The biennial event’s organiser, Messe München, says that, based on the recommendations of the German Federal Government and the Bavarian State Government, it “feels compelled” to postpone Automatica 2020. It has made its decision in consultation with the event’s sponsor, the VDMA Robotics + Automation Association, and in responsibility for the health of exhibitors and visitors.

“Under the given circumstances, opening Automatica in the middle of June would not be justifiable towards our customers – in particular from a medical and economic perspective,” says Messe Munchen’s managing director, Falk Senger. “Now, we are looking forward to hosting a successful Automatica 2020 together with the industry in December.”

Wilfried Eberhardt, chairman of the Automatica advisory board and chief marketing officer at one of the show’s largest exhibitors, the robot-maker Kuka, adds: “The postponement of Automatica to the end of the year is the right decision in view of the current situation. In December, the trade fair will act as an important catalyst for a successful post-crisis period and will help the industry to emerge stronger from the current exceptional situation.”