by VDMA Robotics + Automation—with first-time users, automation providers, representatives of the BVMW e.V. SME association, and the CCI Munich and Upper Bavaria. Our joint conclusion: There is huge potential for everyone involved. However, there is a gap between the requirements of SMEs and the solutions offered by the industry. What better platform to bridge the gap than automatica, the leading exhibition for automation and robotics?
Sought and found: the right partners
Our SME campaign is supported by strong multipliers such as the BVMW e.V. SME association and the CCIs. Because they have long recognized the need and are aware of the teething troubles encountered. Exchange and networking is crucial in catering to those needs and in overcoming the troubles—available at events such as regional sneak previews to inform SMEs about the ‘automatica x SMEs’ initiative and to invite them to visit automatica.
automatica goes Allgäu – come along
automatica, the Marktoberdorf Business Development Office, and the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are setting the automation stage in the Allgäu and South Swabia areas. Goal of the event: presenting the topic—and specific automation options – to local SMEs. It is presented in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Swabia, VDMA, BVMW e.V. SME association, IKR Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Bayern Innovativ GmbH, and many other partners from across the industry.
automatica goes Allgäu
May 8, 2025, 18:00 onwards
Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Schwabenstr. 102, 87616 Marktoberdorf, Germany
Learn more at: automatica goes allgäu Tickets, Do, 08.05.2025 um 18:00 Uhr | Eventbrite
Robotics? Just try it!
automatica 2025 is the perfect opportunity to experience the ease of handling robotics application up close. Your central starting point: TestZone: Robotics for SMEs in Hall A5. Here, you can try out and program robots yourself. Experience workable automation solutions for applications such as small parts assembly, palletizing, pick and place, surface machining, welding, and quality inspection—live and hands-on.
automatica Forum: real-world application examples
Additional offers in automatica’s supporting program, along with a dedicated SME Day on Friday, June 27, make your trade fair visit even more worthwhile. Because this is an opportunity to engage in exchange with new robotics and automation users talking about their own experiences and helping you find out what you need to make your journey into the world of automation a success.
Program excerpt automatica Forum:
- ‘Can software democratize robotics?’—Panel discussion with Katharina Jessa, Chief Revenue Officer, Wandelbots; Jens Kotlarski, CEO, voraus robotik, Torsten Kroeger, Chief Science Officer, Intrinsic
- ‘How do online platforms provide easier access to robotics?’—Panel discussion with Andrea Alboni, Vention, Alexander Mühlens, Head of Low Cost Automation, Igus/RBTX, and Mladen Milicevic, CEO, Unchained Robotics
- ‘Don’t fear innovation: how craftspeople can benefit from robotics and AI’—Matthias Brac, master carpenter, woodworker, and entrepreneur
- ‘Don’t fear robotics: Why our family-owned SME now uses robots’—Claudio Castellani, Managing Director, Dr. Willi Knoll GmbH & Co KG
Making it great: our automation journey
What do automatica exhibitors offer in terms of real-world solutions for SMEs? We asked them:
Case study no. 1:
Why a metal-working SME decided to deploy an industrial robot: robot-assisted machine loading with the Digital Robot HORST by fruitcore
- Employee relief: They can focus on more productive tasks and no longer have to stand in front of the machine waiting.
- Productivity efficiency increase: Capital expenditure for the Digital Robot paid off after producing a single series.
- Reliable 24/7 operation
- The company was able to perform the mechanical and electrical implementation in-house.
