The All About Automation trade fair recently concluded its Berlin debut with 168 exhibitors and 2,473 attendees. The event’s success stemmed from its regional focus, compact layout, and emphasis on practical applications. Many exhibitors highlighted the quality of connections made and the collaborative atmosphere. Notably, over half of the participating companies have already secured their spots for the 2027 event, signaling strong confidence in the new location.
The Rise of AI-Powered Automation: What’s Next?
The future of automation isn’t just about robots on the factory floor; it’s about intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and optimize processes. The discussions at All About Automation, particularly those surrounding AI-based automation, highlighted several key trends poised to reshape the industry.
Predictive Maintenance: Avoiding Downtime Before It Happens
One of the most impactful applications of AI in automation is predictive maintenance. Instead of scheduled maintenance, which can be wasteful, AI algorithms analyze data from sensors on machinery to predict when failures are likely to occur. This allows companies to proactively address issues, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs. A recent report by MarketsandMarkets estimates the predictive maintenance market will reach $28.0 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 21.8%.
Our Webinar Recommendation
Experience key trends in robotics – you can do so in the Automationspraxis webinar “Robotics Innovations” on May 24, 2023. Learn exciting new developments from eight companies in just 2.5 hours. Featuring Idealworks, Linde, Exotec, Fruitcore…
Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Working Alongside Humans
Cobots are designed to work safely alongside human workers, assisting with tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots often don’t require extensive safety guarding, making them more flexible and easier to deploy. Universal Robots, a leading cobot manufacturer, reports a 24% revenue increase in 2023, demonstrating the growing demand for collaborative automation solutions.
Pro Tip: When considering cobots, focus on the end-of-arm tooling. The right gripper or tool can significantly expand a cobot’s capabilities and make it suitable for a wider range of applications.
Digital Twins: Virtualizing the Physical World
Digital twins – virtual representations of physical assets – are becoming increasingly important in automation. By creating a digital replica of a machine, process, or even an entire factory, companies can simulate different scenarios, optimize performance, and identify potential problems before they occur in the real world. Siemens, a major player in industrial automation, heavily promotes its digital twin technology as a key enabler of Industry 4.0.
Low-Code/No-Code Automation: Empowering Citizen Developers
Traditionally, automation projects required specialized programming skills. However, the emergence of low-code/no-code automation platforms is changing this. These platforms allow users with limited coding experience to create and deploy automation workflows, democratizing access to automation technology. This is particularly valuable for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to hire dedicated automation engineers.
The Role of 5G and Edge Computing
Reliable, high-speed connectivity is crucial for many advanced automation applications. 5G technology offers the bandwidth and low latency needed to support real-time data transfer and control. Coupled with edge computing – processing data closer to the source – 5G enables faster response times and reduced reliance on cloud connectivity. This is particularly important for applications like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and remote monitoring.
Start-ups Driving Innovation
The All About Automation event showcased the dynamism of the start-up ecosystem. These companies are pushing the boundaries of automation with innovative solutions in areas like AI-powered vision systems, advanced sensor technologies, and new business models for automation-as-a-service. Their agility and focus on niche applications are driving rapid innovation in the industry.
Looking Ahead: All About Automation’s Future Footprint
The next All About Automation in Berlin is scheduled for January 27th and 28th, 2027, continuing its focus on automation solutions for the future of manufacturing. The series will also be held in Friedrichshafen on March 10th and 11th, 2026, with a focus on the strong machine building and automotive sectors in Southern Germany and the surrounding international industrial clusters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Industry 4.0? Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the integration of digital technologies like AI, IoT, and cloud computing into manufacturing processes.
- What are the benefits of predictive maintenance? Predictive maintenance reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and extends the lifespan of equipment.
- What is a digital twin? A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset, used for simulation, optimization, and problem-solving.
- Are cobots safe to work with? Yes, cobots are designed with safety features that allow them to work alongside humans without requiring extensive safety guarding.
Did you know? The global industrial robotics market is projected to reach $81.4 billion by 2030, according to a report by Grand View Research.
Want to learn more about the latest trends in automation? Explore our other articles or subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates.
