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The SPS 2026 (Smart Production Solutions) trade fair has opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, bringing together over 1,300 exhibitors from 35 countries to showcase the latest innovations in industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and digital production technologies.

Running from November 24-26, 2026, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, SPS has established itself as Europe's premier automation trade show, attracting approximately 45,000 professional visitors from around the world. The event serves as a critical platform for automation suppliers, system integrators, and end users to explore cutting-edge solutions and forge business partnerships.

This year's fair operates under the theme "Shaping the Future of Industry", with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, sustainable manufacturing, and workforce development. The exhibition spans 12 halls, featuring dedicated sections for sensors, drives and motion control, industrial IT, robotics, and measurement technology.

Siemens has unveiled its latest Industrial AI portfolio at the event, demonstrating how machine learning and predictive analytics can optimize production processes, reduce energy consumption, and improve product quality. The company's booth features live demonstrations of AI-powered quality inspection systems, digital twin simulations, and autonomous mobile robots working collaboratively with human operators.

"Artificial intelligence is no longer a future promise—it's a present reality transforming manufacturing," said Cedrik Neike, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries. "At SPS 2026, we're showing how our customers are already deploying AI to solve real production challenges and gain competitive advantage."

ABB is showcasing its new generation of collaborative robots designed for small and medium-sized enterprises. The company's booth highlights the Omron series of cobots, which feature advanced force sensing, intuitive programming interfaces, and seamless integration with existing production lines. ABB reports that demand for cobots has grown 35% year-over-year as manufacturers seek flexible automation solutions for high-mix, low-volume production.

The German Mechanical Engineering Association (VDMA) reported that the automation industry is experiencing a recovery after a challenging 2025. Order intake for German automation equipment manufacturers increased 8% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by strong demand from the automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors.

"The automation industry is showing remarkable resilience," said Dr. Ralph Böttcher, VDMA Robotics + Automation association director. "While some end markets remain cautious, the overall trend toward digitalization and automation continues unabated. Manufacturers recognize that automation is essential for maintaining competitiveness in an era of labor shortages and rising production costs."

A major highlight of SPS 2026 is the Industry 4.0 Pavilion, where over 50 companies are demonstrating interconnected production systems, edge computing solutions, and cloud-based manufacturing platforms. The pavilion features a fully operational "smart factory" simulation that processes custom orders from order entry through production to shipping, all managed by integrated digital systems.

Schneider Electric is using the event to launch its new EcoStruxure Automation Expert 2026 software platform, which combines industrial-grade control capabilities with modern IT architecture. The platform enables manufacturers to deploy control applications on standard servers, virtual machines, or cloud environments, providing unprecedented flexibility and scalability.

"The future of automation is software-defined," said Peter Herweck, CEO of Schneider Electric's Industrial Automation business. "With EcoStruxure Automation Expert 2026, we're giving manufacturers the freedom to run their control systems wherever it makes sense for their operations—on-premises, at the edge, or in the cloud."

The fair also addresses the critical challenge of workforce development in automation. A dedicated "Skills for the Future" program features workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on training sessions focused on upskilling workers for Industry 4.0. Topics include programming collaborative robots, implementing IIoT solutions, and managing cyber-physical production systems.

Beckhoff Automation is demonstrating its new PC-based control platform that integrates machine learning capabilities directly into the control hardware. The system can analyze production data in real-time, identify patterns, and optimize process parameters without requiring cloud connectivity or additional hardware.

The event has drawn significant attention from Asian markets, with large delegations from China, Japan, and South Korea exploring European automation technologies. Several Chinese automation companies are exhibiting at SPS for the first time, showcasing their advancements in industrial robots, vision systems, and motion control.

Rockwell Automation is using the European stage to promote its FactoryTalk InnovationSuite platform, emphasizing its ability to integrate with third-party systems and provide a unified view of manufacturing operations. The company is highlighting success stories from European manufacturers who have deployed the platform to improve OEE, reduce waste, and accelerate new product introductions.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are prominent themes throughout the exhibition. Multiple vendors are showcasing solutions for monitoring and optimizing energy consumption, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing circular economy principles in manufacturing. Festo is demonstrating pneumatic systems that consume 40% less energy through advanced valve technology and intelligent air management.

The startup area features over 80 young companies presenting innovative automation concepts, from AI-powered quality inspection using smartphone cameras to modular production systems that can be reconfigured in hours rather than days. Several venture capital firms are present, seeking investment opportunities in promising automation technologies.

Conference sessions running parallel to the exhibition cover topics including cybersecurity for industrial systems, 5G applications in manufacturing, digital thread implementation, and the role of automation in achieving net-zero emissions. Industry leaders from automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods are sharing best practices and lessons learned from their digital transformation journeys.

SPS 2026 runs through November 26, with daily attendance expected to exceed 15,000 visitors. The event has implemented strict health and safety protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing in indoor areas, enhanced ventilation systems, and capacity limits to ensure adequate spacing between attendees.

For automation professionals, SPS 2026 represents a crucial opportunity to evaluate new technologies, network with peers, and gain insights into emerging trends that will shape the future of manufacturing. As the industry continues to evolve in response to global challenges, trade shows like SPS play a vital role in accelerating innovation and fostering collaboration across the automation ecosystem.

Written by: Maxwell, a veteran automation engineer with over 15 years of experience in industrial control systems and digital transformation initiatives across process and discrete manufacturing sectors.