At the Hannover Messe exhibition held from 20 to 24 April, Schneider Electric presented how electrification, open software-defined automation and industrial artificial intelligence can be combined to improve industrial competitiveness. The company, together with partners AVEVA, ETAP and ProLeiT, staged demonstrations across five locations to show practical applications of these technologies.
Why this matters now
Industrial operators face rising energy costs, aging assets and a shortage of skilled personnel. Schneider Electric argues that modernizing electrical systems, separating hardware and software, and integrating AI enable cost reductions, lower downtime and improved energy efficiency.
Key solutions showcased
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Foxboro SDA: Presented in Europe for the first time, the world’s first open, software-defined distributed control system (DCS). The solution pairs Foxboro reliability with the open architecture of EcoStruxure Automation Expert; separating hardware and software is intended to speed modernization, simplify AI integration and increase availability.
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Intelligent drive portfolio: Products including ATV6100, Altivar APM, Altivar Predict, Altivar Solar and HVAC systems enhanced with EcoCare provide advanced motor control and predictive analytics to minimize downtime and optimize energy use in industrial and infrastructure settings.
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EcoStruxure Foresight: A new AI-based building operations platform that integrates energy, power and building management into a single system. The platform offers real-time data handling, predictive maintenance and OT cybersecurity while reducing supplier complexity.
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Modicon M590 dPAC with EcoStruxure Automation Expert: A compact software-defined automation solution combining PLC-like control, redundant operation and edge networking capabilities. It features dual-core processing, conformal coating and a wide operating temperature range for stable industrial operation.
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SCADAPack 470d and 474d: Smart RTU solutions that make the EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform available for remote operations, combining RTU functions, PLC-like control and Linux-based edge computing.
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SF₆-free AirSeT medium-voltage technology: Replaces SF₆ gas with clean air to provide a more sustainable and safer medium-voltage switchgear, and supports condition-based maintenance.
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TeSys Tera PROFINET: Monitors key motor operating parameters in real time, such as current, voltage and energy efficiency, and feeds data directly into automation systems to support faster, more accurate decisions.
System-level approaches and partnerships
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Intelligent power distribution: An ETAP digital twin covers the full power distribution infrastructure—from medium-voltage equipment to UPS systems—capable of modeling responses to outages in real time and supporting maintenance processes.
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Integrated energy and process management: The digital-twin-based solution supports asset lifecycles from design to energy-efficient operation. Schneider Electric states the approach can deliver up to 20% cost reductions and a 10% improvement in energy efficiency, while significantly reducing unplanned downtime.
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AVEVA integration: AVEVA PI System, Asset Information Management and CONNECT platforms combine OT, engineering and IT data into a single industrial database, enabling AI, machine learning and advanced analytics.
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Digital twin and cybersecurity for baggage handling: The showcased solution provides virtual commissioning and real-time tracking on a single platform, supports compliance with IATA 753 and offers comprehensive OT cybersecurity and transparency.
Customer-facing services
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Intelligent building climate control: Presence-based airflow regulation implemented with EcoStruxure Automation Expert can reduce HVAC energy consumption by up to 30% in airports and large public buildings.
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SE Advisory Services: Schneider Electric’s consulting services, based on experience from its own smart factories, focus on operational efficiency, asset management, data connectivity, cybersecurity and sustainability. OT cybersecurity simulations demonstrate the consequences of unmanaged risks and options for mitigation.
Executive comment
Gwenaelle Huet, Executive Vice President responsible for Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, said that while the industry has long discussed transformation, the solutions shown at the 2026 Hannover Messe represent tangible results that customers are already benefiting from. She emphasized that aligning electrification, open software-driven automation and AI addresses current challenges and redefines what industrial operations can achieve.
Conclusion
The portfolio presented at Hannover Messe aims to use digitalization, digital twins, edge computing and integrated data management to reduce energy costs, increase uptime and simplify operations. Schneider Electric and its partners demonstrated practical technologies to help industry tackle aging infrastructure and workforce shortages.
