As we start 2023, the Power & Motion team is already looking ahead to what the year will have in store. In addition to our usual content coverage, this year we'll be focusing on three key industry trends impacting design for the fluid power and motion control industries:
- digitalization
- electrification
- automation.
While none of them are new, their implementation continues to increase, bringing about changes to hydraulic, pneumatic and other system designs. In a white paper from the organizers of IFPE, several fluid power companies outlined how digitalization and electrification are entering the industry and the efficiency gains — among other benefits — which can be achieved.
Speaking of IFPE...that show will be a huge area of content focus for Power & Motion as well, particularly in the first part of the year. Held once every 3 years, the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) brings together the latest technology developments in the fluid power, power transmission and motion control industries.
It will provide the opportunity to see what trends are impacting the industry today and the solutions now available to meet them. And being co-located with CONEXPO-CON/AGG, one of the largest construction industry trade shows, will provide the opportunity to see what new designs are entering the construction equipment market — one of the largest users of fluid power systems, particularly hydraulics.
Our coverage of the show has already begun, and will continue up to, during and after IFPE as there will sure to be numerous technologies to cover. Starting in February we'll have a page of our website dedicated to all content related to the show, and IFPE specific newsletters throughout the week of the show — so be sure you're subscribed and stay on top of the latest show news.
What else lies ahead in 2023?
In 2023, we are anticipating a full return to the trade show and conference circuit. After a complete halt in 2020, there has been a slow return to in-person events. This past year was the busiest it has been over the past 2 years, and 2023 is looking to be even busier in terms of coverage and attendance.
In-person events have, thankfully, not gone to the wayside as many predicted. There is still a great deal of value placed on face-to-face interactions and seeing technologies firsthand. And now, especially after the cancelation and postponement of many events over the past 2 years, it seems people are more eager than ever to get out into the industry and make up for lost time.
While Zoom and other digital platforms have helped us all stay connected and meet virtually, it's never quite the same meeting in person or just wandering a trade show floor to see if there are technologies or companies with which you may not have otherwise become familiar. There will of course still be a place for virtual events as they make it easier for the sharing of industry knowledge without the travel time and costs associated with in-person events.
I have definitely seen a greater mix of virtual and in-person events which I think will be the case going forward, offering many of us in the industry more flexibility in how we interact and learn.
There are several events we'll be watching this year. First off will be CES (aka Consumer Electronics Show), a major technology show which takes over Las Vegas every January. The show has moved well beyond a focus on consumer electronics to now highlight a range of advanced technologies and industries. At the 2022 event, John Deere's agriculture business unveiled its fully autonomous 8R Tractor while Bobcat introduced its all-electric compact track loader developed in collaboration with Moog.
Watch our video interviews with John Deere and Moog to learn more about their CES introductions.
John Deere Autonomous Tractor Benefits from Deep Learning and Computer Vision
John Deere is expected to make another big announcement at CES 2023 which we'll be sure to share along with other CES news as applicable.
As noted, IFPE will be a big area of focus for us in 2023 and likely the biggest show our team will attend this year. We are looking forward to seeing what all the show will have to offer and hope our readers stop by our booth, SL80130 (just outside the entrance to IFPE, South Hall 3) to visit us as well or pick up a copy of our latest issue.
Another big show we've heard from the industry will be important to watch in 2023 is Agritechnica, the largest agricultural industry event which is held every 2 years. Like construction, agriculture equipment is a key market segment for the fluid power industry so it will be vital to see what technologies and equipment will be highlighted.
Additional events we'll be monitoring and/or attending throughout the year due to the importance they have to our industry include:
- The Work Truck Show
- Hannover Messe
- PACK EXPO
- The Battery Show
- The Utility Expo
- Motion + Power Technology Expo and several more.
We want to hear from you!
What trends are you watching in 2023? How do you see the fluid power and motion control industries advancing in the coming year? What trade shows or other events are you most looking forward to?
Let us know! Email me at [email protected] or reach out to us on social media.
Twitter: @TechnlgyEditor or @PowerMotionTech
LinkedIn: @PowerMotionTech
