Cross-industry exchange at eye level
The SOMA Technology Day serves to promote cross-industry dialogue at eye level and networking between our partner companies. In addition to the transfer of knowledge, the exchange of technology is at the centre of this series of events. Last year's event focussed on state-of-the-art testing equipment and the technological implementation of normative requirements.
Tim Petermann, test equipment developer at the VDE Institute, expressed his enthusiasm: "I was impressed by the comprehensive insight into the various areas. I found it particularly interesting to see how SOMA works and the systems and components used. This has opened up new perspectives for progress in my own work."
Lectures in the morning
The participants enjoyed an informative morning at Gasthof Spelsberg, which focussed on the latest developments in switchgear production and testing. The varied programme offered insights into various aspects of the industry. ABB / Busch-Jaeger Elektro presented strategies for overcoming future challenges in the testing technology of electrical installation material through agility and collaboration.
STÄUBLI Tech-SYSTEM, on the other hand, focussed on precision in the testing of industrial switchgear and used a project to demonstrate how absolute accuracy is achieved in the teaching of robot cells. CARL BECHEM and SOMA shared insights into contact greases, in particular the special features and technical requirements of using electrical contact greases, and presented a best practice report on the subject of electrical contact test benches.
Yokogawa Germany provided an overview of the development of power measurement technology from the past to the future. WEG Germany then discussed future drive and switchgear technologies as well as their requirements and challenges. VDE Bergisches Land - Südwestfalen emphasised its role as a guarantor of electrical safety and interoperability as well as the importance of standards for the protection of people and property.
Finally, the VDE Testing and Certification Institute provided information on normative requirements and assessment criteria for electrical life tests on switching contacts.
Practical insights and networking
Practical insights and networking were at the centre of the afternoon at SOMA. The participants were given a tour of the company, during which the topics discussed in the morning were illustrated using machines. The focus was on sharing ideas and the visitors had the opportunity to experience various innovative systems in action:
Testing and automation systems
- The ELPK test system, a fully automatic system for switchgear, carries out standardised service life tests on microswitches through to installation switches.
- An automatic test system for motor contactors that can be integrated into production lines and has a cycle time of 12 seconds.
- The standardised laboratory test system for sockets with universal load, which offers an ohmic-inductive load connection in accordance with the standard for socket testing.
- A fusing time test system for standardised testing of and on fuses.
- The flexTSA universal test system from SOMA.
- E-mobility end-of-line test systems for drive controllers that follow a generic approach for different test specimens with interchangeable test specimen holders.
Innovative dosing technology and operator assistance systems
- SOMA's flexAssistant worker assistance system for manual assembly and testing tasks, demonstrated using the example of quality testing of sockets and switches. The system offers worker guidance with connection options for digital tools and a software module for the independent generation of sequences.
- Contact greasing with process monitoring to demonstrate innovative dosing technology for lubricants.
This practical demonstration enabled the participants to experience the application and functionality of the various systems first-hand and to exchange ideas.
Guido Werdün, Director Development Business Unit Electronics at KOSTAL Industrie Elektrik, shared his impressions: "I have known SOMA for 29 years, all our test devices are built by SOMA. Nevertheless, it was a very interesting day for me, you can see how SOMA has developed - from the test devices at the very beginning to the professionalism and enormous range today."
Partnership-based cooperation and exchange
The focus was on intensive dialogue, creative brainstorming and strengthening existing networks. The participants took the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from each other.
Interactive workshops and open discussion rounds created an atmosphere that encouraged co-operation and mutual inspiration. This synergy between the attendees contributed significantly to the success of the event and laid the foundations for fruitful collaboration in the future.
Thomas Gaul, Area Sales Manager at Stäubli Tec-Systems, emphasised the importance of this cooperation: "I particularly liked the active partnership with SOMA, which enables us to exchange experiences and broaden our horizons together. At a time when a high degree of flexibility is required on the market, I feel that this valuable cooperation is particularly important."
SOMA Technology Day 2025
The SOMA Technology Day 2024 was a complete success both for us as organisers and for the satisfied participants. The event provided a unique platform for the exchange of expertise, innovations and experience in switchgear manufacturing and testing. We are already looking forward to the Technology Day 2025, which will undoubtedly offer new and exciting insights into the future of the industry.
