The Control trade fair in Stuttgart

Precision, process reliability, and digital innovations for tomorrow's industry

Control in Stuttgart is the world's leading trade fair for quality assurance in industrial manufacturing. Every year, it brings together experts, manufacturers, users, and developers from all over the world to present innovations in measurement and testing technology, sensor technology, image processing, materials testing, software, and automation. As a specialist platform with high technical standards, Control is the central meeting place for everyone who wants to make quality measurable, reproducible, and sustainable. The focus is not only on technologies, but also on concrete solutions for real industrial challenges – whether in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, medical technology, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing. Control shows that quality is not an end product, but an integral part of efficient, sustainable processes.

Comprehensive overview of all areas of quality assurance

Control covers the entire spectrum of modern QA technologies—from manual testing technology to AI-supported inline inspection. The exhibition spectrum ranges from:

• Coordinate measuring technology & 3D measuring technology
• Optical measuring systems & laser measurement technology
• Industrial image processing & machine vision
• Surface testing & material analysis
• Materials testing (tensile, compression, hardness, X-ray, etc.)
• Data management & QA software
• Process reliability & automation
• Calibration technology & standardization
• Sensors & non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Test bench technology, test equipment construction & simulation

Providers of integrated solutions that combine quality assurance and manufacturing in digitally networked processes – keyword Industry 4.0 – are particularly well represented. Anyone interested in other trade fairs in the region will find a comprehensive overview of the regional event portfolio at Stuttgart Trade Fair.

Future topics: Digitalization, AI, and sustainability

Quality assurance is undergoing a transformation: data-driven processes, learning systems, and networked platforms are changing how tests are conducted, results are documented, and processes are fed back. That is why smart systems are also in the spotlight at Control:

• Artificial intelligence in image processing
• Edge computing for real-time evaluations
• Predictive quality for predicting errors
• Digital twins for simulating testing processes
• Cloud solutions and data platforms for integration into ERP/MES systems
• CO₂-optimized testing processes and energy efficiency in QA

Transparency is becoming a competitive advantage, especially in global supply chains—and Control provides the expertise and technology to achieve this.

International platform with a high level of expertise

With exhibitors and visitors from over 30 countries, Control is a globally relevant platform that consistently leverages its location advantage in Stuttgart: its proximity to German industry, particularly the mechanical engineering and automotive sectors, makes the trade fair a hotspot for practical solutions, pilot projects, and collaborative exchange. At the same time, the trade fair serves as a showcase for world firsts and research trends—many companies deliberately choose Control for product launches or technological milestones.

Target groups: From development to operation

Control is not a trade fair for the mass market—it specifically targets a technical audience:

• QA managers and measurement technicians
• Production managers and manufacturing engineers
• Developers and designers
• IT and software managers for production systems
• Materials engineers and testing laboratories
• Purchasing and procurement managers
• Universities, research institutions, and standards institutes

The key point is: This is where professionals with specific needs meet to initiate projects, evaluate systems, or invest in new technologies.

Accompanying program: Knowledge transfer and networking at a high level

The trade fair will be accompanied by a high-caliber supporting program that addresses scientific, technical, and normative topics, including:

• Technical presentations and panel discussions
• Live demonstrations on test benches
• Presentations by associations and universities
• Special areas for start-ups and innovation projects
• Matchmaking events and expert forums

Normative developments in the areas of ISO, DIN, and VDA are also regularly discussed—for example, in relation to questions concerning test equipment capability, traceability, or test process capability.

Control – Where quality begins

Control in Stuttgart is more than just a technology trade fair: it is a platform, a source of inspiration, and a pacemaker for everyone who does not want to leave industrial quality to chance. At a time when precise processes, error-free production, and traceable documentation are becoming increasingly important, the trade fair offers guidance, exchange, and sustainable solutions. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.control-messe.de