Efficiency, Visualization, SMB and “no Hype Please”: Hannover Messe 2023

My take from Hannover Messe 2023

It was more than half a decade since I attended the trade show. The last one was ONS (Linux Foundation Open Networking Submit) and we had COVID and the 2022 Tech meltdown in between.

As an exhibitor, I didn’t get to roam around and look at most of the halls (Yes; the show covered 16 halls, though some were partially occupied). On the other hand, as an exhibitor got a unique view with discussions from visitors.

What was I doing there (as an Exhibitor)

Kyndryl is a leader and is the newest name in the System Integration world, but not the smallest. We are the largest start-up in the technology domain. We are a leader in Networking (System Integrator) and leading the deployment of private 5G in the industry. Edge Computing is evolving field which spans Cloud technologies at Enterprise facilities and needs networking integration with enterprise networking and last meters connectivity & towards the Data Center/Cloud.

At HANNOVER MESSE 2023, Kyndryl showcased the “Predictive Maintenance at Far Edge” demo co-developed with VMware and Bucknell University. The use of AI for the prediction with an application developed with Cloud Native using edge computing to keep wind turbines safe and operational. As renewable energy production centers are becoming remote and spread, Edge computing-based decision-making using AI/ML using microservice architecture for Predictive maintenance will become critical for operational efficiency, reducing electro-mechanical failures, safe work environment for employees, and access control to the facility. The Edge Computing platform will become the secure IT-OT integration layer.

Check the VMWare blog for more details

VMware, Kyndryl, Bucknell University Show Smart Wind Turbine Predictive Maintenance at Hannover…

More will be coming on this soon…

What did I notice at HM-2023:

1. Efficiency: It is all about the final “number” (not dollars, Euro too :) ). Automation, which includes Industry 4.0 (I4), robotics, IT-OT integration, p5G and IoT/IIoT was the focus of exhibitors and visitors. The show was about, “Going to Basics” instead of showing the Hyped Terms, flying drones (there were drones, but more focused on targeting industrial use cases) or dancing robots (though there were robotics arms everywhere).
2. Visualization: This was the hidden theme of the show. Industry (Production/manufacturing) is different from the consumer and IT world. Here the operator on the shop floor is the targeted consumer. HMI (Human Machine Interface) plays a big role in the efficient system. IT industry is finally finding the path to integrate their system value proposition embedded in the HMIs.
3. SMB (Small, Medium size Business): The fruits of digital transformation and digitization have finally started getting picked by Small and Medium size industries. The solution targeting asset management within a small workshop of the small-scale industry, GPS based solution targeting the movement of goods by small units, and a query by the carpenter shop owner to use Computer Vision for the product defect (to Kyndryl ;) ), are a few examples among 100s of exhibitors showing their innovative solutions.
4. Noteworthy Mention, Hydrogen (H2): One hall was all about the Hydrogen based energy ecosystem. The focus was on what we call “Green Hydrogen” (As the energy is needed to generate Hydrogen, it is provided from a Green source esp. targeting wind energy in Europe).

These are taken as ubiquitous, though not advertised:

1. AI/ML: The monetization of AI/ML concepts will be a challenge. The hype around ChatGPT might be creating more confusion in Industry. I will be writing about this more in the future.
2. Security: There was no buzzword related to Security but “Security by Design” as well as “Security by Default” were expected to be an integral part of any offer.

And what was not there (and not missed too):

1. Anything related to Web3/3.0: There is a disconnect between IT Hype cycle and Industry/OT world. The Internet is full of use cases and there are numerous books you can find on transformational technologies which are going to change manufacturing, Industry, trade, and physical assets. Unless these concepts are showing value enhancement to business processes, there are not many takers yet.
2. Blockchain was just another word in the feature list if it was. It was surprising to me, I was thinking Blockchain to be a more integral part of security and asset management. Either it has become mainstream or a feature that is not showing monetization potential is short term.
3. Metaverse: Some companies were calling VR/AR-based digital-twin as Industrial Metaverse, but the focus was on Digital Twin. You could have seen “Metaverse for Industry” in a few places. I will say, the industry is finding the “Metaverse” niche in “Machine-2-Human” interaction.

I will be writing more on these topics in the future. I am seeing the clear trend of a few technologies becoming part of the infrastructure stack in the future. We are moving towards a new ecosystem for the efficient, intelligent, agile, and safe manufacturing place of the 21st Century.