INDUSTRY NEWS
A spectacular display of innovations , high levels of visitor interest from all over the world and a lively atmosphere in the halls characterised EMO Hannover 2023 in Germany ( 18-23 September 2023 ).
“ After the four-year break , the relaunch has been a huge success for EMO Hannover ,” summed up EMO Commissioner General , Carl Martin Welcker , after six highly eventful days in Hannover . “ We saw everything here for the future of production : new solutions for automation , networking within the factory and sustainable production . When digitalisation finds its way into the factory , there is no end to the potential for new solutions and increased efficiency . This was impressively demonstrated by the exhibitors . There was a positive mood at the event , despite the tense economic conditions ,” he continued .
Around 1,850 exhibitors attended the trade show with approximately 70 per cent from 45 different countries ( including China ; Italy ; Taiwan ; Switzerland and Japan ). Of the approximately 92,000 trade visitors , 54 per cent came from 130 countries . The five largest visitor countries were Turkey ; China ; the Netherlands ; Italy and Poland . Around one third of trade visitors came from Asia .
The visitor survey revealed that 30 percent of visitors gave “ obtaining information about innovations and trends ” as their top priority . A further goal was “ finding concrete solutions for their specific problems .”
Automation , digitalisation and sustainability
The shortage of skilled workers was a further reason why automation was a clear focus of the trade fair . Over one-third of visitors cited this as a key issue for the industry . Almost a quarter mentioned digitalisation and networking .
Several hundred robots were at EMO . It is no longer necessary to have programming skills to use cobots ( collaborative robots ) for different applications such as loading and unloading , quality control , painting , washing and connection to measurement devices .
Above right and below : Images courtesy of Deutsche Messe .
Empowering innovation
Cobots were one of several key technologies at EMO Hannover 2023 ( image : Deutsche Messe ).
The cobots are equipped with sensors that mimic the human sense of touch . This allows them to compensate for workpiece tolerances or work around obstacles in the workspace . In collaboration with employees , this facilitates enclosure-free operation , for example .
“ Cobots are continuing to enjoy rising popularity in manufacturing , especially in smaller companies that are now struggling to find staff ,” said Nils Tersteegen , marketing manager at Japanese robot specialist , Fanuc .
Another focus was on connectivity . The main emphasis here was on the open exchange of data based on OPC UA , for example . This is the basis for the Companion Specification OPC UA for Machine Tools
under the umati umbrella . Retrieving large amounts of data from digital controls without affecting the process is a key factor . The availability of transparent process data is crucial for process monitoring and related quality management . See page 64 for further details on umati .
‘ The Future of Sustainability in Production ’ was high on the agenda for 68 per cent of visitors . A key aspect of this was efficiency .
First-time visitors
“ More than half of the visitors to EMO were attending for the first time . This dovetailed nicely with the exhibitors ’ goal of attracting new customer business . Around one fifth of the exhibitors were also at the event for the first time ,” commented the show organiser .
“ EMO is a trade fair for executives and decision-makers from the mechanical engineering , automotive and supplier industries ; metal processing ; precision mechanics ; optics ; the aerospace industry and more . Almost 60 per cent of the visitors are executives or come from top management . Just under half have decision-making authority for purchasing and procurement . Half of the trade visitors actually stated that they came to EMO with concrete investment plans . On average , these visitors planned to invest just under three million euros . More than a quarter said that they had placed orders at the show ,” it added .
The next EMO Hannover show will be held from 22-27 September 2025 in Germany . n
https :// emo-hannover . com /
22 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023