The 14th edition of SPS Italia, a leading event for innovation in the manufacturing sector, has come to a close in Parma.

With 720 exhibitors and 37,528 visitors – an increase compared to 2025 – the event served as a showcase for the most advanced technologies, offering a concrete vision of how the industry will evolve in the coming years. From 26 to 28 May, visitors were able to see humanoid robots in action, applications of artificial intelligence and Physical AI, alongside smart manufacturing solutions aimed at increasingly efficient, digital and sustainable production.

An ecosystem of content and solutions for the factory of the future takes centre stage at SPS Italia 2026, in Parma from 26 to 28 May. Now in its fourteenth year, the automation and digital technology trade fair serves as a hub for innovation in production processes.

The editorial team of Elevatori Magazine also visited SPS Italia, a key event for the world of automation and industrial digitalisation, to see first-hand the innovations driving the sector’s technological evolution. From intelligent process management systems to the most advanced automation applications, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to gather insights, observe new solutions and understand the directions in which the industry of the future is developing.

SPS Italia Opening: an overview

“From traditional manufacturing to high-tech: the new face of Made in Italy” is the title of the opening plenary session at SPS Italia 2026, which, through presentations by partners and key figures, offers visitors an overview of the transformations currently taking place. The analysis of the sector’s performance and future development trajectories will be presented by ANIE Automazione (26 May, 10.30 am – Industry Arena).

Key speakers take to the stage at over fifty conferences

The opening session kicks off a packed programme of events. The three arenas – Industry, Tech and Next – will host over fifty events covering the most strategic topics for the industrial sector: AI Agents, Robotics & Physical AI, Software-defined manufacturing, Industrial IoT, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). These themes are complemented by three application-focused sessions dedicated to the logistics sector, the pharmaceutical industry, aerospace and defence. Every day, the “Cyber Insights” roundtable series, organised by Cefriel in collaboration with SPS Italia, facilitates discussion on the impact of new European regulations in the fields of cybersecurity, digital technology and data.  The Conferences calendar

At the heart of technology

Six halls offering an immersive experience of the evolving world of manufacturing, where technology, expertise and vision are reshaping the factory of the future. At SPS Italia, Halls 3, 5 and 6 showcase the evolution of industry through the most advanced solutions in industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, digital technology and software. Spanning Halls 4, 7 and 8, the Digital District becomes a place of experience: a dynamic journey featuring live demos, artificial intelligence and Industrial IT, offering a glimpse into new models of innovation. There is also space for start-ups and innovative SMEs, alongside an area designed for future generations, the protagonists of tomorrow’s manufacturing.

AI in Manufacturing

In the “Focus AI” area, artificial intelligence is brought to the forefront of industrial contexts through advanced application solutions and interactive demos that showcase innovation in action, presenting examples and scenarios already in operation. The theme also takes shape in the arenas with events that bring industrial AI into the reality of businesses. These include the session “The learning factory: Industrial AI, vertical use cases and adoption roadmaps for manufacturing”, moderated by Marco Bentivogli, Base Italia, and Emanuele Frontoni, VRAI Lab.

The SPS Italia 2026 Academy

Upskilling, reskilling and guidance on new careers. Skills development and upskilling remain a priority for SPS Italia, which is reinforcing its commitment by dedicating a larger area to training and professional development. Among the initiatives on the agenda is the national final of the NAO Challenge, an educational competition organised by Scuola di Robotica and aimed at upper secondary school students. Also in the spotlight is the Robotics Makeathon organised by ITQ GmbH, involving corporate mentors who will guide students in solving industrial challenges.

The Academy project involved over 4,000 students, who took part in a number of initiatives, including “Lezioni in Fiera”, the national final of the NAO Challenge – organised by Scuola di Robotica – and the Robotics Makeathon, organised in collaboration with ITQ GmbH.

Position Paper

SPS Italia will serve as the platform for the presentation of a new Position Paper, a document drafted by members of the Scientific Committee, which aims to provide businesses with useful guidelines to help them navigate the technology landscape.

At its core are four main themes:
• Governing complex systems: rules, standards and trust as the invisible infrastructure of innovation

• Architecture matters: from the field to the cloud, integration, accountability, control

• Automation and control: advanced robotics in complex socio-technical systems

• Understanding to decide: metrics, KPIs and the critical role of people in digital industrial systems;

Meet the authors at the fair on 26 May at 3.30 pm, Arena Tech, and on 28 May at 10.45 am, Arena Next.

Pictures from the Sps Italia Trade Fair

Donald Wich, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt Italia: “SPS Italia has successfully brought together technology, expertise and people, offering a forward-looking vision of the factory where cutting-edge innovation serves the needs of people. The exhibition attracted a large number of visitors, a sign of the growing awareness amongst businesses that innovation is a strategic lever for competitiveness and sustainability. We are delighted to have once again created a forum this year that brings together the entire supply chain, from technology suppliers to manufacturing companies, right through to the younger generation.”

Andrea Bianchi, President of ANIE Automazione: “Once again this year, SPS Italia has emerged as a prime vantage point for observing the evolution of industrial automation and the transformations currently affecting the manufacturing sector. A vibrant, multifaceted, dynamic sector capable of tackling the disruptions of the transition phase we are facing with pragmatism and resilience, where the decision to invest in technology, digitalisation and innovation in production processes is an increasingly distinctive factor, both in relation to key stakeholders and in the delicate relationship with the younger generations. Companies that are able to evolve towards integrated, high-value-added models will be best placed to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the market, strengthening their identity and competitiveness in the medium to long term.”