News: Automatica 2025
Automation as a Driver of Competitiveness
I still remember my visit to Samsung in 2007: Even back then, I was impressed by how few people were actually working in the vast cleanrooms. Instead, robots and automated conveyor systems handled almost all essential production steps, from managing the delicate glass substrates to precise assembly and inspection processes.
This experience already made it clear to me at the time how crucial automation is in display manufacturing. Since then, the trend has accelerated even further: Demand for LCDs in smartphones, tablets, and televisions continues to grow unabated and according to Data Bridge Market Research, the global LCD market is projected to expand from USD 148.6 billion in 2021 to more than USD 1,422 billion by 2029, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 30 percent. One example of this technological progress is the development of new circuit and display technologies. For instance, production costs for microLEDs are expected to decline sharply in the coming years. According to current forecasts, manufacturing costs for a 1.5‑inch microLED display will drop to just one-tenth of their current level by 2026. Similar effects are anticipated for large-format LCD displays, driven by more energy-efficient processes and optimized substrate handling systems.
My visit to Automatica 2025 demonstrated that the shift toward higher levels of automation has long since become mainstream and that the future of manufacturing is no longer reserved for large corporations alone. Today, small and medium-sized enterprises have the opportunity to sustainably enhance their quality, efficiency, and competitiveness through flexible robotics solutions and intelligent automation.
At the same time, these developments create new demands on project management, change management and even sales: technologies must not only be implemented but also strategically anchored within the organization and embraced by the teams.
The trend toward automation is also evident in the rising density of industrial robots. Globally, South Korea leads with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees, followed by Singapore (770) and China (470). Germany ranks fourth with 429 robots (IFR World Robotics Report 2023). Although these figures refer to the entire electronics and mechanical engineering sectors, they clearly illustrate the profound structural transformation taking place in industrial value creation.
A Look at Current Developments
The Automatica 2025 in Munich, held from June 24 to 27, vividly demonstrated how broad the range of new automation solutions has become. With more than 800 exhibitors from 40 countries and a record 50,000 visitors, interest was higher than ever before. Particularly notable was how many small and medium-sized companies were exploring flexible automation concepts for smaller batch sizes.
Some key highlights of the trade fair at a glance:
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Energy Recovery System is emerging as a major topic: This technology can reduce electricity consumption by up to 20 percent, although the exact savings depend on the specific robot model and application.
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By offering IP65-certified network components, several suppliers are expanding their portfolios for the food & beverage sector, enabling use in wet and cleaning areas without complex protective enclosures.
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AI in robotics is becoming increasingly relevant in practice: Projects such as RoX are targeting new application areas, including autonomous loading and unloading along logistics chains, multifunctional and location-flexible robotic systems, and AI-supported picking and commissioning. These technologies are intended not only for large enterprises but also to help SMEs adopt flexible automation more easily.
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SMF Drive showcased a new generation of robot drives that combine high torque, reduced weight and improved cost structures.
Conclusion and Outlook:
Automatica 2025 has clearly demonstrated that automation, energy efficiency and artificial intelligence are no longer isolated trends.
It will be essential to implement these technologies on a technical level and also to embed them within the organization through professional project management and targeted change management.
Successful automation initiatives require clear objectives, structured planning, the involvement of employees and early, transparent communication. Those who take a consistent approach and actively shape the transformation can sustainably strengthen their competitiveness and expand their market position.
Citations:
Understanding the Factors Influencing LCD Panel Price in 2023 – SmarterGlass
China overtakes Germany in industrial use of robots, says report | Reuters
77 % of Germans want robots in the workplace
Automatica: Besucherrekord nach vier Tagen
Besucherrekord auf der Messe Automatica – Automation – Elektroniknet
https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/de/robotersteuerungen/omnicore
IO-Link Wireless System | Balluff
