"IT is a central component of the automation technology of tomorrow - this must also come across very clearly at SPS IPC Drives," says Christian Wolf, Managing Director of Turck and Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board, explaining the new subtitle of SPS IPC Drives 2018. In other words: Even though the focus would still be on the 'working character' or the specialist discussions relating to automation technology, the trade fair would also have to increasingly present itself as a digitalization showcase in the future, showing what is feasible for tomorrow.

Looking forward to a successful SPS IPC Drives 2018 (from left): Christian Wolf (Chairman of the Exhibitor Advisory Board), Sylke Schulz-Metzner (Division Director SPS IPC Drives) and Martin Roschkowski (Managing Director Mesago Messe Frankfurt).

© Computers&AUTOMATION

The strong commitment of IT companies such as SAP in the development of industrial communication topics - such as OPC UA and TSN - shows how the two sectors of IT and automation are increasingly merging. A process that is also reflected in the hall layout at SPS IPC Drives: Last year, for example, Hall 6 was already an entire exhibition hall dedicated purely to 'Software & IT in Manufacturing'. "This concept worked very well both for exhibitors and visitors and we have therefore received significant requests for expansion and new registrations from this area for this year's event," says Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Division Director of SPS IPC Drives. In this respect, Hall 5 - where the mechanical infrastructure has been located to date - will also be dedicated to 'Software & IT' this year.

To tie in with this development, a hackathon will be held for the first time at this year's trade fair under the motto 'Digital ideas for smart automation'. The aim is to jointly develop useful and creative software products for the automation industry. The participants - who can be either students or start-ups - will be given specific tasks to complete within 48 hours. The presentation of the results and the award ceremony will take place in the afternoon of the first day of the trade fair. A total of 15,000 euros in prize money will be awarded - 8,000 euros for the winning team, 5,000 euros for second place and 2,000 euros for third place. Further information can be found at www.automation-hackathon.de.

The rest of the SPS IPC Drives 2018 supporting program

Following last year's success, guided tours on the topics of IT security in automation, smart production and smart connectivity will also take place in 2018. Trade visitors can use these guided tours to obtain targeted and focused information on important innovations and exhibits in these special subject areas.

In addition, visitors to the following joint stands will gain comprehensive insights into specific topics and the opportunity to obtain advice from suppliers on individual requirements:

• Automation meets IT in Hall 6
• MES goes Automation in Hall 6
• wireless in automation in Hall 5
• AMA Center for Sensor, Measuring and Testing Technology in Hall 4A.

Finally, the forums of the VDMA association in Hall 5 and the ZVEI association in Hall 6 offer specialist presentations and panel discussions. Here, visitors can find out about current industry topics and engage in personal dialog with experts.

The 'Automation 4.0 Summit' congress

Last but not least, the accompanying 'Automation 4.0 Summit ' - organized by WEKA Fachmedien - on the first two days of the trade fair will once again complement the trade fair offering and address the following current topics:

• Edge computing in industry - possibilities and limits
• TSN and OPC UA in the industry
• IoT platforms in the industry
• Sensor technology for Industry 4.0.