That was the SWISS AUTOMATION on 10 September 2026 in Rapperswil
SWISS AUTOMATION 2026: 15 years of innovation in automation
On 10 September 2026, SWISS AUTOMATION celebrated its 15th anniversary at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences in Rapperswil-Jona, welcoming more than 200 guests. Under the theme ‘Technology and Innovation for a Resilient Future – from Research to Industrial Advantage’, the industry event brought together experts from industry and academia. The focus was on pioneering developments in laboratory and industrial automation – from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to self-driving laboratories, Physical AI and intelligent robotics. More than 30 exhibitors showcased the latest technologies and products.
A highlight of the anniversary program was the keynote by Dr Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow, Vice President Europe & Africa at IBM Research and Director of IBM Research Europe – Zurich. In his presentation, Redefining Automation: The AI-Quantum Synergy, Curioni demonstrated how the synergy between artificial intelligence and quantum computing could fundamentally transform automation. He explored how combining these technologies could enable systems to recognize complex patterns, make more precise decisions and open up new solution spaces for industry, science and society.
“For 15 years, SWISS AUTOMATION has provided a forum where research and industrial applications come together. In AI, robotics and automation in particular, this exchange is essential for turning emerging technologies into robust, commercially viable solutions for real-world use,” says Prof. Dr Agathe Koller, Head of the ILT Institute for Lab Automation and Mechatronics at OST.
From self-driving laboratories to Physical AI
Following the welcome address by Prof. Dr Agathe Koller, two technical symposia ran in parallel: the Symposium on Lab Automation | Health and Life Science and the Symposium on Robotics and Industrial Automation. Topics ranged from the evolution of laboratory automation – from pipetting to cloud labs – and the connectivity of laboratory equipment in the age of AI to distributed intelligence concepts for self-driving laboratories and collaboration between autonomous systems using Physical AI. Speakers included Oliver Peter from the SiLA Consortium, Dr Lukas Bromig from UniteLabs, Dr Pascal Miéville from EPFL’s Swiss Cat+ West Hub, and Bernd Gleixner from Chemspeed/BioSpin.
In robotics and industrial automation, the program covered adaptive optical systems for industrial image processing, automated inspection methods, and tactile and force/torque sensing for Physical AI, among other topics. Presentations were given by Daniele Ghedalia from Optotune, David Meier from GRITEC and Klajd Lika from Bota Systems. In addition, the start-ups Duatic AG, Inveel AG, TEM BeamPilot GmbH, Planaro and nureo AG presented their technologies in short pitches at SWISS AUTOMATION for the first time.
The approaches presented ranged from innovative sensor systems for robots and AI-assisted automation of CAD tasks to flexible production systems designed for lot size one.
Alongside the technical presentations, the exhibition, networking opportunities and direct exchange between research and industry were central to SWISS AUTOMATION. The event serves as an application-oriented platform for knowledge transfer and cooperation, bringing together experts from industry, research and innovation. Opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry were also discussed. The day’s program also included the presentation of the Lab Sciences Award.
Double anniversary: 15 years of SWISS AUTOMATION and 20 years of ILT
In 2026, there were two reasons to celebrate: alongside SWISS AUTOMATION’s 15th anniversary, the ILT Institute for Lab Automation and Mechatronics also marked its 20th anniversary. In the afternoon, the institute looked back on two decades of successful collaboration between academia and industry. The anniversary program then continued at Rapperswil Castle. Rector Prof. Dr Daniel Seelhofer, St Gallen Cantonal Councillor Beat Tinner and Barbara Dillier, Mayor of Rapperswil-Jona, were among those who addressed the guests. A standing dinner reception rounded off the anniversary celebrations.
Looking ahead
The next edition of SWISS AUTOMATION will take place on 15–16 September 2027. After 15 years of successful development, the event is ready for its next stage of growth. Laboratory automation and robotics are expanding markets with significant potential – both in Switzerland and beyond.
As a first step, SWISS AUTOMATION aims to expand its reach across the DACH region. In the longer term, it plans to enter additional European markets. This will further strengthen the event’s role as a platform for automation, robotics and laboratory technologies, bring together international stakeholders, and promote exchange between research and industry across national borders.
SWISS AUTOMATION | The European Lab Automation & Robotics Congress
