Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Japanese Cutting-Edge
Solutions for Metalworking
Exhibition
August 4, 2025
Edited by: Yuya Sone
Staff Editor of SEISANZAI Japan; Editorial Desk of robot digest
From June 24 to 27, automatica 2025, Europe’s largest robotics trade fair, was held in Munich, Germany. The event drew more than 49,000 visitors—significantly higher than the 41,169 recorded at the previous edition—setting a new all-time attendance record. Alongside leading European manufacturers displaying their latest technologies, many Japanese companies also participated and demonstrated their presence in the European market.
Held in odd-numbered years, automatica is the leading robotics exhibition in Europe. The 2025 edition featured approximately 800 exhibitors from 40 countries and over 1,100 robots on display at Messe München.
Despite a generally sluggish capital investment environment in Germany and Europe—particularly in the automotive sector—the exhibition halls were bustling. Major manufacturers attracted large crowds to their booths.
Record-high visitor attendance at automatica 2025
One of the most prominent exhibitors was local German robotics giant KUKA. The company introduced its AI-powered programming assistant feature iiQWorks.Copilot.
The system allows users to input natural language instructions for example, such as “add a motion to stack boxes on a pallet from the conveyor,” which are then instantly converted into executable programs. Layout changes in simulation software, such as “place the conveyor on the right”, can also be made using text input within simulation software in natural language. The interface supports a wide range of languages, including English, German, and Japanese.
“We aim to make automation easier,” said a company spokesperson. The AI assistant is scheduled for release later this year.
KUKA introduces new AI assistant
Agile Robots, headquartered in Munich where the exhibition was held, had a large booth presence. Founded in 2018, the company has rapidly expanded by acquiring manufacturers of collaborative and logistics robots. At the booth, it showcased products from Franka Robotics, which joined the group in 2023.
In collaboration with NVIDIA, Agile Robots exhibited a system combining the latest general-purpose AI model GR00T N1.5, designed for humanoid robots, with a dual-arm robot from Franka Robotics. Using a standard color camera, the system recognizes and handles objects placed in front of it. While such tasks typically require special cameras capable of capturing depth information, AI technology enables similar functionality using only conventional imaging.
Also attracting attention was NEURA ROBOTICS, based in Baden-Württemberg, southern Germany. The company unveiled its humanoid robot 4NE1 Third Generation for the first time at the show. Standing 180 cm tall and weighing 80 kg, the robot can walk at speeds up to 5 km/h. Designed for logistics and manufacturing environments, it uses AI to respond in real time to changes in its surroundings.
NEURA ROBOTICS CEO David Reger presents humanoid robot
Beckhoff Automation, headquartered in North Rhine–Westphalia, a region known for its industrial and high-tech sectors, introduced its modular robotic system ATRO. This system allows users to build flexible robot arms by combining joint units with link modules. At the exhibition, Beckhoff also demonstrated integration with its linear transport system XTS and the contactless levitation transport system XPlanar.
“Synchronizing multiple machines normally requires significant engineering effort. But with Beckhoff’s solution, everything can be centrally controlled via the TwinCAT platform, enabling easy and advanced coordination,” explained Toshimitsu Kawano, president of the Japanese subsidiary.
autonox Robotics, also based in Baden-Württemberg, exhibited a high-rigidity robot for machining applications. In Germany, the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is conducting joint research with autonox and Siemens on robotic machining. The robot can handle not only easily machinable materials like aluminum alloys, but also harder workpieces such as tempered steel.
autonox Robotics showcases robot for machining
Among the non-German European exhibitors, Swiss major ABB Robotics launched new large-scale robots compatible with its latest OmniCore controller, which reduces power consumption by 20%. On display was the newly developed IRB 6750S, a shelf-mounted robot with a maximum payload of 350 kg. According to ABB, the robot offers top-class performance in its size range and is suitable for applications such as spot welding automotive bodies, unloading large press parts, and cutting building materials.
“It can be installed in a high-density layout together with floor-mounted robots. In one automotive welding station, up to 18 robots can be arranged to perform 80 spot welds in 15 seconds,” said the business line manager.
ABB expands large robot lineup
(To be continued in Part 2)
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