New era of robotics conference
Due to the cancellation of automatica, the International Robotics Symposium (ISR) in 2020 has switched to an online format - for the first time in its history. This is not only a change of form but also a breakthrough: for the first time in the 52nd edition, the conference offers two parallel tracks. One focuses on the latest technological trends and research, while the other focuses on market innovations, where companies present their products and development strategies.
Organized by VDMA Robotics + Automation and ITG (Information Technology Society within VDE), ISR remains one of the most important meeting points for the robotics industry. The participation of leaders such as 3M, DLR, and the University of Toronto shows that the conference continues to attract world-class experts in automation and intelligent systems.
Business track: from innovation to market
The new business track is a key element of the change in the structure of ISR. For the first time, a company can present its product directly at the conference without having to participate in trade fairs. Companies such as KUKA AG, FANUC Deutschland GmbH, Universal Robots (Germany) GmbH or YASKAWA Europe GmbH - all presenting new solutions for the industry.
This is not only about promoting products but also about creating opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers. In the context of the pandemic and travel restrictions, the online format becomes not only an alternative but often a better solution for effective knowledge exchange and relationship building.
IERA Award: innovations from idea to commercialization
One of the main events of the conference is the IERA (Invention and Entrepreneurship in Robotics and Automation) award ceremony. In 2020, two projects were nominated: MotionCam-3D from Photoneo and Smart Gripper RG2-FT from OnRobot. Both products were presented as an example of success - from the initial idea to commercialization.
The decision on the winner will be made by a jury composed of industry and academic experts (IEEE and IFR). The award emphasizes that innovation in robotics is not limited to research - often, the key is the ability to quickly implement technology in the market.
New era of robotics conference
The online format not only enabled the continuation of the ISR tradition under pandemic conditions but also opened up new opportunities for participants from different countries. The elimination of travel requirements significantly expanded the accessibility of the event - participants from Asia, Latin America, or Africa could easily participate in technological and business sessions. This transformed ISR from a local industry conference into a global hub for exchanging knowledge about robotics, where the culture of innovation and international cooperation are not only supported but actively promoted. In the context of increasing digitalization of industry, such a forum becomes a key element of the technology ecosystem, connecting scientific research with practical market solutions.
In addition, the new structure of the conference - with two parallel tracks - allowed for a deeper exploration of topics. The technology track focused on innovations in artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, and the integration of digital systems, while the business track analyzed commercialization models, marketing strategies, and digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. This approach provided participants with a comprehensive view of the development of robotics - from the laboratory to the factory and beyond to the consumer market.
