Vision, Robotics, & Motion Event 2024: The Future of Smart Production, Automation and Digitalization

The Vision, Robotics & Motion Trade event is an annual event held in Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, that offers a complete overview of solutions for smart automation and digitalisation opportunities. The next two-day event will be held between the 5th and 6th of June, 2024

The event aims to provide insights into robotics, vision, and motion implementation in the manufacturing sector, enabling engineers and technical specialists within the MKB/OEM high-tech and manufacturing industry to learn from industry leaders about how to address challenges, such as consumer demands and increasing automation.  

With over 130 exhibitors, including manufacturers, system integrators, suppliers, and advisors in attendance, this event promises to be more exciting than the previous year.

This year's event will continue to explore automation in the manufacturing industry. This year's trade show will be expanded to include a new pillar: Digital Innovation. This pillar focuses on digitization opportunities and solutions for companies in the manufacturing industry. “We see that digitalization and automation always go hand in hand, without digitalization you can hardly automate. Therefore, it can hardly exist separately. That makes the combination at the fair very interesting,” says Timo van Leent, manager of the Events Department at Mikrocentrum. “Entrepreneurs can get informed about the latest trends. Moreover, the stories of others are often inspiring.”

Exhibitors will demonstrate the latest trends and technology in smart production automation with use cases, and visitors will be able to engage directly with manufacturing companies and hear about cutting-edge technological developments and applications.

Robotics Demonstrations and AI Applications

One of the most engaging demo areas of the floor plan hosts a variety of robotic systems in full operation.  Industrial robots and collaborative robots will be exhibited, performing specific tasks and working with human operators. Experts will showcase the versatility and efficiency of these robotic systems in performing complex operations and executing tasks with speed and precision.

Furthermore, the demo areas will have several AI applications that utilize machine learning and computer vision technologies. Attendees can witness intelligent algorithms analyzing data and AI-powered vision systems identifying defects in real time. These demos pinpoint the power of AI in manufacturing and other industries.

Industry experts in robotics and AI will assist with suitable solutions and implementations on the exhibition floor. The various speakers will guide with smart and practical digitalization solutions and discuss the potential impact of advancements in AI and robotics on manufacturing industries. The demo areas will have interactive workshops to allow attendees to engage in discussions with authority figures in the field. 

The Significance of this Event to the Manufacturing Industry

The importance of this event lies in its approach to addressing manufacturers' needs through new technological innovations. Manufacturers' problems are multifaceted, from rising consumer demands to product delivery. In today's fast-paced world, where efficiency, quality control, and sustainability are the core of production, manufacturers face an uphill task in adapting and meeting demands.

Charlotte de Jong, program manager of Vision, Robotics, and Motion at Mikrocentrum, said more and more manufacturing companies want to automate for various reasons. The shortage in the labor market exemplifies one of these reasons. The shortage means companies have to find ways to work more efficiently. Robotics and AI offer innovative solutions to address this global challenge. Robotics and AI can help in automating repetitive tasks with high precision and speed, while they help to streamline manufacturing processes and minimize waste, thereby maximizing output and reducing operational costs.

AI also ensures that manufacturers maintain a high level of quality and meet regulatory standards. Leveraging advanced solutions, such as automated inspection systems, can help to identify defects accurately, ensuring only products of the highest quality are manufactured and delivered to consumers. When the risk of defects is reduced, manufacturers ensure quality control and uphold their reputation.

Furthermore, robotics and AI can enable greater flexibility. In today's consumer market, manufacturers must adapt quickly to consumer dynamism and market demands. Traditional manufacturing often slacks in responding to rapid changes, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Robotics and AI, in conjunction with human efforts, will facilitate quick reconfiguration of production lines and offer analytical insights that will help manufacturers adjust to demand fluctuations and optimize production schedules for greater results.

Finally, this power-packed event will make clear how these transformative solutions can bring sustainability throughout the production. With more eyes now on environmental impact, manufacturers are under immense pressure to abide by sustainable practices during production. Robotics and AI can help manufacturers achieve sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste. These advanced solutions can regulate energy usage and repurpose materials to reduce waste and costs. 

AI will unlock new levels of innovation and productivity, and the manufacturing industry can greatly benefit from this transformative solution. The upcoming Vision, Robotics, and Motion event hopes to create more awareness of the advantages of robotics and AI and how their implementation in the manufacturing sector will increase competitiveness, enhance efficiency, and enable flexibility. 

Digital Innovation: A New Pillar of this Year’s Event

A new addition to this year’s event is digital innovation, which will be one of the key highlight of the trade fair. This new pillar will reflect the increasing importance of digitalization in manufacturing. It focuses on digitalization opportunities and solutions for manufacturing companies. 

Manager of the Events Department, Timo Van Leent, said digitalization and automation are intertwined. "Without digitalization, you can't automate," he said. That's what makes the upcoming event in the Netherlands interesting. Attendees can learn about the latest trends and discover innovative technologies that will revolutionize manufacturing. From maintenance to logistics, digital innovation will unlock new opportunities for enhanced productivity, enabling more agile and responsive manufacturing lines.

Leent reveals that while there's a clamor to adopt digitalization and automation in manufacturing, small manufacturing companies are slightly disadvantaged because they need higher budgets to experiment. However, he states that these companies don't need to follow the latest innovation trends. They can gain insights at the Vision, Robotics, and Motion trade fair into technologies that can help them achieve digitalization and automation at their level.

Attending engineers will gain insight into digitalization and automation from exhibitors and have the opportunity to build a network. De Jong states that networking is fundamental at the event. "Visitors get to know many people while having the chance to check out some technologies." In addition to the exhibition and the demos, Manufacturers and engineers will be given an extensive lecture on the use of the software. Learning and discovery are essential aspects of the "Digital Innovation" pillar.

Embracing Digital Innovation in Other Industries

Beyond manufacturing, the technologies showcased at this year’s event will also influence other industries, such as healthcare and agriculture. In healthcare, AI-powered robotic-assisted surgeries are becoming prevalent in patient care. In agriculture, robotics and AI are enhancing sustainable crop yields. 

The latest robotics innovations are poised to transform these domains globally, focusing on efficiency and productivity. Attendees can learn of their practical applications and hope for tangible benefits beyond manufacturing. 

Vital Learning Opportunities

Trade fairs like this will serve as a crucial learning platform for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and even robotics enthusiasts. Attendees will have hands-on learning, equipped with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in this fast-paced, technologically driven world. 

Preparing for the Future

The innovations showcased at this year’s Vision, Robotics, and Motion event offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of automation in manufacturing and beyond. This event will prepare us for the tomorrow we anticipate—a prosperous and sustainable future that will harness the full potential of robotics and AI. 

What: Vision, Robotics & Motion Trade

When: 5th and 6th of June, 2024

Where: 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, 

Register to attend for free here!