Everyone’s talking about AI – and it's also set to be one of the main topics at elektrotechnik between 12 and 14 February 2025, not least in the Industrial Technology zone in Hall 5 where, for example, the joint Touchpoint AI stand (5.B16) will be dedicated to innovative AI solutions for industrial use. Leading experts will be presenting leading-edge applications – from data-driven decision-making to AI-based work aids. At the Industrial Technology Forum (5.D32) and the 'BusinessTreff' meet-up, interested parties will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the theoretical background and details of what AI and automation can achieve. Meanwhile, things are set to go 'green' at the stand of regional network 'In|To Westphalia'.

Dortmund, 29 January 2025 – Industrial transformation is progressing rapidly. Artificial intelligence and digitalisation are fundamentally changing many production processes. At the same time, the green energy transition and scarcity of resources are demanding new solutions for greater efficiency. Smart industry is essential for sustainable businesses looking to increase productivity and be successful in the long term, because smart automation and AI-assisted systems help them optimise their processes and reduce energy consumption at the same time. Examples and suggestions are on hand at the joint Touchpoint AI stand (5.B16; stand uses German name 'Touchpoint KI') where, on the three mornings of the show, exhibitors will demonstrate in a practical and hands-on way how artificial intelligence is already having an impact on everyday life, with that impact set to continue.

The subject matter on offer will include applications and solutions relating to predictive maintenance, automation, production improvements using AI and modern measurement technology, all underlining the fast-moving development of smart industry. Naturally, this also increases the importance of software for data processing and the importance of networking between different disciplines. At Touchpoint AI, trade and industry visitors will find all the relevant applications and technologies from numerous suppliers, covering a wide range from sensors and control equipment to solutions for smart factories. The theory behind the solutions presented at Touchpoint AI (and more) will be explained in the afternoons from 13:00 to 15:00 hrs as exhibitors such as PROTOTEC, Fraunhofer IAIS and Industrial Analytics Lab present on a range of AI topics including implementation of the AI Regulation, 3D printing in the metaverse and examples of best practice in proper handling of operational data.

Industrial Technology Forum (5.D32)

The following forums will be held in the morning programme (10:00 to 12:30 hrs):

• Wednesday 12 February – Energy monitoring and management in production focusing on data collection, analysis and optimising energy consumption, with due regard to regulatory requirements. The aim is to make energy consumption transparent and more efficient.
• Thursday 13 February – Open Automation Systems featuring (among other things) a discussion on flexible, open approaches facilitating interaction among different systems and enabling future-proof automation solutions. Standards and interoperability will also be covered as keys to boosting efficiency and scalability.
• Friday 14 February – Maintenance focusing on topics such as predictive maintenance, maintenance strategies and technologies for optimising operating times and costs.

AI will also be explored in depth at the 'BusinessTreff' on Thursday under the banner 'AI set to be a game changer' chaired by Dr Olaf Röper with speakers covering the potential and the risks of AI integration in particular as well as strategies for success – with a focus on medium-sized industrial businesses in all sectors. The BusinessTreff will get underway at 14:00 hrs with a guided tour of the show at Touchpoint AI before the ensuing keynotes. Dr Iris Lorscheid, Professor of Digital Business at the University of Applied Sciences Europe in Hamburg, will give a talk entitled 'AI – Potential and Challenges for SMEs'. Torsten Krebs, CEO of German Cathodic Protection GmbH, will follow this with a practical report entitled 'Successful Use of AI and generative AI at a Plant Engineering Supplier'. More panel discussions featuring well-known names will follow, with the participation of SME digital consultants 'Mittelstand Digital', the Institute of Applied Logistics (IAL) and the Eastern Ruhr Industrial Network (Netzwerk Industrie RuhrOst, NIRO) and others. The event will include audience participation and sharing of experiences.

➔ Registration is required.

If you'd like to find out more about 'green transformation', the joint stand of regional network 'In|To Westphalia' is the place to be (5.D16, stand name: In|Die RegionWestfalen). It will be showcasing the combined expertise of businesses, universities and research institutes in the region. Highlights will include innovative solutions in electro-mobility from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, decarbonisation in SMEs from the Fraunhofer Institute IWS and the 'digital file' from Dortmund company EKD. Other businesses such as SIBA, F.H. Papenmeier, Sicatron and Phoenix PHD will be showcasing their expertise. In addition, other top energy technology businesses are set to enhance elektrotechnik 2025 with their innovative solutions. These will include Metrel, Chauvin Arnoux, Siemens, Druseidt, Riello UPS and Manfred Vogel.