The 43rd Motek international trade fair for production and assembly automation, held alongside the 18th Bondexpo for bonding technology, is gearing up for its upcoming edition in Stuttgart from October 6th to 8th, 2026.
This established industrial hub is set to redefine manufacturing standards through functional and eco-friendly innovations. The highlight of this three-day autumn gathering will be the Industrial Interactive Zone, a hands-on arena where attendees can witness firsthand the efficiency of process integration, rapid system startups, and versatile format transitions.
In this zone, automation professionals will showcase comprehensive solutions by tackling specific challenges that require seamless synergy between different system operations within a competitive setting.
Focus on User-Centric Automation: “People, Machines, Teamwork”
The Industrial Interactive Zone stands as the centerpiece of the event. Bettina Schall, managing director of Schall trade fair promoters, emphasizes that the goal is to prove how accessible and straightforward automation has become. The competition is designed to show that integrated solutions can be sourced from a single provider and easily implemented even by smaller firms. “We invite all machine builders and system integrators to form teams and energize the ‘People, Machines, Teamwork’ challenge,” states the organizer.
Competition Format: The “General Contractor” Approach
Participants will enter the contest acting as “general contractors,” meaning a single entity coordinates all sub-functions and hardware in partnership with their suppliers. A total of four expert teams will be hosted in Hall 6 at Motek/Bondexpo.
Each team must independently solve a two-part assignment:ç
- Assembly Phase: Using a robot to pick and palletize four distinct small parts (varying in color and shape) onto a rack. This must be repeated for ten full assemblies.
- Product Changeover: Immediately switching the line to handle a spherical object, dropping it into a container or placing it at a set location.
The primary judging metric is time—the fastest team to successfully complete both stages takes the win.
Demonstrating Adaptability and Ease of Use
According to Georg Knauer, project manager at P. E. Schall, the exhibition aims to highlight how “all-in-one” systems minimize setup times and eliminate the need for deep robotics expertise. The competition serves as a live proof-of-concept for how intuitive, integrated automation supports cost-effective and flexible manufacturing.
Full details and registration requirements can be found at the Industrial Interactive Zone special page. Interested specialists must submit their applications via the official portal by May 30th, 2026