SPS - Smart Production Solutions 2025 has once again asserted itself as the international meeting place for the automation industry: 1,175 exhibitors presented their solutions for smart and digital automation in 15 exhibition halls in Nuremberg. Around 56,000 trade visitors ensured a significant increase compared to the previous year and emphasised the importance of the trade fair as a platform for innovation and exchange.
The event once again proved to be a working trade fair for the industry, where technologies are not only presented, but also further developed through dialogue. Live demonstrations, specialist presentations and direct discussions provided numerous points of contact for specific projects and collaborations. „SPS not only offers the automation industry a platform for innovations, but above all for direct dialogue,“ says Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS, summing up the three days of the trade fair.
Industrial AI characterises trade fair appearance
SPS 2025 focussed on the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into industrial processes. Exhibitors showcased applications ranging from AI-supported quality inspection and adaptive control systems to maintenance solutions that respond to data in real time. It became clear that AI has long since arrived in many practical applications, but that new concepts are also being trialled. „Today, we see artificial intelligence in numerous applications that have long been part of everyday life,“ emphasised Marcus Bliesze, Vice President Marketing for Automation at Siemens.
Industry representatives also categorised the role of the trade fair for technological development. „SPS is a crystallisation point for innovations in automation,“ said Gerd Hoppe from Corporate Management at Beckhoff Automation. This is where experts and customers come together to discuss new approaches for the use of AI and digital tools. For Steffen Winkler, CSO Business Unit Automation at Bosch Rexroth, automation is „the technology that keeps our world running - from the chip factory to the charging station“. The SPS offers a „real-life laboratory for AI, robotics and software in a concentrated form“.
SPS as a knowledge and networking platform
In addition to Industrial AI, four lecture stages, including the „Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI“, focussed on other current topics relating to automation. In the „Meet the Speaker“ zones, trade visitors were able to address detailed questions and intensify contacts.
The joint stand „Automation meets IT“ in Hall 6, where classic automation and modern IT solutions were brought together, was once again particularly popular. The Start-up Area and „young innovators“ stand offered insights into new business models and young technology companies. Guided tours of the SmartFactory KL led visitors to selected applications; an additional themed tour on switch cabinet construction on the Thursday of the trade fair also met with lively interest.
From the exhibitors„ point of view, visibility at SPS is closely linked to professional dialogue. “SPS is the must-attend event for the automation industry - if you don't exhibit here, you don't exist,„ emphasised Felix Kranert, Vice President Marketing DACH at Schneider Electric. The trade fair not only offers presence, but also “the decisive exchange that is indispensable in challenging times".
Young talent formats and outlook for 2026
With the second SPS Makeathon and the Young Talents Day, the promotion of young talent took centre stage. Students, school pupils and young professionals worked in interdisciplinary teams on real tasks from industry, took part in guided tours and were able to gain insights into career paths and technologies during a rally.
SPS also sees itself as a platform for the community beyond the trade fair days. The SPS Automation Hub, monthly Technology Talks, SPS Insights with industry news and the Industrial Technology Summits on 19 May 2026 in Stuttgart and 17 June 2026 in Leipzig will continue the professional exchange throughout the year. The 35th edition of the trade fair is scheduled for 24 to 26 November 2026 in Nuremberg.
Source: Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH
