Focus on automation and digitalisation

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) is a key technology for industrial competitiveness. Applying AI to manufacturing is fundamentally changing company processes and business models, thereby enabling competitive, efficient, and intelligent production. At the upcoming Hannover Messe, AI will be a recurring theme throughout all the halls, and will play a central role on almost all stands. Tech companies such as AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens as well as technologically leading SMEs will be showcasing their innovative developments and practical solutions.

"Automation and digitalisation are moving closer together both physically and in terms of content. The trade fair is thus following a clear trend: there is increasing software and hardware convergence in the industry – from AI-driven robots to data-based manufacturing optimisation and digitised supply chains," says Hubertus von Monschaw, global director trade fair and product management Hannover Messe at Deutsche Messe AG. "The new hall structure makes apparent what has long been a reality in the factories."

The field of automation encompasses sensor technology, industrial communication, embedded solutions, electric drive technology, and motion control, among other areas. These core areas form the backbone of modern Industry 4.0 solutions. In addtion, there is a new Defense Production Area, aimed at strengthening the European security and defense industry.

Robotics trends

When it comes to the latest trends in robotics, the focus will be on AI-based perception systems, autonomous mobile manipulators, and humanoid robots. Their advantage over classic industrial robots lies less in pure performance and more in adaptability: they are designed to use tools, workstations, and infrastructures developed by people. This enables processes to be automated or modifications made to established procedures and products without having to rebuild the entire production environment.

Hannover Messe will once again demonstrate that modern industrial software is the backbone of efficient and networked production that is geared up to meet the needs of the future. It combines machines, people, and processes into an intelligent overall system – from product development to production and maintenance.

Whether production planning, plant control, data analysis, or digital twins – industrial software is a key driver when it comes to optimising industrial processes. It helps companies to use resources efficiently, react flexibly to changes, and strengthen their own competitiveness. This opens up new potential for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in combination with key technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). 

Cybersecurity

There will be a strong focus on IT and OT security. In an increasingly digitalised and networked industry, cybersecurity is the basic prerequisite for competitiveness and innovative strength. Leading providers of security solutions will present their latest technologies and strategies for protecting industrial infrastructures. Whether secure cloud solutions, OT security for production environments, zero-trust architectures or AI-supported threat analysis: visitors will gain practical insights into current trends and challenges.

Connectivity is an essential building block for the digital and sustainable transformation of industry. With the 5G and Industrial Wireless Arena', Hannover Messe is organising Europe's largest platform for wireless communication in industry. The focus will be on key technologies such as 5G, 6G and NBIoT. The direct proximity to the topics of robotics, IT/OT security, and production technologies for defense, security, and resilience is creating added value and revealing the future of networked communication, from autonomous systems to intelligent networks. The exhibitors will include Siemens HUAWEI, Ericsson, and InterX.

www.hannovermesse.de/en/