A family reunion – the Innovation Forum for Automation 2024 sets new record

Our two-day conference has always been the meeting place for the semiconductor industry. With a record number of 333 guests this year, not only were old connections reaffirmed, but many new ones were made. Another highlight in the books of the Innovation Forum!

The 13 presentations and four panel discussions once again offered guests everything that makes a successful Innovation Forum:

  • Insights, news and inspiration straight from the heart of the industry.
  • Lively exchange on and off stage
  • Plenty of entertainment

Together with the evening event in the ElbeGarten Dresden, an inspiring setting was created that offered numerous opportunities for enjoyment.

On Januar 25th and 26th this year’s Innovation Forum took us on an inspiring journey through the semiconductor manufacturing landscape. Starting with presentations on the importance of the Digital Twin and the role of AI for efficiency and productivity, the agenda took us all the way through the exciting capabilities of robotics, new levels of SPC Reporting in cloud-based data lakes and how to joggle the risks when exchanging the MES DB online.

The menu was spiced up with presentations on fully automated batch tools and rounded off with a look into the future, which is currently unfolding at Bosch Dresden with business processes driven by AI.

Innovation Award 2024

This year, the Innovation Award focuses on a particularly challenging aspect of innovation: the scalable implementation of ideas for production. In a strategic cooperation with Sunfire, Vitesco Technologies has proven that new technologies can be used to automate production in small batches, in this case for electrolysers, in order to scale them up for series production.

For this success and its commitment to the transition to zero-emission mobility and the further development of renewable energy, Vitesco Technologies was awarded the 2024 Innovation Prize.

From left to right: Manfred Austen (SYSTEMA), Dr. Roland Giesen (Fabmatics), Michael Jacob (Kontron AIS), Dr. Andreas Purath (Fabmatics), Kay Truxa (XENON), Andre Koberg (XENON), Dr. Udo Kreißig (Vitesco), Steve Barlow (Moderator) & Dirk Sauer (Kontron AIS)

An emotional finale

As if this 21st Innovation Forum for Automation had not already been rich enough in highlights, 333 guests gave Steve Barlow a standing ovation as he entered his well-deserved retirement. Steve has not only shaped the conference with his moderation for 20 years but has also developed a deep connection to the people and topics that make up this community. And we to him. The Innovation Forum continues without Steve, grateful for everything he has given us and full of confidence and drive to keep this unique “class reunion” flourishing. Thank you, Steve!


To learn more about the Innovation Forum for Automation, please visit: www.innovation-forum-automation.com

 

About the event

This annual conference is organized by the Automation Network Dresden (AND) from Germany since 2004. Its member companies (Fabmatics, Kontron AIS, SYSTEMA and XENON) are dedicated to bringing you the latest insights into significant factory-automation projects as well as new automation technologies spanning various industries with a focus on semiconductor.