Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how manufacturers can create more intelligent, flexible and secure operations at SPS 2026 in Nuremberg, Germany, from 24 to 26 November.
Under the theme ‘From Automation to Autonomy’, the company will showcase how industrial AI, software-defined automation (SDA) and cybersecurity can help manufacturers improve performance throughout the production lifecycle. In industrial operations, autonomy enables production systems to use real-time data, AI and software-driven control to support or automate decisions across engineering, operations and maintenance.
Central to the stand will be the SOAP Factory (Smart, Orchestrated, Autonomous Production), a connected production environment showing how these capabilities work together across design, operation and maintenance.
“Many manufacturers are being asked to increase productivity, improve resilience and respond faster to changing market demands, often while working within existing facilities and infrastructure,” said Vincenzo Monaco, managing director for DACH at Rockwell Automation. “The transition from automation to autonomy is about helping them make better decisions across the production lifecycle, using industrial AI, software-defined automation and cybersecurity to unlock greater value from the assets and investments they already have.”
Highlights at the Rockwell Automation stand include:
- Industrial AI: As part of its factory demonstration, Rockwell Automation will showcase the newly launched FactoryTalk Conductor, an AI-native orchestration platform that connects AI agents, skills, workflows and automation software to help engineers accelerate system design, development and testing. The demonstration will illustrate how intelligent technologies can support decisions throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Other technologies on display include FactoryTalk Design Studio, a cloud-based engineering environment for designing and programming industrial control systems, and Emulate3D digital twin technology, which together enable engineers to simulate and validate production systems before physical deployment. The stand will also feature FactoryTalk Analytics industrial analytics software, Fiix cloud-based maintenance management software and GuardianAI, an AI-powered predictive maintenance solution. These tools support predictive maintenance and data-driven operational decisions. A brownfield demonstration will show how existing production lines can be modernised without extensive equipment replacement.
- Software-defined automation: As manufacturers seek greater flexibility, separating control software from hardware creates opportunities to simplify deployment and adapt production systems more quickly. Demonstrations featuring LogixEdge integrated industrial control and edge computing will explore how virtualised control brings IT and OT closer together. A flexible manufacturing demonstration will feature Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork companies autonox Robotics and Comau, which will show how multiple robot technologies can operate within a common control environment.
- Cybersecurity and compliance: With the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), Machinery Regulation (MR) and NIS2 increasing the demands on manufacturers and machine builders, Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how cybersecurity can be integrated throughout industrial operations. Visitors will discover how the SecureOT cybersecurity suite supports asset visibility, risk prioritisation and vulnerability management, alongside secure-by-design approaches to industrial networks and regulatory compliance.
Visitors are invited to stand 320 in Hall 3C, where Rockwell Automation specialists will be available to discuss individual automation challenges and demonstrate integrated solutions developed with members of the company’s PartnerNetwork.
Rockwell Automation will also contribute to this year’s SPS conference programme, presenting insights on software-defined automation and industrial cybersecurity on stage in Hall 3C:
- Gunther Sälzler, director of software and control for the North Region at Rockwell Automation, will join Professor Martin Ruskowski, head of the Innovative Factory Systems Research Division at DFKI and chairman of SmartFactory-KL, for a panel discussion entitled ‘Software-defined automation: from industrial control to autonomous operations’ on Tuesday 24 November at 14:00.
- Stefan Turi, cybersecurity lead for OEM EMEA at Rockwell Automation, will present ‘From the Cyber Resilience Act to business success: adding value with CRA readiness and SecureOT’ on Wednesday 25 November at 15:00.
For more information, visit Rockwell Automation’s SPS 2026 event page.
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