German Technology Day makes the digital connection

Smart condition monitoring.
PHOTO: RITTAL

A virtual exhibit hall allowed for attendees to visit each company’s virtual booth and speak with representatives

The inaugural German Technology Day was held in Kitchener and Mississauga, Ont. as an in person event in 2019, but as with many shows and conferences this year, live attendance is a no-go this year, so the 2020 version was virtual.

The German Technology Day Digital Online Trade Show incorporated many aspects that made the 2019 show successful. It began with an introductory session that introduced attendees to each of the hosting companies and what they do. Companies involved were: Rittal Canada, Murrelektronik, Bosch Rexroth, Pilz Canada, EPLAN Canada and WAGO Canada Inc.

“Rittal was pleased with the outcome of the second German Technology Day Virtual Fair 2020, with the theme of ‘Collaboration and Connectivity.’ Our digital platform attracted almost 500 registrants, and truly enabled us to convey to the audience just how connected we are: from our IoT solutions to the integration with other partners in the industry,” said Tim Rourke, president, Rittal Systems Ltd. “Given the success of our second GTD, we hope to continue to enhance the event in the years to come, making it even more inclusive and keeping up with the latest trends in the manufacturing and electrical industry.”

A lobby was the home base for the event, from here attendees could visit all the aspects that were available. A virtual exhibit hall allowed for attendees to visit each company’s virtual booth, and speak with representatives, visit microsites, download PDF material, connect to their social media accounts, and watch videos.

Additionally, a media room had links to participating media; a virtual contest, allowed attendees to answer questions for a chance at a prize; and a chat function allowed attendees to communicate with each other during the event.

The main part of the event took place in the Auditorium. EPLAN Canada’s  president, Roland Younk, opened the individual company sessions by speaking about “Connected Manufacturing: Design to Delivery.” Production 4.0 was discussed, how to reduce production time, as well as how to handle machining, assembly, and wire processing, automatically in a digital environment.

Next up was Andre Bousette, Regional Director – Eastern Canada, Rittal, who spoke about the “Connected World of Rittal: From IT to Industry.” The presentation focused on IT, and showed how automated solutions are created by having IIoT applications and software working together.

Dave Hinder, product manager for Electric Drives and Controls, Bosch Rexroth discussed, “The ‘Smart Phone’ of Automation.” Hinder spoke about the Bosch Rexroth’s new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform.

Colin Cartwright, system sales manager, Murrelektronik, presented “Connectivity and Collaboration Simplified.” He spoke about the benefits of collaborating with the company, as well as providing an example of how connectivity and collaboration strategies can help OEMs and machine builders.

Jon Pysanczyn, senior technical sales manager, PILZ explained, “Machinery Safety and Industrial Security in a Connected Automation World.” Pysanczyn spoke about door interlocks specifically, and industrial security generally.

Tyrone Visser, regional sales manager, WAGO Canada spoke to “Demystifying IIoT for Manufacturing.” Here Visser looked at what Industry 4.0 and IIoT is, why IIoT, which innovations make IIoT feasible, how to use IIoT, how to develop and deplot IIoT, and a WAGO IIoT example.

Mario Cywinski is the editor of Machinery and Equipment MRO magazine and Food and Beverage magazine and a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.