Technologies for precise data and analytics

Under the theme “Welcome to the Innovation Dialogue,” the international sensor and measurement technology industry gathered in Nuremberg from June 9 to 11. For three days, the focus was on innovations, technical discussions, and direct exchanges between industry, research, and development.

317 exhibitors from 25 countries, 4,351 trade visitors, 251 conference attendees, and a total of approximately 7,000 fair participants took advantage of the three-day event to discuss current developments, industrial applications, and future technology trends.

Exhibitors showcased solutions that highlight the growing convergence of sensor technology, data processing, software, and artificial intelligence in comprehensive industrial systems.

Sensor+Test is regarded as the premier platform for sensor technology, measurement, and testing technology because it not only provides visitors with an overview of technologies but also offers in-depth insights into how they work, their ongoing development, and their industrial applications. At the same time, it covers virtually all relevant application areas—from automotive, mechanical engineering, and industrial automation to aerospace, energy, medical technology, and rail. This combination of technological depth and broad industry coverage makes the trade show unique on the international stage.

Elena Schultz, Managing Director of AMA Service, offers a positive assessment: “Sensor+Test 2026 has impressively demonstrated just how much our industry is helping to shape technological change. Of particular importance is the in-depth professional exchange, which goes far beyond individual products and fosters a genuine understanding of the system.”

Exhibitors also highlighted the high quality of the discussions. The focus was particularly on system integration, data quality, and AI-based applications. Visitors arrived with specific questions and used the trade show specifically to find solutions to complex technical challenges.

Technological convergence is shaping the industry

A key theme at Sensor+Test 2026 was the growing convergence of sensor technology, data processing, software, and artificial intelligence. Sensors are evolving from simple measurement devices into intelligent system components within networked industrial architectures.

The focus was on applications in predictive maintenance, smart manufacturing, robotics, autonomous systems, and data-driven quality assurance. It became clear that the decisive factor for success lies not solely in the sensor technology itself, but in the quality, structure, and availability of the data. Calibration, traceability, synchronization, and multisensor fusion came further into focus—as the foundation for robust and industrial AI applications. “We are not currently witnessing isolated technological leaps, but rather a phase of technological convergence. The future of industry will not be determined solely by algorithms, but by the quality and availability of the underlying data,” concludes Elena Schultz.

Forum as a platform for knowledge transfer

An extensive program of presentations ran throughout the three days of the trade show. The open expert forum provided concise insights into new technologies, specific applications, and the latest research findings.

The program was complemented by thematic areas such as condition monitoring and calibration, which were specifically designed to foster dialogue among developers, users, and researchers. These sessions were well-attended and underscored the need for guidance in an increasingly complex technological field.

The expert forum “AI-Supported Measurement Technology and Sensor Technology – Intelligent Systems Between Innovation, Responsibility, and Practice,” which placed Industrial AI in the context of industrial applications, received particular attention. “The strong response shows that the need for informed discussion and deep technical understanding continues to grow,” explains Elena Schultz.

Science and Industry in Direct Dialogue

Held in conjunction with Sensor+Test were the 23rd ITG/GMA Symposium on “Sensors and Measurement Systems” and the European Test and Telemetry Conference (ETTC). Both events perfectly complemented the trade show and facilitated an in-depth exchange between research, development, and industrial practice. Topics ranged from modern sensor and measurement systems to telemetry, IoT, and edge computing, all the way to AI and complex system architectures. The direct translation of scientific findings into industrial applications was particularly valuable. “It is precisely this combination of scientific depth and industrial implementation that defines the unique character of Sensor+Test,” said Elena Schultz.

In addition to the technological content, personal interaction also played a key role in 2026. The trade show offered numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the formation of new project partnerships. “The newly created networking platform, in particular, made a positive contribution,” says Elena Schultz.

Sensor+Test once again proved to be a meeting place where products are not only showcased, but technologies are also explored in depth and connected across a broad spectrum. “Thanks to the many new contacts we made, our trade show appearance was a success in terms of generating new projects,” said Elena Schultz. The exhibitors also confirm this.

2027: Sensing Technology as a Key Driver of Industrial Transformation

Sensor+Test 2026 once again highlighted that sensor and measurement technology are among the key enablers of industrial transformation. The industry is increasingly shifting from individual technologies toward integrated, data-driven systems. “The more complex technologies become, the more important it is to have places where they can be organized and further developed collaboratively. Sensor+Test is exactly such a place,” summarizes Elena Schultz.

The next Sensor+Test will take place in Nuremberg from May 11 to 13, 2027. Preparations are already underway to further strengthen the international dialogue on innovation and once again showcase the technological depth of the trade show.

The series of parallel conferences will also continue. At SMSI 2027—the Sensor and Measurement Science International Conference—national and international experts from research, academia, industry, and government agencies will gather for the third time to present their latest research findings and exchange ideas and discuss future trends. “With a strong program of lectures and presentations, the event will offer a glimpse into the future of our technology. SMSI 2027 thus not only offers an excellent platform for sharing the latest research findings but also features top-notch lectures, poster sessions, and a Science Slam,” says conference chair Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schmid (TU Wien), already looking forward to next year.