The debut edition of SPS Automation India proved to be a launch platform for innovations in automation, instrumentation, testing and quality control. Over 60 leading industry brands presented their latest technologies and solutions, attracting over 2858 trade visitors. The event, held in February 2015, was co-organised by Messe Frankfurt, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and P E Schall GmbH & Co KG, and co-located with two other shows - Motek India and Control India - leading fairs for process automation and quality control respectively. Engaged by the spectrum of technologies at the fair, both exhibitors and attendees agreed that the co-located fairs have the potential to drive high-quality manufacturing technologies in India in the coming years, thus laying a firm foundation for accessing high-quality manufacturing technologies for the Indian market.

Some of the key highlights at the fair were: A one-of-its kind compact power connector by Escha in the worldwide market; Multi-2, a new generation safety automation product by Pilz India; MM Sysmac that integrates motion logic control by Omron; machine that converts mechanical cam to electrical cam by NPS Drive Automation; a new range of safety and logistic automation products by SICK India; 3D Poascon - a laser based photoelectric sensor with advanced functionalities by Baumer Technologies; and Econ Ethernet Switches by HARTING India and others.

Platinum partners for the launch edition, Pepperl+Fuchs, introduced their in-house toy-AGV and 6-point laser dependent anti-collision system at the fair. Mr Ravi Agarwal, Director said: "Every industry is ROI dependent and looks at the profitability of technology. India in particular is moving from being a cost-conscious market to a value-based market with manufacturers ready to invest in automated processes. What will allow automation to achieve its prime level of inception is a smart combination of old processes with cutting-edge new technologies in India. SPS Automation India proved to be an excellent step towards this goal."

Mr Dwijen Desai, Manager - Corporate Communications, Omron said: "Our objective was to make ourselves present in the Gujarat market and SPS Automation India presented an ideal platform. We have seen SPS IPC Drives show that happens in Germany and for the first challenge-laden edition, this was a really good start."

SPS Automation India proved to be a beneficial platform for the exhibitors in this segment. Mr Amit Puranik, Sales Manager, IEC Air Tools Pvt Ltd, said: "The show kept getting better and busier each day for us. Inquiries that we usually get over the year were met in just two days and we managed to establish good presence in the western market through Motek India. We will definitely come back again next year." Whereas Mr Amir Meghani, Assistant Manager - Sales, Mitutoyo South Asia Pvt Ltd, who was a part of Control India said: "The show was very well-managed and compared to other trade fairs delivered serious, targeted audience. We met an informed set of customers, who knew about trends in measurement technology and quality control and were excited to see the technologies we had to offer."

Mr Karan Batra, Head - Plant Operations of Tata Motors who visited the fair said: "We work closely with Nikon, IFM, Mituotoyo for implementation of factory & process automation, sensor and control technology and visiting SPS Automation India has made us reinforce confidence with our suppliers and build better and more efficient engineering systems for Tata Nano plant operations."

Representatives from electricity generation, transmission and distribution company, Torrent Power also visited the fair. When asked for feedback, Mr Divyesh Vagasia, Executive Engineering and Projects said: "The show is ideal for business discussions on new range of products and services and a perfect platform to preview the latest in automation, control and sensor technology for many of our clean energy projects and power generation projects happening across the country."

A knowledge seminar featuring presentations and case studies on the role of automation in manufacturing and process driven industries took place on 6th February alongside the fair. The seminar which brought together more than 60 experts and industry professionals covered a range of topics from sensors, robotics, drives and motors to functional safety developed with the support of AMA Association for Sensors and Measurements, Germany.

A white paper on the "Reality of Adopting Technologies and Trends in India" by Frost & Sullivan was also launched during the seminar which is in line with the new government's initiative and highlights the potential demand for goods and services which will drive the manufacturing renaissance.

L&T Technology Services made an insightful presentation on advancement in robotics in industrial automation. Speaking on the event, Dr Keshab Panda, Chief Executive, L&T Technology Services said: "The Indian industry is eyeing opportunities from the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and SPS Automation India is a good platform to educate manufacturing professionals about the changing role of technology in the industrial set-up. The launch edition was quite impressive with many major brands present here. It would be good to see more Indian participation in the coming years and as one of India's foremost automation technology brand we sure look forward to joining next year."

Attendees at the seminar appreciated the role of Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd. in creating a knowledge and experience zone together on one platform. Mr Niraj Shah, Owner, Arihant Satiate said: "The sessions at SPS Automation India were very apt as Indian industries are focusing on these emerging technologies and it helped provide an in-depth view of these trends from the specialists here. Also, purity of technology is not easily identifiable and it was wonderful to experience such a vast portfolio of automation and quality assurance technologies on one platform. Adding to this, Mr Nishant Shah, Manager-Instrumentation, BASF said: "BASF emphasises on matching market requirements with green and clean solutions and the sessions on energy-saving technology by Pepperl+Fuchs in particular held my attention. We are glad that the organisers selected Gujarat for organising this international level show and I would definitely like to attend the SPS Automation India seminar again next year."

Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd, said: "The successful debut of SPS Automation India, Motek and Control India has laid a solid foundation for the coming years and we are certain that the events will grow as the finest business arena to access opportunities in Indian market. Moreover, with Gujarat fast becoming the focal point as a manufacturing and industrial hub, it presents an ideal business destination. Therefore, for the next edition in 2016, we will further develop our strategy to target key visitor segments while bringing smart manufacturing technologies to the forefront of the Indian market."

The next edition of SPS Automation India the fair is scheduled from 7-9 April, 2016 at the Mahatma Mandir Exhibition and Convention Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.