44 n SPS PREVIEW October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com AI and SDA will be key themes at SPS 2026 A key theme of next month’s SPS (Smart Production Solutions) show in Germany will the integration of AI (artificial intelligence) into industrial processes. AI applications are evolving from pilot projects into productive components of modern automation installations. Whether for analysing production data, quality assurance, or optimising machinery and equipment, industrial AI opens up new possibilities for efficiency, flexibility and resilience in production. SPS will address these developments, and exhibitors will use real applications to demonstrate how end-users can take advantage of AI today. “The future of productivity will be driven by data and software,”says Gunther Koschnick, director of industry at the German industrial trade body, 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.” Another important theme at SPS will be the trend to software-defined automation (SDA). Hardware-centric structures with predetermined processes are being replaced by agile, software-based architectures. As a result, production systems are becoming more adaptable, interconnected, and easily scalable. On a joint stand, several members of the SmartFactory-KL initiative will show how the software-defined industry concept is working in practice. The focus will be on a model factory and uses cases to be demonstrated include interoperability, OT security, and agent-based production management. “For us at SmartFactory, software-defined industry is not about simply adding more software to existing machines,” says SmartFactory-KL board member, Marco Wanner. “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.” The show’s organiser, Mesago Messe Frankfurt, is expecting around 1,175 exhibitors from 40 countries (45% of them from outside Germany) to showcase their latest innovations in the 15 halls of the Nuremberg exhibition centre. Visitors will get an overview of the entire spectrum of industrial automation – from sensors, drive systems, industrial communications and software, to smart automation systems for the digital factory. Last year, SPS attracted almost 56,000 visitors – 29% of them from outside Germany, including around 500 from the UK. This year, the organisers are hoping to entice around 60,000 visitors. “For many years, the SPS has been the place where technological developments are showcased before they become widespread throughout the industry,” says Sylke SchulzMetzner, vice-president for SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “The expo not only highlights trends but also allows visitors to experience them first-hand. It facilitates dialogue among suppliers, users and innovation partners.” In addition to the exhibition stands, the show will offer around 200 presentations on four stages, where experts will discuss trends and real-world applications. Topics to be covered include industrial AI, cybersecurity, communications, digital transformation, and sustainable production. The show also offers live demonstrations, and joint stands including Automation meets IT, an international start-up area, and a Young Innovators stand. In addition, the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5GACIA) is organising guided tours of member companies including Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Fraunhofer and Ericsson. Despite the German manufacturing sector’s well-publicised problems, the organisers of next month’s SPS show in Nuremberg are expecting around 1,175 exhibitors from 40 countries – a similar number to last year. The event will again showcase cutting-edge developments in industrial automation and related technologies. SHOW FACTS Where: Nuremberg, Germany When: Tuesday, 24 November 2026 - 9am–6pm Wednesday, 25 November 2026 - 9am–6pm Thursday, 26 November 2026 - 9am–5pm Entry: Tickets from €94 are available via the show’s Web site (although most visitors are given free entry passes by exhibitors). Web site: https://sps.mesago.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ showcase/sps-smart-production-solutions Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spsmesse
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