In just a few days, it will be that time again: the Hannover Messe starts. From April 1 to 5, Deutsche Messe AG is once again expecting well over 200,000 visitors. This year, the world's largest industrial trade fair will once again showcase a cross-section of the latest technologies along the entire value chain - from automation to supplier solutions, including many customized solutions.

The Hannover Messe is divided into six leading trade fairs: Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD), Digital Factory, Integrated Energy, Industrial Supply, Research & Technology and ComVac. This means that all key technologies and core areas of industry are represented - from research and development, industrial automation and IT to supply, production technologies and services through to energy and mobility technologies.

The main theme of this year's Hannover Messe is "Integrated Industry - Industrial Intelligence". The organizers understand this to mean the interplay between automation and energy technology, intralogistics, IT platforms and artificial intelligence, which is intended to further advance the digital transformation of industry.

Artificial intelligence as the key

© German Trade Fair

Artificial intelligence plays a key role at the Hannover Messe as one of the most important aspects of current technological development. According to many experts, it has the potential to revolutionize industry and the energy sector. Machines are learning to act logically and purposefully and to support humans. AI systems generate knowledge and can use data and algorithms to continuously optimize operating conditions or predict faults and malfunctions. This is what the key theme of Integrated Industry - Industrial Intelligence stands for. It also underlines the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and machine learning in industry. This involves topics such as efficient energy utilization or autonomous production processes, but also challenges with regard to interfaces, protocols and security.

The networking of people, machines and data is created via shared platforms on which knowledge is exchanged and increased. The production of tomorrow cannot do without human qualifications. Industrial intelligence therefore also stands for expanding knowledge management and training knowledge carriers.

Industry 4.0 in the partner country Sweden

The partner country in 2018 was Mexico. © German Trade Fair

The partner country at this year's Hannover Messe is Sweden. As a progressive country with an affinity for technology, Sweden is not only economically highly attractive for German industry - among other things due to its high affinity for Industry 4.0 applications and automation solutions. The country's research rate is also correspondingly high, with many new developments coming out of the country itself. According to the VDMA, Sweden is currently the 14th most important sales market for German mechanical engineering. According to the ZVEI, the use of AI and robots is much more commonplace there than in many other European countries. It is not uncommon for the country to use products from the German electrical industry for this purpose.

This year's Hannover Messe will once again be accompanied by an extensive supporting program. More than 80 forums and conferences on topics such as Industry 4.0, machine learning, 5G and smart grids will accompany the exhibition. Other highlights include the "Industrial Pioneers Summit", which provides a platform for thought leaders and innovation drivers, the "Young Engineers Day & Night" for young engineers and students of technical sciences, as well as the presentation of the "Robotics Award" and the Hannover Messe International Technology Award.

With material from Deutsche Messe / am