#South Korea #Seoul #Smart Factory #Automation World #COEX

Smart Factory + Automation World 2025

The 'Smart Factory + Automation World 2025' event, held from March 12 to 14 at COEX, marked a significant milestone in the realm of smart manufacturing and automation. This year's exhibition set records, welcoming approximately 70,000 visitors and featuring 500 exhibitors from 22 countries—a commendable increase of 10% in exhibitors and 15% in attendees compared to the previous year. It has become a pivotal platform for showcasing innovations that are shaping the future of manufacturing.

A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technologies

Under the compelling theme of 'Automation to Autonomy,' the exhibition highlighted various advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), smart factory solutions, big data analytics, cloud computing, logistics robotics, and industrial robotic systems. This year's edition emphasized the forthcoming transformation of industrial activities through AI-driven manufacturing processes, showcasing practical examples to the attendees.

One standout exhibit was the Asian debut of Boston Dynamics' innovative logistics robot, 'Stretch,' capable of executing real-time 'depalletizing' tasks by handling boxes weighing up to 23kg. Visitors were impressed with its capabilities, which were demonstrated throughout the event, providing a glimpse into the future of automated logistics.

Hyundai AutoEver also made waves by introducing its first-ever AI Software-Defined Factory, branded 'NeoFactory.' The 'Factory Demonstration Zone' allowed attendees to engage directly with various robotic technologies in real-world settings, showcasing the efficiency that AI-enhanced systems can deliver. Similarly, Schneider Electric commemorated its 50th anniversary in Korea by presenting next-gen smart manufacturing solutions designed for diverse production systems, reinforcing their position as a sustainable enterprise.

U.S. firm Rockwell Automation displayed its 'OTTO 100,' a sophisticated autonomous mobile robot (AMR) aimed at optimizing logistics within the factory environment, which garnered a lot of interest from the industry professionals present.

Business Connections and Opportunities

Beyond showcasing innovations, this year's exhibition significantly focused on creating avenues for business collaboration. Through Overseas Buyer Export Consultation Meetings, influential buyers from nine nations conducted 317 meetings with 134 local companies, leading to approximately USD 106 million in contracts related to automation technology.

The newly initiated 'AW Open Innovation Round' was also a highlight, designed to foster connections between startups and medium to large corporations for potential investment opportunities. Six standout startups were recognized, including Movic Lab, MyLink, and PowerAuto Robotics, all of which received notable interest from industry giants like Samsung and LG. Lee Won-geun, the CEO of Movic Lab, expressed excitement over the attention they attracted, confirming ongoing discussions with several investment firms regarding potential funding.

Lee Dong-ki, the President of COEX, reflected on the progress witnessed during the event, stating, “This exhibition has clearly outlined the emerging paradigm within the manufacturing sector. The dawn of completely autonomous production facilities driven by AI and robotics is imminent.”

Looking Forward to 2026

As the curtains closed on Smart Factory + Automation World 2025, excitement is already building for the next edition, scheduled for March 4 to 6, 2026. The anticipation surrounding how smart manufacturing will evolve in the next year reflects the urgency and importance of the innovations on offer this year.

Overall, Smart Factory + Automation World 2025 has stepped up as a beacon of progress in the industry, spotlighting how technology will redefine manufacturing standards and operational efficiencies in the years to come.