BARCELONA – The nexus of industrial digitalization and robust cybersecurity will take center stage in Barcelona next week, as the city hosts the IOT Solutions World Congress (IOTSWC) and the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress.
Scheduled from May 13 to 15 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via Venue, these co-located events aim to navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving technological landscape impacting industries worldwide.
Under the unified theme “Connected to the next level,” the events are set to draw a significant international audience and feature 257 exhibitors and a hundred experts.
Strong international presence
The ninth edition of IOTSWC positions itself as “the main global event in the transformation of industry through the use of disruptive technologies.” It will showcase “the latest news, developments, and innovations in the market to help accelerate the digital transformation of the industrial sector.”
The event boasts a substantial international presence, with 65% of exhibitors hailing from abroad, including prominent representation from countries such as China, Germany, the United States, and France.
Attendees can expect to see leading companies like AG Solution, Avanci, Edge Impulse, Emnify, STMicroelectronics, LoRa Alliance, and Orange presenting solutions designed to hasten digital transformation, particularly emphasizing Generative Artificial Intelligence.
During a recent interview with EETimes, IOTSWC director, Roger Bou, acknowledged that while U.S.-based companies are fewer this year, due to the current trade environment, the number of enterprises from Asia has significantly increased, especially from China.
Reflecting on the event’s scope, Bou stated, “the IoT Solutions World Congress just hit its 10-year mark and brings together tech companies from all corners of the world. It’s all about helping industries get on board with digital tech for today’s connected world.”
Bou also mentioned the importance of semiconductor chip manufacturers, which are crucial for industrial IoT growth and cybersecurity.
AI takes center stage
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a dominant theme across the congress agenda. Sessions will explore the implementation of AIoT, which enables IoT devices to gain autonomy in data analysis, prediction, and decision-making.
Experts will discuss how AI can drive economic returns, optimize processes for sustainability, contribute to energy transition, and address Europe’s competitive standing in the global AI landscape. The agenda also touches upon the European Union’s significant investment initiative to foster AI development through infrastructure like data centers and AI factories, seeking to compete with technological advancements in the United States and Asia.
Specific sessions delve into practical AI applications, such as using AI for cyber defense, transforming manufacturing shop floor intelligence with Large Language Models (LLMs), and the security issues surrounding Generative AI.
Extending the culture of protection
The sixth edition of the Barcelona