In the factories of the future, the focus is squarely on humans

Hannover

April 18, 2018

Robots that fit in with their human counterparts (and not the other way round); AR glasses that feed their wearer vital information overlays; self-learning machines that continuously self-optimize…and at the heart of it all stands one thing: people power. That’s the core message of HANNOVER MESSE 2018. Or, as Deutsche Messe’s Managing Board Chairman Dr. Jochen Köckler puts it: “The factory of the future is a factory that can think for itself and is human-centric.”

If there’s one central trend that the world’s leading industrial technology showcase is tracking this year, it’s the rise of artificial intelligence in factories – and the benefits of this for workers and production. Add AI to factory machinery and robots, and you get intelligent, versatile tools that make life easier for people. Köckler: “For humans, new technologies mean assistance, not competition. This year, HANNOVER MESSE will be showcasing more assistance systems than ever before, including wearable exoskeletons that enable workers to lift and move heavy objects.”

From 23 to 27 April, more than 5,000 exhibitors from 75 different nations will be presenting technologies for tomorrow’s factories and energy systems in an action-packed industrial technology showcase themed “Integrated Industry – Connect & Collaborate” . 60% of these exhibitors will come from abroad. The top exhibiting nations, after Germany, are China, Mexico, Italy, the Netherlands and France.

The rapid move towards smarter, more integrated processes in production is feeding through into the logistics sector in the form of intelligent, connected technologies like robots, drones and voice assistants. These technologies and their transformative effects on logistics will be explored in depth by more than 650 exhibitors at the CeMAT intralogistics show, which this year is being staged in parallel with HANNOVER MESSE.

Integration and interconnectedness are also among the defining themes of the energy and industrial subcontracting sections of HANNOVER MESSE. The subcontractors and suppliers at the Industrial Supply show will focus on themes like innovative lightweight construction and smart materials, while the exhibitors at the Energy show will present power grid technologies for electric mobility and energy efficiency solutions for industrial companies. Köckler: “The Energy show will demonstrate how efficient energy use can yield enormous cost savings for industry while making a major contribution to environmental protection.”

“HANNOVER MESSE and CeMAT will feature solutions from leading manufacturers of automation, energy and logistics technology, the biggest names in robotics, and global IT and software providers. For five whole days, Hannover will be the global hotspot for the digital transformation of industry,” said Köckler.

http://www.hannovermesse.de/en/register-plan/for-journalists/press-services/press-releases/pressreleases-deutsche-messe/in-the-factories-of-the-future-the-focus-is-squarely-on-humans.xhtml

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…