Capture attention.
Size, dynamic movements and targeted lighting are noticed from a distance. Align speed, lighting and subtle sounds with your product and the available stand area.
Trade show machines & robot exhibits
Trade show exhibits
that captivate
visitors.
Turn your product into an experience. With interactive exhibits and robotics that make your message visible - from the first idea to integration.
Free consultation · For stand builders and companies
In practice · RBTX at the trade show
A coffee becomes a conversation.Barista robot at a trade show
A real application. Clearly explained.To the example
Your message at the centreDemonstrate technology clearly
Plan for the show floorSetup, transport and support
From idea to realisationComponents and integration partners
The stopping effect
First they stop.
Then they understand.
A rule of thumb in igus trade show construction: what does someone notice in the first three seconds while walking past? The best movement sparks interest and also shows what makes your product special.
Show one message.
A single core feature is easier to grasp than an overloaded installation. Even long travel paths can be scaled down to stand size - with a compact, easy-to-follow model.
Invite people to take part.
A touchscreen, a product selection or a personalised result gives visitors a reason to take a closer look at your application.
From igus trade show construction
Big impact.
In a small space.
A fast travel movement turns the machine into an eye-catcher. The motion sequence puts the product on show at the centre.
Over 5 m/s on a short travel path: this example shows how dynamics can be staged even in a compact space.
From the expert interview
Better to focus on one product.
Johannes Kurz · Head of In-house Automation at igus
His advice for your trade show idea: show one function in depth and make the benefit tangible in the right industry context.
Real applications from the RBTX marketplace
How robotics becomes
a trade show exhibit.
From coffee at the push of a button to a clear process demo: discover different ways to engage your visitors.
01 · Experience a serviceRBTX · Barista robot
Make coffee.
Start conversations.
The igus ReBeL works with a coffee machine via digital inputs and outputs. A familiar everyday situation makes robotics instantly understandable.
Application & components
02 · Explain processesigus · Pick & place on the trade show stand
Grip. Place.
Show automation.
A robot with an electric parallel gripper shows repetitive handling tasks inside a cell. Visitors can follow the process straight away.
Application & components
03 · Stage movementANDRITZ · ReBeL with additional axes
More movement.
More to discover.
Combining the ReBeL with a lifting column and a linear axis shows different positions and motion sequences in one shared demo setup.
Application & components
The linked examples show specific setups and components. The scope of your exhibit is agreed individually.
Your message sets the direction
What should visitors
experience on your stand?
Start with the goal of your presentation. The robot, the interaction and the right design follow from it.
Choose a focus.
Approach for your trade show concept01 / 03
One product. One clear benefit.
Show the feature that convinces your target group. For medical and lab technology this could be a demo in cleanroom design, for metalworking a clear simulation around chips and machining.
- Expert audience: application and technical details
- New visitors: a simple sequence and an obvious benefit
- Industry relevance through workpieces, design and wrapping
Taking part instead of just watching. In the interview, Johannes Kurz prefers touchscreens to mouse and keyboard. His examples: having your own name written on a gingerbread biscuit, or choosing a sample and then touching it. A simple input becomes a personal contact with the product.
One show. Clear responsibilities. Light and sound are often controlled separately by the stand builder, the movement by the machine control. Coordinate interfaces and sequences early with stand builders, automation and media technicians.
Lessons from trade show construction
Three mistakes
you can avoid.
A good trade show exhibit explains its function quickly and is easy to run day to day at the show. These decisions help.
Showing too much at once.
Nested installations and many handovers make things harder to understand and increase the supervision effort.
One product, one clear sequence. Show the decisive function in depth. A recognisable simulation can be enough.
Taking the real process too far.
Food, chips or complex material changes can make cleaning, refilling and operation harder.
Use reality selectively. Use robust samples when the movement is the focus - for example a model cake instead of fresh food. Show the real process when the material or the machining result is what proves the benefit.
Finishing only at the stand.
Exhibits developed in a rush can require constant supervision or complex PLC adjustments on site.
Test operation in advance. Plan test runs and a briefing. The stand team needs clear procedures for start, stop and faults.
Transport. Set up. Demonstrate.
A trade show highlight.
Behind the scenes too.
"Plug & play" starts in the design phase. The goal: connect and start after transport, without time-consuming readjustment. A sturdy, modular setup and simple operation reduce the effort on the stand.
Design for transport.
A sturdy frame protects the geometry when lifted by forklift. Secured or braked axes, protected grippers and defined transport positions help prevent shifting. Packaging, access points and connections belong in the concept.
Test before and after the show.
Design the exhibit for the planned show day - around 8 to 12 hours of operation. Test runs before deployment and after its return help to spot weak points and prepare for the next show. Test duration and procedure depend on the application.
Insight from practice: Johannes Kurz describes an eight-hour test after the return, if the schedule allows before the next deployment.
Enable your stand team.
Clear start and stop procedures, a briefing and understandable error messages make operation easier. Agree on what stand staff may handle themselves and when technical support is needed. The goal: a setup without daily programming work.
Organise help before the show.
A service case with an Ethernet connection and a laptop with prepared software can make diagnosis and remote maintenance easier for stand builders. Local partners can also be planned in for on-site repairs. Network access, approvals, responsibilities and availability are agreed before the show.
Safety from the start
Visitors up close.
Protection built in.
At trade shows, robots meet an untrained audience and even groups of children. That is why we look at the complete exhibit: robot, gripper, workpiece, motion area and possible access.
