Automate 2025 Recap: Innovation, Integration and Intelligence
40,000 Attendees, 875 Exhibitors,
and One Exciting Future
The Automate 2025 show was an extraordinary experience, bringing together leaders, innovators, and visionaries from across the automation industry. The event showcased the dynamic future of robotics, AI, and intelligent manufacturing.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited the Captec booth. We truly valued the opportunity to engage in thoughtful business discussions, forge new partnerships, and connect with both long-time collaborators and new connections.
A Glimpse into the Future: Robotics, AI and Machine Vision
Across four action-packed days, it became evident that the future of manufacturing is evolving rapidly. Technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine vision are redefining how tasks are performed – from precision assembly and freight movement to surgical procedures.
Highlights included demonstrations of next-generation robotics, including a robotic dog that – while not exactly cuddly – embodied the shift from traditional human labour to intelligent automation. Tasks that once required manual repetition are now executed with precision by machines trained to operate autonomously.
The Critical Role of Computing Hardware
One of the clearest takeaways from the event was the vital importance of specialised computing hardware in enabling automation. The latest generation of automation robotics requires extensive training through simulation and data processing to perform their tasks effectively. This process demands high-performance computing platforms engineered and customised to meet the performance, environmental and compliance requirements of the specific application.
This process demands high-performance computing platforms customised to specific applications.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Organisations are actively seeking hardware configurations that align with their unique operational requirements. As automation becomes more pervasive, scalable and adaptable infrastructure is essential for deployment success.
AI at the Edge: Meeting the Demands of Modern Automation
AI is no longer optional – it’s integral. Nearly every automation and component manufacturer at the show is now integrating AI into their solutions
The growing adoption of AI in machine automation is redefining the requirements for in-environment computing infrastructure. Unlike traditional edge applications, AI inferencing introduces heightened demands on compute performance, responsiveness, and reliability – though not to the same extreme levels as training workloads. These environments typically lack the space, power, and thermal management of centralised facilities, making it essential to deploy platforms that are compact, ruggedised, and capable of real-time processing – all while maintaining regulatory compliance.
To meet these evolving challenges, customised computing hardware solutions are critical. These systems must be specifically designed and engineered to accommodate the physical, operational, and regulatory constraints of automation environments, while providing the computational headroom needed for AI-driven decision-making at the edge. As AI becomes further integrated into automation workflows, ensuring compliance with industry standards and certifications remains vital for safety, performance, and long-term success.
This is where partners like Captec can add real value – helping you navigate technical complexity, ensure compliance, and develop a strategic roadmap that aligns with both current demands and future migration or upgrade plans – minimising the risks associated with traditional obsolescence and change management.
Edge AI computing is now a top priority. Businesses need customised, ruggedised hardware solutions capable of operating in diverse environments while supporting AI workloads at the point of data generation. This shift is shaping conversations around real-time performance, reliability, and system design.
If Automate 2025 was any indication, the future is bright – and Captec will be there to help shape it.
Captec: 40 Years of Innovation, Poised for the Future
Founded in 1985, Captec is a trusted provider of Specialised Computers, Integrated Systems, and Smart Edge & IoT platforms. With decades of experience and deep technical expertise, we help businesses navigate the challenges of automation by delivering fit-for-purpose computing solutions built for demanding environments.
Since expanding into North America in 2006, we’ve earned a reputation for quality, collaboration, and service excellence -supporting our customers as they embrace AI, robotics, and the future of industrial innovation.
