25 April 2018

Hannover Messe -  a global hotspot for the digital transformation of industry

Hannover Messe 2018 was stage to the latest developments in digital solutions in industry and once again underscored its reputation as a global hotspot for the digital transformation of industry. Under the motto of "Integrated Industry – Connect & Collaborate", the trade show received a total of 210,000 and hosted a total of 5 800 exhibitors. Various technologies were showcased such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, industrial IT platforms, the use of robots and autonomous systems in production and intralogistics.

We witnessed that the design of machines and production lines can be done using smart tools to speed up customized developments. Machine production is networked into a self-learning system using communication technology, with continuous data exchange between all participating units. Manufacturing facilities share information with work places and send an alert to the operator when a problem occurs, which saves companies unnecessary maintenance and costs.

Digital twins are more widely used. Digital twins based on simulation models can simulate the real machines and the processes at the factory, record process variables parallel to the production process, and determine the deviations from the configuration. Digital twin can enable bi-directional data exchange between real process and the virtual model. Based on real measured values, process parameters can be adjusted during production and optimized.

Other interesting development were the VR based trainings for maintenance workers, AR based smart maintenance to guide employees step by step through the repair of a complex systems.