Automatica, the German automation exhibition, first held two years ago, is expected to attract more than 600 exhibitors when it is takes place for the second time in Munich this May. The show, which was set up because a group of robot-makers wanted an alternative to the Hannover Fair, focuses on assembly and handling technologies, machine vision, sensors, and safety, as well as robotics.

According to the organisers, more than 100 exhibitors have deserted Hannover for the new three-day show. As well as being more focussed and more affordable for exhibitors than the five-day Hannover Fair, the Munich location is closer to the heartland of the German automotive industry, which is a key market for the robot-makers.

The 2006 show will be about 30% larger than the 2004 event, occupying more than 29,000m² of floorspace in five halls at the New Munch Trade Fair Centre (shown above) - two more halls than last time. A third of the exhibitors will be appearing for the first time this year. They include Fenner, Festo, Beckhoff and Panasonic. About a quarter of the exhibitors are expected to come from outside Germany.

Running alongside the show will be "the world`s largest robotics congress" - The International Symposium on Robotics - as well as a German robotics congress. These events are expected to attract about 500 delegates.

Altogether, the organisers hope that more than 20,000 people will visit Automatica - compared to 17,000 in 2004. The show takes place from 16-19 May - a month earlier than originally planned, because of clashes with the football World Cup and European public holidays.