One week from now, Control 2017 will open in Stuttgart, Germany, and is expected to break records with more than 900 exhibitors from 30 countries occupying 565 000 square feet of exhibition space with the latest technologies. Control is the world’s leading trade fair for quality assurance and having been involved in this event for several years now, I have to admit that I’m always impressed by the rate of technology development year on year.
Control continues to explore at how quality makes the difference, and this year I’m excited to say we have a new demonstration lined up that will truly speak to this theme. The Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence stand will feature a closed-loop manufacturing cell that shows how our CAD/CAM, machine tool probing, shop-floor metrology and statisticalprocess control (SPC) solutions can integrate with machine tools and robotic part-handling systems to create an automated feedback loop. The system showcases the power of connected data by embedding quality directly into the productionprocess, and it’s a concept that I believe the smart factories of tomorrow will be using as standard. The cell is a fascinating technology implementation and a real demonstration of how manufacturing intelligence can be used to driveproductivity in a production environment.
The smart manufacturing theme runs across the booth this year, particularly in the software field where you’ll be able to see a huge amount of smart quality, CAD/CAM and SPC software, as well as new additions in the field of CAE and simulation following our recent acquisition of MSC Software. And of course, there’s always the chance to test cutting-edge metrology hardware as well, with our innovative Composite Inspection System for carbon-fibre measurement and the recently updated Leitz Reference range among the many systems on show. There will also be a few surprises in store – our new Innovation Area is the place to come for the latest news and technology announcements.
Control 2017 runs from 9-12 May, so make sure you have your entrance ticket and be sure to visit the Hexagon booth – Hall 5, Stand 5400 / 5302 / 5202 / 5200. See you there!
