The first IATF show in Mumbai organised by Messe Munchen saw leading automation companies display their ware

As companies grapple to reduce costs, automation presents the best and most competitive option. Industrial automation also offers the advantage of eliminating human error to an extent, and incorporating in-turn the ability to further elevate the quality standards and better utilise the production capacity. With the challenges that are coming the way of Indian industries as they seek to become global players, and turn out world class products, systems and solutions, there is no shying away from the capabilities of automation. India's automation industry is thus operating in a fast changing and dynamic environment.

An environment, the IATF show held at Mumbai recently reflected aptly. Looked upon as a technology and process that helps drive corporate excellence, sustainability and profitability, the IATF show, organised for the first time in India by Messe Munchen in association with Automation Industry Association (AIA), saw the participation of more than 50 major industrial automation companies. Companies like Siemens, Larsen & Toubro, Emersons, Baumer, Rockwell, B & R Automation, Hitachi, Kuka Robotics, Turck, Chemtrols, Forbes Marshall, and Baumer, among others.

Putting up a brilliant display, participants at the IATF 2013 showcased emerging technologies in electrical automation, mechanical automation, robotics, machine vision, assembly and material handling systems, sensors, controllers, actuators, communication devices, HMI, software, simulation, training, and a host of interface and supporting sub-systems that will enhance the effectiveness of automation investment. Speaking at the inauguration of the show, K Nandakumar, President - Automation Industry Association, said, "Automation is simply described as an infrastructure that enables sustainable development."

Drawing attention to the fact that two-third of India's population will live in urban areas by 2050, Mr Nandakumar averred that this would put immense pressure on the eco-system. Hinting at growth coming from emerging sectors, he mentioned that there is a need to create world-class infrastructure, establish centres of excellence, world-class laboratories and certification centres.

Also part of the exhibition, held at BEC, Goregaon, was the Innovation Exchange technical workshop. The workshop saw seminars conducted by Foundation Fieldbus India Committee, Profibus & Profinet Association, and India Smart Grid Forum. The show, with close to 7,000 visitors, witnessed some high powered CEO round tables, covering various industry verticals. A common view that emerged during the event pointed at the need to lower transaction costs and a highly active connect between the industry and institutes. Attrition, and the need for skilled man power a challenge many automation companies are tackling, the need for development of security technologies is growing. A fact that was expressed by participant as well as visitors at the show IPF spoke to at the show. Some industry sources also expressed the need to establish industry clusters in an effort to share resources. IP protection was yet another issue some participants and visitors to IATF chose to talk about.

Remarked Mr Nandakumar: "We are very hopeful that this show will provide a networking platform for visitors especially small and medium enterprises to experience world-class Automation Solutions, acting like a catalyst to encourage innovation, boost productivity and enhance global competitiveness."