SPS 2024: Smart Production Solutions in Nuremberg

The SPS 2024 (Smart Production Solutions) will take place from November 12 to November 14, 2024, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre (Germany). As the leading trade fair for smart and digital automation, SPS 2024 will showcase the complete spectrum of automation technologies, from simple sensors to intelligent solutions. We spoke with Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President of SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, to learn more about what to expect from this edition of the fair.

How will the SPS 2024 address the latest advancements in automation and smart manufacturing?

Sylke Schulz-Metzner: “At this year’s SPS – Smart Production Solutions, the highlight of the automation industry’s trade fair calendar, more than 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting – from start-ups to key players and market leaders. With 125,000 square meters of space available across the event’s 16 halls, they will once again be showcasing their latest technologies and solutions for smart and digital automation. As usual, the SPS 2024 will be the perfect place for exhibitors and attendees alike to share their ideas, innovations, and sources of inspiration for the future. Experts from across the globe will meet to find solutions to key problems, discuss relevant topics, and learn more about recent developments in automation. The trade fair will be complemented by a lineup of highly topical and exciting attractions in four forums – more than 160 expert presentations, podium discussions, and product presentations!” 

How is the SPS 2024 addressing the growing integration of generative AI in industrial automation? How do you see this technology transforming the sector?

Sylke Schulz-Metzner: “AI has indeed arrived in automation, and it’s a subject on the tip of everyone’s tongue. We’ve responded to its increasing importance by making AI in automation one of the topics of focus in our forums, which will give attendees the opportunity to obtain current information in various talks and presentations.”

Will sustainability be a leading topic during the fair? Will there be a dedicated area, for example?

Sylke Schulz-Metzner “Sustainability plays a key role for our industry, and thus at the SPS as well. Along with the ways a number of booths will be covering it, sustainability will be another topic of focus of the presentations and podium discussions in the trade fair’s forums.

Meanwhile, this subject is also growing in significance for event organizers like us. To give you just two examples, we use only sustainable carpeting on the event grounds and offer visitors sustainable bottles and drinking fountains free of charge.”

How is the SPS catering to the needs of SMEs and start-ups looking to make a mark in the industrial automation space?

Sylke Schulz-Metzner: “We have special start-up areas that give young companies in automation a way to take part in the SPS and benefit from its reach without having to invest a lot of resources. Plus, companies in the field of digital transformation and Industry 4.0 can make an appearance at the shared booth “Automation meets IT”.

What opportunities will be available for networking and collaboration at this year’s event?

Sylke Schulz-Metzner: “One of the main unique features of the SPS – Smart Production Solutions is the clear emphasis it puts on in-depth, in-person exchanges between exhibitors and attendees throughout all three days of the event. It’s the kind of trade fair where technical discussions take place among experts on equal footing. People come together to talk about new products and solutions, flesh out ideas, and make some key contacts.

On the latter point, we’ll be offering “SPS on air” alongside the event once again this year to enable visitors to meet and expand their networks on a digital platform.”