Artificial intelligence, software‑defined automation and, naturally, safety & security were at the centre of the SPS Smart Production Solutions 2025. From 25 to 27 November, around 56,000 trade visitors came to Nuremberg, roughly 5,000 more than the previous year. In discussions with the 1,175 exhibitors, attendees addressed their most pressing challenges: process automation, cost reductions for German machinery manufacturers to remain internationally competitive, supply‑chain resilience, open systems and compliance with new regulations such as the Machinery Regulation, the Cyber Resilience Act and the NIS‑2 Directive, as well as energy efficiency.
"The SPS offers the automation industry a platform not just for innovations, but especially for direct interaction. 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,” said Sylke Schulz‑Metzner, Vice President SPS.
Turning point: positive mood at SPS 2025
Markus Arnold, Technical Director at Copa‑Data, drew a positive conclusion: “At SPS 2025 we had fewer but very high‑quality new contacts and an altogether positive atmosphere.” Exhibitors had hoped for important impulses from the trade fair for industrial automation and in many cases they were not disappointed. As Dimitrios Charisiadis, Managing Director of Jumo, observed regarding the course of the fair: “With our move to Hall 7 this year, we recorded a clear increase in professional visitors who showed qualified interest in our products and solutions. We received more requests for offers than planned. In this respect, SPS 2025 went well for us, and I am optimistic about the business year 2026.”
Despite adverse weather conditions in southern Germany, concurrent events such as the NAMUR general assembly and a tense economic situation this year, many exhibitors were pleased with well‑attended stands and leads that were good both quantitatively and qualitatively. A faint mood of awakening was noticeable. Also, the business results of large manufacturers announced at SPS were positive, signalling further growth for the coming year. Felix Kranert, Vice President Marketing DACH at Schneider Electric, commented: “The SPS is a fixture on the automation industry’s calendar. If you don’t exhibit here, you don’t exist. Meanwhile, it doesn’t just offer maximum visibility. It’s an environment where key ideas are shared, which is indispensable in challenging times.”
Artificial intelligence as driving force at SPS 2025
At the trade fair, everything revolved around the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into industrial processes. Many exhibitors presented concrete applications, from AI‑supported quality inspection, adaptive control systems to intelligent maintenance solutions based on real‑time data. Visitors experienced how AI can improve not only individual processes, but re‑think entire production systems. On site it became obvious how important personal exchange is for the further development of industrial AI. As Marcus Bliesze, Vice President Marketing for Automation at Siemens, emphasised: “AI is already an integral part of many applications, and it’s also opening up countless possibilities for the future. Today, 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.”
Digital twin provides continuous data basis
Visitors observed first‑hand how theory and practice can be meaningfully linked through vivid live demonstrations, in‑depth technical lectures and personal discussions. Uwe Scharf, Managing Director of Rittal, said at the conclusion of SPS 2025: “This year’s SPS was a complete success for us; the large number of visitors showed interest especially in comprehensively networked solutions. At the centre sat the digital twin, which proves to be a solid data basis from engineering to production and here ensures more efficiency in control‑ and switchgear‑construction processes.”
Startup area, networking hub and space for young talent at SPS 2025
In addition to industrial AI, the extensive lecture programme across four stages provided profound insights into further current topics around automation. At the joint stand “Automation meets IT,” classic automation met modern IT solutions in an inspiring setting that fostered interdisciplinary exchange. Equally impressive was how much creative energy and innovative power is present in the industry visible in the start‑up area and the “young INNOVATORS” stand with young companies.
SPS 2025 puts the spotlight on promoting young talent
During the second SPS Makeathon, young talents had the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams on real industrial tasks. The Young Talents Day offered guided tours, career advice and a rally, a practice‑oriented experience for pupils, students and career entrants. Guided tours of Smartfactory KL, which provided insight into new technologies and applications, were particularly well received. The offer was rounded off by a themed tour focusing on switchgear construction, which provided insights into current developments and proven practices.
Gerd Hoppe, Corporate Management at Beckhoff, summarised the fair: “The SPS is a place where innovations in automation become tangible. Here, experts and customers come together to develop ideas and discuss new approaches to utilizing AI and other digital tools. Instead of waiting for others to do it for us, we want to play an active role in shaping these technologies. That sharing of ideas is exactly what makes the trade fair so valuable.” The next edition of SPS will take place from 24 to 26 November 2026 in Nuremberg.
