SPS 2026 brings industrial AI and software defined automation into practice
2 October 2026 
Industrial AI, software-defined production and advanced communications will be among the technologies taking centre stage when the international automation industry gathers in Nuremberg for SPS – Smart Production Solutions 2026.
Around 1175 exhibitors from 40 countries are expected to showcase industrial automation technologies at SPS – Smart Production Solutions, taking place at the Nuremberg exhibition centre from 24–26 November 2026.
Spread across 15 halls, the exhibition will cover the industrial automation spectrum, from sensors, drive technology and industrial communications to software and integrated automation solutions for the digital factory.
Alongside new products, the event will focus on a question becoming increasingly important for manufacturers and machine builders: how emerging technologies can move beyond demonstration projects and deliver measurable benefits in industrial environments.
Industrial AI, software-defined production architectures, IT/OT integration, 5G industrial communications and cybersecurity are consequently expected to feature prominently across the exhibition and its technical programme.
SPS also continues to attract an international audience of end users and decision-makers. More than 500 visitors from the UK attended the 2025 event.
“For many years, the SPS has been the place where technological developments are showcased before they become widespread throughout the industry,” said Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “The expo not only highlights trends but also allows visitors to experience them firsthand. It facilitates dialog among suppliers, users, and innovation partners.”
From industrial AI pilots to production
One of the principal themes for SPS 2026 will be the continuing integration of artificial intelligence into industrial processes.
AI applications are increasingly moving beyond isolated pilots towards becoming productive components of automation systems. Potential applications range from engineering and production-data analysis to quality assurance and machinery and equipment optimisation.
Exhibitors at SPS are expected to demonstrate practical applications showing how AI can contribute to greater efficiency, production flexibility and resilience.
The development comes as automation suppliers and users assess a rapidly expanding range of AI, software and open-system technologies.
“Automation is currently advancing at a rapid pace: AI, software-based solutions, and open systems are bringing about lasting change in the industry,” said Steffen Winkler, CSO of the Automation Business Unit at Bosch Rexroth AG and Chair of the Exhibitors’ Advisory Board for the SPS.
“For companies, the question arises as to which technologies are suitable for industrial use and what measurable benefits they offer. As the leading trade show for the automation industry, the SPS offers the ideal platform to learn about the latest innovations and network with the industry’s key players.”
Software-defined production takes shape
Closely connected with the growth of industrial AI is the increasing importance of software within industrial value creation.
The software-defined industry concept envisages a move away from hardware-centric structures with predetermined processes towards more agile, software-based architectures. The objective is to create production systems that can be adapted, interconnected and scaled more readily as manufacturing requirements change.
“The future of productivity will be driven by data and software,” said Gunther Koschnick, Director of Industry at the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI).
“In the future, industrial AI will be able to analyze and help manage entire value chains. The long-term vision is for machines to find the most efficient path to a specific production goal on their own.”
SPS visitors will be able to see an implementation of the software-defined industry concept in Hall 6, where SmartFactory-KL will operate the Software-Defined Industry Area.
At its centre will be a model factory demonstrating a production process and solutions tested in collaboration with industrial partners. Daily guided tours and other formats will provide opportunities to examine both the technologies and the processes behind their implementation.
For SmartFactory-KL, the concept extends beyond simply increasing the amount of software deployed on production machinery.
“For us at SmartFactory, Software-defined Industry is not about simply adding more software to existing machines. It is about seamlessly connecting IT and OT into one integrated system,” said Marco Wanner, Head of IT/OT Solutions at XITASO and Executive Board Member of SmartFactory-KL.
“This creates production systems that are more flexible and can adapt more quickly to new requirements.”
5G and industrial communications in practice
Industrial connectivity will provide another practical focus.
The 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA) will organise daily guided tours to member companies including Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Fraunhofer and Ericsson. The tours are intended to give visitors practical insight into industrial use cases and modern communications technologies.
The event will also feature the 5G-ACIA DemoWall, showcasing technical solutions and industrial applications.
Industrial communication forms part of a broader technical agenda that includes cybersecurity, digital transformation, industrial AI and sustainable production.
Four stages located throughout the exhibition halls will host presentations and discussions. These include the Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI in Hall 3, where industry specialists will address technology developments and practical industrial applications.
Networking areas adjacent to the stages are designed to provide additional space for discussions between visitors, speakers and technology suppliers.
Bringing automation and IT together
SPS 2026 will also continue its programme of dedicated joint exhibition areas.
The “Automation meets IT” area in Hall 6 will focus on the convergence of conventional automation environments and modern information technology.
The international Startup Area and “young INNOVATORS” joint stand will meanwhile provide platforms for emerging technology companies. The latter is sponsored by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Together, the areas are intended to connect established industrial suppliers with startups developing new technologies and business models.
Developing the next automation workforce
Workforce development will form another element of the 2026 programme.
The SPS Makeathon, supported by ITQ, New Automation, NürnbergMesse and participating exhibitors, will give young professionals an opportunity to work with modern automation technologies in a practical setting.
Other activities will target high-school and college students, apprentices and people beginning their careers, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience and establish contacts within the automation industry.
With industrial AI increasingly evolving from individual pilot projects into productive components of modern automation solutions, SPS 2026 will provide engineers and industrial users with opportunities to examine technologies and practical applications and assess their relevance to their own production environments.
SPS – Smart Production Solutions takes place at the Nuremberg exhibition centre from 24–26 November 2026. Information on tickets, the exhibition programme, exhibitor directory and visitor services is available by clicking here.clicking here.
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sps-smart-production-solutions/