SPS 2025 in Nuremberg showed the shift toward AI-enhanced, compact and highly integrated systems is accelerating. Across the exhibition floor, robotics and automation suppliers focused on practical deployments that increase efficiency, support flexible production and bridge the long-standing gap between IT and OT.
A notable development this year was the strong presence of AI in control, vision and planning systems. Exhibitors highlighted how machine learning is being embedded directly into controllers, drives and edge devices, enabling faster decisions on the factory floor. This aligns with a broader industry movement away from static programming toward adaptive automation that reacts to variations in products, materials and workflows.
Compact solutions also stood out. Several companies introduced smaller, lighter robotic systems and actuators designed for machines where space is limited. These systems target sectors such as electronics, packaging and specialised machinery, where production demands are rising but footprints must remain minimal. The trend reflects a growing market need for modular, energy-efficient components that can be integrated without major redesigns.
Digital twins continued to play a central role in product announcements. Many exhibitors demonstrated how virtual models are becoming a standard part of engineering workflows, from planning and simulation to commissioning and maintenance. This approach supports shorter development cycles and reduces the likelihood of failure in complex environments, contributing to higher overall equipment availability.
While the show featured a broad range of robot technologies, one category was largely absent: humanoid robots. Despite the global attention around general-purpose humanoids, SPS once again focused on systems with immediate industrial value. The emphasis remained on solutions that can be deployed today—robots for assembly, inspection, material handling and quality control—rather than future-oriented humanoid concepts.
Several new robot models drew attention, including next-generation collaborative systems designed for easier installation and safer interaction with workers. These systems demonstrate how automation suppliers are refining cobot usability, speed and precision to fit into mixed human-robot workflows.
With its strong focus on practical, deployable innovations, SPS 2025 showcased a sector moving decisively toward AI-guided, compact and connected automation. The developments presented in Nuremberg indicate that manufacturers are prioritising solutions that improve efficiency now, while laying the groundwork for more autonomous production environments in the coming years.
