NEWS 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk influencing the design of both hardware and software and raising questions about efficiency, flexibility, and resource use. “In many production environments, industrial AI is no longer a topic for the future, it is already a reality. At the SPS 2025, our exhibitors will be showing how AI is already being used in practice today and its potential for future automation applications,” said Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS. For visitors wanting to see how these ideas are being put into practice, SmartFactory Kaiserslautern will run guided tours twice daily. Led by specialists, they will cover companies working in both hardware and software and examine the difficulties currently encountered in implementation. “The aim of our tours is to provide targeted insights into key technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and security in system architecture. A key priority for us is facilitating the transfer of technological expertise into industrial practice,” said Dr. Ingo Herbst, press spokesperson for SmartFactory Kaiserslautern. The event is expected to draw international visitors, continuing the trend seen in previous years. In 2024, 51,291 people attended in total, 29% of them travelling from outside Germany. The UK accounted for 463 attendees, roughly 3% of all non-German guests. The appeal lies not only in the exhibition stands but also in the opportunities for exchange. Visitors can attend discussions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, and sustainable production. Speaker sessions are followed by informal conversations at neighbouring zones where questions can be pursued further. Shared booths in Hall 6 will showcase different aspects of collaboration. Automation meets IT will look at the intersection of traditional industrial systems with digitalisation and cybersecurity. The International Start-up Area will provide space for young companies from around the world to present disruptive ideas. The young INNOVATORS booth, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will highlight the work of emerging German firms. A strong emphasis is also placed on supporting younger participants. The Makeathon, running throughout the exhibition, will invite pupils, students, apprentices, and young professionals to work in interdisciplinary teams to design prototypes in 2.5 hours, engaging directly with companies. The programme concludes with Young Talents Day, offering guided tours and one-to-one career advice for those considering a role in automation. To find out more visit: https://sps.mesago.com/nuernberg/ 7en.html Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twins are rapidly transforming enterprise asset management (EAM), according to the latest Maintenance Trend Report from Ultimo. Yet despite this technological shift, the research underlines that effective maintenance remains fundamentally a human-led activity. The global survey of more than 200 maintenance professionals shows a sharp rise in interest in advanced technologies compared with the 2023 edition of the report. When asked which innovations would have the greatest positive impact on maintenance and business practices, 68% of respondents pointed to contextual intelligence — up from just 8% last year — followed by automation and robotics (49%) and machine learning (41%). Interest in digital twins has also more than doubled, now reaching 40%. However, alongside enthusiasm for new tools, organisations continue to face pressing workforce challenges. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents cited an ageing workforce as the most significant factor shaping maintenance strategy, emphasising the need for knowledge transfer and workforce planning. Recruiting skilled staff also remains a concern, with 50% saying it had been the primary source of operational disruption in the past year. “From global instability to changing regulations, socioeconomic and political shifts are creating uncertainty across industries. In this environment, agility is critical,” said Berend Booms, Head of EAM Insights at Ultimo, an IFS company. “EAM can also serve as a catalyst for innovation. Internet of Things (IoT), AI, ML, digital twins, and predictive analytics are rapidly transforming industrial businesses. They unlock smarter decision-making, greater efficiency, and a sharper competitive edge.” The report highlights how real-time data insights from IoT devices and predictive modelling — whose perceived value has tripled since 2023 — are helping organisations unlock new opportunities in maintenance planning. Yet, almost half (49%) of respondents identified a lack of in-house expertise as a barrier to adopting these advanced tools. The findings also emphasise that while AI-enabled platforms are reshaping maintenance practices, people remain central to driving success. Modern EAM systems have evolved from static data repositories into predictive tools, helping teams shift from reactive maintenance towards proactive strategies. By combining AI with operational data, these systems can identify recurring failures, optimise workflows, and minimise downtime, effectively becoming a strategic adviser to asset managers. As the report concludes, the future of maintenance will depend on a balance of human expertise and digital intelligence. Produced in collaboration with Verdantix, TwinThread, ABS Consulting, and MaxGrip, the report is available for download at: www.ultimo.com/report Report finds emerging technologies are reshaping asset management, but people remain key
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