The Motek/Bondexpo technology and business platform is ready to launch: From 8 to 11 October 2024, providers and users of production automation systems will come together in Stuttgart for the traditional autumn highlight. The industry must prepare for the future: the trade fair double package is accompanied by an impressive world-class support program.
“We are ready,” declares Rainer Bachert, long-time Motek/Bondexpo project manager. “We look forward to welcoming 400 exhibitors from October 8 to 11, 2024 in Halls 3, 5 and 7 in Stuttgart. We will experience exciting and future-oriented innovations in the field of production automation,” says Bachert. Efficiency, cost-effectiveness, resource conservation and the shortage of skilled labor are all featured in the main themes of the fair: production components and systems, assembly support systems and workplace equipment, solutions for easy implementation and commissioning, object recognition and image processing for inline part recognition and the latest gluing technologies. “These factors continue to dominate as drivers for automation. The implementation of automation technologies has never been easier than it is today, even for small and medium-sized enterprises,” says project manager Bachert. Digitalization also applies to the supply, unpacking and sorting of parts
Supply systems are essential for assembly and production automation.
They must be supplied and removed in individual configurations – a central step in the production process – for various components, parts, assemblies and final products. RNA is one of the providers focused on Motek, which this year presents a completely digital stand concept. Exhibition visitors can find various practical examples on different touchscreens and digital, reproducible supply systems. Simulation programs for actuator adjustment and part simulation allow users to digitally validate the supply system at the design stage before the production of real parts and components begins. Another feeding technology specialist, Mafu, is showcasing a wide range of conveying solutions, bringing innovations from its recently introduced screw-driven technology portfolio to this year’s Motek/Bondexpo. Motek exhibitor Asyril also offers flexible feeding solutions for the modern separation of bulk goods.
These are designed for easy integration and short lead times when separating bulk materials to reduce overall production costs. For example, 3-axis vibration technology combined with an intelligent image processing system allows easy separation of various sized components, even the smallest parts. Combined with intuitive intelligent EYE+ controls, the Asycube feeding system and Asyfill parts bunker offer great flexibility, especially in production environments with high product diversity and low volumes.
Integrating software solutions into manual assembly processes
At Motek, workplace systems and equipment for manual assembly are also a key topic. For example, Bott is dedicated to integrating software into manual assembly. In cooperation with Assemblio, the company offers software for efficient assembly planning and the automatic creation of assembly instructions. Exhibition visitors will be offered practical lectures, workshops and panel discussions as a separate support program at the company’s trade fair stand. Speakers include experts from leading companies and institutions working on process optimization in production and assembly. Topics in the program include practical implementation of AI and cross-system networking.
Manual assembly combined with modern image processing will be the subject of the keynote speech at the opening press conference by Björn Riechers, Managing Director of RK Rose+krieger. We can’t wait to see what he has to say.
AI-based part recognition and automation of inspection tasks
Production and quality assurance are merging as testing processes are increasingly taking place inline during production. This significantly improves production performance but at the same time creates challenges for inspection and test technology. At Cambrian Robotics, for example, visitors to the exhibition can experience an AI-powered 3D vision system for robots, which allows them to recognize objects via a camera and perform complex tasks in production environments. AIT Goehner is demonstrating its solution for demanding surface inspection applications with its trevista Line Scan system. The inspection system uses line scan technology in combination with Cognex’s shape-from-shading process to generate optimized images at high speed. This technology helps to minimize waste and save resources.
An expected support program with heavy use of artificial intelligence
Motek/Bondexpo 2024 will again be complemented by a top-class support program. This provides further information and additional opportunities for personal exchange between industry experts. As in previous years, the Pilz Expert Forum “Safety and Security in Automation” will also be held this year. The forum on the first day of the fair (October 8, 2024) will serve as a popular meeting point for association, scientific and industry experts who want to learn about trend topics on safe automation and machine safety. The emphasis is on practice-oriented lectures on topics such as safety in mechanical engineering, safe production, new machine regulations and corporate sustainability.
The lecture forum on the second day of the fair, which starts on October 9 at 9.30 am, will be based on the motto “Don’t be afraid of AI – Use the possibilities and stay competitive”. The talk is aimed at companies and professionals who want to analyze the uses and challenges of AI in industry: visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities presented by AI and learn about practical solutions.