Experience the future of robotics and artificial intelligence live in March: European Robotics Forum 2025 is expected in Stuttgart – Image: Xpert.Digital
Don't miss it: The European Robotics Forum brings the robotics elite to Stuttgart
Stuttgart will become the European center for AI and robotics in March 2025
The European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2025, the most important event for the European robotics community, will take place in Germany for the first time from March 25 to 27, 2025. With more than 1,300 expected participants from research, industry, and politics, the Liederhalle in Stuttgart will become a focal point for innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence. This year's motto, "Boosting the Synergies between Robotics and AI for a stronger Europe," underscores the goal of promoting synergies between AI and robotics and strengthening Europe's competitiveness. The event brings together leading experts and offers a comprehensive program with high-caliber keynote speeches, more than 50 workshops, and a trade exhibition. Also particularly noteworthy is the free public engagement event on March 24, which will make the latest technologies accessible to the general public.
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ERF's premiere in Germany after 15 years
After fifteen years, the European Robotics Forum is coming to Germany for the first time, making Stuttgart the central meeting place for the European robotics and AI scene for three days. The choice of the capital of Baden-Württemberg was no coincidence, as the region boasts a particularly high-performing ecosystem in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. With the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering and Organization (IAO), the University of Stuttgart, Cyber Valley, and numerous innovative companies, Stuttgart offers ideal conditions for an event of this importance. These institutions, as cooperation partners together with the European robotics association euRobotics, are playing a key role in shaping the forum and are using this opportunity to present their expertise to an international audience.
Since its founding in 2010 by euRobotics, the ERF has grown into the most important event for the industry in Europe. The euRobotics association itself was founded in 2012 with the aim of strengthening Europe's competitiveness and securing its leading industrial position in robotics technologies. The annual forum has since established itself as a central platform for exchange between research, industry, and policymakers, and has already been hosted in cities such as Edinburgh, Rotterdam, and Odense. The German premiere in Stuttgart underscores the country's growing importance as an innovation and technology hub in the fields of robotics and AI.
The motto of ERF 2025, “Boosting the Synergies between Robotics and AI for a stronger Europe,” underscores the event's strategic focus. At a time when the convergence of robotics and AI is gaining increasing importance, the forum aims to foster closer collaboration between research and industry, showcase the current state of development on an international stage, and actively shape future technological advancements. The event thus directly addresses the challenges Europe faces in the global competition for future technologies and seeks to provide impetus for a stronger European position in these key areas.
The political relevance of the forum is underscored by the participation of high-ranking representatives from politics and administration. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is sponsoring the event and will be represented at the opening by State Secretary Udo Philipp. Minister of Economic Affairs Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, who will deliver a keynote address on the third day of the event, also emphasizes the forum's importance: “Baden-Württemberg's industrial success depends on innovations in robotics. The ERF is the ideal platform to showcase our expertise in modern robotics.”
Diverse program with top international talent
ERF 2025 features a comprehensive and diverse program that explores the various facets of robotics and AI. With more than 50 workshops, high-caliber keynote speeches, and a trade exhibition, the forum offers numerous opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking. The event combines various formats such as lectures, panel discussions, B2B matchmaking, and on-site visits to the regional robotics ecosystem, making it a unique event within the European robotics community. This thematic and methodological diversity is complemented by the presentation of several euRobotics Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in the field of robotics.
Each of the three program days begins with inspiring keynote speeches from leading figures in industry, research, and politics. On March 25, Jörg Burzer from Mercedes-Benz AG will give a presentation on “Transformation in Production: Pioneering technologies for sustainable automotive production of the future.” On March 26, Dieter Fox from Nvidia will speak about “Where is RobotGPT?”, while on March 27, Minister of Economic Affairs Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut and David Reger from Neura Robotics will offer insights into “AI-Driven Robotics from Baden-Württemberg” and “Cognitive Robotics – A New Economic Engine for the Entire EU,” respectively. These high-caliber speakers guarantee not only in-depth technical expertise but also strategic perspectives on the future of robotics and AI in Europe.
The workshops cover a wide range of topics, including advanced industrial robotics and humanoid robots, safety aspects of collaborative robot systems, industrial and service robots, AI and data solutions for robotics, sustainability and automation in agriculture, the use of robots in healthcare, strategic and political aspects of robotics in Europe, and startups and entrepreneurship in robotics. This thematic diversity reflects the breadth and depth of the field and addresses technological, economic, and societal issues. The workshops are summarized in industry-specific program recommendations to help participants find their way around.
