The event brings together a unique combination of technological depth and cross-sector diversity – and it is precisely this dynamic that constitutes its key success factor. Anyone wanting to know how measurement data is shaping the future cannot miss SENSOR+TEST.
Under the motto "Welcome to the Dialogue of Innovation," the international sensor and measurement technology sector gathered in Nuremberg from June 9 to 11. For three days, the focus was on innovations, expert discussions, and direct exchange between industry, research, and development.
317 exhibitors from 25 countries, 4,351 trade visitors, 251 conference participants, and a total of approximately 7,000 attendees took advantage of these three days to discuss current advancements, industrial applications, and future technological trends.
Exhibitors presented solutions illustrating the increasing convergence of sensor technology, data processing, software, and artificial intelligence in integrated industrial systems.
SENSOR+TEST is considered the central platform for sensor, measurement, and testing technology, offering visitors not only an overview of the technologies but also in-depth knowledge of their operation, future development, and industrial implementation. At the same time, it covers almost all relevant application areas, from automotive, mechanical engineering, and industrial automation to aerospace, energy, medical technology, and rail. This combination of technological depth and broad industry coverage makes the trade fair unique on the international stage.
Elena Schultz, Managing Director of AMA Service GmbH, drew a positive conclusion: “SENSOR+TEST 2026 impressively demonstrated the extent to which our industry is contributing to shaping technological change. The intense professional exchange, which goes far beyond individual products and allows for a genuine understanding of the system, was particularly important.”
Exhibitors also highlighted the high quality of the discussions. Attention was focused especially on systems integration, data quality, and AI-based applications. Visitors came with specific questions and used the trade fair specifically to address complex technical challenges.
Technological convergence is shaping the sector.
A central theme of SENSOR+TEST 2026 was the growing convergence between sensor technology, data processing, software, and artificial intelligence. Sensors are evolving from mere measurement transducers into intelligent system components within interconnected industrial architectures.
The focus was on applications in predictive maintenance, smart manufacturing, robotics, autonomous systems, and data-driven quality control. It became clear that the decisive factor for success lies not only in the sensor technology itself, but also in the quality, structure, and availability of the data. Calibration, traceability, synchronization, and multi-sensor fusion gained greater importance as the foundation for robust, industrial AI applications. "We are not currently witnessing isolated technological advances, but rather a phase of technological convergence. The future of industry will not be determined solely by algorithms, but by the quality and availability of the underlying data," summarizes Elena Schultz.
The forum as a platform for knowledge transfer:
A comprehensive conference program accompanied the trade fair over the three days. The open forum of experts offered a concise overview of new technologies, practical applications, and current research findings.
The program was complemented by thematic areas such as condition monitoring and calibration, which specifically fostered exchange among developers, users, and academia. The sessions were well-attended and highlighted the need for guidance in an increasingly complex technological field.
The expert forum "AI-Assisted Measurement and Sensor Technology: Intelligent Systems Between Innovation, Responsibility, and Practice," which placed industrial AI in the context of industrial applications, received special attention. "The warm reception demonstrates that the need for informed exchange and in-depth technical knowledge continues to grow," explains Elena Schultz.
Science and Industry in Direct Dialogue:
The SENSOR+TEST trade fair was accompanied by the 23rd ITG/GMA Symposium on Sensors and Measurement Systems and the European Testing and Telemetry Conference (ETTC). Both events perfectly complemented the trade fair and facilitated an intensive exchange between research, development, and industrial practice. Topics ranged from modern sensor and measurement systems to telemetry, IoT, and edge computing, as well as AI and complex system architectures. The direct transfer of scientific findings to industrial applications proved particularly valuable. "It is precisely the combination of scientific depth and industrial application that defines the special character of SENSOR+TEST," says Elena Schultz.
Networking, dialogue, and new perspectives–
In addition to the technological content, personal interaction also played a key role in 2026. The trade fair offered numerous opportunities to network, collaborate, and forge new partnerships for projects. “The newly created networking platform, in particular, made a positive contribution,” says Elena Schultz.
SENSOR+TEST thus proved, once again, to be a meeting point where not only are products presented, but technologies are understood in depth and interconnected in all their breadth. “Thanks to the many new contacts we made, our participation in the trade fair was a success in generating new projects,” noted Elena Schultz. The exhibitors also confirm this.
2027: Sensor technology as a key factor in industrial transformation
SENSOR+TEST 2026 once again highlighted that sensor and measurement technology is among the key drivers of industrial transformation. The sector is increasingly moving from individual technologies to integrated, data-driven systems.
“The more complex the technologies become, the more important it is to have spaces where they can be contextualized and further developed collaboratively. SENSOR+TEST is precisely one of those places,” summarizes Elena Schultz.
The next edition of SENSOR+TEST will take place from May 11 to 13, 2027, in Nuremberg. Preparations are already underway to further strengthen the International Dialogue on Innovation and to bring the trade fair's technological depth back to life.
The successful series of side conferences will also continue. At SMSI 2027—the International Conference on Sensor and Measurement Science—national and international experts from research, science, industry, and government institutions will gather for the third time to present their latest research findings and exchange ideas and future trends. “With a robust program of lectures and presentations, the event will offer a glimpse into the future of our technology. SMSI 2027 not only provides an excellent platform for sharing the latest research results but also features top-level lectures, poster sessions, and a Science Slam,” says Conference Chair Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schmid (TU Wien), who is already looking forward to next year’s edition.
SENSOR+TEST continues in a digital format.
Even after the trade fair, SENSOR+TEST continues its communication initiatives. Content, innovations, and technological trends remain available through the event's digital channels, such as the website, newsletter, and social media, allowing for continued professional dialogue beyond the fair dates.
