Digitalisation and Industry 4.0 were the hot topics in Hanover

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CUMSA

Renishaw plc

Ramada Acos

Deutsche Messe AG

Triumph of the cobots

A new generation of robots was also in the limelight: the so-called “cobots”, i.e. collaborative robots, which are about to fundamentally transform the way we work in factories. Their connectivity, artificial intelligence, innovative sensors and intuitive operation allow them to communicate directly with humans, as they learn autonomously and swap instructions with other cobots. As Köckler pointed out: “There was huge interest in the displays in the robotics halls. Not only are cobots an exciting prospect for large companies – many SMEs were also at Hannover Messe to find out about these new helpers for their manufacturing operations.”

Previously sensors were viewed as the main technology item connecting up different machines, but this year’s event put platform solutions to the fore. Concretely, this refers to cloud-based network connections for the entire production operations, including data collection and analysis. “The trend towards the ‘digital twin’ concept in the production environment is opening up entirely new vistas for industry,” reported Köckler. If testing can be carried out in virtual reality – for example, to see whether a new production line is going to work out – this makes it possible to bring products onto the market faster, at lower cost.

Exhibitors in the energy halls showed how the energy systems of the future might well operate. According to Köckler, “our Integrated Energy Plaza created a central hub for the energy industry. The exhibits showed how the revolution in power generation can segue into a true energy transition, including the heat and mobility markets.” The main focus was on new energy storage technologies, which included serial production-ready electrolysis stacks, making hydrogen solutions a viable alternative even today. Some totally new approaches were also in evidence in the solar technology area, with several companies displaying ultra-thin, flexible solar foils that generate electricity even in low-light conditions, opening up new options for the practical application of the technology.

SMEs gearing up for digitalisation

With almost every passing week, another consultant study is published with dire warnings that SMEs are not ready for digitalisation. “Hannover Messe 2017 has told a different story,” said Köckler, pointing to the numerous component supplier companies exhibiting at Hannover Messe. “These companies are now digitalising their processes and establishing connectivity with their partners, because they know that their customers – from the automotive industry, for example – expect the end-to-end digital tracking of each and every part every component.” Another example consisted of Salzgitter AG, which presented a coordinated display at Hannover Messe underscoring how Industrie 4.0 and digitalisation have changed the way they see their business, and the solutions that are already in place.

Following on the heels of last year’s successful launch, the “Young Tech Enterprises” segment of the fair enabled young businesses to introduce themselves to potential investors, customers and partners. More than 150 startups were on hand, exhibiting storage devices for renewable energy networks, operating systems for augmented reality and mini-wind power plants for cars and trains: “The startup area of the fair is going from strength to strength. We are confident that many of them will decide to take the plunge next year with their own stand at Hannover Messe,” added Köckler.

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