Despite fewer visitors and exhibitors, there was a sense of excitement and optimism at the CeMAT show which wrapped up last week in Hannover.
Most of the manufacturers are anticipating growth, although not all markets are expected to expand at the same rate.
The upbeat messages were not just about new product, but about new opportunities in what's being called Industry 4.0 - the data-fuelled, interconnected, automated and precise approach to production and distribution which is witnessing a plethora of new solutions from new providers as well as innovations from mainstream suppliers.
We'll be reporting on the new frontiers in materials handling over the next few weeks, based on our interviews with more than 20 exhibitors at the show. This week, we kick off with an overview of CeMAT 2016, now that the dust has settled.
You can also catch up with our CeMAT experience through our blog.