Speaking of the global market uncertainty caused by the disputes between US and China, Yuhi Maezono, Show Director of Reed Exhibitions Japan, noted that due to the extra tariffs imposed on Chinese exports, Japanese companies who own factories in China might move out their facilities. The moving trend will lead to increased cost and thus force companies to transform their facilities, pushing demands for smart factory and robots. As a result, Maezono pointed out that RoboDEX and SMART FACTORY Expo would become even more noticeable.

In addition, NEPCON Japan was held in Nagoya, the center of automobile manufacture in Japan, since 2018. Exhibitors at the Nagoya event focus more on automotive components to meet the needs of local automotive business. The event also provides an opportunity for operators in the factories to directly interact with the latest technologies.

Maezono noted that although they hope to keep upscaling the show in 2020, the exhibitions will be separate next year. NEPCON Japan and AUTOMOVIE WORLD will take place in January while WEARABLE EXPO, RoboDEX and SMART FACTORY Expo will be held in February as the venue will be also occupied by the coming Olympic Game in Tokyo.