Nuremberg will once again be the meeting place for the sensor and measurement technology industry from June 9 to 11, 2026. Around 5,000 trade visitors and around 320 exhibitors from all over the world are expected at Sensor+Test. The trade fair sees itself as a central platform for international innovation dialog - and reflects an industry that is currently undergoing fundamental change.

The role of the sensor is changing fundamentally

Sensors, data processing, software and artificial intelligence are increasingly no longer viewed as individual technologies, but as components of a common system. "We are not experiencing a classic technological leap, but a phase of technological convergence," explains Elena Schultz, Managing Director of AMA Service GmbH.

The role of the sensor is changing fundamentally. The pure supplier of measured values is becoming an interface between the physical and digital world. The decisive factor here is not just the performance of algorithms, but the quality of the data on which they are based. "The industrial future will not be decided by algorithms alone, but by the quality of the data," says Elena Schultz. Data quality, synchronization, calibration and traceability are becoming key factors in industrial value creation.

The strength of specialization

While many industrial trade fairs are becoming increasingly broad-based, Sensor+Test deliberately focuses on specialist areas. The focus is on sensor, measuring and testing technology. Visitors will find innovations from sectors such as automotive, mechanical engineering, rail and aerospace bundled together in one place.

"Our trade fair is in high demand because we offer exhibitors a platform where they are not only seen, but also appreciated," says Schultz.

This focus could be an advantage for specialized suppliers in particular. Instead of getting lost in the overall offering of large industrial trade fairs, exhibitors meet an audience here that is specifically looking for solutions and technologies.

Industrial AI becomes part of everyday life

What was considered a vision of the future just a few years ago is now part of everyday industrial life in many places. Industrial AI is no longer a marginal topic at Sensor+Test 2026, but is shaping numerous applications - from predictive maintenance and intelligent production to robotics and data-based quality assurance.

The focus is not only on new algorithms, but also on the question of how AI can be integrated into robust industrial processes. Sensor technology provides the necessary basis for this: precise, structured and AI-capable data.

At the same time, data processing is increasingly moving to the place where it is generated. Edge computing makes it possible to evaluate information directly in machines and systems and prepare decisions in real time. Sensor technology is thus becoming part of end-to-end digital architectures.

From component to system

A central theme of the trade fair is increasing system integration. Sensors are evolving from individual components to intelligent, networked systems that measure, process and communicate.

The quality of the data is also coming into focus. Without precise, synchronized and traceable measurement data, many AI applications remain theory. At the same time, multi-sensor fusion and edge-based data processing are becoming increasingly important - especially for autonomous systems, robotics and intelligent manufacturing.

This development shows a fundamental change in the industry: the focus is no longer on individual components, but on their interaction.

Knowledge transfer as a trade fair concept

In addition to the exhibition, Sensor+Test will also feature an extensive supporting program. Two congresses and an open specialist forum will provide orientation in a dynamic field of technology.

The specialist forum offers compact presentations and insights into new applications on all three days of the trade fair. It will be supplemented by thematic areas such as Condition Monitoring and Calibration, which are intended to promote the exchange between manufacturers, researchers and users.

One of the highlights is the expert forum "AI-supported measurement technology and sensor technology - intelligent systems between innovation, responsibility and practice". The focus there will be on the role of industrial AI in industrial practice.

Networking should not be left to chance. The aim is to facilitate professional encounters in a targeted manner and at the same time create space for open discussions.

Research meets industry

Sensor+Test will once again be accompanied by the 23rd ITG/GMA Symposium "Sensors and Measurement Systems" and the European Test and Telemetry Conference (ETTC).

The topics range from sensor technology and telemetry to IoT, edge computing and AI through to complex system architectures. The close integration of congresses and trade fair is intended to facilitate the transfer of knowledge between research, development and industry - not only in presentations, but also on the exhibition floor.

Relevance through depth

In an increasingly confusing trade fair environment, the organizer sees the strength of Sensor+Test precisely in its clear positioning. "Relevance comes from depth, not size," says Schultz.

The trade fair therefore sees itself not only as a showcase for new technologies, but also as a place for classification and professional exchange. It reflects an industry that is increasingly moving away from individual technologies and focusing on integrated, data-driven systems.

"The more complex technologies become, the more important it is to have places where they can be categorized and further developed together," says Elena Schultz. Sensor+Test remains precisely this place: a workspace for future technologies and a central meeting point for industrial transformation.

With a view to the event, Schultz is expressly inviting the industry to engage in dialog: "We are inviting the entire industry to play an active role in shaping this innovation dialog - on site in Nuremberg, in a direct exchange between industry, research and development. This is precisely where the impetus is generated that turns ideas into concrete applications," says Elena Schultz, who is already looking forward to the event.

The trade fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all three days. Visitors can register online in advance.