OT Security and Smarter Production Take Centre Stage at Scanautomatic and ProcessTeknik

This year’s Scanautomatic and ProcessTeknik were marked by cautious optimism and a clear focus on industrial transformation. With approximately 220 exhibitors and visitor numbers increasing for the second consecutive edition, the exhibitions recorded modest but steady growth, reinforcing their position as the Nordic region’s leading meeting place for industry.

While the automation industry continues to face challenges in markets such as Germany and France, the outlook in Sweden is more positive. The process industry remains stable, with an ongoing need for solutions that improve production efficiency and strengthen competitiveness, creating opportunities for exhibitors.

This was evident at Scanautomatic and ProcessTeknik, where three days were filled with meetings, knowledge sharing and discussions about future plans, according to Stefan Engelbrektsson, Business Manager for the two exhibitions.

“After several challenging years, we are beginning to see signs of improvement. Companies remain cautious, but conversations are increasingly focused on the next steps: how to develop production, increase productivity and ensure investments deliver tangible benefits. It is a gradual recovery, but an important signal,” he says.

Strong Visitor Turnout

The exhibitions attracted a total of 7,494 visitors. Including exhibitors and partners, 11,646 industry professionals gathered over the three days. As in previous editions, Wednesday was the busiest day. Tuesday also recorded higher visitor numbers than in previous years.

Ahlsell, exhibiting for the first time, confirmed that the exhibitions attracted the right audience.

“The visitors have a very high level of technical expertise. When it comes to our lead generation targets, we have focused on quality rather than quantity, and we are on track to meet our target for qualified leads,” says Magnus Thulin Manderhjelm, Head of Industrial Sales at Ahlsell.

Highlights on the exhibition floor included ABB’s robotic dog, while the humanoid robots Carl from CALK and Glenn from AI Robotics attracted attention throughout all three days. The two humanoid robots even stepped in to deliver the opening address when the ministers were unable to attend.

At Scanautomatic, exhibitors focused on automation, robotics, AI and digitalisation, technologies that can help increase productivity and strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Solutions Tailored to Industry Needs

Schneider Electric was among the exhibitors at Scanautomatic. For the company, conversations with visitors centred on understanding customers’ challenges.

“For us, it starts with the customer’s needs and challenges, not individual products. By understanding what the customer wants to achieve, we can work together to identify the right solution and create real value for their business,” says Karolin Henningsson, Head of Nordic Baltic Marketing & Commercial Excellence at Schneider Electric.

At ProcessTeknik, visitors explored the latest developments in energy efficiency, pumps and measurement technology. WIKA Sweden was among the exhibitors.

“The response has been extremely positive. We are here to demonstrate the breadth of our product range, and we have generated a large number of leads, exceeding our expectations,” says Anton Hagström, Sales Manager at WIKA Sweden.

Jerker Svensson, Technical Manager at Södra ekonomiska förening, attended to explore automation solutions and follow developments in robotic applications at sawmills.

“Where is technology heading, and how are others approaching it? You leave with new ideas to take back to your own organisation. The exhibition is well organised, with strong exhibitors and relevant suppliers,” says Jerker Svensson.

Strong Interest in Conference and Seminar Programme

The exhibitions also featured OT Security Day and a seminar programme focusing on industrial development.

“Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important issue for industry, particularly when it comes to protecting connected production systems and operational technology (OT) environments. At the same time, companies must prepare for new and upcoming regulations, including the new EU Machinery Regulation. The interest in OT Security Day demonstrates how high this issue is on the industry’s agenda. The conference attracted 155 participants,” says Stefan Engelbrektsson.

The Industry Stage (Industriscenen) became a central meeting point throughout the three days, addressing issues shaping the future of industry, from cybersecurity and new regulations to automation, AI and smarter production.

“An exhibition must deliver tangible value for its exhibitors. Our role is to bring together the right visitors and create opportunities for relevant meetings and qualified leads. It is about quality over quantity. Face-to-face meetings make it possible to understand customers’ needs, build trust and move business discussions forward. This is something we will continue to develop ahead of 2028,” says Stefan Engelbrektsson.

The next editions of Scanautomatic and ProcessTeknik will take place on 24–26 October 2028.