Digital beverage production with modular automation

At Hannover Messe 2026, held from April 20 to 24 in Hanover, GEA Group and Siemens demonstrate a fully digital production workflow for beverage processing. The showcase features an end-to-end, digitally animated production line illustrating how machine connectivity, system architecture, and AI-based analytics interact across the value chain—from raw material handling to filling.

End-to-end digitalization of beverage processes
The demonstrated production line is based on real industrial applications and reflects typical process steps used in manufacturing products such as cold brew coffee, functional beverages, and protein-enriched drinks. The system architecture integrates processing modules into a unified digital supply chain, enabling continuous data exchange and coordinated process control.

GEA presents its process technologies as “digital natives,” designed for integration into connected environments. This approach supports improvements in equipment availability, throughput, and resource efficiency across the entire production system.

Connected separator as part of a digital ecosystem
As part of the exhibit, GEA showcases the GSX 260 beverage separator in a skid-mounted configuration. The unit is integrated into the GEA Cloud, which functions as a central data infrastructure connecting machines via edge gateways. Operational data are processed and made accessible through digital applications.

Users can access system information via web-based interfaces, including performance analytics, energy monitoring, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance tools. The separator configuration also incorporates a water-saving unit designed to reduce fresh water consumption while maintaining process performance.

AI-supported process optimization
The solution includes AI-based assistance systems such as GEA InsightPartner, which analyze operational data to generate optimization recommendations, detect patterns, and provide predictive insights. KPI dashboards offer visibility into plant availability, energy usage, and process efficiency, supporting benchmarking and continuous improvement.

These capabilities enable operators to make data-driven decisions and improve process stability in complex production environments.

Open standards for modular automation
The collaboration is based on open industrial standards such as OPC UA and Module Type Package (MTP), which support vendor-independent integration of process modules. MTP enables standardized descriptions of module functionality, simplifying engineering and reducing integration effort.

This modular approach allows production systems to scale more efficiently, adapt to changing requirements, and support flexible plant configurations across multiple process industries.




Simulation and virtual engineering
Using digital engineering tools such as Siemens’ SIMIT simulation platform and the TIA Portal, the companies demonstrate how production systems can be tested virtually prior to physical deployment. This digital twin-based approach reduces development time, minimizes commissioning risks, and improves implementation reliability.

Demonstration and technical presentation
The integrated solution is presented at the Siemens booth (Hall 27, Booth A48) during Hannover Messe 2026. Additional insights into standardized machine integration and modular automation are provided in a technical session titled “From standardized CPG to standardized everything – powered by GEA & Siemens,” scheduled for April 22, 2026.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.gea.com