Rockwell Automation has announced its plans to showcase new industrial automation technologies at SPS 2026, one of Europe’s leading 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,” the company will demonstrate how industrial artificial intelligence (AI), software-defined automation, and cybersecurity can help manufacturers build more intelligent, flexible, and secure production environments.

Industrial AI Is Transforming Manufacturing Operations

As manufacturing industries face increasing demands for productivity, operational flexibility, and production efficiency, traditional automation technologies are evolving. Industrial AI and connected software platforms are becoming increasingly important in helping manufacturers improve decision-making and optimize production processes.

At SPS 2026, Rockwell Automation plans to demonstrate how AI-powered technologies can support different stages of the manufacturing lifecycle, including engineering, production operations, and equipment maintenance.

A major highlight will be the SOAP Factory (Smart, Orchestrated, Autonomous Production), a connected production environment designed to demonstrate how automation technologies, industrial software, and intelligent systems can work together.

Software-Defined Automation and Industrial Control Systems

Software-defined automation is another important focus of the exhibition. By increasing the flexibility of automation software and control architectures, manufacturers can potentially simplify system development, improve scalability, and adapt production processes more efficiently.

For PLC engineers and system integrators, these developments highlight the growing importance of integrating programmable logic controllers, industrial networks, engineering software, and real-time production data.

Modern industrial control systems must also maintain stable operation while supporting increasingly connected production environments. This makes cybersecurity, system reliability, and compatibility between different automation technologies essential considerations.

Cybersecurity Remains a Key Priority

As factories become more connected, protecting industrial operational technology (OT) infrastructure is becoming increasingly important.

Rockwell Automation will also highlight cybersecurity solutions and discuss how manufacturers can prepare for evolving regulatory requirements, including the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

For companies operating PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems, cybersecurity is no longer simply an IT concern. Industrial networks, control devices, engineering workstations, and remote access systems all require appropriate protection.

A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy can help manufacturers reduce operational risks while maintaining reliable production.

What This Means for the Future of Industrial Automation

Rockwell Automation’s SPS 2026 announcement reflects a broader industry trend toward intelligent and increasingly autonomous manufacturing.

Although PLCs, DCS platforms, and traditional control systems remain essential to industrial operations, their integration with AI, advanced software, and cybersecurity technologies is creating new opportunities for digital transformation.

For manufacturers, OEMs, and automation system integrators, the challenge will be to adopt these technologies without compromising system stability, safety, or long-term equipment reliability.

As industrial automation continues to evolve, the combination of established control technologies and intelligent software solutions is expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of smart manufacturing.

SPS 2026 will provide an opportunity for industry professionals to explore these developments and learn how the next generation of industrial automation technologies may shape manufacturing operations worldwide.