Founded back in 2005 as a non-profit association, SmartFactory KL shows just how many years digitization has been permeating industry. The technology-focused initiative has always seen its mission as being to build a network of players from industry and research to carry out joint research and development projects - from developing and outlining the vision through to industrial implementation. The almost 13 years since it was founded have seen a great many technological advances, not least thanks to the activities of SmartFactory KL. As in previous years, the initiative is at HANNOVER MESSE 2018 to demonstrate the latest developments in Industry 4.0 and reach out to large numbers of visitors.

The latest key innovations on show include the following developments and solutions:
Vertical integration - how can existing production facilities be digitally upgraded? SmartFactory KL is showcasing various vertical integration methods, including a variety of different edge device solutions from its partners. These can be used to collect status data from production machinery and assess the state of equipment by using smart data evaluation.
Connected cloud - SmartFactory KL is explaining how different elements can be networked, ranging from various manufacturer clouds via a service provider cloud to a higher-level system cloud.
5G mobile technology - how can high data rates be protected and transmitted with the lowest possible latency in an industrial environment? SmartFactory KL is demonstrating optical quality control using 5G.
Enhanced infrastructure - how do you combine flexible production with an equally flexible infrastructure? SmartFactory KL is showing how to meet the need for infrastructure simplicity and connectivity while also factoring in all of the supply media.
AI and AR - using artificial intelligence in production can help employees bring together data from a variety of sources and filter the relevant information. SmartFactory KL is also demonstrating how augmented reality can be combined with smart data glasses, for example, to help employees in their day-to-day work.