Important exchange and satisfied exhibitors – SINDEX draws a positive conclusion

For three days, the BERNEXPO grounds were dedicated to automation, robotics, sensor technology, and electrical engineering. The SINDEX 2025 was opened by Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, who emphasized the importance of the industry for the Swiss economy. A total of around 200 exhibitors presented their innovations and technologies to a professional audience of approximately 8,000 visitors. This confirmed the fair's role as a leading platform for exchange, knowledge transfer, and networking in a challenging market environment and in a particularly complex environment for the M&E industry.

The SINDEX attracted a highly qualified professional audience, including numerous decision-makers from Swiss industry. They engaged intensively with current challenges and developments in automation, electrical engineering, sensor technology, and robotics. New technologies, practical solutions, and forward-looking concepts provided important impulses and led to numerous discussions about the future of the industry. Once again, the SINDEX impressed with the technical depth and decision-making relevance of its visitors, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Highlights and Innovations

The event was kicked off with a grand opening by Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, setting a strong signal. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the industry for the Swiss industrial location and used the subsequent tour for direct exchanges with exhibitors. A highlight of the celebrations was the awarding of the Swiss DINNO Award, which was presented to Robonnement AG, Schmalz GmbH, Murr Elektronik AG, and elmor AG & Hochschule Luzern. This award recognizes companies and individuals who set new standards in the industry through innovative solutions on a biennial basis. The awarded projects impressed with their innovative strength, sustainable approach, and significance for the further development of the Swiss economy.

The first-ever Journée Romande de la Tech Industrie held at SINDEX in collaboration with the Groupement suisse de l’industrie des Machines GIM was also a great success. More than 100 visitors from the French-speaking part of Switzerland traveled to Bern, attended technical lectures, discussion rounds, and a panel discussion, and took the opportunity for interregional exchange. This once again confirmed SINDEX as a central, nationwide platform for exchange and networking.

Large interest was also attracted by the special zones. In Electronic City, visitors could see live how an idea becomes a market-ready electronic product. The SwissSensorMarket showcased the latest developments in sensor technology and their applications, while the joint stand of swissRobotics.net convinced with innovative projects from the Swiss robotics industry.

Companies such as SWISS Cobotics Competence Center S3C presented the robotics of the future and demonstrated the possibilities that modern technologies already open today. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) also impressed with innovative robots—including a high-tech system and a dog-like robot, which was one of the crowd favorites. The applications of the four-legged assistant can be diverse: from police operations and search missions in dangerous environments to precise GEO surveying. This clearly shows how robotics can make our daily lives safer, more efficient, and more innovative.

Christoph Lanz, Exhibition Director of SINDEX, sums up positively: "SINDEX 2025 demonstrated how much innovation power is in Swiss industry. The fair impresses with high quality, technical depth, and a special charm. I am pleased that with this platform we not only showcase the latest technologies but also promote personal exchange and sustainable impulses for the industry of tomorrow."

Knowledge Transfer and Dialogue

During the three days of the fair, the SINDEX-Stage featured high-caliber keynotes, practical technical presentations, and best-practice examples from exhibitors. Artificial intelligence was one of the major themes of the fair and attracted great interest from industry professionals. Dr. Francesco Crivelli (CSEM) also addressed this topic, demonstrating how AI has evolved from a buzzword to a tangible solution for industry. He explained how artificial intelligence can be seamlessly integrated into production processes to increase efficiency, foster resilience, and create new knowledge.

Dominique Wille, CEO and co-founder of Plantformance.com, also drew much attention with his lecture. He emphasized that Industry 4.0 should not be understood as a one-time project but as a continuous process that requires robust structures, long-term support, and ongoing development.

The program was complemented by guided, free tours that provided visitors with a structured overview of current industry solutions and enabled direct exchange with experts. Exhibitors and partners expressed great satisfaction after the event.

Martin Reh, Head of Sales & Marketing at Phoenix Contact AG, gave a very positive summary after three days: "The quality of the visitors was high: many decision-makers from renowned companies were present, and everyone was consistently busy. The topic of machinery regulation, which will be mandatory from January 2027, was particularly popular, and we were able to address it optimally with our solutions."

René Zuberbühler, Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation AG, highlights his event highlight: "For me, the highlight was personally welcoming our customers, seeing many of them on site, and gaining new impulses for collaboration through inspiring and valuable conversations – SINDEX provides an excellent platform for this. Our participation was definitely worthwhile."

René Brugger, President of swissT.net, summarizes from the association's perspective: "Despite the tense economic situation and sanctions, the automation fair shows that innovation is one of the most effective responses to uncertainty. The visit by Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin underscored the central importance of automation—for the Swiss industrial location as well as for the competitiveness of exports. With record attendance from the French-speaking region, strong participation from vocational and higher education institutions, and as a leading platform for AI trends, SINDEX 2025 confirms itself as a showcase for automation and a driver of global competitiveness—and is thus a success."

Looking Ahead

SINDEX 2025 demonstrated that it is indispensable for Swiss industry. It provided industry professionals from all over Switzerland, including many guests from the French-speaking region, with a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and new business contacts. With this strong foundation, the fair looks optimistically to the future and will continue to provide impulses for the industry in the coming years.

The next SINDEX will take place from August 31 to September 2, 2027, at the BERNEXPO grounds.