SPS – Smart Production Solutions returns to Nuremberg from 24 to 26 November 2026. This year, the fair puts two topics at the top of its agenda: industrial AI and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). As a result, visitors can expect a program built around practical answers rather than general trends.
Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the organizer, expects around 1,180 exhibitors at the 35th edition. Nearly half of them come from abroad. According to Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS, the event is “the ideal platform” to share information and concrete solutions on both topics.
Industrial AI: from engineering to maintenance
Many exhibitors will show how AI already supports engineering, production and maintenance. In addition, the program includes about 30 expert presentations and panel discussions on the subject.
On the second day, the Technology Stage hosts a dedicated Industrial AI block, powered by VDMA and ZVEI. One highlight is the talk “Open SmartFactory Architecture: The Blueprint for Software-Defined Industry”. Prof. Martin Ruskowski, CEO of SmartFactoryKL, will give this presentation.
Cyber Resilience Act: what changes for automation products
The Cyber Resilience Act sets cybersecurity rules for products with digital elements that companies manufacture, import or sell in the EU. Its reporting obligations have applied since September 2026. Full application follows at the end of 2027. In practice, the scope reaches many typical automation components, such as controllers, HMIs, gateways and embedded software.
Two talks on the Technology Stage in Hall 3, also powered by VDMA and ZVEI, address the topic on 25 November:
- 4:05–4:25 pm: “CRA: The end of your current digital products?” – Moises Lorenzo-Leon, HEITEC AG
- 4:25–4:45 pm: “CRA: From legal requirement to successful implementation” – Wolfgang Straßer, @-yet GmbH
SPS 2026 at a glance
| Dates | 24–26 November 2026 |
| Venue | Nuremberg, Germany |
| Edition | 35th international trade fair for industrial automation |
| Exhibitors | Around 1,180, nearly half from abroad |
| Focus topics | Industrial AI, EU Cyber Resilience Act |
| Program | About 30 AI presentations and panels, Technology Stage (VDMA/ZVEI), free guided tours |
Guided tours and industrial 5G
Free guided tours give visitors direct access to experts. For example, the daily 5G-ACIA tour focuses on industrial 5G. It includes use cases from Siemens, Phoenix Contact, Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, NXP Semiconductors Germany, Fraunhofer IPT and DRUID SOFTWARE.
Why it matters for automation engineers
For machine builders and system integrators, the CRA is no longer a distant topic. Reporting duties already apply, and the remaining obligations arrive in about a year. Therefore, teams should check which of their products and software fall under the regulation. They also need a plan for vulnerability handling and security updates.
At the same time, industrial AI is moving from pilot projects to everyday engineering tools. Both topics are linked, because every AI function added to a machine is also software that needs protection. For this reason, the two CRA talks on 25 November deserve a place in any visit plan. Engineers who work with connected controllers, gateways or remote access will benefit most.
For more coverage from Nuremberg, see our SPS trade fair news. Related reading: how Leuze builds CRA security into its industrial sensors and Advantech’s industrial AI edge solutions at SPS 2026.