In addition to lectures and workshops, ERF 2025 also offers the opportunity to experience innovative projects and technologies live. In the exhibition, designed in the style of a trade fair, research institutions and companies present their latest developments. These include the RoboCable project from partners University of Stuttgart, Fraunhofer IPA, and the Innovation Campus Mobility, as well as a bin-packing application capable of handling over 1,300 unknown objects per hour. These practical demonstrations allow participants to experience the current state of the art firsthand and identify potential applications for their own fields of work.
Insights into the regional robotics ecosystem
A particular highlight of ERF 2025 is the offered visits to leading research institutions and companies in the Stuttgart region. These site visits provide participants with direct insights into the practical application and research in the fields of robotics and AI. On March 24, the day before the actual conference, visits are offered to companies such as SCHUNK and IPAI in Heilbronn, Bosch in Ulm, Mercedes in Sindelfingen, Neura Robotics in Metzingen, and FANUC in Neuhausen. These excursions offer the opportunity to learn about industrial applications of robotics and AI in various sectors and to engage in discussions with experts on site.
The University of Stuttgart is also opening its doors to ERF participants, offering insights into its research activities. On March 25th and 26th, tours of the Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW) will showcase various innovative robot systems. These include "cable robots" with potential applications in logistics, characterized by their particularly large working range; milling robots for metal and wood processing; application scenarios for digital twins in software-defined manufacturing; and robots for the automotive industry that automatically assemble cables. These demonstrations illustrate the university's diverse research activities and its close ties to industrial practice.
Another guided tour takes ERF guests from the Liederhalle concert hall to the ARENA2036 research campus and the Fraunhofer IPA. This tour provides insights into the AI-Matters project's developing test and development environment for AI-based robots, as well as the recently launched RoX project by Mercedes-Benz. Further highlights include cognitive automation solutions for the circular economy and for medium-sized welding companies. These visits underscore the strength of the regional innovation ecosystem and the close integration of research and industrial application in the Stuttgart region.
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Public Engagement: Making robotics and AI tangible for everyone
A special feature of ERF 2025 is its strong commitment to engaging the general public. On March 24th, the day before the actual forum, the exhibition at the Liederhalle concert hall will be open to all interested parties free of charge. Under the motto "Living and Working with Robots: Experience. Understand. Participate.", the event partners Cyber Valley and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) are organizing an afternoon specifically aimed at citizens without any prior knowledge. This three-hour program includes not only an interactive tour of the exhibition, but also practical demonstrations and hands-on activities.
A highlight of the public engagement event is the “AI Info Mobile” from the “AI Studios” project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. It brings artificial intelligence to life with various on-site demonstration applications, allowing visitors to try out and understand AI technologies firsthand. The program is aimed at four target groups: schools, businesses and research institutions, citizens, and employees. In creative workshops, participants collaboratively develop ideas for future collaboration with robots and reflect on the societal implications of these technologies.
The public engagement event will conclude with a panel discussion in which experts from politics, business, and research will discuss perspectives on the future of living and working with robots. This discussion aims not only to inform but also to foster genuine dialogue between experts and the public, bringing together diverse viewpoints on the opportunities and challenges of robotics and AI. With this format, the organizers underscore their commitment to not only hosting an industry gathering but also to involving society in the discourse on the future of these key technologies.
Through this public engagement event, ERF 2025 helps to reduce apprehension and convey a realistic picture of the possibilities and limitations of robotics and AI. This is particularly important at a time when these technologies are increasingly becoming part of everyday life and changing both the world of work and private life. By creating low-threshold access to these future technologies, the organizers promote public understanding and social acceptance – an essential prerequisite for the successful implementation of these technologies in various areas of life.
Stuttgart as a hub for robotics and AI in Europe
The selection of Stuttgart as the host city for ERF 2025 underscores the region's outstanding importance as a hub for robotics and AI in Europe. The capital of Baden-Württemberg boasts a dense network of research institutions, universities, and innovative companies in the field of future technologies. Cyber Valley, Europe's largest research consortium in the area of artificial intelligence, is located here, as are numerous renowned research institutes such as the Fraunhofer IPA, the Fraunhofer IAO, institutes of the University of Stuttgart, and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. In addition, the region is home to innovative companies of all sizes, from globally operating corporations like Mercedes-Benz and Bosch to specialized medium-sized businesses and agile startups.
