ISMR December 2023 / January 2024 | Page 8

GENERAL NEWS

SteelFab in focus

A key showcase for the UAE and region ’ s economic and industrial growth , the SteelFab trade fair is gearing up for its 19th edition at Expo Centre Sharjah ( UAE ) from 8-11 January 2024 . It has become an important trade show in the Middle East and North Africa region , dedicated to metalforming , fabricating , welding and finishing needs .
“ The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ’ s ) strong economic performance and the extraordinary resurgence of its construction industry are poised to set the tone for this forthcoming trade event for the metalworking , metal manufacturing and steel fabrication industry ,” the show organiser , Expo Centre Sharjah , told ISMR .
“ SteelFab has played a significant role in the remarkable progress achieved by the UAE ’ s
industrial sector as well as in the adoption of advanced technology and promotion of innovation in the industry . The show has Top and below left : Scenes from SteelFab . provided a shot in the arm for the country ’ s industrial initiatives , The trade show will also feature the ‘ Bestresulting in higher industrial exports and a Welder @ SteelFab ’ competition as well as rise in the sector ’ s contribution to the national a huge live display of the latest welding and economy ,” added H . E . Saif Mohamed Al Midfa , cutting machinery / equipment ; a hosted buyers CEO , Expo Centre Sharjah . programme and an online B2B matchmaking
Visitors can interact with over 250 exhibitors platform . from 35 countries displaying over 600 brands . Country pavilions ; live machinery displays / Over 7,000 trade visitors from 65 countries are demonstrations and a dedicated vertical for the anticipated to attend . SteelFab will host leading fastener and fixing industry ( Fasteners World global manufacturers and dealers through Middle East ) are major features of January ’ s special segments such as Welding & Cutting ; event . Metal Cutting ; Machine Tools ; Metal Forming ; The show ’ s visitor footprint extends across Steel Machinery ; Pipe Construction Equipment the entire GCC , Middle East , North Africa , and Surface Preparation & Finishing .
Indian sub-continent and Central Asian region .
SteelFab has increased its focus on several Entry is free to trade visitors and there is free industrial segments in the manufacturing parking at the venue . n industry and topics such as AI & Robotics ( a recent addition to its core focus areas ) will be www . steelfabme . com key attractions at the event .

Automotive sector invests in digitalisation

Traditional automotive manufacturers face the considerable challenge of transferring their product line-ups to Electric Vehicles ( EVs ), while balancing the need to maintain sales and profits to afford the switchover from sales of their vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines ( ICEs ). A new report from global technology intelligence firm , ABI Research , forecasts that automobile manufacturers will spend US $ 83.3 billion on digital technologies in 2023 , growing by a CAGR of 8.5 % to surpass US $ 188 billion in 2033 .
“ The transfer to EVs is driving demand for software , as manufacturers need to design new vehicles and simulate the vehicles ’ performance . The new production lines will also need to be simulated before launch . Manufacturers are realizing the potential of digital twins to enable teams to collaborate to bring new operations to life ,” explained Michael Larner , Industrial and Manufacturing Markets Research Director , ABI Research .
Before creating digital twins , automotive
manufacturers will need to remove data silos and create digital threads with suppliers such as Amazon Web Services ( AWS ), Google , NVIDIA and Siemens standing to benefit , added the analyst .
Regarding regions : “ Latin America is forecast to be the fastest growing region ( a CAGR of 9 %) as OEMs scale digital investments across their facilities and invest in locations such as Mexico and Brazil . Meanwhile , in North America as well as Europe , the Middle East and Africa ( EMEA ), investments will be driven by the
transfer to EVs and competition among the OEMs ’ different plants for producing the new vehicle line-up ,” Larner concluded .
These findings are from ABI Research ’ s ‘ Digital Transformation of Automobile Manufacturing ’ application analysis report . This report is part of the company ’ s ‘ Industrial and Manufacturing Markets ’ research service which includes research , data and ABI Insights . n
www . abiresearch . com
Image : Shutterstock . com .
8 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2023 / January 2024