The 34th edition of BI-MU, the biennial international exhibition showcasing machine tools, robots, automation, digital and additive manufacturing, auxiliary and enabling technologies, is set to take place at fieramilano Rho from October 9 to 12, 2024. The event, promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE (Italian machine tools, robots, and automation systems manufacturers’ association) and organized by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE, aims to build on the success of the 2022 edition. BI-MU 2024 brings forth a renewed format, focusing on eight exhibition themes that represent “all faces of innovation.” These themes serve as the backbone of the event, providing a comprehensive view of the technological advancements and trends in the manufacturing industry.
The 34th edition of BI-MU introduces a diverse array of themes that collectively represent the comprehensive spectrum of innovation in the manufacturing industry. The first theme, Robotheart, is dedicated to the realms of robotics, automation, related technologies, systems, and artificial intelligence, encompassing all manufacturing sectors. Moving forward, piùAdditive takes center stage, directing its focus on machines, materials, and software tailored for additive technologies in production. BI-MU Digital emerges as a central theme, revolving around software, connectivity technologies, data management, cybersecurity measures, and sensor applications.
The exhibition further delves into the domain of Metrology and Testing, proposing an array of offerings, including measuring instruments, testing machines, computer vision applications, and quality control solutions. Power4machines steps into the spotlight, showcasing mechatronic solutions, systems, and components designed for efficient power transmission. Heat and Surface Treatments form another thematic segment, providing a platform to exhibit machines, plants, and systems catering to surface and heat treatment processes. In a significant addition, The Composites theme makes its debut, putting a spotlight on manufacturers of composites and the machinery instrumental in processing these innovative materials. Finally, Consulting and Certification emerge as crucial components, offering a spectrum of consulting services encompassing digitalization, cybersecurity, sustainability, environmental considerations, and financial services. Together, these themes encapsulate the multifaceted landscape of technological advancements and specialized services that BI-MU 2024 seeks to showcase and explore.
To enhance the value and innovation content of the trade show, several representative organizations will be involved as sponsors. UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE and Fondazione UCIMU, along with SIRI (Italian Robotics and Automation Association) for RobotHeart, AITA (Italian Association of Additive Technologies) for piùAdditive, and ASSOCOMPOSITI (Italian Industry Association for Composite Materials) for The Composites. Alfredo Mariotti, General Manager of UCIMU, emphasized the evolution of BI-MU over its more than 60 years of history, stating, “The strength of BI-MU, which has already largely surpassed 60 years of history, lies in being able to update its proposal without misrepresenting its own essence. Created as an exhibition dedicated to machine tools, it has evolved over the years, becoming the leading event in Italy, and one of the most important worldwide, for production systems, automation, robotics and digital manufacturing”.
Mr Mariotti further includes, “The involvement of organizations, representing sectors that are adjacent to the core of the exhibition, is conceived to better structure the product offering of technology and content proposed by the trade show. We are very pleased that, after SIRI and AITA, ASSOCOMPOSITI has also become part of our project by sponsoring The Composites, dedicated to manufacturers of composite materials and manufacturers of machines and plants for processing them. At the exhibition, these manufacturers will be able to come into contact with visitors also coming from the automotive, aerospace ed energy sectors, in which these types of materials find a wide application today, obviously in addition to metal and additive powders”.
The past edition of BI-MU in 2022 attracted 50,000 operators, with 81% of visitors involved in purchasing decisions. A remarkable 95% expressed their intent to attend the 34th edition, indicating the sustained interest and relevance of the event. Visitors exhibited interest across various sectors, with metal cutting machine tools, the digital world, automation, and mechatronics topping the list. In addition to the product showcase, BI-MU will feature cultural and thematic insights through a rich program of meetings, organized by various stakeholders in the BI-MUpiù arena. A notable initiative for the 2024 edition is the focus on Education and Work, aiming to bridge the gap between education and enterprises. The project intends to facilitate connections between professionals seeking new opportunities and companies in need of skilled and motivated staff for the factories of the future.