Hannover Fair 2008 well under way

This year's edition of “the world’s largest industrial fair” opened its five-day run to technology professionals on April 21 under the banner of  “Get New Technology First.” Ten shows make up the Fair in 2008 including factory automation and process control.

By Control Engineering Staff April 22, 2008

Hannover, Germany — This year’s edition of “the world’s largest industrial fair” opened its five-day run to technology professionals on April 21 under the banner of

Hannover Fair 2008

. They are: Factory Automation, Interkama (process automation) and Industrial Building Automation—comprising the industrial automation sector—Energy Technology, Powerplant Technology, and Pipeline Technology—comprising the energy sector—plus Digital Factory, Micro Technology, Subcontracting, and Research & Development.Officially, Hannover Industrial Fair was opened the previous evening by German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel during a formal ceremony that has become a fair tradition. Itake a presentation. In 2008 the partner country is technology giant Japan, with ample leadership credentials in several high-tech areas. The notable speaker was former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, special envoy of Japan’s current Prime Minister.The role of the partner country was represented by exhibits of some 150 Japanese companies and organizations. The Japan “Pavilion” is actually spread over several exhibit halls, with Research & Technology and Energy being key coverage sectors. One special exhibit—The Japanese Way of Robotics—portrays a cultural affinity for robots via a historical evolution from Japanese traditional wind-up dolls to the latest humanoid robots.Hannover Fair continues bring a wide spectrum new technologies to the attention of visitors. Coverage increasingly reflects current demands of the marketplace, such as energy efficiency and life-cycle management for products and systems. As for size of the fair, large is the operating word. Nearly 5,100 exhibitors from 62 countries occupy 168,000 sq m (1,812,000 sq ft) of floor space at this year’s event. International stature is a further descriptor of the Fair. Nearly 47% exhibitors come from outside of Germany, representing just over 26% of floor space. After Germany, the largest number of exhibitors came from China, followed by Italy and Japan, then Switzerland and Turkey in a virtual tie for the next place.Among the 10 individual shows, the following are the prime focus of Control Engineering ‘s audience. Factory Automation provides insight into the production side of overall industrial automation. A group exhibit called “Mobile Robots and Autonomous Systems” is new for this year, emphasizing greater use of robotics. Wireless technology and industrial identification systems remain hot topics from last year. Interkama+ adds the vital process automation component to the full scope of industrial automation. Coverage ranges from sensors and fieldbus networks to complete systems and maintenance and service aspects of process control. WirelessHART communication and Cleanroom Technology are among special exhibits. Digital Factory focuses on software tools needed to develop, manufacture, distribute, and maintain products over their full life cycle. MES, ERP, and product life-cycle mangement (PLM) are highlighted. Energy Technology provides the latest insight into the growing world of renewable energy, as well as conventional energy sources—from the wide perspective of power generation, transmission, and distribution. All forms of “renewables” are covered with solar and biomass technologies receiving special emphasis. Micro Technology focuses on the development of miniaturized manufacturing processes needed to bring micro and nano products/systems to reality. “Lasers for Cutting Micromaterials” and “Ultra-precision Manufacturing” are among exhibit highlights.Also read:

Hannover Fair: Industrial gateways among technologies

.Look for more Hannover Fair 2008 coverage later in Control Engineering in print and online.–  Frank J. Bartos , P.E., Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .