STAUBLI is a multinational company with “Swiss soul and heart”, firmly anchored to its roots in Zurich, where its headquarters are still located. Established in 1892, however, today it has production and commercial branches in 29 countries. One of its three Business Units is centred on robotics and AGV, serving two application sectors in particular: the first one, characterized by clean environments and sanitizable products includes medical, pharmaceutical and food industries; the second one, where lubricants may be present, as well as very dirty, wet or dusty environments, covers General Industry.
What does RobotHeart of BI-MU represent for STAUBLI?
After taking part in the first edition in 2022, we can assert that, for STAUBLI, this is the most important exhibition in Italy dedicated to the world of robotics and automation. In our opinion, it represents the future for those who are looking for a valid ad effective trade show, where you can find high-level expertise, not exclusively limited to metalworking.
What satisfied you most about the past edition?
The fact that, since its first edition, RobotHeart was able to find its specific and focused identity: it brought together the top players of the sector and high-quality, highly knowledgeable visitors. In the aisles and at the stands, we met only high-profile operators with clear ideas about projects to be developed. On the basis of this experience, I can say that RobotHeart of BI-MU is not a trade fair for curious people, but an event for those who need to invest and are looking for appropriate solutions.
Our president was really impressed by the value of the exhibition, the level of knowledge and the profile of the operators in the halls of fieramilano. It is difficult to have this winning mix already in the first edition, but, indeed, Italy set up a really valuable event: this was his comment.
We compliment the organisers of BI-MU and SIRI, which sponsored the initiative and took care of some particularly interesting meetings for thematic, cultural insights.
What do you expect for the 2024 edition?
The success achieved in 2022 was shared by all stakeholders of the sector and also felt by those who did not participate in the first edition. On these excellent, sound foundations, we expect an even richer 2024 edition with a larger number of exhibitors and, as a result, an even wider audience of visitors.
| “… Already with the first edition of RobotHeart, in 2022, Italy set up a really valuable event …” |
How do you see the market at present?
The world market is suffering a bit, but it is just a moment… Robotics has very wide room for growth and development and thus, the slowdown reported in these last months of 2023, also in Italy – which is one of the most dynamic markets – does not worry us. According to the forecasts, in 2024 there will be an interesting upswing, whose effects will certainly be seen at BI-MU next October.
Can you give us an idea about the situation of the two main sectors you target for your applications?
The year 2023 was a period in which to try to return to normal, leaving behind all problems concerning procurement of materials and related run-ups in prices. The advantage of robotics is that it can be employed in numerous fields and every year new applications are developed. Without giving details about our target markets, I can clearly say that it is this diversification that enables us to look to the future with optimism, even in a market situation as complex as the current one. The results we achieved are close to what was budgeted for 2023, expressly because companies need to remain competitive in the market, offering high-level products with the best quality/price ratio and the use of robots is a key step.
If you should make a suggestion to the organisers for the next edition?
The first edition of Robotheart at BI-MU showcased applications for metal by 75% and solutions for other manufacturing sectors by 25%. I would like the exhibition in 2024 to be focused on more fields, increasing the presence of applications for food, pharma, cosmetics and assembly. All this would allow to further strengthen the role of RobotHeart and BI-MU in the scenario of international trade fairs dedicated to robotics and automation.
Interview released in November 2023.
