OPC Foundation Press Conference at Hannover Messe Focuses on DPP, AI and LoRaWAN

At Hannover Messe on April 20, 2026, the OPC Foundation presented updates on how OPC UA is being extended for Digital Product Passports, AI-ready data models, and industrial interoperability.

The developments show how OPC UA is evolving into a framework for integrating industrial data across systems and supporting upcoming regulatory requirements.

Digital Product Passport Based on OPC UA

A key topic was the implementation of the Digital Product Passport using OPC UA. In cooperation with CEN and CENELEC JTC24, the OPC Foundation is enabling DPP solutions based on open-source OPC UA components.

The architecture aligns with emerging European standards covering unique identifiers, data carriers such as QR codes and RFID, data storage, APIs, and interoperability. These elements are being mapped to OPC UA via a dedicated companion specification currently in development.

For integrators, this provides a structured approach to connect lifecycle data from production systems to enterprise and cloud environments.

Open-Source DPP and Battery Passport Demonstrator

The OPC Foundation also presented an open-source, end-to-end DPP solution compatible with European requirements. The solution is integrated into the OPC UA Cloud Library and designed for deployment across cloud infrastructures.

A demonstrator developed with Fraunhofer shows a Digital Battery Passport combining production and usage data. The system illustrates how standardized models can support traceability and compliance across the product lifecycle.

This provides a reference architecture for companies evaluating DPP implementation.

Cross-Company Data Exchange via Dataspaces

To address interoperability beyond individual factories, the OPC Foundation presented a demonstrator combining OPC UA with data space technologies. Using the Eclipse Dataspace Connector, data from machines in Germany, Spain, and Brazil is standardized and exchanged across organizations.

The demonstrator enables the calculation of metrics such as product carbon footprint based on distributed production data. This approach targets one of the main challenges in industrial IoT, the integration of heterogeneous systems and data silos.

AI-Ready Data Models and Semantic Interoperability

The OPC Foundation is adapting OPC UA specifications to support AI-based applications. Specifications and companion models are being converted into machine-readable formats optimized for AI processing.

Standardized semantics are identified as essential for enabling AI systems to interpret industrial data. This reduces the need for custom data transformation and supports the use of AI in engineering and operations.

LoRaWAN Integration into OPC UA

A joint initiative with the LoRa Alliance was announced to define a standardized mapping between LoRaWAN and OPC UA.

The goal is to integrate LPWAN-based sensor data into industrial systems using a unified data model. This is relevant for solution providers working with distributed IoT deployments.

First Implementation of O-PAS OPC UA Profile

In the field of process automation, Yokogawa presented the first product implementing the OCF-001 O-PAS OPC UA profile. This certification demonstrates interoperability in open process automation systems and provides a reference for multi-vendor integration.

Implications for Industrial IoT

The updates show a broader positioning of OPC UA as a framework for semantic interoperability. Beyond communication, the technology is increasingly used to support regulatory use cases such as Digital Product Passports, enable cross-company data exchange, and provide a foundation for AI-driven applications.

For system integrators and solution providers, this creates a consistent approach to building scalable and interoperable industrial IoT architectures.