The Robotics Challenge 2025 focuses on the automated production of partial cable harnesses and broadens the focus compared to the first challenge, which was aimed at assembling a hybrid housing. This time, the focus is on the cross-process handling of cables and the creation of a partial cable harness.

The key tasks include:

• assembling a housing: This task involves assembling five leads in four different housings using the Nano MQS connector with two low-profile (NQS) leads. The housings are smaller, which makes automation using precise tools particularly advantageous.

• routing and laying cables: Assembly has so far been carried out manually on installation boards with holding forks. The challenge offers an opportunity to develop innovative solutions for automated handling.

• bundling of cables: Instead of wrapping tapes, cable ties are used, supported by automated applicators, to efficiently integrate this process into the overall process chain.

The Robotics Challenge 2025 represents an exciting opportunity to develop and implement innovative approaches to automation in wiring harness production. Take the chance to test and implement your ideas for automation in wiring harness production in a rapidly developing environment!

We are pleased to offer you the task for the Robotics Challenge 2025! In close cooperation with industry experts and wiring harness ambassadors, we worked out the task precisely. It was particularly important to us to involve the wiring harness manufacturers as potential users of the solutions in the process. This close cooperation made it possible to define the scope of the challenge clearly and purposefully.

To give you a comprehensive insight, our digital information event on the Robotics Challenge 30 took place on September 2025th. There we presented the key aspects of the challenge and answered all relevant questions. Here you can access the most important information:

• presentation slides: Information on the task, conditions of participation and technical requirements.
• recording of the information event: Watch the entire event including the Q&A session.

All materials are available in the Download Area available on the right side.

Companies and research institutions are invited to submit their ideas and concepts and become part of this important challenge. Participants will receive comprehensive support and access to a hardware kit to develop their concepts under real conditions. The best solutions will be tested as part of the Innovation Forum's line set presented in April 2025.

Are you ready for the challenge? Register by October 18, 2024 via our Registration Form If you have any further questions about participation or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Süß-Wolf and Mr. Rumpelt.

The Robotics Challenge runs until April 2025 and includes the following dates:

• Registration deadline: October 18, 2024 – Register in time to secure your participation (Note: Even after the registration deadline, you can contact us directly to take part in the challenge.)
• shipping of hardware packages: All participants will receive their hardware kit by mail by October 31, 2024 at the latest.
• start of processing: You can start developing and implementing your automation solutions from November 1, 2024.
• end of the processing time: Your solution must be completed by February 28, 2025.
• presentation of the concepts: The dates for the presentation of the concepts are planned for March 2025.
• Results & Demonstrators: The final solutions will be Innovation Forum Leitungssatz presented on April 9, 2025.

Please note that legal recourse is excluded. Our contact persons are available at any time for further information.

The evaluation of the solutions takes place in March 2025 and is carried out by a jury of subject matter experts. Each team presents its solution in an evaluation session in which points are awarded based on defined criteria. Maximum points are set for each process step, which are based on the success of the target state. 

Evaluation criteria:

• Technological approach: Assessment of the technical execution and processing time of the process steps.
• robustness: Assessment of the stability of the process under changing conditions and repeatability.
• Cost effectiveness: Taking into account the complexity of the structure and the associated costs.

The overall success of the process is the main goal, but partial aspects that offer outstanding approaches through targeted focus can also be evaluated. The full score can only be achieved if the entire process is completed successfully.

The members of the jury are: 

• Rainer Bogner - former Head of Development for On-Board Networks at Volkswagen AG / Management of Sumitomo Electric On-Board Networks
• Stefan Glaser - Director Product Management New Technologies & Standardization Automotive (TE Connectivity)
• Jan Göllner - Head of Sales & Product Management Business Unit Tool Systems (HellermannTyton)
• Joe Nian Khor - Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems
• Patrick Neuhaus - Process Development ES Automation (Dräxlmaier Group)
• Steffen Pöhlmann - Predevelopment Electric (Dräxlmaier Group)
• Jürgen Reinert - former Head of the Cable Harness Assembly / On-Board Network Components Division at Coroplast / Schulte / Grote and Hartmann