The Liederhalle, as the central venue for ERF 2025, offers ideal conditions for an event of this scale thanks to its modern infrastructure and central location. Meike Poweleit, Director of the Liederhalle, emphasizes: “The European Robotics Forum brings together leading figures from science and industry to actively shape the future of robotics and AI. We are proud to offer the ideal setting for this important exchange with the Liederhalle cultural and congress center – featuring modern infrastructure in the heart of one of Europe's most innovative regions.” The flexible room layouts, state-of-the-art event technology, and excellent transport connections make the Liederhalle a sought-after location for scientific and technological events.
The support from the City of Stuttgart and regional policymakers underscores the strategic importance of the forum for positioning the region as a leading technology hub. Mayor Frank Nopper, who will deliver the welcoming address at the pre-event reception, explains: “It is a unique opportunity for Stuttgart to host the European Robotics Forum 2025. As a hotspot for robotics and artificial intelligence, Stuttgart is proud to contribute to the further development of this field. I look forward to welcoming the ERF in March 2025 for an inspiring exchange of ideas.” The Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (WFBB) is also actively involved in supporting the forum, highlighting the event's economic relevance for the entire region.
ERF 2025 offers the Stuttgart region the opportunity to showcase its strengths in robotics and AI to an international audience and to forge new collaborations and networks. The event can contribute to further strengthening the region and establishing it as a leading European center for robotics and AI innovation. This is particularly relevant at a time when global competition for talent, investment, and market share in these future-oriented industries is intensifying, and technological leadership is crucial for tomorrow's economic prosperity.
Impulses for the European robotics and AI landscape
ERF 2025 is taking place at a time when robotics and artificial intelligence are gaining enormous technological and political importance. The recently adopted EU AI Act, which will also be addressed in one of the workshops, creates a new regulatory framework for the use of AI technologies, which is also highly relevant for robotics. At the same time, European companies and research institutions are competing globally for talent, investment, and market share in these future-oriented industries.
In this context, ERF 2025 offers an important platform for exchanging information on technological developments, business models, and regulatory challenges. The networking between research and industry that the forum fosters can help strengthen the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the European robotics and AI sector. In particular, the focus on the synergies between robotics and AI, highlighted in the event's motto, promises new impetus for both fields and can lead to groundbreaking applications and solutions.
The European Research Framework 2025 (ERF 2025) is also expected to contribute to the development of new research and innovation projects that can strengthen Europe's position in global technological competition. Intensive exchange between science, industry, and politics will allow research priorities to be sharpened, resources to be pooled, and joint strategies to be developed. This is particularly important at a time when Europe's technological sovereignty in strategic areas such as robotics and AI is increasingly becoming the focus of political debate and is seen as a crucial factor for future economic and social development.
In addition to facilitating professional exchange, the ERF 2025 also provides a platform for discussing the ethical, social, and labor market aspects of robotics and AI. Integrating these perspectives is characteristic of the European approach to technology development and can help foster innovations that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible. The forum thus contributes to developing a specifically European path in robotics and AI that combines technological excellence with ethical principles and social responsibility.
Conclusion: Stuttgart as a showcase for European robotics and AI innovation
The European Robotics Forum 2025 in Stuttgart offers a unique opportunity to experience and shape the diversity and dynamism of the European robotics and AI landscape. With its comprehensive program, high-caliber speakers, and the involvement of renowned partners from science, industry, and politics, the forum promises to provide crucial impetus for the further development of these key technologies in Europe. The combination of technical exchange, practical demonstrations, and public engagement makes ERF 2025 a multidimensional event that appeals to diverse target groups and brings together different perspectives.
Stuttgart presents itself as the ideal host, impressively demonstrating the region's and Germany's innovative strength in robotics and AI with its strong ecosystem of research institutions, universities, and innovative companies. The event underscores the city's and region's ambition to be recognized as a leading location for future technologies and to actively contribute to shaping digital transformation. The broad support from partners in politics, science, and industry highlights the forum's strategic importance for positioning Stuttgart as a European hotspot for robotics and AI.
For participants, ERF 2025 offers the opportunity to learn about the latest developments, make valuable contacts, and contribute to shaping the future of robotics and AI. The combination of scientific depth, practical application, and strategic perspective makes the forum an indispensable event for everyone working in these future-oriented fields or interested in their development. With ERF 2025, Stuttgart underscores its ambition to be not only a key location for robotics and AI, but also a place for open dialogue and creative collaboration across disciplinary and national boundaries.
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