About the Event

SPS 2026 – Smart Production Solutions is the international highlight trade fair for the industrial automation industry, held from 24 to 26 November 2026 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg in Germany. Organised by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and held annually since 1990, the event brings together more than 1,000 exhibitors and an international professional trade audience to present concrete solutions, digital trends, and practical innovations across the full spectrum of industrial automation. The 2026 edition is anchored by the focus topic of Industrial Artificial Intelligence, demonstrating how AI, in combination with drive technology, sensor technology, software, and industrial communication solutions, is shaping the future of smart manufacturing. SPS operates as part of the broader SPS Automation Hub, which extends the event community year-round through the monthly SPS Technology Talks, the Industrial Technology Summit, SPS Insights industry news, and the SPS CareerDrive talent platform. The SPS global portfolio includes SPS Italia, SPS Guangzhou, and SPS events in the United States and further Asian markets.

Audience and Attendees

SPS draws a highly qualified international audience of automation engineers, production technology specialists, machine builders, systems integrators, software developers, plant managers, and procurement decision-makers from across European and global manufacturing. Exhibitors span the complete industrial automation value chain, from global technology leaders in drive technology, sensors, and control systems to specialist software providers, start-ups, and industrial communication specialists. Joint stands provide focused zones for information technology integration and cybersecurity in industrial environments, and for start-ups presenting emerging automation technologies. The SPS Young Talents programme invites students and pupils to gain hands-on experience at the exhibition and connect directly with industry professionals, supporting the next generation of automation talent.

Programme Structure

The three-day exhibition programme is structured across the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre's halls by product group and technology sector, covering the complete industrial automation landscape. The lecture programme runs across four dedicated stages throughout all three days, with expert presentations on current trends, technologies, and practical applications delivered live to decision-makers, developers, and young professionals. The Industrial AI focus topic is represented prominently across the exhibition and stage programme, demonstrating real-world applications of AI-driven automation in production environments. Joint stand formats bring together exhibitors under thematic clusters covering IT and OT integration, industrial cybersecurity, and start-up innovation. The SPS Industrial Technology Summit, running as a separate exclusive conference and networking format alongside the expo, provides deeper engagement around future industry topics with a focus on AI and machine learning in practical manufacturing contexts. The SPS app supports navigation and pre-scheduled meetings throughout the event.

Main Topics

The 2026 agenda is anchored by Industrial AI as the defining focus topic, with the full exhibition addressing the complete industrial automation landscape. Key themes include the practical application of AI and machine learning in production environments including predictive maintenance, quality inspection, adaptive manufacturing, and autonomous process control; agentic AI and multi-agent systems in industrial settings; digital twins and their role in production optimisation and simulation; IT/OT convergence and the integration of information technology and operational technology in manufacturing; 5G and industrial communication standards including the work of 5G-ACIA and its implications for connected factories; drive technology and motion control innovations including servo systems, frequency inverters, and linear drives; sensor technology and the evolution of smart sensors for connected production environments; industrial software including MES, SCADA, and cloud-based manufacturing execution platforms; virtual PLCs and software-defined automation infrastructure; edge computing and real-time data processing for manufacturing applications; industrial cybersecurity as a board-level concern for production companies; modular and flexible production concepts for Industry 4.0 and beyond; and data ecosystems and interoperability frameworks supporting European industrial data sovereignty.

Closing Session

SPS 2026 closes on 26 November at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, bringing three days of industrial automation innovation, expert presentations, and international industry networking to a close. As Germany's and Europe's most significant annual gathering for industrial automation, the event reinforces Nuremberg's position as the heartbeat of smart production and sets the course for the year ahead across the global automation community.

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