INDUSTRY News A MEETING POINT FOR TECHNICAL PROGRESS ABB COLUMN
SELF-LEARNING ROBOTS PROMISE A STEP-CHANGE IN FLEXIBILITY
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. As the leading expo for industrial automation, the 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. 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 firsthand. It facilitates dialogue among suppliers, users, and innovation partners,” explained Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. 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. As software plays an increasingly significant role in industrial value creation processes, the concept of a software-defined industry is also gaining importance, and is another theme highlighted at the show.
sps-exhibition.com
Robots have always been exceptional at following instructions with tireless precision. Now, with the arrival of self-learning technology, they can also adapt autonomously to carry out new tasks or operate effectively in unpredictable environments. Self-learning robots are expanding the range of applications where automation can deliver value by enabling manufacturers and other businesses to address challenges including shorter product lifecycles and labour shortages, as well as improve quality and reduce downtime. Underlying this is a combination of technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI) leading the way. Advances in machine vision and other sensor technologies enable data to be fed back to the robot controller in real time, allowing the AI models to interpret their surroundings and make informed decisions. This capability gives robots the flexibility to handle a variety of items that arrive in random orientations. Examples include picking the correct part from a mixed bin in a pick-and-place application or accurately sorting parcels within a logistics centre. It can also enable mobile robots to navigate safely through a dynamic factory or warehouse environments, even when working alongside people in shared spaces. Self-learning robots significantly reduce the programming effort traditionally associated with automation. Advances in intuitive programming techniques coupled with growing autonomous capabilities can dramatically reduce the time required to deploy, manage and adapt robotic systems. This is particularly valuable for SMEs that may lack extensive in-house programming expertise. Smart robots can also detect patterns and anomalies during
production, helping to improve quality and reduce errors. Workers can benefit too, as they can be freed from repetitive and monotonous tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-level, more rewarding activities. The greatest opportunities to add value are often found in applications like machine tending, assembly, pick-and-place, inspection and quality control, and material handling. By enhancing flexibility and responsiveness and operational
efficiency, self-learning robots can unlock new opportunities for manufacturers and logistics operators alike. To decide whether a robot is right for your application, scan the QR code to get started with our 4-Step Guide.
Alan Conn, MD, ABB Robotics UK & Ireland
www.abb.com/robotics
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | September 2026
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