Broad support for this year's Automation Day

Successful automation journeys and future solutions were the theme of this year's Automation Day. A broad mix of industrial companies, students, and researchers gathered last week to learn about new developments, find inspiration, share experiences, and network.

Successful automation journeys and future solutions were the theme of this year's Automation Day. A broad mix of industrial companies, students, and researchers gathered last week to learn about new developments, find inspiration, share experiences, and network.

Automation Day is an important meeting place for many players working with automation and digitization. The eleventh edition of the event attracted more than 200 participants, and around 20 suppliers of automation equipment took part in the exhibition.

This year's seminar program provided insight into various companies' successful automation journeys and several examples of what future technology solutions might look like. Nine Swedish and Norwegian players from different industries shared their knowledge, experiences, challenges, and solutions.

One of the presenters was Charlotte Stigen Låstberg from Digiclean Solution, which has developed a new sensor technology for quality assurance of industrial process fluids:

– Large quantities of chemicals are used in industry, but they are not always handled in an efficient and sustainable manner. Our AI-controlled system can improve quality, save money, and reduce unnecessary use of chemicals.

Robot with "human" hands

Humanoid robots could be the solution if the labor shortage in industrial production becomes significant. The company Physical Robots presented its own humanoid robot, a robot with "human" hands and arms.

"Our humanoid has highly sensitive, responsive hands and can perform more complex tasks in manufacturing. I promise to bring a humanoid to the next Automation Day," said Andreas Mollat, Physical Robots.

Automated configuration speeds up construction projects

Automation can, of course, involve much more than robots and manufacturing. Engineering company Poji and construction company Inwoco talked about a calculation process that saves time and increases quality and delivery reliability in industrial modular construction.

"With automatically generated product configuration, we can quickly and efficiently produce a proposal for the customer—everything from quotes and drawings to finished production orders. Combined with standardized construction modules, this significantly shortens the process from inquiry to start of construction. At the same time, quality and scheduling are ensured," explained Per-Olof Hulthe, Poji, and Lars Atterfors, Inwoco.

AI creates entirely new opportunities

One person who has followed Automation Day for many years and who acted as moderator this year is Leif Johansson, innovation manager at Innovatum Science Park:

"Today, robots are mainly used for simple repetitive tasks in industry. When we incorporate AI into the systems, it opens up completely new possibilities and applications. Processes that are not standardized can be automated—for example, damaged parts can be repaired much more easily and smoothly than today. It's an exciting development that we've gained insight into today," said Leif Johansson.

Highly regarded exhibition

In addition to the presentations, there was also an opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions with other players in automation and digitization. A standing and much-appreciated feature is the exhibition at the Production Technology Center with leading suppliers of equipment and training. This is a great opportunity for participants to network with industry colleagues and suppliers.

Automation Day is organized by Innovatum Science Park, IUC West, University West, and the Production Technology Center.