Innovation Day Robotik meets AI – looking at the future of flexible production

On 24 September 2025, the Innovation Day “Robotics meets AI” at ZEMA – Centre for Mechatronics and Automation Techniques in Saarbrücken, its doors were provided to nearly two dozens of participants from industry, research and technology enthusiastic about the future of production. Under the motto: “Practical applications for flexible production and assembly” experts presented by the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Saarland and of the Small and medium-sized digital centre Saarbrücken current developments where artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics go hand in hand.

 

AI and robotics: More than just welding and treading

Industrial robots are no longer rigid machines that only carry out simple tasks such as welding or pick-and-place tasks. Through the use of AI, they become flexible, learning-ready assistants who are dynamically adapting to new needs. It was precisely this development that was at the heart of the event.

In numerous presentations, participants learned how artificial intelligence (AI) not only makes robots smarter, but also opens up new application fields – from autonomous surface finishing in the grinding process to independent assembly planning through the use of optical sensors.

 

Highlights of the day: From Robot Vision to Bin Picking

The programme consisted of a mix of: Technical lectures and Live demonstrations, which showed participants the practical implementation of modern technologies:

• AI in robotics: How algorithms enable robots to make complex decisions in real time – for example when controlling quality or adapting production parameters.
• Robot Vision: Optical sensors allow robots to accurately capture their environment and act independently. It focused on: Image detection for the so-called Bin Picking, where robots access and further process disordered components from containers.
• Sensitive robotics: Power-controlled processes, such as: Grinding of components, how robots can handle sensitive materials by fine-tuning pressure and movement themselves.
• Live screenings: They were particularly impressive: AI-assisted quality control of a coupling press plate and a fully automated robot cell, which carried out all the steps independently from Bin Picking until assembly.

 

World Café: AI and robotics in dialogue

In the afternoon, a World Café provided participants with the opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities of AI and robotics in small groups. Direct exchanges with other companies were particularly valuable for participants: The technology is in place – it is now a matter of making good use of it.

Conclusion: AI and robotics are already in use

The event made it clear: AI and robotics are no longer music for the future, but are already operational today. In particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the solutions presented offer enormous potential to produce more flexible, efficient and competitive.

Due to the high interest, EDIH Saarland is already planning to relaunch the Innovation Day Robotics in 2026.