Around 600 exhibiting companies will be showcasing robotics and automation solutions at Automatica that can provide answers to key industry questions: How can the vulnerability of global supply chains be reduced? How can we produce more sustainably and conserve resources? And how can we make the rapid transition to digital production in order to make Europe's economy powerful and future-proof?

The coronavirus pandemic has shown: The vulnerability of global logistics structures can bring industrial production to a standstill. Painful for prosperity - and life-threatening if urgently needed medicines are not available. This is why efforts to establish reliable supply chains within Europe are in full swing. One thing is certain: Intelligently automated and digitally networked production can also be economically viable in Europe without risky dependencies.

Smart factory ensures sustainable production

Eliminating the need to transport parts halfway around the world also contributes to another top Automatica topic: sustainability. Today, all top companies are working on becoming CO2-neutral in the coming years. This can only be achieved with smart production lines based on artificial intelligence, which enable an unprecedented degree of flexibility. Robots, cobots, mobile robot systems and AGVs in a digital network will replace rigid conveyor technology. Production can be switched from one product to another at the touch of a button without having to replace expensive equipment. The smart factory makes it possible.

Survey: Use of robots could compensate for supply bottlenecks through domestic production

Manufacturing companies have long recognized the importance of robotics and automation for the transformation of industry, as the Automatica Trend Index 2022 shows. The results of the survey of 100 specialists and managers from German industry who decide on the use of robotics and automation are clear.

The so-called Trend Index 2022 provides interesting results. Two key statements make you sit up and take notice: 82% of respondents believe that the use of robots can compensate for supply bottlenecks through domestic production. And only one percent less, namely 81%, are of the opinion that robots could alleviate the labor shortage through a higher degree of automation - at the same time securing jobs against relocation abroad. Interpreted further, these theses are a plea for domestic production facilities and for the relocation of production from outside Europe with the overarching aim of making supply chains more resilient.

In addition, 85% of specialists and managers see industrial robotics as an opportunity for new business: green tech products such as solar panels, batteries for e-mobility or CO2-neutral heating systems can be manufactured competitively in Germany or Europe. So there are good prospects for Germany as a manufacturing location - provided there is a willingness to invest in robotics.

Four years break, four years time for developments

The need for automation increases the importance of this year's trade fair, the organizers are certain. In addition, Messe München is expecting unprecedented technological fireworks following the coronavirus-related shutdown in 2020 and four intensive years of development. AI components, easy-to-use cobots, self-learning robots, pioneering programming tools - knowing today what will make up the production of tomorrow will be crucial.