Hannover Messe 2018 : Day 1 (Some interviews, the realities of being a digital nomad and our exhibitor challenges)

One never stops learning. Our educational snippets for yesterday (Monday 23rd) included…

  1. Never believe the internet speeds publicised
  2. Don’t believe that even if there is (any speed of) internet available, you can connect to it
  3. Don’t record videos in HD
  4. Carry as little as possible if you think you’ll have to walk the aisles at a big show
  5. Weather prediction is as random as ever

That being said, a fascinating first day at the Hannover Messe 2018. My friend Diego Tamburini and I took turns to interview some exhibitors in Hall 7. Hall 7, for those not in the know, is one of those showcasing the ‘Digital Factory’. In total there are 27 halls….. We’ll most likely be spending the majority of our time speaking and investigating those with Digital intent, halls 6 to 8, 2 and 9 to 22 . That is unless you, the readership, suggest otherwise?

As I pen this post, the remaining videos are uploading (apparently at ISDN pace). I’ll add them to our very brief verbiage as and when they make it online. Apologies if you’re frustrated on not being able to watch all immediately. No more frustrated that I am, believe you me…

To add an element of spice, we’ve thought of a couple of challenges for show (digitally biased) vendors. Firstly Diego wants to see examples of AI and Machine Learning at (or close to) the Edge. For my part, I want to hear descriptions (and see examples of) BlockChain that’s understandable by mere mortals. There’s so much waffle on the topic, so many smart people that’re unable to decode for the common person, that I feel it’s only fair to bring vendors (especially) to task on the topic.

You may, or may not have seen our opening tweet and video. that can be found here.  BTW make sure to follow us via  #allananddiego or via our twitter handles, @allanbehrens @diegotamburini

  • I spoke to Masaki Tokunaga from the EDGECROSS Consortium on their standardisation efforts, product and OEM inititiatives.
  • Diego and I spent a few minutes with the ASTI Automation team which was on the Romanian country stand. They’ve some interesting products to educate and inform in areas of (connected) automation.
  • I spoke to Sharon Van Beek from the electric car company e.Go. A passenger and goods vehicle that spans driver-based electric to autonomous (when it’s allowed) modes.
  • Diego spoke to Mike Pantaleano, from ESAB, about their IIoT/IoT connected welding equipment. Fascinating!
  • I spent time reviewing IBM’s stand. A theme of four focae with some excellent partner stories. These centred on things Watson IoT. I spoke with Christopher Daerr from IBM on what they wanted customers to takeaway from the sand.
  • And to Vincent Campfens from the Port or Rotterdam, on their application of WatsonIoT to embed, capture and present knowledge on things port and shipping.
  • I spoke to Marcus Woehl, from the German software house VIDEC, specialists in automation technologies. They’re looking to branch out of Germany to new geographies, including the UK.
  • Diego and I were on the SAP stand. Their focus is on the Digital Twin, and Martina Weidner did a good job in explaining their show focae.
  • Also, we’re delighted that Christine Gerd (SAP) has responded to the Blockchain challenge… her video is insightful. A great effort!
  • On then to the Fujitsu stand. Fujitsu have interesting solutions, not just in areas of automation and insight, but in vision (and quality) systems. We discuss their stand with Manfred Braun.
  • And move on to look at AI and machine learning for 3D shape
  • and vision systems with Fujitsu’s Grant Kinchin.

That’s it for now – sorry it’s taking so long to get the videos online. Will be better tomorrow hopefully!