ISMR September 2024 | Page 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bi-MU focuses on “ all faces of innovation ”

The 34th edition of BI-MU ( the biennial exhibition of machine tools ; robots ; automation systems ; digital and additive manufacturing ; auxiliary and enabling technologies ) will be held at Fieramilano Rho in Milan ( Italy ) from 9-12 October 2024 .
Promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE ( the Italian machine tools , robots and automation systems manufacturers ’ association ) and organised by EFIMENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE , it is managed and organised according to the principles of environmental , economic and social sustainability ( with ICIM ISO 20121 certification ).
Last held in 2022 around machines and production systems , BI-MU 2024 features a format based on eight exhibition themes to represent “ all faces of innovation ” ( as described in its slogan ). The exhibition ’ s product displays will be complemented by a cultural , thematic insight , developed through a rich programme of meetings , arranged by the show organisers and exhibitors and hosted in the BI-MUpiù arena . The eight exhibition themes at BI-MU 2024 are :
1 . RobotHeart : This area will be dedicated to robotics ; automation ; related technologies ; systems and artificial intelligence for all manufacturing sectors .
2 . piùAdditive : This area will be focused on machines , materials and software for production using additive technologies .
3 . BI-MU Digital : Centred on software , technologies for connectivity / data management , cybersecurity and sensors .
4 . Metrology and Testing : Measurement instruments ; testing machines ; computer vision and quality control .
5 . Power4Machines : This area will offer mechatronic solutions , systems and components for power transmission .
6 . Heat and Surface Treatments : Showcasing machines , equipment and systems for surface and heat treatments .
7 . The Composites : A new exhibition area for manufacturers of composites / machinery to process composites .
8 . Consulting and Certification : Consulting services for digitalisation ; cybersecurity ; sustainability and environment ; and financial services .
In addition , a new project area ( Education and Jobs ) will aim to bring the world of education closer to companies during the event . It will encourage contact between professionals looking for new job opportunities and companies in the sector , which strongly need to rely on skilled , motivated young people trained to operate in the factories of the future .
To complement the technological offerings at the exhibition , there will also be several thematic in-depth events organised mostly on Robotics Day ( Friday 11 October 2024 ) in the BI-MUpiù arena .
ROBOTGAMES , promoted by UCIMU Academy , is a new competition for robotics and automation making its debut at BI-MU . Aimed at young students from scientific high schools , technical / technological institutes and professional schools , it is designed to stimulate young people to try their hand at making robot automation prototypes , with an eye on application in the world of industry . Prizes totalling 20,000 euros , will be divided among the three winning teams of ROBOTGAMES .
The last edition of BI-MU in 2022 attracted approximately 50,000 visitor admissions . n
www
. bimu . it / en /

VDW targets Malaysia for machine tool sales

With its ‘ Innovations in Production Technology – German Machine Tools Symposium ’ on 10 July 2024 in Kuala Lumpur , the VDW ( German Machine Tool Builders ’ Association ) helped its members to gain a stronger foothold in new growth markets .
“ The Malaysian machine tool market holds a great deal of potential ; more than 700 million euros . Up to now , Germany has accounted for around eight per cent of imports . There is still plenty of room for improvement here ,” commented Klaus-Peter Kuhnmünch , who is responsible for organising the VDW ’ s international symposia .
Malaysia is the most important sales market for German production technology in the ASEAN region , said the VDW . Following the example of China , the Malaysian government is keen to generate more added value at home and create high-quality jobs . Rising levels of
investment are expected in the aerospace , electronics , electrical engineering and medical technology sectors and among their suppliers .
Eight German high-tech companies used the VDW Symposium to sound out their opportunities in the Southeast Asian market in the presence of 110 Malaysian trade visitors . They also took part in 48 B2B meetings in addition to presenting their products and services .
“ All are keen to establish new footholds in Asia alongside their operations in China and Malaysia stands to benefit here . The country is politically stable and has a growing economy . It also offers a high degree of legal security and a very good infrastructure ,” Carl Martin Welcker , Managing Partner , Alfred H . Schütte Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik , explained .
“ We see the potential in Asia and it is now important to view Malaysia as a prime location in our efforts to diversify . The Asian market is highly competitive ,” added Tara Meite , Deputy Managing Director , German-Malaysian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Kuala Lumpur . “ Malaysian industry has plenty of well-trained specialists . These can be quickly retrained and deployed to meet the needs of German companies .”
The VDW expects to see rising demand for machine tools in Malaysia . Germany exported machinery to the tune of 42 million euros to Malaysia in 2023 . Machinery for a wide range of special applications is in particular demand ( such as in the automotive and aviation sectors ).
The German machine tool industry provides production technology for metalworking applications in all branches of industry . n
www . vdw . de
ISMR September 2024 | ismr . net | 17