Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Industrial Fair including automation, robotics and handling, fluid power, electronics, electrical engineering, production engineering, education, research and development.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: SINDEX 2027 runs from August 31 to September 2, 2027, at Bernexpo, Bern, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This key Swiss trade fair showcases innovations and key technologies in industrial automation.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by BernExpo AG, with more details available at sindex.ch.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include decision-makers, developers, and industry professionals from various sectors.
- 5Entry: Registration details and ticket information can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Visitors will experience firsthand the latest innovations in automation, robotics, and digitalization. The event offers valuable networking opportunities with decision-makers and industry experts. Attendees can gain insights into sustainable concepts and smart solutions that enhance production efficiency. Live demonstrations and interactive formats provide practical insights into the application of modern technologies.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at SINDEX 2027 provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals and decision-makers. Companies can showcase their latest products and solutions, gain visibility in the market, and establish valuable connections. The event serves as a platform for launching new innovations and exploring potential collaborations with other exhibitors and visitors.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Decision-makers in industrial automation
Developers and engineers in robotics
Professionals in digitalization and communication
Research and development specialists
Supply chain and logistics managers
Quality assurance and compliance officers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of automation equipment
Suppliers of robotics solutions
Companies specializing in industrial communication
Firms offering digital transformation services
Providers of sustainable manufacturing technologies
Consultants in process optimization
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Automation technologies and systems
Robotic solutions for manufacturing
Digitalization tools for industry
Industrial communication devices
Sustainable production technologies
IoT applications in industrial settings
Location & Facilities
Venue
Bernexpo
Bern, Switzerland
Facilities
Parking
Bernexpo in Bern typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Bernexpo in Bern typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Bernexpo for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
August 31 to September 2, 2027:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
BernExpo AG
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
SINDEX is Switzerland's leading trade fair for industrial automation, fluid power and power transmission, staged at the Bernexpo site in Bern by BERNEXPO AG. The most recent completed edition, SINDEX 2025, ran in September 2025, with exhibitor, product and speaker directories published across the sindex.ch and sindex.bernexpo.ch portals. Organiser pages and third-party trade fair directories such as 10times, TradeFairDates and nTradeShows list SINDEX as a recurring Bern event, with the next edition scheduled from 31 August 2027. No confirmed post-show visitor or exhibitor totals for the 2025 edition were stated in the available search results.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Bern, Switzerland
Why it matters
Attending SINDEX 2027 on 2027-08-31 to 2027-09-02 in Bern lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Industrial Controllers trade shows in Switzerland
ReadBest Industrial & Manufacturing Trade Shows in Switzerland
ReadIndustrial Engineering Events in Switzerland - globy.com
Read7th edition of the Swiss trade fair for industrial automation.
ReadSINDEX The Swiss technology trade fair
ReadAutomation events in Switzerland | Automation List
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Wankdorf / Bernexpo districtUSD 140–190 / night
Simple rooms, closest to the halls within walking distance; book early for show week and confirm rate and cancellation terms. Confirm before travel.
Mid-range
Wankdorf and nearby Bern districtsUSD 230–330 / night
Walkable or short transit ride to Bernexpo; some rooms include kitchen facilities for longer stays. Confirm before travel.
Premium
Bern city centre / Old TownUSD 350–500 / night
Central hotels with more amenities; allow 20–30 minutes door to door to the venue at peak times. Confirm before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn (suburban rail)
Estimated costCHF 4.60 single (zone 1–2, second class)
Best forBern main station to Bern Wankdorf station, then a short walk to Bernexpo
One stop from Bern main station and the fastest option from the city centre. Check current lines and platform before travelling. Confirm before travel.
Tram
Estimated costCHF 4.60 single (zone 1–2)
Best forBernmobil tram services towards Wankdorf Bahnhof and Guisanplatz serving the exhibition district
Stops are within walking distance of Bernexpo entrances. Validate paper tickets before boarding; day and multi-ride tickets available. Confirm before travel.
Bus
Estimated costCHF 4.60 single (zone 1–2)
Best forBernmobil bus lines serving the Wankdorf and Guisanplatz area around Bernexpo
Useful when your hotel is not on a direct tram line. Use the Bernmobil journey planner to match the line to your accommodation. Confirm before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costCHF 25–35 metered taxi
Best forBern main station or city centre to Bernexpo, Wankdorf
Taxis are metered and available at the main station ranks and by phone or app. Allow extra time around Wankdorf at peak show times. Confirm before travel.
