Munich. The preparations for AUTOMATICA 2010 are in full swing, because the international leading trade fair for automation and mechatronics, that is taking place from 8 to 11 June 2010 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre, wants to follow on from its previous successes. And the signs are good, because times of crisis are always also times when structures and processes are improved – an ideal field for automation and AUTOMATICA. This fair, which includes the biggest robotics range in the world, will be presenting innovative and integrated solutions for every technical manufacturing challenge.
 
Around fifteen months before the start of the next AUTOMATICA, over 20,000 square metres of exhibition space (net), about two thirds of the entire exhibition area in 2008, is already booked. More than 260 high-ranking exhibitors have said they will be participating in the International Trade Fair for Automation and Mechatronics, which focuses on assembly and handling technology, robotics, machine vision and associated technologies. All the leading manufacturers of industrial robots, such as ABB Automation, FANUC Robotics, KUKA Roboter, Motoman and Reis Robotics will be there. Olaf C. Gehrels, Board Member FANUC LTD Japan and President & CEO FANUC Robotics Europe S.A., Germany, is convinced. “AUTOMATICA has developed into the leading trade fair. We feel that as exhibitors, but we also hear it from our customers. We will be having an even bigger stand at AUTOMATICA 2010 than we did in 2008, because we will be bringing even more systems partners together under our yellow roof. Our systems partners are incredibly enthusiastic about AUTOMATICA.”

There was an outstandingly high level of satisfaction among visitors to AUTOMATICA 2008. In the survey carried out by independent opinion polling institute TNS Infratest, 95 out of 100 visitors said they would be coming to AUTOMATICA again in 2010 and 98 percent would recommend AUTOMATICA. Trade visitors to AUTOMATICA were particularly impressed by the completeness and breadth of the range and the presence of the market leaders. Both times over 90 percent of visitors assessed the fair as “outstanding to good” and 85 percent of trade visitors consider AUTOMATICA to be the leading trade fair.

Components and solutions to optimise processes
A plus point for AUTOMATICA is the clear exhibition spectrum that was developed in close cooperation with the robotics and automation industry. The key technologies of assembly and handling, robotics and machine vision form the core areas. The associated technologies are subdivided into the following topics: positioning systems, drive technology, sensor technology, control systems technology, safety technology, supply technology, software, services and service providers and research and technology. AUTOMATICA thus represents the entire spectrum of automation and forms complete value-added chains – from the components to the system, and from the application to the services. Despite its diversity AUTOMATICA is a compact fair with a clear layout; the halls are arranged thematically so that every visitor can quickly find their way around.

Anyone looking for tailor-made automation solutions will strike gold at the fair. As well as the latest trends and innovations it offers specific solutions that further optimise production processes. Arne Lakeit, Head of Planning at AUDI AG emphasises, “With its wide product range AUTOMATICA provides a good platform for Audi as a systems user. We can discuss solutions here with our suppliers efficiently and completely in keeping with ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ - from single components to the application of complete systems."

And Peter Keppler, Marketing Director System Solutions, STEMMER IMAGING GmbH, Germany is convinced. “For us linking machine vision and robotics is particularly important. When talking to our visitors we have noticed that AUTOMATICA’s concept of linking the assembly, robotics and vision industries makes complete sense to them. AUTOMATICA is ideal for end customers looking for an actual solution."

Top-class visitors
AUTOMATICA 2010 is taking place in Munich, in the heart of the largest European market for robotics and automation. As a European hub this location combines internationalism and centrality in an ideal way so that the entire automation community – suppliers and customers from all over the world – can come together over the period that the fair is taking place.

The trade fair is aimed at users and developers of automation components and systems – from conglomerates and small and medium businesses to start-up companies. Particularly in difficult times, automation should be a key topic for every sector, whether automotive (OEMs / suppliers), mechanical and plant engineering, the metalworking industry, electrotechnology and electronics or, for example, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical, packaging and plastics.
Among the trade visitors in 2008, 89 percent were decision-makers, 21 percent of whom had the final say. Most of the visitors came from the metal industry (23 percent), the automotive sector (automotive OEMs and suppliers: 20 percent), the electrical and electronics industry (16 percent) and the plastics industry (6 percent).

