What are the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of control systems? Get firsthand impressions from a recent trip to SPS (Smart Production Solutions) – the massive industrial automation trade fair held annually in Germany. This episode unpacks key takeaways relevant for professionals right now (May 2025).

Hear about the scale of SPS and its distinct focus on control devices and automation solutions. The discussion highlights several significant trends observed on the show floor:

• The growing adoption and importance of IP67-rated components, essential for robust performance in demanding applications like AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) and other field-level robotics.
• Noticeable progress in weatherproofing critical components, such as servo amplifiers, with specific examples like a new IP65 compatible model from Bosch Rexroth being mentioned.
• A major industry shift towards Virtual PLCs (vPLCs), including Virtual Safety PLCs. This rapidly evolving trend leverages IT technologies like virtualization and Docker containers to decouple control software from specific hardware, fostering greater IT/OT convergence, flexibility, scalability, and potentially simplifying multi-protocol support.  

The overall takeaway is clear: industrial automation control technology is evolving at breakneck speed. Developments showcased at SPS signal significant changes ahead, likely impacting the strategies and competitiveness of both European and Japanese manufacturers.

Tune in for valuable insights into global automation trends direct from a leading European event – essential listening for engineers and decision-makers, particularly those here in Japan's industrial heartland like Aichi.

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