23 www.drivesncontrols.com February 2026 SPS SHOW REVIEW n SPS defies the downturn Despite the German manufacturing sector remaining in the doldrums, the SPS (Smart Production Solutions) automation megashow held in Nuremberg in November, managed to attract more visitors and exhibitors than came to its previous event in 2024. There were around 56,000 visitors at the three-day show (up from 51,300 in 2024) and 1,175 exhibitors (up from 1,229), spread across the exhibition’s 15 halls. The show’s organisers argue that SPS is much more than just an arena for product launches and presentations. “SPS offers the automation industry a platform not just for innovations, but especially for direct interaction,” says SPS vice-president, Sylke Schulz-Metzner. “Experts came together again this year to work on solutions, discuss trends, and strengthen their networks. As in years past, the expo created a framework in which the community could continue growing on equal footing with a focus on real-world applications," offered in summary after three days at the trade fair.” Inevitably, a dominant topic at SPS 2025 was the increasing integration of AI (artificial intelligence) into industrial processes. Numerous exhibitors were showing applications ranging from AI-supported quality inspection and adaptive control systems, to intelligent maintenance systems based on realtime data. Visitors were shown how AI can not only optimise individual processes, but rethink entire production systems. “AI is already an integral part of many applications, and it’s also opening up countless possibilities for the future,” points out Siemens’vice-president for automation marketing, Marcus Bliesze. “We’re seeing it used in all kinds of applications that have long since become normal in everyday life. At the same time, AI presents tremendous potential in new concepts that are currently still in the proof-of-concept phase – it’s an exciting glimpse of what’s coming.” The 35th edition of SPS will take place in Nuremberg from 24–26 November, 2026..n The huge SPS automation exhibition returned to its Nuremberg, Germany, venue in November. In our January issue, we reported on some of the highlights from the event, and in the following pages, we look at some of the other technologies and products that were on show. Images: Mesago Messe Frankfurt / Arturo Rivas
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