SPS Connect: Program Highlights Complemented by Address With MP Dr. Markus Söder
December 1, 2020
It has been a few days since the official sps connect program, the final touches having been put to the agenda and event features days before then. A particular highlight was the address given by the Minister President of Bavaria. Further, a line-up of well-known industry experts were set to impart their updates and knowledge on up and coming technologies; which were complemented by discussions and roundtables. From 24–26 November 2020 representatives from the automation industry could take part in an exciting and packed three days and make use of the platform following the event.
In the afternoon of the first day of the program, Mr Söder would be holding his address on the Main Stage. The Minister President of Bavaria, known for his affinity to industry and high-tech, used this opportunity to dialogue and offer a short Q&A session to participants.
In a well-conceived and compelling program for the virtual SPS Connect, the SPS team had focused on the relevant topics from the field of automation ranging from cybersecurity, production IT, robotics, functional safety, motion, DC infrastructure, and AI to intelligent operating concepts, sensor technology, industry 4.0, digital twins, and industrial communication. The interactive event further delved into these topics in keynote sessions, expert talks, discussion panels, and contributions from exhibitors.
Highlights include a range of talks. Professor Thomas R. Köhler, researcher and expert on deep tech, for example, delivered a keynote talk on “Cyber security on the factory floor” on Thursday afternoon. In addition to typical attack scenarios, Professor Köhler presented possible solutions and provide concrete indications for more security in industry.
“Using service robot modules successfully and safely in intralogistics” was the focus of the talk by Dr. Manuel Schön, Product Manager Robotic, PM Controller from Pilz GmbH & Co. KG. Dr. Schön, expert in this dynamic field, was featured on Thursday afternoon.
Matthias Loskyll, Director Advanced Artificial Intelligence from Siemens AG Factory Automation, presented insights into the current topic of AI in his talk on “Industrial Artificial Intelligence – Future of Automation” on Wednesday afternoon. This had been complemented by further contributions in this area, for example a talk on “Artificial intelligence and IoT – drivers for industrial value generation” by Dr. Josef Waltl, Principal Group Program Manager, Industrial IoT/Manufacturing from Microsoft Deutschland GmbH.
However, as with the on-site event, the SPS Connect has facilitated numerous possibilities to connect and exchange ideas. Upholding its reputation as a “working fair”, the virtual event hosted a series of talks allowing deep exchange. These talks included, for example, a session on “Future of Industrial Communication – The Global Production Language OPC UA” which featured representatives from the OPC Foundation, TRUMPF Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co.KG, and the HOMAG Group.
As ever, industry 4.0 is a major focal point in the industry, and came to the fore in an expert discussion entitled “The Digital Twin – Heart of Industry 4.0”.
A stage set for exchange
AI was not only discussed but also practiced at the SPS Connect with matchmaking opportunities to be generated using the technology. Designed to bring together exhibitors and participants based on their profile data, user behavior, and the information they themselves provide on what they offer or need, the event promised to host a range of network opportunities. In this unusual year, the SPS was offering a 100% discount code: SPS2XNWBE, for all visitors to participate in the program and use the platform for exchange and dialogue from mid-November until the end of December.
And the show will go on
The SPS Connect platform will be open until the end of the year allowing further matches and discussions. Participants can further continue their activities and benefit from the On-Demand content which will be made available.