Discuss a safety concept- Risks and protective measuresInclude access points, stability, emergency stop and suitable safeguarding in the plan.
- Design interaction deliberatelyPlan touchable samples and demo movements so that visitors stay protected.
- Check the overall solution and venueCoordinate the risk assessment, required CE conformity steps and the organiser's requirements. A cobot alone does not automatically make the application safe.
From idea to trade show exhibit
Plan clearly.
Deliver precisely.
RBTX supports you from selecting individual components to realisation with integration partners. Scope, budget and schedule are agreed together.
01
Gather requirements.
Which message, which audience, which show date? Add stand area, transport dimensions, desired interaction and your budget range.
02
Refine the concept.
We discuss sequences and components and refine the concept together. The effort estimate covers material, development and integration. Capacities and a possible realisation by external partners are clarified early.
03
Check feasibility.
With "Test before invest" agreed tasks can be tested in practice. Simulation and tests help find the right robotics before you invest in realisation.
04
Build the exhibit.
Components, control and safety concept are aligned. Integration, test run, briefing and support are planned to match the agreed project scope.
Check your idea for feasibility early. Visit us in the Customer Test Area. We agree sample parts, test scope and the next step with you.
Request a testSelect components
Robot arm, gripper, control and matching electronics for your own integration.
View the igus ReBeLConfigure a solution
Use the Machine Planner to configure ready-to-use robot solutions as a starting point.
Open the Machine PlannerDiscuss integration
For a complete exhibit we coordinate the realisation with suitable partners in the RBTX network.
Request a complete solutionBeyond the first show
Today your highlight.
Tomorrow back in action.
Modular setups and interchangeable workpieces make reuse easier. Wraps or Forex panels adapt the exhibit to the industry - for example a cleanroom look for medical technology or machining samples for EMO. Plan transport, conversion and repeat tests from the start.
New technology. A clear task.
Plan new technologies in early: humanoid and mobile robots can make innovation tangible. What matters is a working demonstration, enough stand space and a suitable safety concept. Interactive design, integrated screens and coordinated lighting effects support the message. Every addition should help visitors understand your application better.
Discover humanoid applicationsGood to know
Your trade show idea.
The right questions.
Answers on planning, operation and choosing your robot solution.
Another question? Let's talk.How much does a robot trade show exhibit cost?
The robot is only part of the cost. Depending on the concept, grippers, control, frame, user interface, lighting, safety technology and integration are added. Transport, briefing, test runs and support should also be included in the budget. With your goal, date and budget range, the right scope can be discussed. The component prices of the examples are not flat rates for a finished exhibit.
How early should I start planning?
Early enough to allow integration, transport and a reliable test run in addition to development and procurement. A blanket lead time would not be serious: scope, available components and integration capacity differ. If the show is only a few weeks away, we should first prioritise the most important function and check whether the date is feasible.
Does the trade show machine have to run a real production process?
No. A targeted simulation can show the benefit clearly and simplify operation. If handling is the focus, robust sample parts can make more sense than perishable food. A real food process also requires hygiene and cleaning to be considered. What matters is what your audience should see and understand - and whether the chosen sequence runs reliably at the show.
Which kind of interaction suits visitors?
Touchscreens can enable an easy-to-understand selection or personalisation. Examples from igus practice are gingerbread lettering with name entry and a selectable sample shelf. Gesture control, VR or AR are other possible approaches, but should add concrete value. Usability, accessibility and safety come before additional complexity.
Which control system suits an interactive exhibit?
That depends on the robot, interfaces and tasks. Industrial robot controllers or a PLC can run the machine sequence; additional controllers can handle displays or effects. With approaches using microcontrollers, Arduino or Raspberry Pi, integration, maintainability and the separation of safety-related functions must be clarified professionally. Stand building, automation and media technology should define responsibilities together.
Can the exhibit run without constant technical supervision?
A simple setup, few material handovers and extensive tests reduce the supervision effort. Nevertheless, supervision, operation and measures in case of faults are defined for the specific exhibit. Remote maintenance can help with diagnosis but does not replace necessary on-site support. Whether and to what extent support is available is agreed before the show.
What does plug & play mean for a trade show exhibit?
The goal is a setup that goes into operation after transport without time-consuming readjustment. For that, frame, transport positions, connections and operation have to fit together. igus trade show construction follows the approach of developing mechanically sturdy installations that are easy to operate. The setup, check and start steps your exhibit needs are defined in advance.
How can I prepare for help in case of a fault?
Decide before the show what the stand team can solve itself and when specialists are needed. A service case with an Ethernet connection and a prepared laptop can support diagnosis and remote access. Local partners can be planned in for on-site repairs. Network approvals, contacts, availability and scope of services are agreed per project.
Can I use the exhibit at several trade shows?
Yes, if the design and concept are made for it. Interchangeable workpieces, modular setups and adaptable design make reuse easier. For international shows, transport, connections and venue requirements also need to be coordinated. Changes to the setup or sequence may require new checks and an update of the safety concept.
Can RBTX test my trade show idea in advance?
With "Test before invest" we agree the task, required sample parts and the test scope. In the Customer Test Area suitable sequences can be examined in practice, for example with the igus ReBeL. This gives you a better basis for component selection and realisation. The initial consultation is free; further services are agreed individually.
Your next trade show starts here
You have the idea.
We help you
make it happen.
Show us what your visitors should experience. Together we clarify concept, feasibility and the right next step.
Discuss your trade show idea for freePersonalNo obligationVendor-independent
Helpful to get started: show date, stand area, goal and budget range.