Digital transformation might be a big-sounding term, but the truth of the matter is that achieving it means addressing a series of small-but-important details along the way. One such detail is how data from production processes make it into the cloud – and this is where smart sensors play a major role. Once integrated, they ensure that data is transferred straight from the factory floor to the cloud, without the need for any further components.

"HANNOVER MESSE puts the latest technology and valuable insight into the hands of users interested in charting their courses to the future of industry," says Hubertus von Monschaw, Global Director of the Automation, Motion & Drives team for HANNOVER MESSE. "In Hannover they can witness how production data is increasingly being leveraged as a 'raw material', via ever shorter routes."

"Once again this year, digitalization is a hot topic for the sector," remarks Dr. C. Thomas Simmons, director of the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement. "One trend we have been seeing is the futureproofing of existing industrial plant and machinery by retrofitting it with the latest technology, and this especially means sensors. A parallel trend in smart factories is the deployment of VR and AI technology. We see cloud integration via 5G networks as opening up big opportunities for all players, particularly in view of the greater bandwidth made possible by 5G. To make this happen, 5G coverage needs to be available where production facilities in Germany tend to be located, and that means in rural areas."

For industrial users, what really counts for the future is how data collected by measuring and diagnostics is put at their fingertips as the basis for well-informed decisions. The digital networking of field devices obviously plays a key role in this. "The digitalization of products, solutions and services makes it possible to safely overcome proprietary hurdles, lower costs and leverage the benefits of modern IT technology in manufacturing operations," explains Oliver K. Stöckl, director of Endress+Hauser Messtechnik GmbH+Co.KG. "Our approach to digital transformation embraces each and every essential business process, facilitating them by means of innovative tools and concepts. Digitalization generates added value for users and plant operators and helps them boost productivity while at the same time lowering costs."

Alongside its activities in the sensor technology business, the ifm group of companies is also heavily involved in producing solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things. "As enablers of digitalization, we have been making great strides forward over the past several years," reports Nadine Rahman, head of management of the digitalization division at ifm electronic gmbh. "At HANNOVER MESSE we will not only be showcasing our portfolio of sensors for industrial applications, but also demonstrating how sensor data can best be turned into information that lends itself to cloud-based analysis."

At HANNOVER MESSE 2020, numerous exhibitors will be showcasing smart sensors, particularly in halls 9 and 11. Here the big names of the industry will be represented, for example ABB , the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement . Endress+Hauser , ifm electronics , JUMO , SICK , Siemens , Pepperl+Fuchs and Turck .