Ride-hailing
Estimated costCHF 20–40 depending on distance and demand
Best forPoint-to-point within Bern to Bernexpo
Used in Bern alongside taxis; coverage, pickup points and pricing can differ. Check availability in the app before relying on it for a fixed appointment. Confirm before travel.
Airport transfer
Estimated costCHF 40–60 one-way train (Zurich Airport to Bern, second class)
Best forZurich Airport to Bern main station by SBB train, then tram or S-Bahn to Wankdorf
Direct trains run from the airport station to Bern. Allow additional time for the onward leg to Bernexpo, especially on the first show morning. Buy on sbb.ch or at the airport station and confirm the current price. Confirm before travel.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Late August and early September in Bern are late-summer conditions: daytime highs typically in the 20-24°C band, night-time lows around 10-13°C, and changeable days with a realistic chance of showers or a thunderstorm. The show itself runs indoors at Bernexpo, but a light waterproof layer is useful for the walk between tram or S-Bahn stops and the entrance. These are climatological ranges rather than a forecast for 31 August to 2 September 2027; check the live forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Switzerland.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language
Bernese German (a Swiss German dialect) is the everyday spoken language in Bern, and German is the main written language on signage and exhibitor material. English is widely used in international technical discussions, and French is common in western Switzerland.
Trade-fair etiquette
Business dress in Swiss industry is smart casual, punctuality is taken seriously, and appointments are usually kept to the minute. Introductions are brief and direct, with a handshake, and technical questions are answered with specifications rather than marketing language.
Money and tipping
Swiss francs are the currency; card and contactless payment are widely accepted, though some kiosks and smaller stands may prefer cash. Service is included in restaurant bills, and rounding up by about 5-10 percent is a normal courtesy rather than an obligation.
Opening hours and Sundays
Most shops in Bern close on Sundays, with the main station area the reliable exception for essentials. Plan supermarket and pharmacy purchases on weekdays if you arrive for the show weekend.
Tickets and transport manners
Bus, tram and S-Bahn travel works on a proof-of-payment system, so validate paper tickets and keep a valid digital ticket for the whole journey. Inspections are routine and travelling without a valid ticket carries a fine.
Recycling and sustainability
Switzerland separates waste carefully, including PET, glass, paper and aluminium, and venues and hotels expect visitors to follow the local sorting points. Reusable cups and deposit schemes are common at fairs and events.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Bern; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Visa
Switzerland applies Schengen short-stay entry rules. Visa-exempt nationals can enter for business visits within the Schengen 90/180-day limit; visa-required nationals must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Applications can be submitted through the Swiss online visa system (swiss-visa.ch). Confirm your nationality's status with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) or the responsible Swiss representation before booking travel.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Bern; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Bernexpo: Wankdorf / Bernexpo district: Wankdorf / Bernexpo district; Wankdorf and nearby Bern districts: Wankdorf and nearby Bern districts; Bern city centre / Old Town: Bern city centre / Old Town.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Bern; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Use local bus, tram, or metro routes serving Bernexpo; check operator timetables.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Bernexpo; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: August 2027
Temperature: Late August and early September in Bern typically bring daytime highs around 20-24°C and night-time lows around 10-13°C. Treat this as a climatological band for 31 August to 2 September 2027 and confirm the live forecast before travelling.
Seasonality: The end of August marks the transition into early autumn in Bern, with changeable weather, a realistic chance of showers and occasional thunderstorms. Indoor halls at Bernexpo mean rain mainly affects transit stops and the walk to the entrance, so plan for a wet-weather option on at least one show day.
Packing: Pack layered business-casual clothing for indoor halls and cooler evenings, comfortable closed shoes for a full day on concrete floors, and a light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella for the walk from tram or S-Bahn stops. Bring a Swiss-compatible power adapter (type J, also compatible with type C plugs, 230 V) and a power bank for app-based lead capture and journey planners.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SINDEX 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Register as a visitor through sindex.ch and confirm whether the badge is collected on site or printed at home; note the daily opening hours for 31 August to 2 September 2027.
T-2
Book rail or air travel into Bern and reserve a hotel in Wankdorf or Breitenrain; SINDEX week fills the exhibition-district hotels first, so book a refundable rate early.
T-3
Check entry documents: passport or ID validity, Schengen visa status if required, and any invitation letter or registration confirmation the organiser issues.
T-4
Download the Bernexpo site plan and mark the halls that match your technology priorities, for example robotics, sensor technology, drive technology or industrial IT.
