The Smart Factory + Automation World 2025 (AW 2025) , held from March 12–14 at COEX in Seoul, South Korea, concluded with unprecedented success, solidifying its reputation as Asia’s premier trade show for smart factory and automation technologies. With a remarkable 10% increase in exhibitors and a 15% rise in visitors compared to the previous year, the event drew 70,000 attendees and featured 500 companies from 22 countries , showcasing their innovations across 2,200 booths.
Under the theme “Automation to Autonomy,” the exhibition highlighted cutting-edge advancements in AI, smart factory solutions, big data, cloud computing, logistics robots, and industrial automation. The event emphasized the transformative role of artificial intelligence in driving the next generation of manufacturing processes, signaling a paradigm shift toward highly autonomous factories.
Key Highlights of AW 2025
Boston Dynamics’ ‘Stretch’ Robot Makes Asian Debut
One of the standout attractions was the first-ever showcase in Asia of ‘Stretch,’ a logistics robot developed by Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Glovis. Designed to handle boxes weighing up to 23kg , Stretch demonstrated real-time depalletizing tasks during the event. Its impressive capabilities captured the attention of attendees, underscoring the growing importance of robotics in modern logistics and manufacturing.
Hyundai AutoEver Unveils ‘NeoFactory’ Solution
Hyundai AutoEver introduced its groundbreaking AI-driven Software-Defined Factory (SDF) solution, NeoFactory , for the first time. Visitors were invited to explore the Factory Demonstration Zone , an immersive experience that showcased collaborative robots, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and AI-powered exterior inspection vision systems. These demonstrations provided tangible examples of how advanced production technologies are revolutionizing factory operations.
Schneider Electric Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation
Schneider Electric, a global leader in sustainable enterprise solutions, celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Korea branch with the theme “50 Years of Innovation: A Sustainable IMPACT for Smart Factory.” The company unveiled next-generation smart manufacturing solutions tailored to meet the demands of high-mix, high-volume production systems. Their focus on automation and autonomy reinforced the critical role of sustainability in modern manufacturing.
Rockwell Automation Introduces OTTO 100 AMR
U.S.-based Rockwell Automation, a pioneer in industrial automation, showcased OTTO 100 , a compact yet powerful Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR). Designed to optimize factory logistics, OTTO 100 garnered significant interest from industry professionals, highlighting the growing adoption of autonomous systems in manufacturing environments.
Expanding Business Opportunities Through Strategic Programs
Overseas Buyer Export Consultation Meetings Drive Global Collaboration
The Overseas Buyer Export Consultation Meetings , organized by the Korea International Trade Association, played a pivotal role in fostering international business opportunities. The program attracted 23 buyers from nine countries , including major players like Indonesia’s largest telecommunications company, Telkomsel , and Panasonic Indonesia . Over 317 consultations were conducted with 134 domestic companies , resulting in an estimated USD 106 million in export agreements for automation-related technologies.
AW Open Innovation Round Connects Startups and Industry Leaders
A new addition to the event, the AW Open Innovation Round , provided a platform for startups to connect with large and mid-sized enterprises for collaboration and investment opportunities. Six standout startups—Movic Lab, MyLink, RTM, EdgeCross, OnePredict, and PowerAuto Robotics —were selected to present their innovative solutions.
Lee Won-geun, CEO of Movic Lab, expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes: “During the exhibition, over 30 major corporations , including Samsung Electronics, LG Energy Solution, Hyundai Motor, and Samsung SDI, requested technology validation. Additionally, eight investment firms visited our booth, with two expressing potential interest in investment—a result far exceeding our expectations.”
A Vision for the Future of Manufacturing
Lee Dong-ki, President of COEX, shared his insights on the significance of the event: “This exhibition has clearly demonstrated the direction of the manufacturing paradigm. The realization of highly autonomous factories driven by AI and robotics is just around the corner.”
As the manufacturing landscape evolves, events like Smart Factory + Automation World 2025 play a crucial role in bridging innovation and practical application. By bringing together global leaders, startups, and industry professionals, the event not only showcases the latest advancements but also fosters collaboration and investment opportunities that will shape the future of manufacturing [[contextual addition]].
With its record-breaking scale and impactful programs, AW 2025 has set a new benchmark for smart factory and automation expos worldwide.
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