Innovation Forum for Automation 2025 – Highlights & Insights

At the end of January 2025, the 22. Innovation Forum for Automation took place in Dresden – one of the leading events for automation experts in the semiconductor industry. Over two days, industry leaders and professionals gathered to exchange insights on the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, and 300mm wafer manufacturing. As part of the Automation Network Dresden (AND), SCIO subsidiary Fabmatics was once again active as a co-organizer and helped to shape this trend-setting event.

A Strong Signal for the Automation Community

With more than 400 participants – 350 attending in person and 50 joining online – this year’s forum once again demonstrated the sustained interest in automation solutions for the semiconductor industry. In addition to insightful presentations and panel discussions, the event featured an exhibition and an evening networking session, providing ample opportunities for professional and personal exchanges.

SCIO Automation is committed to driving innovation in automation technology. Fabmatics’ involvement as a co-organizer of the forum underscores the strategic importance of automation solutions in highly specialized industries such as semiconductor manufacturing.

Key Highlights and Industry Insights

This year’s forum featured an extensive program of high-profile keynotes and expert panels. Industry leaders from Applied Materials, Infineon, Siltronic and Fraunhofer provided valuable insights into current trends and strategies.

Key topics in 2025 included:

• Artificial Intelligence in the Semiconductor Industry – presented by Applied Materials and Fraunhofer ENAS
• Cyber Resilience and Regulatory Requirements – discussed by Fraunhofer IEM
• Automation and Innovation in 300mm Wafer Manufacturing – showcased by Siltronic
• Efficient Data Processing for AI & Analytics – explored by Sunfire
• Challenges & Opportunities in the Semiconductor Industry – highlighted in an expert panel discussion featuring representatives from Applied Materials, Silicon Saxony, X-Fab, Fabmatics USA, and AMTC

A special highlight was the keynote by Dr. Christian Koitzsch, Managing Director of ESMC, who provided an update on the construction of a new European semiconductor facility in Dresden, Germany. This state-of-the-art 300mm wafer fab will produce 12-28 nanometer technology nodes for applications in automotive, industrial automation, and communication technologies, with an annual production capacity of nearly 500,000 wafers.

Fabmatics Breakout Session a great success: “Test Wafers – The Hidden Gems in Your Fab”

A new addition to this year’s forum was the introduction of deep-dive breakout sessions, allowing participants to explore specific topics in greater detail and discuss practical solutions.  Fabmatics took the lead in the session “Test Wafers – The Hidden Gems in Your Fab.”

Together with Jan Klinger, Thomas Beeg, Martin Däumler, and Karl-Benedikt Reith, around 80 participants explored the challenges and opportunities in test wafer management. A special highlight was the live simulation at the Test Wafer Center from Fabmatics, showcasing practical strategies to enhance fab efficiency and automation.

The strong participation, positive feedback, and numerous follow-up discussions confirmed the value of this format, encouraging us to expand it further in the future.

Celebrating Innovation: The 2025 Innovation Award

One of the forum’s standout moments was the presentation of the 2025 Innovation Award, an annual honor bestowed by the Automation Network Dresden (AND) to recognize outstanding achievements in industrial automation.

This year’s award went to Siltronic AG for their exceptional automation success in their new 300mm wafer fab in Singapore. Within just 1.5 years, the company achieved an 80% level of automation, working towards their ambitious vision of operating a fully autonomous lights-out fab. Daniel Ingelsberger, Senior Manager IT Factory Automation, accepted the award on behalf of his team and provided fascinating insights into the implementation of this groundbreaking project.

SCIO Automation: Driver for innovation in industrial automation

Year after year, the Innovation Forum for Automation demonstrates how important intelligent automation is for the future of the semiconductor industry. Fabmatics, as a specialist for automation solutions within the SCIO Automation Group, develops and implements state-of-the-art systems to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of semiconductor factories. The focus here is on digital networking, robotics and innovative automation concepts.

We would like to thank all speakers, participants and our co-organizers from the Automation Network Dresden for a successful event and look forward to the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation in 2026!