Rockwell Automation has announced that it will showcase its latest industrial automation technologies at SPS 2026, one of Europe’s major exhibitions for industrial automation and smart manufacturing. The event will take place in Nuremberg, Germany, from November 24 to 26, 2026.

Under the theme “From Automation to Autonomy,” Rockwell Automation plans to demonstrate how industrial artificial intelligence (AI), software-defined automation (SDA), and cybersecurity technologies can help manufacturers build more intelligent, flexible, and secure production environments.

Industrial AI Is Transforming Manufacturing Operations

One of the main highlights will be the SOAP Factory (Smart, Orchestrated, Autonomous Production), a connected manufacturing demonstration designed to illustrate how intelligent technologies can support industrial processes throughout the entire production lifecycle.

Rockwell Automation will feature FactoryTalk Conductor, its AI-native orchestration platform. The software connects AI agents, specialized skills, workflows, and automation applications to support engineering activities such as system design, development, and testing.

The company will also demonstrate FactoryTalk Design Studio, a cloud-based engineering environment, together with Emulate3D digital twin technology. These solutions allow engineers to design, simulate, and validate production systems before physical implementation.

For PLC engineers and system integrators, combining engineering software with simulation capabilities could help improve project coordination and identify potential problems earlier in the development process.

Software-Defined Automation Creates New Opportunities

Software-defined automation will be another important focus at SPS 2026. By separating control software from specific hardware configurations, manufacturers can gain greater flexibility when designing and upgrading industrial control systems.

Rockwell Automation plans to demonstrate LogixEdge integrated industrial control and edge computing technologies, highlighting how virtualized control can bring information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) closer together.

This development is particularly relevant to manufacturers operating complex PLC and DCS environments. More flexible automation architectures may help companies modernize existing production facilities while reducing dependence on extensive hardware replacement.

The exhibition will also include flexible manufacturing demonstrations featuring robotics technologies from PartnerNetwork companies autonox Robotics and Comau.

Cybersecurity and Predictive Maintenance Remain Priorities

Industrial cybersecurity will be another major topic at the exhibition. With regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 increasing security requirements, manufacturers must pay greater attention to protecting industrial networks, connected equipment, and production data.

Rockwell Automation plans to demonstrate its SecureOT cybersecurity suite, which supports industrial asset visibility, risk prioritization, and vulnerability management.

Additional technologies will include FactoryTalk Analytics, Fiix maintenance management software, and GuardianAI predictive maintenance solutions. These technologies are designed to help manufacturers use industrial data to support maintenance planning and operational decision-making.

What This Means for the Industrial Automation Industry

The transition from traditional automation toward more autonomous industrial operations is becoming an important direction for the manufacturing industry.

For PLC engineers, DCS specialists, equipment manufacturers, and system integrators, these developments highlight the growing importance of software integration, industrial AI, cybersecurity, and intelligent maintenance.

However, reliable PLC control, dependable DCS architectures, industrial communication networks, and properly validated safety systems will remain essential foundations of modern manufacturing.

As industrial automation continues to evolve, manufacturers will increasingly look for solutions that combine established control technologies with flexible software platforms and intelligent digital tools.

SPS 2026 will provide an opportunity to see how these technologies are developing and how they may influence the next generation of industrial automation systems.