FEATURE SPS Expo preview
PUTTING FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES INTO PRACTICE
When the international automation industry gathers in Nuremberg from 24 – 26 November 2026, the SPS – Smart Production Solutions will once again serve as the central meeting point for technological progress, practical experience, and professional dialogue
A
s the leading expo for industrial automation, the SPS Smart Production Solutions event offers a comprehensive overview of
current developments and highlights the technologies that will shape tomorrow’s industrial value creation. A total of approximately 1,175 exhibitors
from 40 countries will showcase their latest innovations, products, and solutions at the Nuremberg exhibition centre. Spread across 15 halls, visitors will gain a comprehensive overview of the entire spectrum of industrial automation – from sensor technology, drive systems, industrial communication and software all the way through to smart automation solutions for the digital factory. Trade visitors from around the world are expected, including a high proportion of decision-makers and end users.
In addition to its wide range of international exhibitors, the SPS is also renowned for its strong practical focus. Trade visitors from around the world – including numerous attendees from the United Kingdom, which was represented by over 500 visitors in 2025 – gain valuable insights into the latest technologies, real-world use cases, and pioneering solutions. Specialist presentations on the stages, live demonstrations, and opportunities for direct interaction with experts help attendees make sense of technological developments and gain new inspiration for their own business practices. “For many years, the SPS has been the place where technological developments are showcased before they become widespread throughout the industry. The expo not only highlights trends but also allows visitors to experience them first-hand. It facilitates dialogue among suppliers, users, and innovation partners,” explained Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt.
34 October 2026 | Automation
This industry event brings together the international SPS community and provides guidance in times of technological change. Professional dialogue, practical insights, and personal networking provide a solid foundation for future decisions. “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, the 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.
Industrial AI as a driver of transformation A key theme of the SPS 2026 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. The SPS addresses these developments, and exhibitors use concrete applications to demonstrate how companies can already take advantage of the added value of artificial intelligence today. As software plays an increasingly significant role in industrial value creation processes,
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,” says 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 first-hand 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 can adapt more quickly to new requirements,” said Marco Wanner, Head of IT/OT Solutions, XITASO and Executive Board Member of SmartFactory-KL. In addition, the 5G Alliance for Connected
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