Industrial Technology event success at IMTS 2016

Hannover, Germany and Chicago, Illinois – Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the U.S. subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, in partnership with AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, announced that its five industrial technology trade shows co-located at IMTS 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago successfully reflected the HANNOVER MESSE 2016 “Integrated Industry” theme. These trade shows and corresponding educational conferences showcased industrial technology solutions supporting Industry 4.0 factory operations and helping manufacturers implement equipment with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities.

HFUSA introduced three new industrial technology trade shows at IMTS 2016: Surface Technology North America, ComVac North America, and Industrial Supply North America. These were presented in the East Hall alongside Industrial Automation North America (launched in 2012) and Motion, Drive & Automation North America (introduced in 2014). All five events demonstrated solutions across industrial sectors, from automation and motion drive to fluid technologies, surface cleaning and sealing, air and vacuum technologies, and industrial supply components and systems.

Larry Turner, president/CEO of HFUSA, noted that Industrial Automation North America and MDA North America remained very popular with IMTS attendees. IIoT and digital factory solutions were prevalent across these shows. The addition of the three new events allowed for a full demonstration of Internet 4.0 solutions at IMTS 2016.

IMTS 2016 attracted more than 115,612 registered visitors and hosted 2,407 exhibiting companies — the highest number of exhibitors in its history. HFUSA’s five co-located industrial technology trade shows covered 90,750 net square feet, doubling the East Hall exhibition space compared to IMTS 2014. These events hosted 490 exhibiting companies and drew visitors from over 18 countries.

HFUSA also expanded its educational offerings. On September 13, the new Integrated Industries Conference featured global experts who shared best practices and innovations seen in Industrial Automation North America, MDA North America, and Surface Technology North America. On September 14, HFUSA introduced the Fluid Power Track, focusing on energy conservation, productivity, and machine safety. This track complemented technologies demonstrated at MDA North America. That same day, HFUSA hosted the Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit, which focused on IIoT and featured discussions on cloud-based manufacturing, robotics, and smart maintenance.

“All five of our trade shows and new conference offerings were a perfect extension of HANNOVER MESSE and this year’s U.S. partner country,” added Turner.

Industrial Automation North America doubles exhibition space

Industrial Automation North America doubled its exhibition space in 2016, enhancing its focus on digital factory systems and intelligent solutions. Exhibitors showcased Industry 4.0 innovations, robotics, and complete building automation systems.

Beckhoff Automation (Savage, Minnesota) presented advanced automation solutions including robotics, CNC systems, and high-performance servo systems with One Cable Technology (OCT). Their TwinCAT IoT, TwinCAT Analytics, and new IoT Bus Coupler connected the plant floor with higher-level networks for database communication, remote maintenance, and cloud-based services. A major attraction was their Microsoft HoloLens demo, showcasing augmented reality as a wearable HMI for plant floor use. Shane Novacek, marketing communications manager, noted significant engagement from engineers, machine builders, and manufacturers. Beckhoff has participated in the show since 2012 and consistently exceeded ROI.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. (Vernon Hills, Illinois) showcased its M8 series CNCs and e-F@ctory automation products for factory connectivity, visibility, and analytics. Scott Rohlfs, director of marketing, said the 2016 event generated valuable business contacts and confirmed their return for 2018.

Phoenix Contact (Middletown, Pennsylvania) launched its new Quint Gen 4 power supplies and solutions. Michael Brooks, industry manager automotive, noted positive feedback from U.S.-based visitors and increased booth traffic following Phoenix Contact USA President Jack Nehlig’s keynote on Industry 4.0 at the Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit.