The automation of production processes is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, especially in the area of ​​wiring harness production. The Wiring Harness Transformation Hub is therefore inviting 1 November 2024 to the second edition of the Robotics Challenge. Due to the great response to the first challenge, in which basic processes of cable harness assembly, such as the fitting of connectors, were successfully automated, the follow-up format now sets the bar higher. The focus is now on the completely automated production of a wiring harness module by robots. This challenge is therefore aimed primarily at system integrators and AI experts and offers all participants the opportunity to develop practical automation solutions for the industry.

You can find comprehensive information in the detailed job description. In addition, the recording and presentation slides of the information event provide valuable insights and answer frequently asked questions. Click here for the challenge description and documentation of the information event.

Registration for the Robotics Challenge 2025 is now closed. Companies and research institutions that have registered have already received their hardware packages and are now working on developing their automation solutions. We wish all participants every success and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The Robotics Challenge 2025 has started successfully. After the registration deadline on October 18, 2024, the hardware packages were sent to all participants by October 31, 2024. The development process for implementing innovative automation solutions is currently in full swing. The results must be submitted by February 28, 2025.

Im March 2025 The submitted concepts will be presented. The final results and selected solutions will be presented as part of the  Innovation Forum Leitungssatz presented to a professional audience on April 9, 2025.

During the entire project period, technical support is available to participants to ensure a continuous exchange of knowledge and to create optimal conditions for the development of new solutions.

"The automation of wiring harness production brings advantages for the OEM in particular in terms of process monitoring in the manufacturing process, the flexibility in the choice of wiring harness production locations and the traceability of wiring harnesses and their components. This robotics challenge exists in order to be able to examine potentials and explore new possibilities."
— Dr. Rainer König, former Head of Wiring Harness & Technology Development, Mercedes-Benz AG

Here you can see the testimonial from an OEM's perspective.

The first Robotics Challenge in 2024 was a great success and received extremely positive feedback from participants at the Wiring Harness Innovation Forum on April 11, 2024. The task was to automate a defined assembly process for the wiring harness. The processing steps included identifying and feeding a socket housing in the correct position, inserting various contact parts and ensuring correct locking. The results of the first challenge showed innovative solutions and provided valuable insights into the automation possibilities of wiring harness production. The strong response meant that the follow-up challenge will cover an even broader area of ​​wiring harness production.

For more details on the first challenge and the submitted solutions visit: Robotics Challenge 2024

Registration for participation in our Robotics Challenge is now closed. If you have any questions or would like further information, please get in touch with our contact persons.