Posted to News on 12th May 2025, 13:00
International Expo showcases technology and new thinking in a rapidly changing world
Engineers now need to constantly assess and re-assess potential major shifts in world trade patterns that may affect their supply lines, as well as keeping abreast of the latest developments across many technologies. Visiting major industry events, such as the SPS (Smart Production Solutions) Trade Fair, has become increasingly imperative.
Organiser Mesago Messe Frankfurt is expecting a large increase in visitors from the UK, commenting that of the show's nearly 1200 exhibitors, around 200 are multinational companies that are already active in the UK market, either through a British base, partner companies or distributors. Indeed, around 20 of the exhibitors are British-owned companies striving to increase their international reach.
All of this creates an unprecedented opportunity to meet like-minded people and discuss the issues of the day, be they commercial, technical or related to economic policy.
Now approaching its 34th edition, the SPS is an annual focal point for all issues relating to high tech manufacturing and production. Here, experts with a passion for technology, curiosity and a desire for progress can come together to shape industry's future using smart and digital solutions.
More than an exhibition
However, the SPS is more than an exhibition showcasing the latest technology; It is a forum where like-minded people with common concerns and objectives can meet to exchange ideas, discuss innovations and expand their knowledge. As such, it will provide an environment for efficiently ensuring awareness of all current issues and trends in technology, industry and commerce.
Automation is one of the most effective ways to meet current and expected global challenges. Visitors to the SPS can explore the individual technologies that together contribute to an automated process, such as drives, sensors, robots, programmable controllers and industrial computers. All of these are constantly advancing.
Many exhibition stands at the SPS showcase the integration of these disparate technologies into automation systems, using standard and specialist communications protocols. Experts are always on hand to discuss particular issues and to brainstorm potential automation projects.
Until recently the UK has been slow to enjoy the benefits of automation, but take-up is now surging forward, encouraged by 'super deduction' tax incentives. Installation rates have been growing by 50% or more per annum, including in areas which take-up has previously been disappointingly slow, such as food processing.
A key component of many automated manufacturing systems is machine vision, one of many which have benefited in recent times from an exceptional rate of technical development. Smart cameras offer an easy-to-integrate option for standard tasks such as barcode scanning and quality control, while embedded vision systems offer high-speed processing, AI capabilities, and scalability, making them ideal for complex automation. Advances in 3D image processing software have opened up possibilities for high-speed inspection of complex components, as they travel down the production line.
Digital data and cybersecurity
Visitors to the SPS can find out about digital transformation, cybersecurity, data management, plus data-driven and intelligent concepts for control and visualisation. Many exhibitors will be happy to discuss 'digital twinning', where a virtual, dynamic model of an object, system or process, is used to optimise performance, monitor operations, and facilitate decision-making.
Alongside this, the SPS visitors can see innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, IT for manufacturing, Cloud and edge-based technologies, cybersecurity, and open sourcing. AI in industrial automation can facilitate machine learning and adaptive algorithms to optimise complex industrial processes in real time, improve strategic decision-making, enhance productivity, and drive innovation.
Energy efficiency, sustainability
Another key area for the SPS is sustainability. Industrial manufacturing processes are often significant consumers of energy. But as many systems were originally designed without reference to sustainability, considerable gains can be made by retrofitting. While for new build projects, digital technologies enable factory operators to monitor, analyse, control, and optimise energy usage in real-time, which can lead to substantial energy and cost savings.
In short, the SPS showcases the latest technologies of smart and digital automation and provides a unique forum for engineers and technologies to meet and discuss the issues of the day.
