The next Automatica will take place earlier than it usually does. Instead of as previously in June, Automatica 2012 will already take place on the ground of the New Munich Trade Fair in May: from Tuesday, 22 May, until Friday, 25 May 2012.

The already received registrations give grounds for optimism, so that the number of occupied halls will increase from the previous four to five. A congress is already being held this year in advance of the next trade fair on the initiative "Green Automation", which was a great success at the last Automatica. On 29 March 2011, the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) is holding the technology forum "Produce Green - in a Green Way" about the challenges of resource efficency in collaboration with VDMA Robotics and Automation and Messe Muenchen for the first time.

Economic trends favour a successful Automatica 2012. The International Trade Fair for Automation and Mechatronics is an important information platform for manufacturing companies. The professional association VDMA Robotics + Automation already predicted last autumn that the automation industry will achieve a strong two-figure growth rate in 2011. There are also many other indicators; among others, private consumption is increasing.

Project Manager Anja Schneider is convinced that Automatica schedule from 22 until 25 May 2012, i.e., directly before the Whit Weekend, is convenient for visitors. The reason for the change of dates from June to May is the very full trade fair schedule of Messe München. The new dates have been coordinated with international trade fair and holiday calendar. The proximity to Ceramitec held parallel should also be interesting for many visitors. The 12th International Trade Fair for Machinery, Equipment, Plant, Processes and Raw Materials for Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy will also take place on the grounds of the New Munich Trade Fair Centre at the same time, but will use the East Entrance. Both these trade fairs were already held successfully in this constellation in 2006.