Robotics City Hannover!

As one of Germany’s nine leading technical universities, Leibniz University Hannover sees it as its responsibility to contribute to solving key challenges of the future. Its expertise in this area stems from its broad range of disciplines, which currently spans 85 degree programs—from engineering and natural sciences to architecture and environmental planning, law and economics, and the social sciences and humanities. In the field of robotics, the Institute for Mechatronic Systems (imes), the Institute for Assembly Technology and Industrial Robotics (match), and the Institute for Control Engineering (IRT) are particularly active. In addition to various research topics, these institutes also offer a wide range of courses in robotics. To introduce robotics as a technology of the future to other target groups in addition to students, the IRT and imes founded the “roboterfabrik” in 2016 as a training and meeting place for those interested in robotics.

The goal of the Region Hannover’s economic and employment promotion efforts is to develop the Hannover economic region and shape it for the future. We are committed to creating business-friendly conditions and promoting the competitiveness of companies. In addition to business-friendly infrastructure and expert services for companies and startups, securing skilled employment through the promotion of young talent and the retention of skilled workers are key areas of focus. Supporting digital transformation processes and promoting key technologies such as robotics have been priority areas for years. Since 2013, the Hannover Region has been funding robotics projects at schools, universities, and SMEs, thereby making a significant contribution to robotics engagement in the Hannover area. In 2022, together with the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs and other strong partners, we established the registered brand Robotics City Hannover.

The Deutsche Messe Technology Academy was founded in 2009 as a joint initiative of Deutsche Messe AG and Volkswagen AG. The Technology Academy serves as a platform for industrial knowledge transfer and is supported by strong partners—leading companies in production technology, public initiatives for innovation and technology transfer, research institutions, universities, and specialized publishers. Leading automation and robotics companies are represented year-round with their exhibits at the Technology Academy, thereby combining theory and practice. Through numerous events, the Technology Academy enables production professionals to expand their knowledge in the fields of automation and, in particular, robotics. Participants benefit from a wide range of offerings tailored to the needs of the industry and appealing to both beginners and experts alike. The manufacturers’ exhibits are integrated into the interactive events.

Robotics City Hannover has been a permanent partner of the annual Robotics Congresses organized by the Technology Academy since 2024.

robospace gGmbH is the non-profit operator of the Roberta Regional Center in Hannover and a key player in Robotics City Hannover. As an educational institution with a technical focus, it brings digital skills for the future to life for children, young people, and educational institutions—in a creative, practical, and inclusive way.

Through workshops, projects, and professional development programs, robospace imparts knowledge in robotics, programming, AI, and STEM topics. Schools and teachers are guided and supported in establishing and expanding digital education. A special focus is placed on equal opportunity and participation: technology should be accessible to everyone—regardless of gender, background, or prior knowledge. With robospace, a place is emerging in Hannover where digital education is lived, shaped, and advanced—in a networked, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

Founded in 2018 and based in Hanover, the Robokind Foundation is committed to making robotics and artificial intelligence accessible to everyone. Through its founding mission and projects funded by the Hanover Region, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs, and the European Social Fund, the foundation pursues a sustainable, long-term strategy for skilled workers to strengthen the Hanover Region and the state of Lower Saxony. Currently, the Robokind Foundation team is working on the KIRIA project, which prepares Lower Saxony-based companies and vocational schools for the digital challenges of the future and allows them to test future technologies in a practical setting. The foundation develops training and continuing education programs specifically tailored to the needs of various target groups, with a focus on robotics and artificial intelligence, and also regularly offers workshops and informational events on these topics. As part of Robotics City, Robokind aims to contribute to making Hanover one of Germany’s most important hubs for robotics.

Vision Lasertechnik GmbH has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing laser, robotics, and automation systems for the medical and industrial sectors for over 30 years. With a value chain entirely based in Germany and production facilities located near Hanover and in Chemnitz, the “Made in Germany” product is exported to over 20 countries worldwide.

With its own branches in Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul, and numerous cooperating service partners, Vision Lasertechnik GmbH offers global service and fast response times. Managing Director Philipp Becker has supported the development of Robotics City Hannover from the very beginning and is one of the key drivers of the network’s activities.

With over 30 employees, voraus robotik GmbH is revolutionizing the automation industry. Its core product is a software platform that combines the methods of modern software development with those of automation technology—flexible and uncompromisingly reliable. Users can efficiently and sustainably create solutions for applications and entire production lines in high-level languages and execute them in real time. This allows them to efficiently program, simulate, test, and optimize their solutions in Python while leveraging the powerful tools of modern software development. A traditional PLC is no longer necessary. This permanently solves the problem of expert availability and ensures users are future-proofed even as requirements grow.

Through close collaboration with educational institutions at Leibniz University Hannover and robospace gGmbH, voraus offers students and schoolchildren insights into the world of automation and actively contributes to research, teaching, and training. Founders Jens Kotlarski and Tobias Ortmaier have been key supporters of Robotics City Hannover from the very beginning and have contributed significantly to the development of the network in recent years.

TEWISS - Technik und Wissen GmbH is a subsidiary of Leibniz University Hannover and specializes in engineering services, custom machinery, and innovation management. It offers comprehensive support to clients in industry, trade, and research, from the concept phase through to successful implementation.

The Special-Purpose Machine Construction and Engineering Services division encompasses the development, design, and construction of special-purpose machines such as production machines, robotic systems, test benches, prototypes, and other technical systems. Development engineers at TEWISS GmbH from the disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and programming develop and provide customized solutions tailored to customer requirements.

Robotics is a forward-looking technological component in the development of tomorrow’s machines and systems. TEWISS GmbH supports companies in the implementation of robotic systems and, through the "RoboHub Niedersachsen" robotics center, offers the opportunity to integrate various existing cobots (lightweight robots) into workshops and pilot projects. Based on successful testing, ready-to-use robotic cells—e.g., for production—can be built and commissioned at the customer’s site.