The 33rd edition of SPS Smart Production Solutions, a magnet for the industry for intelligent and digital automation, has come to an end. With 1,114 exhibitors, around 100 companies fewer than last year presented their innovations. However, the number of visitors increased slightly to 51,300. “Certainly, in view of the current challenging economic situation in the industry, this increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year is a strong and important signal for the automation sector,” summarizes Martin Roschkowski, Managing Director of Mesago Messe Frankfurt.
Safety and security in the spotlight of new product releases
Steffen Winkler, CSO of the Bosch Rexroth Automation division and chairman of the SPS exhibitor advisory board, sums up the show: “The SPS is the flagship event for the automation industry. Visitors are brought face-to-face with the latest technologies and industry experts, allowing them to establish valuable contacts and build on existing relationships. Even in difficult economic times, the SPS remains an important platform for innovation and discussion. Together, we are shaping the future.”
Intensive technical discussions on new products, current market launches and outlooks on automation and digitalization, characterized the trade fair. In many cases, the focus of the new developments was on security, in particular cyber security. In this regard, companies were reacting to the EU's Cyber Resilience Act, which will soon come into force. Within 36 months, manufacturers must improve cyber security of products that can be connected to each other or to internet.
Artificial intelligence as one of the top trends at SPS 2024
The three days of the fair were accompanied by a program of lectures focusing on topics such as AI in automation and digital transformation. “For us, the stand-out trend at the SPS was artificial intelligence. We are confident that this technology will significantly boost productivity in the coming years and even decades,” explains Dr. Axel Zein, CEO of WSCAD. The four trade fair forums offered the opportunity to delve deeply into the subject matter and to engage in direct exchange with the experts.
The ‘Automation meets IT’ joint stand in Hall 6, which has been established for many years, once again attracted numerous visitors this year. Interested visitors were able to find out more about IT management and security solutions for production, cloud and edge-based solutions, and IoT and AI-based solutions from a total of 17 exhibitors. In Hall 8, the “Young Innovators” joint stand and the Start-up Area offered insights into new products, processes and services for intelligent and digital automation.
Reactions to SPS Smart Production Solutions 2024
Gunther Koschnick, Managing Director of the Automation Division of ZVEI, sums it up: “This trade fair is unique, and for good reason. Whether you are a design engineer, mechanical engineer, plant operator or production manager, this is the place to be to receive comprehensive information. At no other trade fair will you find such focus on automation topics.” Stefan Hoppe, President and Executive Director, OPC Foundation, adds: “The SPS attracts experts who listen to one another. It is a hub for technical professionals and developers. At no other exhibition can I meet so many technical decision-makers from other companies. That’s what makes the SPS truly unique.”
Preview of the 34th edition of the SPS
Next year, the trade fair will return to its proven date in the last week of November and will take place in Nuremberg from November 25 to 27, 2025.
