all about automation Zurich

Overview

all about automation Zurich is a focused regional trade show for industrial automation, robotics and digitalisation, held at Messe Zürich on 26–27 August 2026 and organised by Easyfairs/degli esposti & partner as part of the multi-location all about automation series across German‑speaking Europe. It brings automation users together with component manufacturers, system integrators, machine builders and engineering service providers to support flexible automation and smart production in the context of Industry 4.0.

The show runs alongside maintenance Switzerland as part of a coordinated trade show trio, giving visitors an efficient way to source automation, maintenance and related industrial solutions in one venue. The concept emphasises compact hall layout, short walking distances and direct, technical dialogue at the stands rather than large show spectacles, which particularly suits SMEs and regional decision‑makers.

Across the series, all about automation events attract tens of thousands of trade visitors each year, underlining the format’s importance as a practical marketplace for solutions and know‑how transfer in automation technology.

What to Expect

Visitors to all about automation Zurich 2026 can expect a compact, highly focused trade show concentrating on practical solutions for industrial automation, robotics and digitalisation. The event is positioned as a regional meeting point where automation users meet technology providers who can support them on the path towards flexible automation and smart production in the context of Industry 4.0. Around 250 exhibitors and partners are set to present a broad range of products and services, from sensors, control systems, drive and safety technology through to industrial communication, robotics, machine vision, cloud and edge solutions, and integration and engineering services. The hall layout at Messe Zürich is designed for short walking distances and clear segmentation by topic, making it easy for visitors to find relevant suppliers and compare competing solutions in a short time. Stands are typically open and dialogue‑oriented rather than show‑driven, encouraging direct, technical exchanges with engineers and product specialists. Visitors can usually bring concrete projects and questions and receive individual advice on site, including feasibility assessments and ideas for retrofits or incremental modernisation of existing systems. As part of a trade show trio with maintenance Switzerland, the Zurich edition also benefits from synergies with maintenance, condition monitoring and reliability solutions. This set‑up allows plant operators and maintenance managers to explore how automation, predictive maintenance and digital monitoring can be combined in integrated approaches. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can expect an accompanying programme with specialist talks and presentations at open forums or stages, where manufacturers, integrators and users share case studies, best‑practice examples and insights into standards, safety and digital transformation. Across the all about automation series, the organiser highlights an emphasis on regionality and accessibility, low barriers to entry and efficient visit planning. Trade visitors often benefit from free or low‑cost admission when registering in advance online, and they can plan one‑day visits with a dense programme of meetings. With around 35,000 m² of exhibition space referenced for the series and around 28,000 annual visitors at all locations combined, the format offers both a manageable scale at each site and a wide cross‑section of the DACH automation market overall.

Who Should Attend

all about automation Zurich is designed for professional decision‑makers and specialists from the industrial automation ecosystem in Switzerland and neighbouring regions. Core visitor groups include automation users in manufacturing and processing industries who are looking for practical solutions to increase efficiency, flexibility and quality through automation and digitalisation. Typical attendees are: - Production and operations managers responsible for the performance and modernisation of plants and production lines, who seek technologies for throughput gains, reduced downtime and higher transparency. - Automation, electrical and controls engineers, PLC programmers and system architects who evaluate components, platforms and architectures for new machines, retrofits and standardisation projects. - Machine and plant manufacturers, OEMs and system integrators who design and deliver turnkey solutions and need reliable component suppliers and technology partners for controls, drives, sensors, safety, motion, robotics, vision and communication. - Maintenance and reliability managers, service providers and facility managers, particularly because the event is held in combination with maintenance Switzerland, allowing them to address both automation and maintenance challenges in one visit. - Technical purchasing, sourcing and supply chain professionals in industrial companies who benchmark suppliers, negotiate framework agreements and look for alternative sources or second‑source solutions in key technology fields. - Management, digitalisation and innovation leads (CTOs, digital transformation managers, industry 4.0 project leads) seeking an overview of state‑of‑the‑art automation, connectivity and data solutions in a compact, regional format. Because the show concept focuses on B2B, trade‑only attendance, it is most relevant for companies in sectors such as mechanical engineering, automotive and suppliers, plastics, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, metalworking, electronics, intralogistics and many other manufacturing industries. Educational and research stakeholders, such as universities or application‑oriented institutes, may also attend to observe technology trends and foster cooperation with industry.

Why It Matters

all about automation Zurich plays an important role in the Swiss and regional DACH automation landscape by providing a dedicated, accessible platform for industrial automation at a time when companies are under pressure to increase efficiency, flexibility and resilience. As manufacturers move towards Industry 4.0 and data‑driven production, they need not only flagship suppliers but also a network of specialised partners who can help implement practical solutions step by step. The show’s clear focus and regional orientation make it easier for SMEs and mid‑sized companies to navigate this complexity compared to large, global mega‑events. The event matters because it bridges strategy and implementation. Decision‑makers can see technologies such as advanced sensors, robotics, safety systems, drives, edge and cloud connectivity and data analytics not just as stand‑alone products, but in working combinations presented by integrators and system houses. This enables more realistic assessments of what can be implemented in existing plants, how migrations from older control systems can be staged, and how digitalisation can start with targeted use cases rather than large, risky projects. The combination with maintenance Switzerland further increases its relevance. Reliable production today requires integration of automation, condition monitoring and maintenance strategies. By hosting automation and maintenance together, the Zurich edition supports cross‑functional collaboration: maintenance managers can discuss predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics and spare‑parts strategies with automation suppliers, while automation engineers can consider maintainability and lifecycle costs more explicitly in their designs. On a broader level, the all about automation series, including Zurich, contributes to knowledge transfer and workforce upskilling in the automation field. With around 28,000 visitors annually across all locations, the events help disseminate best practices and build networks between users, manufacturers, integrators and educational institutions. For Switzerland as a high‑wage, innovation‑oriented economy, such platforms support competitiveness by helping companies maintain technologically advanced yet pragmatic automation and production strategies. The Zurich show thus serves as both a marketplace for solutions and a meeting point for the regional automation community, shaping how Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing are implemented in practice.