Markt&Technik: Sensor+Test is just around the corner. What are the highlights this year?

Holger Bödeker: In addition to the varied exhibition program and the top-class "GMA/ITG Conference on Sensors and Measuring Systems" with over 100 presentations and 50 posters, we are particularly enjoying the special topic of 'Sensors and Measurement Technology for Process Automation' this year. Sensor+Test was born out of this theme and has grown over the years. The response shows that the topic is a moving one for our exhibitors: it is not only very popular in the presentations, but the special forum is also almost fully booked and many companies are taking part in the planned guided tour. In addition to the special topic, Sensor+Test will once again provide expert knowledge beyond the presentations at the exhibitor stands this year. So far, we already have over 60 presentations in the forum programs that have been tested for quality by the AMA Council of Elders.

For the first time, you are offering an open session entitled "Citizen Science with Sensors - Sensors for Citizen Science" as part of the GMA/ITG symposium, which is free of charge for all trade fair visitors. What is behind this?

Holger Bödeker: We are addressing a highly topical issue that we will encounter more and more often in the future. As part of Citizen Science, citizens put themselves at the service of science, for example by carrying out measurements and reporting their results to a central office. This results in a much denser measurement network than industry and science can achieve without the involvement of citizens. And because every citizen can actually participate, we also want to bring the topic closer to a broad target group. As an introduction, an overview lecture on "Citizen Science - what, why and how" is planned, and several projects will also be presented.

China is increasingly active on the European market. What position does China occupy in the Sensor+Test exhibitor statistics?

Holger Bödeker : Chinese companies are slowly but surely moving towards the top 3 foreign exhibitors. Switzerland is traditionally in first place - high-precision sensor technology has always been the domain of the Swiss. Second place goes to the USA, followed by the UK or China - this will be exciting to watch this year against the backdrop of the politically uncertain situation in the UK.

Chinese manufacturers operate on an equal footing with the rest of the world. And that's how they exhibit. There will therefore be no "China cluster" or joint stand at Sensor+Test, but the exhibitors will be spread throughout the trade fair. In addition, China has already registered with a large delegation - even accompanied by the state. Various presentations are planned, including one on the question of how to protect property rights. After all, the Chinese also have the problem of IP protection - and not just outside China. Cooperation between the German and Chinese sensor industries will also be discussed.

With around 540 exhibitors expected, the trade fair will be somewhat smaller this year than in 2018. What are the reasons for this?

Holger Bödeker: Two factors play an important role here: firstly, in even-numbered years, the ettc telemetry conference takes place at the same time as Sensor+Test, which brings around 40 to 50 additional exhibitors to the trade fair. In odd-numbered years, of course, these are missing, so the trade fair is always bigger in even-numbered years than in odd-numbered years.

In addition, our new date at the end of June last year did not get off to a good start, as the World Cup match of the German national soccer team was broadcast on the middle day of the fair. On this day, many visitors either stayed away completely or left early. It is of course understandable that our exhibitors were not happy about this. But trade fair dates have to be planned years in advance and unfortunately cannot be changed for soccer matches.

Do you expect the exhibitors who are now staying away to come back?

Holger Bödeker: Yes. Sensor+Test is unique in terms of its theme and the density of the community and continues to be attractive for the industry. This is also confirmed by the fact that we were able to win back some exhibitors this year who had not been here for some time. In this respect, I hope that the companies that were absent this year will also come back and participate again in the coming years.

After the recently announced end of "lighting technology" - do you see smaller special interest trade fairs under threat?

Holger Bödeker: We can already feel that times are getting tougher. Companies' order books are full and capacity utilization is high. The money to participate in a trade fair would probably be there, but in times like these, a trade fair is an additional burden that brings in even more orders, which can hardly be managed at full capacity. But - and this is essential - it is important to look beyond these boom times. If you don't show your presence now, you can quickly fall behind when times get worse.

Is there an emerging trend in the trade fair market?

Holger Bödeker: Many companies are increasingly focusing on application areas. For example, a sensor manufacturer decides to become an automation specialist in future. Another concentrates on medical applications - and as we know, there are large application trade fairs for both. The difficulty for a trade fair like Sensor+Test is that the range of applications is broad. Perhaps too broad. As organizers, we have to take a close look and adapt our concepts to the changing circumstances.

Do you have to take countermeasures?

Holger Bödeker: No. We are currently well positioned, but of course we always have to make sure that we keep our finger on the pulse. The industry needs a special interest trade fair like Sensor+Test. With our annually changing special theme, we demonstrate our focus on current markets and applications, but otherwise Sensor+Test is and will remain a gathering place and incubator for everything to do with sensor and measurement technology. This is particularly appreciated by smaller manufacturers, who tend to be overlooked at the major trade fairs.

"GMA/ITG Conference Sensors and Measuring Systems" and future special topics

The 'GMA/ITG Conference on Sensors and Measuring Systems' was actually not scheduled to take place until 2020. Why is it now taking place this year?

Holger Bödeker: The AMA congresses, which previously took place in odd-numbered years, are making way for the GMA and ITG conferences, which will take place every two years in future. The new "Sensor and Measurement Science International Conference" - SMSI for short - will then emerge from the AMA congresses from 2020. In addition to the topics of the AMA congresses, scientific measurement technology as well as research and development for the fundamentals and infrastructure of metrology will play an important role here. Preparations are already well advanced and we are delighted that these two outstanding conferences will continue to enrich our trade fair in the future.

When we talk about 2020 - what special topic is planned?

Holger Bödeker : In my opinion, the special theme for 2020 is particularly exciting: "Sensors and measurement technology for condition monitoring". Several new exhibitors have already announced their participation.

In connection with condition monitoring, the topic of artificial intelligence is also likely to gain in importance. What role does AI currently play at Sensor+Test?

Holger Bödeker : AI is not yet the focus of the trade fair, but that could indeed change soon. Sensor technology is responsible for converting physical and electrical variables into digital values, but AI can certainly provide support in the evaluation process. The requirements for sensor systems are changing accordingly. There is an increasing demand for "on-site intelligence", i.e. clever, pre-processing algorithms that first assess the measured values before the data is sent to the cloud. But is that already artificial intelligence? I think it only arises when software adapts itself based on experience and sensors teach themselves without the user having to do anything.

A sensible approach for condition monitoring, isn't it?

Holger Bödeker: Where machines can and should monitor and optimize themselves - yes.

Doesn't AI then also put jobs at risk - in condition monitoring, for example?

Holger Bödeker: No, because condition monitoring is much more than just recording and evaluating sensor data. Monitoring systems will continue to be made by people in the future, who will have to contribute experience and creativity so that the system to be monitored can be correctly assessed by the software - which will certainly include elements of AI in the future. Machines will be able to monitor themselves, but they will never invent themselves. This means that AI will never be able to replace humans - not even in condition monitoring.

Any final words?

Holger Bödeker: If you want to know how the world is going digital, you have to come to Sensor+Test!

The interview was conducted by Nicole Wörner.