As a trend barometer SPS is holding up well despite the crisis

In addition to the topic of Industrial AI, this year's SPS – Smart Production Solutions trade fair will focus more on promoting young talent. Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH expects slightly more exhibitors than last year, namely around 1,170 compared to 1,116.

In 15 halls at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, exhibitors will present solutions for intelligent production as well as their current product and service portfolios. The spectrum of exhibitors ranges from international industry giants such as Siemens, Beckhoff Automation, Phoenix Contact and Bosch Rexroth to numerous start-ups, which will also be present with their own exhibition booths.

A central theme of this year's SPS is Industrial AI. Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a key to efficiency and innovation in industrial production. This is reflected not only in the exhibitors' booths, but also in the expanded lecture program. ‘Industrial AI is no longer a topic for the future – it is already a reality in many production environments,’ explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. ‘At SPS 2025, our exhibitors will show how AI is already being used in practice today and what potential the technology offers in automation.’

The guided tours offered twice daily at SmartFactory Kaiserslautern provide a practical introduction to the topic of Industrial AI. Led by experts, the tour takes visitors to innovative companies in the hardware and software industry and highlights the technical challenges of today. ‘With our offering, we want to provide targeted insights into key technologies such as AI, digital twins and security in system architecture,’ says Dr. Ingo Herbst, press spokesman for SmartFactory Kaiserslautern. ‘The transfer of technological expertise into industrial practice is a central concern for us.’

Visitors – 51,291 in 2024, including around 14,700 (29 per cent) from abroad – are presented with a wide range of solutions, specialist presentations and live demonstrations. ‘SPS provides guidance on technological change and delivers impetus to drive innovation within your own company,’ explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner.

Extensive supporting program

In addition to the exhibition area, SPS 2025 offers a supporting program that is as diverse as it is forward-looking, designed to appeal to trade visitors, industry experts and young talent alike.

In Halls 1, 3, 3C and 6, a total of four stages invite visitors to engage in discussion, exchange knowledge and find inspiration. Particularly noteworthy is the Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI in Hall 3, which is organised by the two industry associations. In addition to almost 20 presentations on the topic of industrial AI, the focus here will be on current developments, trends and challenges in automation – from digital transformation to sustainable production. Complementing this, the directly adjacent ‘Meet the Speaker’ zones offer the opportunity for personal exchange with the speakers. Here, visitors can ask specific questions, make contacts and delve deeper into the content of the presentations.

On Wednesday, 26 November, the second day of the fair, the Technology Stage will feature an entire block of presentations on industrial AI from 10:40 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. Among other things, the programme includes:

- a keynote speech by Prof. Martin Ruskowski, Chairman of the Board of the SmartFactory KL e.V. technology initiative, on the topic of ‘The role of AI in production and IT-OT convergence’ (10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.),

- and a panel discussion entitled ‘Artificial Intelligence – Challenges, Opportunities and Use Cases in Industrial Services’ with representatives from Eaton Electric GmbH, Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG, Siemens AG and Endress+Hauser SE + Co. KG (12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

Joint booths as innovation platforms

In Hall 6, three joint booths bring together expertise and creative ideas:

• ‘Automation meets IT’: The established meeting place for topics related to digitalisation, cybersecurity and Industry 4.0. This is where classic automation and the latest IT worlds converge.

• International Start-up Area: Young companies from all over the world present their fresh ideas and disruptive technologies – a hotspot for innovation and networking.

• ‘young INNOVATORS’: The joint booth, sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, offers young, innovative companies from Germany a stage to present their developments to a broad specialist audience.

Focus on promoting young talent: Makeathon and Young Talents Day

With the SPS Makeathon and Young Talents Day, the trade fair focuses on promoting young talent. Both are aimed at school pupils, students, trainees and young professionals. During the Makeathon, participants develop their own prototypes in interdisciplinary teams within 2.5 hours on all three days of the fair – live on site and in direct exchange with companies. The format is supported by ITQ, New Automation, NürnbergMesse and committed sponsors from among the exhibitors. The event concludes with Young Talents Day on the last day of the fair: guided tours in the morning and afternoon as well as individual career counselling offer young interested parties insights and guidance for their future career in the automation industry.

This year marks the 34th edition of SPS. Detailed information about the trade fair, ticket organisation and individual preparation is available on the event's official website at https://sps.mesago.com.

In addition to the trade fairs, SPS offers a wide range of opportunities throughout the year for networking and exchanging ideas on current industry trends. As part of the SPS Automation Hub, technology enthusiasts meet regularly in digital or physical formats or find out about news and developments from the world of automation via SPS Insights. Further details and contact information are also available on the website.