Semiconductor Automation in Focus: Key Insights from the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation 2026

On January 29–30, 2026, the 23rd Innovation Forum for Automation once again brought the international automation community together in Dresden. More than 350 participants on site and around 30 online attendees used the two‑day conference to exchange insights on key developments in semiconductor automation. 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 Spotlight on the Industry’s Most Relevant Topics

This year’s program focused on the core challenges and innovation drivers shaping the semiconductor sector today.
Key themes included:

• Artificial Intelligence & Industry 5.0: leveraging self‑learning systems to enhance productivity

• Sustainability in electronics manufacturing: aligning with long‑term environmental goals such as the EU Green Deal

• Brownfield automation: modernizing existing fabs through targeted automation strategies

• Autonomous self‑optimization: enabling production environments to adapt and improve continuously

High‑quality presentations from industry leaders such as Applied Materials, Infineon, Fraunhofer, GlobalFoundries, Nexperia, Imec and X‑FAB provided deep insights and practical viewpoints on these developments.

Fabmatics Breakout Session: Reticle Logistics Automation

Once again, Fabmatics contributed one of the four breakout sessions – and saw strong interest. Under the title “Automated Reticle Logistics – From Concept to Implementation”, Fabmatics joined forces with industry experts to showcase how modern reticle logistics can be designed and implemented today.

The session included:

• Infineon: Requirements for fully integrated, automated reticle logistics
• Fabmatics: Technical solutions based on simulation, digital twins, and our product family around the HERO Scout and Linear Reticle Stocker
• Inficon: Best practices in reticle scheduling

The discussions highlighted the growing need for end‑to‑end digital reticle processes in modern fabs – and how effectively the solutions within the SCIO cleanroom intralogistics segment already address this demand.

Fabmatics on Site – with mobile robot HERO Scout as the Crowd Favorite

On the networking floor, Fabmatics showcased several systems – with the mobile robot HERO Scout drawing special attention. Over both days, it navigated the exhibition space and became a clear crowd favorite.
The HERO Scout also shone on the main stage, where Infineon demonstrated how it is used in their production environment.

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 24th Innovation Forum for Automation in 2027!