INTERVIEW WITH AIM-D E.V.

AIM-D e.V. is the Germany speaking chapter (Germany – Austria – Switzerland) of the global industry association “AIM” that connects, standardizes and advances automatic identification technologies (AIDC / AutoID). They have about 120 members at AIM-D e.V. and more than 400 in about 30 countries worldwide (e.g: North America, Denmark, India, Japan, South East Asia).

Automated and digital processes within the framework of Industry 4.0 (> IoT / IIoT) are focus. Therefore, AIM promotes the market expansion of AutoID technology and methods such as barcode, DataMatrixCode (2D), OCR, RFID, NFC, RTLS and Sensor Technology.

Interview with Peter Altes, Managing Director at AIM-D e.V.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Peter Altes: With its global network of experts and regular events, the association actively supports networking in the industry, knowledge transfer and the development of new technology solutions. Focus of our activities are:

  • Supporting new AIDC / AutoID technologies and applications
  • Standardization (DIN / ETSI / CEN & CENELEC / ISO)
  • Technical Working Groups
  • Presenting our industry at conferences and exhibitions
  • Marketing and PR for our industry (AIDC / AutoID)

E.E: What’s the news about new products?

P.A: As a technology association we do not have `products´ really. Consulting, member services, standardization work, networking and technology political affairs are core. More or less new are our working groups on “RFID & Sensors” and “AutoID & Security”. 

E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

P.A: Depending on some global affairs like Covid, Ukrainian War, Chip Crisis and Supply Chain Disturbances our industry is a little reserved – but, based on its high-tech experiences, success and potential – also optimistic for the future. More and more automation and increasingly autonomous processes will be our industry´s chance. Furthermore, we are highly involved in EU projects such as e.g. Radio Frequency Harmonization and the new Cyber-Security-Regulation within RED (Radio Equipment Directive).

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

P.A: AIDC / AutoID technologies will more and more interact with AI, robotics and complementary technologies such as e.g. 5G, LoraWAN, sensor networks etc. Beside this, recycling and sustainability become more and more a challenge – both: as future markets for our industry and as well as “job to do” for ourself.

E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?

P.A: Some trends I have already mentioned in the answers to questions 5 and 6. Furthermore RTLS Systems (Real-time Locating Systems) will become more and more important for an automated production, automated logistics and autonomous processes – and: for people safety.

E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?

P.A: As already mentioned by answering question 5 our industry is cautiously optimistic for the future; looking forward to the forthcoming events in 2023 and to the 50th anniversary of our global network which will become celebrated in USA, Singapore and Germany up from May 2023.