his November, around 1175 exhibitors from 40 countries will be showcasing their latest innovations, products and solutions at SPS – Smart Production Solutions. The event is taking place across 15 halls at the Nuremberg exhibition centre, Germany. SPS always proves to be a popular event. In
fact, of the exhibitors in 2025, 88% were very satisfied with this participation, and 93% rated the event as important for their company. Meanwhile 93% of the 55,938 visitors would visit again, with 98% were satisfied/very satisfied by their visit. This year, visitors to the show will be able
to discover industrial automation technologies ranging from sensor technology, drive systems, industrial communication and software, all the way through to smart automation solutions for the digital factory. They will also be able to gain insights into the latest technologies, see real-world use cases, and learn about pioneering solutions. In addition to this, specialist presentations
will take place across the stages, with live demonstrations and opportunities for direct interaction with experts, helping attendees make sense of technological developments and gain new inspiration. Focus issues during the 2026 show will include:
• Industrial AI and AI-assisted production processes
• Smart manufacturing and digitalised value chains • Industrial communication & connectivity • Sensor, control and drive systems • Industrial security & cybersecurity • Digital twins and data-based production • Software & IT in manufacturing • Sustainable and efficient automation solutions. “Automation is currently advancing at a rapid
pace: AI, software-based solutions and open systems are bringing about lasting change in the industry. For companies, the question arises as to which technologies are suitable for industrial use and what measurable benefits they offer. As the leading trade show for the automation
industry, SPS offers the ideal platform to learn about the latest innovations and network with the industry’s key players," said Steffen Winkler, CSO of the Automation Business Unit at Bosch Rexroth AG and Chair of the Exhibitors’ Advisory Board for the SPS.
A key theme during this year’s event is the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence into industrial processes. AI applications are increasingly evolving from individual pilot projects into productive components of modern automation solutions. Whether in engineering, the analysis of production data, quality assurance, or the optimisation of machinery and equipment, industrial AI opens up new possibilities for efficiency, flexibility and resilience in production. Visitors will be able to find out about these developments, with exhibitors using applications to demonstrate how companies are already taking advantage of the added value of artificial intelligence today. Furthermore, the concept of a software-defined
industry is also gaining importance. Hardware- centric structures with predetermined processes are increasingly being replaced by agile, software- based architectures. As a result, production systems are becoming more adaptable, more interconnected, and more easily scalable. “The future of productivity will be driven by data and software,” said Gunther Koschnick, director of Industry at the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI). “In the future, industrial AI will be able to analyse and help manage entire value chains. The long-term vision is for machines to find the most efficient path to a specific production goal on their own.” SmartFactory-KL will demonstrate exactly how the software-defined industry concept works in the Software-Defined Industry Area in Hall 6. The focus is on the model factory: Solutions tested in collaboration with industry partners, along with the process behind them, can be experienced firsthand at the trade show through a demonstration of a production process. Various formats, such as daily guided tours, also encourage visitors to explore and learn. Companies will be showcasing specific solutions related to this topic on their booths. “For us at SmartFactory,
Software-defined Industry is not about simply adding more software to existing machines. It is about seamlessly connecting IT and OT into one integrated system. This creates production systems that are more flexible and
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can adapt more quickly to new requirements,” commented Marco Wanner, Head of IT/OT Solutions, XITASO and Executive Board Member of SmartFactory-KL. In addition, the 5G Alliance for Connected
Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) will be organising daily guided tours to leading member companies such as Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Fraunhofer, and Ericsson. Visitors will gain practical insights into real-world use cases and modern communication solutions. The event will also feature the 5G-ACIA DemoWall, which showcases technical solutions and real-world industrial use cases. Joint stands have proven popular in previous
years and will once again be key gathering spots in 2026. In Hall 6, the ‘Automation meets IT’ area brings together traditional automation environments and modern IT solutions. Other joint stands include the international Startup Area and ‘young INNOVATORS’, which is sponsored by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Together, they create a platform for new business ideas, technological innovation, and dialog between established market players and startups.
In addition to exhibitor presentations, SPS will offer an extensive lecture program, with four stages – including the Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI in Hall 3 – where industry experts will discuss current developments, technological trends and specific real-world application examples from industrial practice. Industrial AI, cybersecurity, industrial communication, digital transformation, and sustainable production concepts are currently among the hot topics in the industry. Networking areas located right next to
the stages facilitate face-to-face interaction between visitors, speakers and technology providers, and provide additional space for technical discussions. The event will also continue to target young
professionals, with events such as the SPS Makeathon – supported by ITQ, New Automation, NürnbergMesse, and dedicated exhibitors. Furthermore, high school and college students, apprentices and those just starting their careers have the opportunity to learn about modern automation technologies, gain hands- on experience, and establish early connections within the industry during the event.
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