On Monday 22 April, Techport organised a day trip to the world's largest industrial fair, Hannover Messe, for member companies, governments and educational institutions. Theo Koster of Techport: "It is striking how this fair has changed in recent years. Concrete products made of kilograms of steel and electronics are giving way to digital twins. Sustainability and digitalisation lie like a thick blanket over the manufacturing industry. Proof that Techport's themes fit seamlessly with international themes."
Future digitalisation, automation and electrification
Hannover Messe is the hotspot for industrial transformation and innovation. Over 4,000 exhibitors and 1,900 speakers from all over the world show the future of digitalisation, automation and electrification at this fair. The Netherlands is also well represented in the Netherlands Pavilion to show how strong our country is in developing and making climate-neutral technologies and digital systems. The pavilion was festively opened by outgoing Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Micky Adriaansens and Theo Henrar, president of FME association.
From indoor growing to acoustic cameras
Techport participants were fully immersed in the world of technological innovation this day. For instance, one participant came specifically to look at innovations in the field of indoor vegetable growing, a second participant was particularly interested in the different ways of hydrogen storage and electrifying vehicles, and yet another attendee came to gauge interest in acoustic cameras to apply noise reduction to machinery and vehicles.
Visualising automations
"It is almost frightening to see how fast we are moving in terms of technology," Ronald Schavemaker, director of Intures, said of the fair. Jaap Beentjes, owner BSE IJmond: "One of my goals was to find a company to electrify our machinery, such as aerial work platforms, rail and road vehicles and scissor lifts. That was present, so I'm glad I went along." Sem Rudolph, working at 3D Makerszone, was also delighted with the fair: "Nice to see how various companies can visually display their automations with beautiful simulations and dashboards. We want to set up an experience from our Fieldlab this autumn, so we can definitely use this inspiration then."
Is this desirable?
Notable was the rise of so-called Tech companies, such as Meta, Microsoft, Google, Paloalto, Dell, AWS and the rise of AI in the industry. A lot of production data is disappearing into the cloud. "You have to ask yourself is that desirable? Those companies already control all private data and are now conquering the industry as well," signals Willem Jonkman of BTAC Solutions.
Translating own business operations
Many new contacts were made (including among themselves within the travelling party), knowledge was gained about new technology and participants were able to translate it into an application in their own business or environment. Techport continues to engage with the parties to discuss follow-up steps. This day trip is part of the Techport Green Incubator innovation programme and was made possible in part by the Just Transition Fund (JTF).
