The format was developed together with the automatica advisory board and the conceptual sponsor of automatica, VDMA Robotics + Automation. From the outset, 'automatica sprint' has been designed as both a face-to-face and a digital event. A well thought-out hygiene concept also ensures the best possible safety for participants on site.

automatica sprint is an independent 'subsidiary' of automatica. In terms of content, the focus is on robotics, assembly/handling technology, industrial image processing and digital solutions for the smart factory. The aim is to intensify dialog and network participants with solutions, knowledge and experience. Key features include a central stand builder, central catering in each hall and standardized stand sizes (20 to 200 m²). Exhibitors can design their space individually within the framework of fixed specifications. The predefined package stands also simplify the planning process considerably. In addition, there are generous cancellation options adapted to the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ideally, automatica sprint is organized as a face-to-face event in Munich with additional digital offerings. If it is not possible to hold the face-to-face part due to the pandemic, the event will take place as a purely digital event. Digital is not an emergency solution, but an integral part of the concept.

Falk Senger, Managing Director of Messe München and responsible for automatica sprint, comments on the background: "Robotics and automation will benefit from the corona-related digitalization push in the long term. There is therefore a great need for guidance and personal exchange in the community right now. However, as long as the pandemic restricts business life, a leading international trade fair like automatica cannot take place to its full extent. With automatica sprint, we have therefore developed a new, compact format together with the industry that is adapted to the circumstances of the coronavirus era."

Premiere for the munich_i platform

Together with automatica sprint, 'munich_i' will celebrate its premiere from June 22 to 24, 2021. The platform on the topics of robotics and artificial intelligence, newly launched by automatica and the Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MSRM) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), provides answers to pressing economic and social questions under the motto 'intelligence empowering tomorrow': In what ways can artificial intelligence be used to make our work easier, safer and also more productive? How can AI be used today to tackle the major challenges in the areas of health, mobility and work? The heart of munich_i is the Hightech Summit on June 22, 2021 at the ICM-International Congress Center Munich. Other elements during the entire duration of the trade fair include a special show called AI.Society, the elite young talent competition 'Robothon' and the 'Robot Driving License' to teach the basics.

In addition, the Laser World of Photonics, the world's leading trade fair for photonics components, systems and applications, will take place at the same time as automatica sprint at the exhibition center in Munich. While Halls B1-B3 and C1-C3 are reserved for Laser, Halls A1 to A3 are reserved for automatica sprint.

The next regular automatica will take place from June 21 to 24, 2022.