Growing internationalism
AUTOMATICA wants to further develop its international scope. In 2008 a good 26 percent of trade visitors came from abroad. Apart from Germany the top visitor countries were Austria, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Slovenia, the US, Denmark and Sweden. Around 870 exhibitors from 41 countries (2006: 814 exhibitors from 37 countries) presented their product innovations and services over 32,000 square metres of exhibition space (net). The proportion of foreign exhibitors rose to around 30 percent (2006: 27 percent).
Thilo Brodtmann, MD VDMA Robotik + Automation, describes the feeling within the industry. “We are pleased at the high level of satisfaction among our exhibitors, which reflects the increased internationalism and excellent quality of our trade visitors. AUTOMATICA has established itself as the top international event in our industry.” This is also confirmed by Giampaolo Santin, Sales & Marketing Director of COMAU ROBOTICS, Italy: “As far as COMAU is concerned, AUTOMATICA is the platform for the international sales pitch. For us AUTOMATICA is definitely the trade fair for robotics in Europe and so it is a must for us to be here meeting existing and new customers."

Robotics convention on topics from science and practice
The international visitors are also eagerly awaiting the ISR (International Symposium on Robotics). This is seen as the biggest robotics convention in the world and will take place in 2010 in the International Congress Centre Munich (ICM) in parallel with the German Robotics Conference. Behind the co-branding of ISR 2010 / Robotik 2010 is an integrated event with a joint programme committee, starting on Monday 7 June and continuing for another two days in parallel with AUTOMATICA. People attending the convention will also receive a ticket to the trade fair. The 300 or so participants expected from Germany and abroad will be brought up to date with and exchange information on the latest developments, trends and applications in robotics. Conceptual sponsors of the event are the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Robotik (DGR - German Society for Robotics) and the Robotics + Automation Manufacturers’ Association within the VDMA, Germany’s engineering federation.
 
First-class accompanying programme
To give innovations and solutions as much space as possible, AUTOMATICA 2010 is also supported by a first-class accompanying programme. Once again in 2010 the ‘Service robotics innovation platform’ is an integral part of AUTOMATICA, in which leading robot manufacturers, suppliers and research institutes from Europe and overseas will jointly present the very latest in international service robotics. Christoph Schaeffer, organizer and stand manager for Fraunhofer IPA, commented, “We have only just started roughly planning the 2010 stand and we are already getting enquiries from exhibitors wanting to make sure they secure an advantageous position on the 40 square-metre service robotics community stand.” As in 2008 Fraunhofer IPA is responsible for ensuring that the latest developments in service robotics at AUTOMATICA 2010 are not just presented but explained in detail. Schaeffer stresses: “We will demonstrate the latest products and components, innovative technology and amazing applications in service robotics live in a professionally moderated show. And the best thing is that visitors are allowed to touch, try out and discuss the details of the technology with the developers at the stand.” It was this mix in particular that led to trade visitors in 2006 and 2008 voting the service robotics community stand the most popular presentation show at AUTOMATICA twice running.
Mechatronics, as a future technology, is once again an important element of AUTOMATICA 2010. As an integral part of modern assembly technology and intelligent robotics, mechatronics makes mechanical engineering a safe investment and also attracts government investment incentives. So AUTOMATICA will highlight the many aspects of this topic.

The AUTOMATICA forum is another highlight for trade visitors. Subjects that promise real additional benefits to the ‘normal’ stand visits are tackled in panel discussions and talks. The diverse programme focuses on innovative automotive topics in a practical and solution-oriented way, covering all user sectors.
 
Further information on AUTOMATICA 2010: www.automatica-munich.com.

Press contact:

AUTOMATICA
Claudia Huber
Manager Marketing & Communications
Tel. (+49 89) 9 49-2 08 62
e-mail: claudia.huber@messe-muenchen.de
 
VDMA Robotik + Automation
Thilo Brodtmann, Managing Director, VDMA Robotik + Automation
Tel. (+49 69) 6603 - 1590
Fax (+49 69) 6603 - 2590
e-mail: thilo.brodtmann@vdma.org
 
AUTOMATICA, International Trade Fair for Automation and Robotics
AUTOMATICA is the international trade fair that brings together all areas of robotics and automation under one roof. It has been held every two years at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre since 2004. The aim of the fair is to present the entire value-added chain in robotics and automation. The industry-driven concept for AUTOMATICA has been developed by Messe München GmbH and the conceptual sponsor of the fair, the robotics and automation division of Germany´s engineering federation (VDMA). Exhibitor and visitor statistics for the AUTOMATICA trade fair are audited by an accountant on behalf of the Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe- und Ausstellungszahlen (FKM, Society for Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics). AUTOMATICA is a 'UFI approved' international event, a certification awarded by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
 
Messe München International (MMI)
Messe München International (MMI) is one of the world´s leading trade-fair companies. It organises around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and key high-tech industries. Each year over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, and over two million visitors from more than 200 countries take part in the events in Munich. In addition, MMI organises trade fairs in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and South America. With six subsidiaries abroad - in Europe and in Asia - and with 66 foreign representatives serving 89 countries, MMI has a truly global network.