Exciting Robotics and Automation Event  Partnerships and Future Prospects 

How do automation and robotics create competitive advantages in Danish industry? DS Gruppen opened its doors for an afternoon of inspiration, practical examples and networking with experts and businesses. The focus was on how small and medium-sized enterprises can take the next steps with automation. 

At DS Gruppen, we are proud to be one of the companies that people reach out to and associate with being a modern technology company focused on the future and development. It was particularly interesting to welcome many company representatives and exhibitors who share our perspective on precisely that. 

On 20 May 2025, we hosted a mini trade fair and gave a presentation on how we use robots in our production units. We also offered recommendations on how businesses can get started, implement robotics, ensure that purpose and benefits are optimised, and outlined our vision for the future of these technologies. 

Exciting Exhibitors and Participants Are the Foundation for New Partnerships 

Exhibitors at the mini trade fair included Spin Robotics Aps, SPKTRA, BILA, Beckhoff, CESTEK A/S, ZTEC ApS, IA Technology and Scanlox. 

Participants included PTA staff, project managers, directors and production managers from local businesses in Hobro, as well as businesses in Randers, Aalborg, Støvring and Farsø. 

There were plenty of opportunities for exhibitors and participants to talk with one another during the two networking sessions held on the day. It was also possible to visit the exhibitors’ stands and take a closer look at their innovative solutions or examine the robots moving around the exhibition area. 

Simon Z. Molbech from ZTEC said on the day: “It is great to talk to end users and build relationships with entirely new customer segments.” 

And Steffen Pedersen from IA Technology added: “We are practically neighbours of DS, so taking part in this event was an obvious choice. Building relationships is our main purpose for participating, as we would very much like to sell more to local businesses here in North and Central Jutland.” 

Thomas Svendsen from Scanlox then spoke: “We are very keen to go out and demonstrate our robotic products to logistics and manufacturing companies. We make our living by automating internal transport – so we are always excited when we have the opportunity to show how quickly we can get an intelligent solution up and running.” 

Talks and Inspiration 

Jens Pedersen from Odense Robotics, who also coordinated the event, began the day with an informative welcome – and one message in particular resonated: “If you do not get started now, you are already falling behind.” The participants could relate to the idea that taking small steps towards automation and robotics is better than not getting started at all. There is no doubt that Jens believes businesses in North Jutland should invest even more in digital and technological development, as he can unfortunately see that the region is currently at the back of the field compared with Denmark as a whole. 

DS Gruppens Head of Marketing Tina Woods took over the microphone after Jens and spoke about DS Gruppen – and the developments that DS’s companies have undergone. Investing and safeguarding the future have been key priorities since Svend Møller Hansen founded Dansk Stål in 1969. DS Flexhal delivers turnkey contracts, primarily for commercial, production, warehousing and logistics buildings. DS Stålkonstruktion manufactures load-bearing steel structures of all kinds, including with the aid of advanced welding robots. DS Elcobyg manufactures precast concrete elements, including beautiful design elements that meet architects’ requirements. DS Stålprofil supplies roofing and façade cladding made from sheet steel.

Robotics and Automation 

Rasmus Revsbæk Hansen, Production Manager at DS Stålprofil, discussed the strategy, implementation and practical assessments of the robotic solutions introduced for the production of steel roofing and façade sheets, flashings and more. Rasmus believes that it is important to think carefully before companies begin selecting new solutions – and not simply implement them because they can, but because they deliver genuine benefits and value. 

John Alfastsen, Automation Technician at DS Stålkonstruktion, discussed the advanced technology behind the welding robots used in DS Stålkonstruktion’s production. There are robots of many kinds here: those that weld smaller components and the very large ones that weld steel structures many metres long and weighing several tonnes. 

Advice from the Danish Technological Institute 

Later in the day, it was time to get the best advice on how to implement projects successfully – including when implementing robots and automation solutions. Jens Martinus Pedersen, Business Developer at the Danish Technological Institute, offered useful advice on how starting small can give you the highest possible success rate when implementing new projects and solutions. 

On behalf of DS Gruppen, we would like to thank all participants, organisers and exhibitors for a fantastic afternoon. 

The event was organised in collaboration with Mariagerfjord Erhverv, Business Rebild, Business Randers, Erhvervshus Nordjylland, Odense Robotics and DS Gruppen A/S. 

About the Author

Tina Woods

As Head of Marketing at DS Gruppen A/S, Tina Woods works to develop and execute strategic branding, communication and digital marketing initiatives that support DS Gruppen’s business objectives. Drawing on her experience from advertising agencies and B2B marketing, she focuses on turning data, trends and new technologies into better customer experiences and measurable business value. She also contributes to strengthening DS Gruppen’s reputation through employer branding and employee advocacy.