SMART Automation Austria – Trade fair for industry

SMART Automation Austria is a trade fair for industry, automation technology and digital production solutions. It takes place in Austria at various locations such as Linz or Vienna and is aimed at trade visitors from the fields of mechanical engineering, plant engineering, electrical engineering and industrial manufacturing. The focus is on components, systems and software solutions that make production processes more efficient, networked and precise. The event has established itself as a compact platform for industrial automation. Unlike large-scale global trade fairs, it concentrates on the Austrian market and the neighbouring Central European region. This focus enables a high density of technical discussions and concrete project initiations.

Automation as a key technology

Automation is considered a central prerequisite for competitiveness in industry. At SMART Automation Austria, manufacturers and system integrators present solutions along the entire value chain. The spectrum ranges from sensor technology and drive technology to control and visualisation systems. Typical exhibition areas include:

• Industrial sensor and measurement technology
• Control and regulation systems
• Drive technology and motion control
• Robotics and handling technology
• Industrial communication and networks
• Software for planning and process optimisation

This range illustrates that automation cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of complex production systems that integrate mechanical, electrical and digital components. The trend is clearly moving towards modular systems that can be flexibly adapted to different production requirements.

Digitalisation and Industry 4.0

SMART Automation Austria is set in the context of Industry 4.0 and networked manufacturing. Data is playing an increasingly important role. Machines communicate with each other, production steps are monitored and evaluated in real time. Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance are integral parts of modern plant concepts. One focus is on the integration of IT and OT, i.e. the connection of classic operating technology with information technology. Cloud connections, edge computing and standardised interfaces enable new business models. At the same time, cybersecurity and data security place high demands on companies. The central topics of discussion include:

• Networked production facilities
• Data analysis and AI-supported optimisation
• Secure industrial communication
• Retrofitting existing machines

Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are faced with the challenge of gradually modernising existing plants. The trade fair offers practical solutions that limit investment risks.

Robotics and flexible manufacturing

Another core area is robotics. Collaborative robots, autonomous handling systems and flexible assembly lines are gaining in importance. Small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly relying on modular robotics solutions to adapt production processes. The trend is towards systems that are easier to integrate and can be programmed without extensive specialist knowledge. At the same time, precision in complex manufacturing processes is increasing. Image processing and sensor fusion are expanding the range of applications for robots in assembly, packaging and quality control.

Focus on Austria as an industrial location

SMART Automation Austria reflects the structure of Austria as an industrial location. Austria has a strong mechanical engineering and supply industry with a high export quota. Automation technology is a key competitive factor. The trade fair serves as a platform for national and international suppliers who want to position their products on the Austrian market. At the same time, it offers trade visitors a compact overview of technological developments without having to travel long distances. Locations such as Linz and Vienna have a long industrial tradition and good transport connections. This makes it easier for companies from different federal states and neighbouring countries to participate.

Market position and prospects

SMART Automation Austria plays a specialised role in the European trade fair environment. While leading global trade fairs such as Hannover or Nuremberg attract an international audience, this trade fair deliberately focuses on regional needs. This structure promotes targeted discussions and concrete project initiations. The industry is facing profound changes: energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers and increasing quality requirements are putting pressure on manufacturing companies. Automation and digitalisation are key responses to these challenges. SMART Automation Austria – Trade Fair for Industry brings these topics together in a concentrated form. It offers an overview of components, systems and strategies that shape industrial manufacturing in Austria and beyond.

Further information can be found on the organiser's website: www.smart-messe.at