T-5
Build a target exhibitor list with stand numbers and request meeting slots in advance; automation suppliers often fix their demo schedule before the show opens.
T-6
Split hall coverage across colleagues and agree a single lead-capture method, such as a shared app list, spreadsheet or scanned badge workflow.
T-7
Check the live weather forecast for Bern and pack layers plus a light waterproof jacket for the walk between transit stops and the halls.
T-8
Arrange payment and connectivity: Swiss francs in small amounts, a card that works contactless, mobile data or eSIM, and a Swiss-compatible power adapter (type J or C, 230 V).
T-9
Plan the airport-to-venue leg: Zurich Airport to Bern main station by SBB train, then tram or S-Bahn to Wankdorf or Bernexpo, and save the connections in your phone.
T-10
Download offline maps and the Bernmobil and SBB apps, and save the Bernexpo address and your hotel address in both German and English forms.
T-11
Check in for travel, download or print the badge and any QR codes, and charge phone, laptop and power bank for a full day on the floor.
T-12
Arrive before the doors open, collect the badge and show guide, and start with your priority stands while technical staff are fresh rather than late in the afternoon.
Networking spots
2SINDEX 2027 registration concourse
Bernexpo
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Bernexpo
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCHF 280.00
- Per diem × 2CHF 150.00
Estimated totalCHF 430.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether SINDEX 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is SINDEX and where is it held?
SINDEX is Bern's industrial automation and industrial technology trade fair, held at the Bernexpo exhibition site in the Wankdorf district of Bern, Switzerland. The listing dates for this edition are 31 August to 2 September 2027. Confirm the final hall layout, opening hours and any visitor-registration rules on sindex.ch before you travel.
When exactly does the 2027 edition take place?
The edition runs from Tuesday 31 August to Thursday 2 September 2027, a three-day format with the show open across the working week. Build your travel around the first day if you want the widest choice of stand appointments and quieter aisles.
Which technologies and product groups does SINDEX cover?
The fair is positioned around automation technology: robotics and handling, sensor and measurement technology, drive and motion technology, control and industrial IT, assembly and production automation, plus the integration and service providers that sit around them. Keep the organiser's hall plan as the final scope reference, since exhibitor focus areas shift between editions.
Who should attend SINDEX?
Engineering, production, maintenance, quality and procurement roles from machinery and plant building, packaging, food and pharma production, logistics, electronics and other industrial manufacturing sectors. Integrators, distributors and technical universities also use the show to compare platforms in one place.
Is SINDEX open only to trade visitors?
SINDEX is structured as an industry meeting point, so expect a professional audience and badge registration. Check the current badge categories and admission terms on the organiser website before you plan travel, as access rules are set by the organiser and can change between editions.
How do I register and what do tickets cost?
Registration is handled by the organiser, usually through an online visitor form on sindex.ch, with badges collected on site or printed at home depending on the edition. Ticket prices and on-site rates were not captured for this listing, so check the organiser's ticket page directly rather than relying on second-hand figures.
How do I get to Bernexpo from Bern city centre?
Bernexpo sits in the Wankdorf district in the north-east of the city. Bernmobil tram and bus services plus S-Bahn trains to Bern Wankdorf station serve the area, and a taxi from Bern main station is a short ride. Journey planners from SBB and Bernmobil give live connections and departure platforms.
Which airport should I fly into for SINDEX?
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is Switzerland's main international gateway and has direct SBB trains to Bern, which makes it the usual arrival point. Bern Airport (BRN) in Belp is closest to the city but has limited scheduled service, while Geneva (GVA) and EuroAirport Basel (BSL/MLH/EAP) are longer rail connections. Confirm timetables before booking.
Where should I stay near the show?
The closest cluster of hotels sits in Wankdorf and Breitenrain, within walking or short tram distance of Bernexpo: ibis budget Bern Expo (about 210 m), Hotel Alpenblick (about 770 m), harry's home hotel & apartments (about 1.1 km) and Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf. Bern city centre is a short tram or S-Bahn ride away if the exhibition-district hotels are full.
What is the weather like in Bern at the end of August and early September?
Expect late-summer conditions: daytime highs roughly in the 20-24°C band, cooler evenings, and a realistic chance of showers or a thunderstorm. The halls are indoor, but a light waterproof layer is useful for the walk between tram or S-Bahn stops and the entrance. Treat the figures as a climatological band and check the live forecast before travelling.
What language is used at SINDEX?
Swiss German is the everyday spoken language in Bern and German is the main written language of signage and exhibitor material, with English widely used in international technical discussions. Exhibitor teams frequently operate in German and English, so asking in English is normally fine.
Do I need a visa to attend SINDEX in Switzerland?
Switzerland applies Schengen short-stay entry rules. Nationals of visa-exempt countries may enter without a visa, while visa-required nationals must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling. Use the Swiss state secretariat (SEM) and EDA pages linked on the organiser or official government sites for the definitive lists and processing times.
How much time should I plan for the show?
Most engineering and procurement visitors plan one to two full days, depending on how many technology groups they need to compare. If you are evaluating robotics, vision and drive technology together with the software layer, three days allows time for stand meetings, live demonstrations and follow-up conversations.
Glossary
- PLC (programmable logic controller)
- Industrial controller that runs a deterministic logic program to sequence machines, lines and process equipment. SINDEX stand content typically spans PLCs, safety PLCs, remote I/O and the engineering software that programs them.
- Safety PLC and functional safety (SIL, PL)
- Controllers and architectures certified to safety integrity levels (SIL) or performance levels (PL) that bring a machine to a safe state on fault or operator intervention. Relevant when comparing guarded cells, light curtains and safe drive functions on the show floor.
- HMI (human-machine interface)
- Panel or software interface where operators run, monitor and diagnose a machine or line. Modern HMIs increasingly share data with MES and cloud layers rather than acting as isolated terminals.
- SCADA and MES
- SCADA supervises and visualises plant-wide processes; MES tracks and steers production orders, quality and traceability on the shop floor. Automation buyers at SINDEX often evaluate both together with the line hardware.
- Industrial IoT and OPC UA
- OPC UA is the vendor-independent, secure data-exchange standard used to move machine data into MES, historians and cloud platforms. IIoT describes the wider practice of instrumenting machines and analysing that data for uptime, quality and energy use.
- Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP)
- Deterministic real-time Ethernet standards that connect controllers, drives, I/O and vision systems within a machine cycle. Choosing a network family affects device choice, commissioning effort and spare-part strategy.
- Servo drive and motion control
- Drive-amplifier and motor combinations that control position, speed and torque with high accuracy, plus the motion controller that coordinates multiple axes. Energy efficiency, single-cable technology and integrated safety functions are recurring selection criteria.
- Cobot (collaborative robot)
- Robot designed to work alongside people under a risk assessment, often with force and speed limiting, rather than behind a full safety fence. Typical applications shown at automation fairs include machine tending, pick-and-place and inspection support.
- End effector / gripper
- Tool at the end of a robot arm that grips, holds or processes the workpiece - vacuum, pneumatic, electric, magnetic or custom-designed. Gripper choice usually decides cycle time and part changeover flexibility.
- Machine vision and inspection
- Camera, lighting and software systems that inspect, measure, identify or guide parts in production. 2D, 3D and AI-assisted vision are compared on throughput, robustness to lighting changes and integration effort.
- Sensor fusion and IO-Link
- IO-Link is the point-to-point digital communication standard for sensors and actuators, carrying parameters and diagnostics alongside the process value. Sensor fusion combines several measurement principles to produce a more reliable signal in noisy conditions.
- AGV and AMR
- Automated guided vehicles follow fixed paths or markers, while autonomous mobile robots navigate freely with onboard mapping and obstacle avoidance. Both are evaluated for payload, fleet software, safety certification and handover with conveyors or robots.
- Digital twin
- A virtual model of a machine, cell or line that mirrors configuration and behaviour, used for simulation, commissioning and later for operation and service. It shortens offline programming and virtual commissioning work before installation.
- Edge computing and predictive maintenance
- Edge devices run analytics close to the machine so that vibration, temperature or cycle data can trigger maintenance actions without a round trip to the cloud. Predictive maintenance is the most common first use case cited by production and maintenance teams.
- Energy efficiency in automation
- Measuring and reducing compressed-air, drive and stand-by energy consumption per produced unit, often with energy-monitoring modules integrated into the same control platform as the machine logic.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- SINDEX 2027
- SINDEX Bern
- SINDEX Bern 2027
- SINDEX trade fair
- Swiss industrial automation fair
- industrial automation expo Bern
- automation technology exhibition Switzerland
- robotics trade fair Bern
- industrial robotics expo Switzerland
- digitalization trade fair Bern
8 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.