“We have ideal conditions for a successful productronica 2023”

In less than six months, productronica – the world’s leading trade fair for electronics development and production – will begin in Munich. From November 14 to 17, 2023, companies from the fields of PCB & EMS, SMT, semiconductors, inspection & quality, future production & smart factory, and cables, coils & hybrids will present their solutions and products. Half a year before the start of the trade fair, Exhibition Director Barbara Müller gives a preview of productronica 2023.

Ms. Müller, productronica is one of the few events that survived the last three years with almost no restrictions. How are preparations currently going for this November?

It was very important for perception within the industry that we were able to hold productronica as an in-person event two years ago. And that is why we are especially looking forward to productronica 2023 under normal conditions. We are very happy with the registrations so far. Key players such as ASMPT, Asys, Ersa, Fuji, Komax, Rohde & Schwarz, Schmoll Systems and Viscom have already confirmed their participation. In addition, the current survey by the VDMA Productronics Association shows that there is a positive mood within the industry. Together, these two factors create ideal conditions for a successful event this fall. We therefore expect that we will almost match the number of exhibitors from 2019, when 1,500 companies from more than 40 countries were represented at productronica and SEMICON Europa, which was held at the same time.

What topics will take center stage at productronica 2023?

Alongside current overarching topics such as the shortage of skilled workers and sustainability, this year’s productronica will focus on the four key topics of power electronics, artificial intelligence and sensors in electronics production and quantum technologies second generation.
Power electronics is taking on an increasingly important role, particularly in the automotive sector and in photovoltaic and wind power plants. By using artificial intelligence in electronics production, processes can be optimized and productivity potential further exploited. In addition to this, sensors offer further development opportunities in electronics production through independent processing of signals and information.
We are also organizing a special show in cooperation with the VDMA Productronic department - the conceptual and technical sponsor of productronica. There, the focus will be on three aspects: Quantum technologies of the second generation - e.g., view of an ion trap through the microscope, live demonstration of a "Smart Reordering System" based on battery-powered and radio-networked sensors as well as the demonstration of a frequency converter with a connected drive motor.

Can you already give an initial preview of the supporting program for productronica 2023, Ms. Müller?

We are currently in the middle of the planning phase for the supporting program. But I can already reveal that alongside the well-established forum program and live demonstrations, there will also be the productronica Careers and productronica fast forward areas. In the Careers area, we will offer both young professionals and experienced workers individual and professional career advice. At the same time, exhibitors will have the opportunity to search for prospective employees and post job offers on the productronica exhibitor portal. And with our productronica fast forward powered by VDMA Start-Up Machine, we will also be following our tradition of supporting young companies in entering the market. A special highlight for many years has been the productronica Innovation Award ceremony on the first day of the trade fair. Applications for this can be submitted from July 27 on the productronica website.