Normally at this time of year we talk a lot about trade shows. We go to manufacturing and engineering events because that's where technology-oriented companies often unveil their innovations. Like many of you, we want to see that technology in person, talk to the experts who created it and better understand how it fits into the overall manufacturing and engineering landscape. One of our most important missions is learning about that information and sharing it with all of you.

The American Gear Manufacturers Association has evolved its trade show. What was formerly Gear Expo is now the Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo), an event intended to represent the entire motion and power transmission supply chain. As part of the expansion of the show’s scope, AGMA has partnered with the NFPA (National Fluid Power Association) to include a fluid power pavilion and additional educational sessions.

Manufacturing Integration and Industrial Intelligence Take Center Stage in Germany

The theme of this issue is integration. Mechanical components are being developed with embedded sensors. The components are talking to each other, sending information to the cloud and producing terabytes of big data to help manufacturers better understand their processes, predict problems and control costs.

The season of harvest is upon us. And I don't mean crops, although here in the U.S. Midwest, there's plenty of that going on, too. No, what I mean is knowledge, because in addition to being the end of the growing season, the transition between summer and fall also marks the busiest time of year when it comes to trade shows, conferences and industry gatherings.

Hannover Messe always promises to be one of the landmark trade shows of the year. Their massive attendance numbers are no secret. In 2015, they saw 6,500 exhibitors and 220,000 trade visitors, and they boast that 68 percent of their visitors are decision makers. In recent years, the show has built a tradition showcasing the latest Industry 4.0 advances and technology, and this year continues that tradition. The theme, Integrated Industry -