The lightweight cobot Franka is as flexible and sensitive as a human arm. Furthermore, the system from high-tech startup Franka Emika GmbH is quickly gaining fans thanks to how easy it is to use. The Munich company is promoting Franka as "the first robot that builds itself." At 10,000 euros, this cobot is a manageable investment.

Franka is not the only robot at HANNOVER MESSE 2017 . The latest in human-robot collaboration is one of the central features of the world’s leading trade show for industrial technology. With decreasing costs and increasing flexibility, cobots are providing more and more SMEs with the opportunity to gain a competitive edge.

Anyone interested in equipping their factory with the latest in robotics technology can’t afford to miss out on HANNOVER MESSE. With robots, cobots, and automated guided vehicle systems coming to the fore in manufacturing, the world’s leading trade show for industrial technology has positioned itself as the global meeting place for robotics technology. In 2017 key industry players will take advantage of the fair to present the benefits of their technology and their central role in Industrie 4.0 solutions to users. These include big names in robotics such as Fanuc, KUKA, Comau, Kawasaki, Universal Robots, Stäubli, Mitsubishi, Rethink Robotics and Denso. Plus, many newcomers will also participate. Over 60 robotics companies, system integrators, and providers of gripper technology will hoist their flags in Hannover. The exhibition includes the ROBOTICS AWARD ceremony for applied robotics solutions.

"HANNOVER MESSE features robotics solutions for the entire range of industrial applications,” says Arno Reich, director of Industrial Automation. “It presents comprehensive systems and solutions, from industrial robots, integrated systems and industrial image processing to mobile robots and automated guided vehicles."

A spectacular platform for robot manufacturers, system integrators, and providers of industrial image processing solutions is the Application Park Robotics, Automation & Vision in Hall 17, where visitors can experience mobile robots and autonomous systems live in action. Participating exhibitors include Incubed IT, Creform, Götting, WFT and WMV Robotics.

One of the major annual industry events is the presentation of the ROBOTICS AWARD for excellence in applied robotics solutions. It honors technological innovations that make a special contribution to robotics-based solutions in the area of industrial automation and mobile robots and autonomous systems. Robots submitted for the award are new products or significant advancements which are either market-ready or already in industrial use. The ROBOTICS AWARD ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 25.