Draft:Smart Production Solutions

Smart Production Solutions (SPS, originally called SPS IPC Drives). , is an international trade show for Industrial Automation. The show covers the technology used in modern, digitalized manufacturing automation. It covers the range from sensors to intelligent systems and solutions, as well as providing future oriented visions of digital production environments. The main trade show occurs annually at the fair grounds of Messe Nürnberg.

SPS’ original themes were Programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, Industrial PCs, and Industrial Drives. Today, the scope has expanded to represent a broader spectrum of manufacturing automation solutions, especially current manufacturing technological advancements, and in particular the Digital Transformation occurring in manufacturing.

The History of SPS
The first SPS show took place in 1990 in the German city of Sindelfingen, with 63 exhibitors and 3,420 attendees, consuming an area of 3,500 M² (38,000 ft²). The original name ‘SPS’ was derived from the German acronym for a PLC, later expanded to ‘SPS, IPC, and Drives’ when those topics were added to the show’s concentration.

Since 1997 the main show has been based at the Messe Nürnberg fairgrounds located in Nuremberg, Germany. The show consumed 14,200 m² (153,000 ft²) in 1997, immediately growing to 25,000 m² (270,000 ft²) in 1998

In 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the SPS show took place in a pure digital format as “SPS Connect”. Exhibitors presented their products on the virtual platform and networked with participants using AI-supported matchmaking. The speaker program included approximately 120 program subjects and several roundtables.

In 2022, the SPS was able to take place physically once again after a 3-year COVID enforced absence.

in 2023 the exhibitor quantity showed that the trade fair had returned to its pre-pandemic size. 1,229 exhibitors and more than 50,000 attendees came to show, which was expanded from the previous 14 to 16 exhibition halls, consuming 128,000 M² (1.4 million ft²).

The SPS has expanded its portfolio in recent years and began offering digital additions in 2022 - both during the period surrounding the trade show and during the year.

Show Topics
At SPS, the following technologies are exhibited:


 * Industrial Controls
 * Industrial PCs (IPC)
 * Industrial Drives
 * Motion control
 * Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
 * Operation and monitoring systems
 * Industrial Communications, including Fieldbusses & Industrial Ethernet
 * Software and Information Technology in Production
 * Interface technology
 * Mechanical Infrastructure
 * Sensor Technology
 * System Solutions

Software & IT for manufacturing
The topic of Industry 4.0 is developing in Manufacturing. In the age of Digital Transformation, Information Technology and Automation are growing closer together. This is also reflected in PLC technology. . Supporting these trends, SPS includes exhibitions, application examples and conference sessions on these topics.

In addition to traditional automation topics such as control technology, drive technology and sensors, the area of software & IT in production has become increasingly important. As a result, the topics of artificial intelligence and Cybersecurity in automation are moving further into the foreground for manufacturers.

Conferences and pavilions
The SPS offers several on-site conferences. An extensive speaker program provides information on current topics from the automation industry. The Technology Stage program, presented by the two trade associations VDMA and ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association), is also broadcast live via the “SPS on air” digital platform.

International Presence
In addition to the main event in Germany, SPS has expanded to include events in Italy, the USA, and China. All global events follow a similar profile to the main event.

SPS Italia
SPS entered the Italian Industrial Automation market in 2011 with SPS Italia held in Parma, Italy In 2023, the show welcomed 812 exhibitors and over 38,000 attendees.

SPS Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou
The SPS Smart Production Solutions in Guangzhou, China, formerly known as SIAF (SPS Industrial Automation Fair), provides a platform for industrial automation suppliers to enter China's industrial manufacturing market. In 2023, 251 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors were recorded.

IMTS Automation Sector powered by SPS
In January of 2023, Mesago and the AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology) announced a partnership to include an Automation Sector starting in 2024 within the bi-annual IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) held in even-numbered years at Chicago's McCormick Place.

SPS Atlanta
Also in partnership with AMT, Mesago launched an independent show in the US. Held in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, the inaugural show is scheduled for September 16-18, 2025.