Exchange at the leading congress for the automation industry
The 26th VDI Congress AUTOMATION took place in Baden-Baden from 1 to 2 July 2025. Under the main theme of ‘Human-centric Automation’, experts from industry and science discussed key future issues relating to human-machine collaboration. The focus was on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), modern robotics and industrial communication. Around 100 specialist presentations and a varied supporting programme offered numerous opportunities for exchange on technologies, trends and application examples.
inIT presented research on flexible TSN communication
Jonas Janzen, research assistant in the Interconnected Automation Systems research group led by Prof. Dr. Henning Trsek, presented a poster at the congress on the topic of ‘Investigating Dynamic Configuration of TSN-based Industrial Networks for Real-Time OPC UA Field eXchange Applications’.
The work explores the question of how industrial networks based on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) can be automatically configured specifically for the use of OPC UA FX (Field eXchange). As a further development of the OPC UA standard for real-time-capable, interoperable communication at the field level, OPC UA FX plays a central role in adaptable production systems. The aim of the research is to analyse existing concepts and software solutions that enable flexible and automated configuration of TSN infrastructures in order to replace the previously often static networks with adaptive, real-time-capable communication solutions.
The paper met with great interest and contributed to the congress discussions on the future of industrial communication systems.
Impulses, formats, contacts
AUTOMATION 2025 offered a diverse scientific programme and numerous opportunities for professional exchange, for example in the form of keynotes, poster sessions, pitch formats or in the start-up areas. With its wide range of topics, the conference created an open framework for discussions, new contacts and interdisciplinary dialogue. For the two inIT employees, there were numerous opportunities for networking and discussing current developments and trends in industrial automation.
Research in dialogue with industry
Participation in the event enabled the inIT team to deepen dialogue with the industry, strengthen its network and gain inspiration from industrial practice.
‘In the field of industrial communication in particular, exchange between science and industry is crucial for the practical development of innovative approaches,’ says Jonas Janzen.
Krithiga Ramesh, who participated in the conference as part of the Plug5G project, also draws a positive conclusion:
‘The event offered exciting insights into connected systems and current developments in industrial communication. Especially with regard to the integration of 5G and TSN, I am taking away many ideas for our work in the Plug5G project.’
AUTOMATION 2025 created the perfect setting for this with interdisciplinary discourse, targeted exchange of experiences and new ideas at the interface between research and industrial application. In the open and collegial atmosphere, which many described as a ‘family celebration of the automation industry,’ personal encounters were just as much a focus as technical depth.