How? Consistently digitalised processes and intelligent interplay of software, hardware, and automation. Electrical engineers can learn specifically what this looks like in practice by visiting the companies’ booth. Highlights include AI use cases, such as the Eplan Copilot and Automated 3D Design, new approaches using the Asset Administration Shell for Product Change Notification (PCN) and the Eplan Platform 2026.
Automation and hardware innovations include the new Rittal Automation Systems Wire Handling System and further Rittal Blue e+ chiller developments.
Panel builders and switchgear manufacturers need to constantly develop technologically if they are to future-proof themselves. Complex designing processes need to be simplified and accelerated – and process steps now also need to be made AI-ready. “The massive opportunities that we can see in future with the help of AI are the reason why electrical engineering companies really need to accelerate digitalisation now,” explains Uwe Scharf, Rittal Managing Director Distribution Germany. After all, consistently digital workflows from designing to manufacturing and service are not yet standard with many electrical engineering companies. “Only companies that digitalise their processes correctly will be able to automate more efficiently in future and take advantage of new technologies, such as AI,” Scharf continues. Properly selected, even small-scale digitalisation steps can produce immediate benefits.
AI-ready: a focus on customer benefits
Eplan and Rittal are demonstrating what will be feasible with AI in electrical engineering in future with a series of different engineering use cases – whether the Eplan Copilot, agent concepts, Automated 3D design, and more. Eplan is pursuing a clear goal: “We want to use AI precisely where it supports designers and makes them more efficient in the engineering process. Our aim is to develop tailor-made solutions that take customers’ processes to the next level,” explains Sebastian Seitz, CEO of Eplan. “We are aiming for maximum and lasting benefits. For this reason, we are focussing on generating real added value for our users using AI.”
AI-ready: database needs to be right
First-class data is the foundation of all automation processes and the use of AI. New approaches using the Asset Administration Shell (administrative shell) and the eCLASS standard will be presented and discussed at SPS. Eplan is also creating totally new perspectives for the change management of products with its Product Change Notification (PCN) solutions, which are of interest to both software users and component manufacturers. It will be showcasing live on an actual system how a modification of a component by a manufacturer is displayed directly in Eplan.
Software: new Eplan Platform 2026
Another highlight at SPS will be the new Eplan Platform 2026. It has evolved the company’s entire product range – with an even greater focus on customers and their requirements in the relevant market segment. Its core focus is on significantly reducing complexity. The new software portfolio makes the performance of the Eplan Platform more transparent – with numerous upgrades transforming it into a comprehensive complete solution in the specialist field of application. Different engineering disciplines can now be integrated in greater depth – to create a complete digital twin for machine or plant automation systems.
Automation: Rittal Wire Handling System
Rittal Automation Systems is improving the efficiency and agility of the “Wire Terminal WT” fully automated wire processing machine in conjunction with the “Eplan Smart Wiring” digital assistance system with its new Wire Handling System (WHS). The system, which will be available after SPS, enables wires processed at the wire terminal to be transported directly to remote workstations by means of a compressed air routing system. Eplan Smart Wiring enables even less experienced employees to handle wiring work. Now they simply request the next correct wire from their workstation at the press of a button. This rules out any risk of confusion. A major benefit of this process is that the system enables one wire terminal to serve several projects and workstations simultaneously. Eplan’s high data quality and Rittal Automation Systems solutions are also paving the way for robotic wiring in future.
Hardware: new chiller program and ex enclosure certification
The upgrade to the Blue e+ chiller will also be showcased, delivering efficient machine cooling and climate control of enclosures and server racks. Rittal now provides solutions that comply with the F-Gas Regulation for almost every application – from machinery and battery energy storage power plants to IT. New output classes of from 1.5 to 7 kW, outdoor models and a hybrid IT chiller with free cooling for particularly high energy efficiency form the core of the expansion of the range.
There are also innovations with Rittal ex enclosures: boasting UL HazLoc certification, which are now certified for an operating temperature range of from -50 to +180 degrees Celsius. They already have ATEX and IEC Ex certification for the same operating temperature range.
