Demand for automation solutions on the rise

From 14-16 November 2023, the Who’s Who of the automation industry will once again meet in Nuremberg. More than 1,200 exhibitors from around the world are expected to attend the 32nd edition of the SPS, Smart Production Solutions, covering 16 exhibition halls and a total exhibition space of approximately 120,000 sqm.

In addition to the latest innovations, the industry event offers interested parties the opportunity to experience practical and forward-looking technologies at first hand and engage in a lively exchange with automation suppliers.

Visitors to the SPS 2023 in November, which is the highlight of the automation industry calendar, will once again enjoy the opportunity to expand their network, connect with potential partners, explore joint business opportunities, and learn about the latest topics in automation.

In addition to the classic, highly sought-after automation themes of control technology, drive technology and sensor technology, software and IT is becoming an increasingly important subject in manufacturing. Some exhibitors will, among other things, discuss which automation functions will, in the future, most likely be provided directly on the machine, using edge computing, or even in the cloud.

This development has been expedited by Siemens, for example, which introduced a purely cloud-based software variant of a programmable logic controller in the spring. In connection with this, attention is increasingly turning to the use of artificial intelligence and IT security in the automation world, which will be reflected in the range of products and services at the event.

Visitors will, among other things, benefit from the wide range of products and services offered by the German and international automation providers and gain a unique insight into leading technologies in the industry. According to the figures for last year’s event, a total of 360 of the 43,813 visitors came from the UK.

Extensive program of supporting events

Those attending the SPS can look forward to an extensive and compelling array of quality presentations on current topics from the automation industry at the forums in halls 3, 6 and 8. The Technology Stage program in Hall 3, hosted by the two industry associations VDMA and ZVEI, will also be broadcast live in German and English at the complementary online event, “SPS on air”. This year’s panel discussions, product presentations, and keynote sessions will focus on:

• Digital transformation/Industry 4.0
• Industrial communication
• Safety and security
• Data-driven and intelligent concepts for control and visualisation
• Sensor innovations
• Drives
• Sustainability through automation

In Hall 6, the long-established ‘Automation meets IT’ joint stand presented by around 24 exhibitors will offer visitors comprehensive insights into specific issues and give them an opportunity to receive individual advice from suppliers. The joint stand will focus on the following topics:

• IT Management for manufacturing
• Cloud and edge-based solutions and services
• Security measures for manufacturing
• IoT and AI-based solutions
• Open source

Visitors to the BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action) stand in Hall 8 can also find out about new and improved products, processes, and services from innovative start-ups from Germany. This is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. An additional area for start-ups is also planned in Hall 8.

Digital supplement “SPS on air”

From September, interested parties will have the opportunity to connect with one another, arrange online or on-site appointments, and gain an overview of everything going on at this year’s event by visiting “SPS on air”. On 8 November 2023, one week before the on-site fair, the digital Pre-Heat Event will take place, where exhibitors will give a taste of what visitors can expect to see at their booths in Nuremberg.

After the event itself, the digital content will be available on the platform until the end of the year and will thus be accessible at any time.