Hannover Fair = 10 in 2006

There's a lot of technology to "update" at a confluence of 10 thematically integrated trade shows in one location, as will be the case at Hannover Industrial Fair in Germany, April 24-28, 2006. Visitors will be afforded a wide sweep of state-of the-art technology at this event, billed as "the world's leading trade fair for industrial and automation technology"—as well as the ability to co...

By Frank J. Bartos, P.E. March 1, 2006

There’s a lot of technology to “update” at a confluence of 10 thematically integrated trade shows in one location, as will be the case at Hannover Industrial Fair in Germany, April 24-28, 2006. Visitors will be afforded a wide sweep of state-of the-art technology at this event, billed as “the world’s leading trade fair for industrial and automation technology”—as well as the ability to compare offerings of companies prominent today and potential giants of tomorrow

10 show lineup

This year’s lineup of shows consists of Interkama+, Factory Automation, Digital Factory, Energy, MicroTechnology, Pipeline Technology (debuting in 2006), Industrial Building Automation, Research & Technology, Subcontracting, and Industrial Facility Management & Services. Several of these sectors lie at the core of Control Engineering ‘s coverage.

Interkama + (Halls 7-9, 11, 14-15)—showcases all phases of process automation, ranging from system planning and control systems to field devices and components. Also covered are various services needed to properly operate industrial plants. This venue includes a Forum of lectures and panel discussions on topics vital to process automation, such as plant asset management, advanced controls, flow measurement trends, wireless automation, security in automation, and more.

Factory Automation (Halls 8-9, 11, 14-15, 17)—presents the world of production automation, focusing on integrated systems and solutions. FA Forum will provide a daily discussion of trends and solutions that focus on various industry sectors. Among topics are: total cost of ownership of electric drive systems; trends in robotics; wireless factory; industrial Ethernet; and mechatronics in mechanical design. Other highlights include “Robotics User Center,” where innovative displays will show the spread of robot technologies to traditional and new applications, and “Automation Live,” a special display for the automotive and component-supplier industries.

Part of the FA venue, “power transmission” technology will have a dedicated area, with themes such as energy-efficiency, motion control, software, and data communication. Industrial “sensor systems and image processing” also will receive special coverage.

Digital Factory (Halls 15, 16)—portrays integration of processes and IT solutions, highlighting the growing importance of digital systems in product development, production, quality assurance, logistics, and services.

Energy Technology (Halls 11-13 and open-air site)—presents conventional and renewable power technologies from aspects of generation, transmission, distribution, and utility management. This large, growing venue will include the 12thannual Group Exhibit “Hydrogen + Fuel Cells,” with more than 100 exhibitors and forum participants from 25 countries—along with the 5th International Conference “Worldwide Developments in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells,” on April 25.

“World Energy Dialogue” will be an international summit on vital energy issues of supply security/sustainability and competitiveness (April 25-27). Keynotes, discussion panels, and several forums about growing worldwide energy issues and needs will be offered.

MicroTechnology (Halls 14, 15)—highlights applied microsystems and nanotechnology, and their integration into other technologies. Product displays, demonstrations of ultra-precision manufacturing, and a trends forum are in the program.

U.S. participation

Increasingly international, Hannover Fair draws substantial perennial presence of U.S. companies as direct exhibitors or represented by their European subsidiaries. In addition, Hannover Fairs USA Inc. organizes one or more USA Pavilions, which are turnkey group exhibits open exclusively to small- and medium-sized U.S. companies, offering a convenient and more affordable way to participate in international trade fairs. In 2006, USA Total Automation Pavilion will be at the center of action in Hall 17 (Stand F08), covering exhibit categories of production automation, process automation, and IT solutions for manufacturing and processing.

Hannover Fair continues its tradition of a “partner country” exhibit. India takes that role in 2006, showcasing its industry and products in Hall 6. Opportunity to establish business contacts—whether in the growth market of India or globally—remains a drawing card of the Fair.

Frank J. Bartos, P.E., executive editor fbartos@reedbusiness.com


Author Bio: After researching and writing about motors, drives, motion control, embedded systems, PC-based control, and artificial intelligence topics for the past 20 years, Frank J. Bartos, P.E., retired as executive editor of Control Engineering as of Aug. 1, 2006. To present, he’s contributed multiple articles on these topics. Prior to his distinguished career as a technology journalist, Bartos held engineering positions of increasing responsibility in the design, development, and analysis of automation systems. His industry experience included heavy machinery, electric power plants, medical diagnostic equipment, and precision electromechanical systems.