The potential of robotics came to life once again as the fourth Cobot Demo Day took place at Sataedu Kokemäki on Friday, February 28, 2025. The event gathered over a hundred participants, including industry experts, representatives from engineering companies, technology suppliers, and students. Throughout the day, attendees explored automation solutions and engaged in discussions on the benefits of robotics from various perspectives.
The event focused on cobots – collaborative robots designed to work safely and flexibly alongside humans. These advanced robots provide the engineering industry with a valuable tool to enhance operations, boost efficiency and quality, and tackle key challenges such as the growing skills shortage.
– Cobots offer companies a cost-effective and flexible solution for welding even small production runs, says Juha Mainio, ABB's Area Sales Manager, while presenting a welding cobot.
Networking through practical applications of robotics
ABB, Binzel, Cavitar, Lapela, MachineTool, ProWeld, and Sataedu showcased the latest robotics solutions and their applications in production processes. Attendees had the opportunity to witness demonstrations of MIG/MAG welding, welding camera technology, palletizing solutions, grinding cobots, and bending. Additionally, companies could bring their own workpieces for testing and engage in discussions with industry experts.
– It is crucial for companies to see and test new technologies firsthand. This helps them understand how collaborative robots can meet their specific needs. These events attract exactly the right audience – people who are genuinely interested in cobotics and have a real need for it, says Jussi Martiskin, ProWeld's entrepreneur.
The day also served as an excellent opportunity for participants to network with industry professionals. For the demo companies, the event was primarily a chance to strengthen relationships with industry peers and, of course, meet potential new customers.
– We’ve attended all four Demo Days, and they’ve been incredibly valuable. In addition to making new contacts, the events have also offered a great opportunity to maintain existing relationships with industry players and customers, describes Juho Liljamo, Application Manager at MachineTool.
Cooperation and new technologies boost regional competitiveness
The event also offered valuable learning opportunities for welding students, allowing them to explore the latest technologies in the field and see how robotics can be applied in their future careers. Vesa Järvinen, Area Sales Manager at SICK Oy, who attended the event, described it as an excellent chance for students to stay informed about industry developments.
– The event has successfully brought together industry experts, companies, and students. It provides a great environment for students to get acquainted with the industry. Such events, along with collaboration between companies and educational institutions, play a crucial role in enhancing the region's competitiveness, he says.
Overall, the event received positive feedback from participants, with many companies expressing interest in adopting robotics and automation. The discussions and ideas sparked during the Demo Day could lead to new experiments and investments that will enhance the competitiveness of Satakunta's engineering industry in the future.
– Companies in Satakunta and across the country are clearly interested in cobots. The Demo Days have been an excellent opportunity for companies to update their knowledge of available solutions. It’s been great to be involved, and similar events should definitely be organized in the future, says Juha Mainio from ABB.
Similar events have been held previously in Kankaanpää, Pori, and Rauma, and their popularity indicates that interest in robotics, particularly cobots, is on the rise.
A warm thank you to the demonstrators for great cooperation, and to Sataedu for providing the facilities and making the event possible!
The event was organised by SAMK's Cobot project and Sataedu's SataCobotti project.
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