Phoenix Contact to showcase smart automation solutions for the industry of the future

(See Phoenix Contact at MachineBuilding.Live, 14 October 2026, on stand 87)

The central element of the trade show booth will be a conveyor belt application. Its role is to transport water bottles on workpiece carriers so that the bottles can be filled immediately with water. The conveyor belt is automated using Phoenix Contact's entire product portfolio for control cabinet and field installations. For the field level in particular, there are numerous new products, including power supplies, device protection, and motor starters with IO-Link interfaces.

The technology section of the trade show booth will focus on the open PLCnext Technology automation platform. Virtual PLCnext Control is the ideal software-based solution for any operators wanting to decouple automation functions from the hardware. It can run on existing industrial PCs, edge devices, and server infrastructure. Security routers provide comprehensive protection for machines and systems in accordance with the CRA and the Machinery Regulation.

In addition, all products will be made available in a CRA-ready format by the deadline. Industrial AI is integrated throughout the entire value chain - from planning and commissioning using the PLCnext Engineer engineering tool, through operation with the MLnext software package, and maintenance with diagnostic capabilities via the MCP interface.

Furthermore, Phoenix Contact is the ideal partner for control cabinet building, taking a holistic approach to the entire process and providing comprehensive support. From engineering through to final assembly, our experts provide support throughout the entire process. These solutions connect engineering, procurement, assembly, marking, wire preparation, and wiring to form a single, end-to-end process. This results in streamlined processes, optimised interfaces, and greater efficiency throughout the value chain.

Alongside the technologies on display, Phoenix Contact will be providing guided tours of its booth at SPS 2026. Participants will gain in-depth insights into selected technologies, practical applications, and future concepts. An informative stage program will highlight a range of subjects including AI, virtualisation, cybersecurity (featuring a live hacking demonstration), Power Reliability, and Push-X technology. And, naturally, the experts at Phoenix Contact are looking forward to one-on-one discussions regarding the current challenges and opportunities facing the industry of tomorrow.