How is artificial intelligence, the "fifth" industrial revolution, changing automation technology and what potential does robotics open up? Under the motto "Human-centric Automation", experts will be discussing the latest developments and technology trends on 1 and 2 July 2025 in Baden-Baden. As the leading annual congress for measurement and automation technology, the 26th VDI Congress AUTOMATION brings together leading minds from industry, research and science.
Independent European AI is the topic of the keynotes
Prof. Dr Hans Uszkoreit, Scientific Director at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), is calling for independent European AI. He will give one of the congress keynotes and makes it clear in advance: "Without our own AI initiatives, we will not only lose technological control, but also economic freedom." At the same time, he appeals to companies to take a more holistic view of the opportunities offered by the new technology: "In the long term, it is not enough to selectively add AI modules." Instead, processes need to be completely restructured. Prof Uszkoreit: "In terms of its impact and the breadth and depth to which it influences almost all business processes, artificial intelligence can confidently be described as the fifth industrial revolution."
Under the keynote title "Make or Buy - Why we need to develop independent AI", Jörg Bienert, co-founder and CEO of the German AI Association, also spoke in favour of European initiatives: "It is imperative that we are able to design, develop and operate AI systems ourselves - otherwise we will face enormous economic challenges and become critically dependent". At the same time, Jörg Bienert points out the importance of foundation models for the general infrastructure: "Just as motorways are a state-funded infrastructure component, this should also apply to IT and digital infrastructures in a similar way."
VDI Congress AUTOMATION focuses on cognitive systems and modern robotics
One key technological trend that the VDI Congress AUTOMATION is focussing on is cognitive systems and modern robotics applications. "Cognitive robots can perceive and understand their environment thanks to advanced sensor technology and AI functions. This enables more natural communication between humans and robots through speech, gestures and facial expressions, similar to interaction between humans," explains David Reger, CEO of NEURA Robotics GmbH.
Paul Stumpf, Head of Global Robotics at TRUMPF, also expects completely new fields of application thanks to robotics in the machine tool sector - particularly in applications for which traditional automation solutions are too complex, too rigid or too expensive. Flexibility is a key factor here, according to Paul Stumpf: "Many companies in the sheet metal processing industry tend to produce smaller batch sizes and varying formats. In the future, camera-based systems and AI will create the conditions for robots to 'see' and, to a certain extent, programme themselves."
Digitalisation and networking in automation technology bring efficiency benefits - but at the same time, the risk of cyberattacks is increasing. Legislators are therefore setting a new regulatory framework with the Machinery Directive, the NIS 2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act. Thorsten Knöner, Phoenix Contact Deutschland GmbH, emphasises: "Especially with the Machinery Ordinance, which will come into force in January 2027, the lead time for necessary adjustments should not be underestimated. We can also see that a number of older-generation automation products will no longer be able to fulfil the future requirements. A significant market shakeout is to be expected here."
Focal points of the VDI Congress AUTOMATION
The circle of speakers at AUTOMATION 2025 is also high-calibre. Over 100 technical papers will cover a wide range of topics on the latest developments and technological trends. The main topics include:
- AI, data science & dataspaces
- Process automation
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems
- Discrete production
- Industrial communication
- Sustainable technologies, energy and circular economy
- Safety & Security
- Technology and innovation management
The future of work and living
The accompanying trade exhibition provides further insights into new technologies and applications. The Future Zone is also an indispensable part of the congress: start-ups and research groups present current projects, new products and services here. The leading congress also offers numerous opportunities for networking, including the popular, exclusive evening event.
Parallel VDI conference Machine Vision
Parallel to AUTOMATION 2025, the VDI conference "Machine Vision - From Inspection to Smart Revolution!" will take place at the Kongresshaus Baden-Baden under the direction of Prof Dr Markus Glück, Aalen University. The programme has already been finalised.
Further information on registration and the AUTOMATION 2025 programme can be found at www.vdi-wissensforum.de/automatisierungskongress/.
