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Hannover Messe 2026 Showcases AI, Automation and Industrial Resilience
Articles- May 11,26
Hannover Messe 2026 drew 110,000 visitors, highlighting AI, automation, robotics and energy solutions as industry leaders called for faster reforms and stronger competitiveness
Hannover Messe 2026 demonstrated that industry is delivering practical solutions even in challenging times. Artificial intelligence, automation and digitalisation are playing a key role in improving production efficiency and strengthening competitiveness.
A total of 110,000 visitors from around the world attended the leading trade fair for the manufacturing industry. Although attendance was below the previous year’s level (2025: 123,000 visitors), airline and public transport strikes affected travel. However, the quality of interactions and the strong atmosphere across the halls showed that the technologies are in place, approaches have been tested, and the next step is consistent implementation.
Despite difficult overall conditions, the trade fair remained highly international. Around 40 per cent of visitors came from abroad. The largest groups of international visitors were from China, Brazil, the United States, Japan and South Korea.
‘This year’s Hannover Messe was both a technology show and a source of inspiration. The companies showed that Germany and Europe possess the necessary tools to remain competitive. What is crucial now is to decisively take advantage of this potential and put the pedal to the metal,’ said Jochen Köckler, CEO, Deutsche Messe AG.
Innovations bringing the future within reach
This year’s event clearly showed that artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and energy infrastructure are central to the industrial future and key to transforming industry.
Products and solutions presented included AI-supported production systems and tools that automate processes and predict failures; humanoid robots that have already mastered complex motion sequences and are expected to work in production and services in future; and new solutions for energy efficiency and grid expansion that support a carbon-neutral industry.
The presence of senior business and political leaders was also notable. More board members of DAX companies and political decision-makers than ever before used the fair as a platform for exchange and orientation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended, along with Roland Busch, Christian Klein, German Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
International leaders including Canada’s Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Stéphane Séjourné also visited the show.
Industry calls for better conditions
Leading industry representatives said Europe faces growing pressure as a business location. High costs, excessive regulation and geopolitical uncertainty are affecting competitiveness.
However, Hannover Messe made clear that solutions exist. Companies are investing in future technologies, driving innovation and opening new markets. Exhibitors reported intensive discussions, concrete projects and strong international interest.
“The new Hannover Messe concept is a success. The Center Stage was especially well received,” said Dr Gunther Kegel, President, ZVEI (Association of the German Electrical and Digital Industry), and Chairman of the Hannover Messe Exhibitor Advisory Board. “This strengthens our profile as a place for high-level exchange, particularly with politicians. Hannover Messe sends an unmistakable signal in terms of content: we urgently need rapid deregulation so that we can assert ourselves as a location amid international competition, especially in the field of industrial AI. Companies have impressively demonstrated the potential of the technology, now Berlin and Brussels need to eliminate barriers to progress.”
“Hannover Messe and the companies from the machine and plant building sector clearly demonstrated that they are meeting the challenges of a world marked by multiple crises. Digitalisation of our industry is progressing rapidly, while AI and humanoid robotics were defining themes at this trade fair,” added Thilo Brodtmann, Managing Director, VDMA. “Industrial SMEs want to supply technologies that will keep us internationally competitive in the future, and they can do it too. Politicians in Berlin and Brussels must urgently contribute. We need the far-reaching reforms that have been promised. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche have made corresponding announcements here at the trade fair, and they will be judged on them.”
Partner country Brazil
Partner Country Brazil added strong momentum to Hannover Messe with a broad range of industrial, energy and digitalisation themes. Brazil positioned itself as a dynamic growth market and dependable partner for international cooperation.
‘Especially in a time of global upheaval and shifting trade relations, this partnership sends an important message: for greater diversification, more resilient supply chains and closer cooperation between Europe and Latin America,’ said Köckler. He added that the Mercosur agreement, which will soon come into force, has significantly boosted Brazil’s participation and created fresh momentum for economic cooperation.
Enhanced trade fair concept
Hannover Messe 2026 also introduced an improved trade fair concept. The new hall layout provided clearer orientation, helping visitors use their time more efficiently.
New networking formats were also well received. The Masterclasses delivered added value for exhibitors through compact, practical sessions where companies presented expertise directly to potential customers.
The center stage established itself as a central platform for knowledge sharing, discussion and inspiration, attracting around 30,000 visitors across all days of the fair. The consistently strong response showed that demand for orientation and exchange on major transformation themes remains high. Hannover Messe provided the right platform for this.
Hannover Messe 2027
Looking ahead, Hannover Messe will continue its development in 2027. The new Europe Energy Week will run alongside the fair. In cooperation with event organiser dmg events, the show will bring together energy producers, industrial companies, infrastructure operators and political decision-makers to discuss Europe’s energy future.
Another major change concerns duration. From 2027, Hannover Messe will run from Monday, 5 April, to Thursday, 8 April, focusing on the days that attract the highest visitor numbers. This move aims to improve visitor quality, attract leading figures and generate business more efficiently.
Köckler said: ‘Hannover Messe continues to develop consistently and will be more focused, more efficient and closer to industry. Thematically, the specific application of AI as well as its physical implementation are moving into focus. The combination of artificial intelligence with real machines and production systems will shape Hannover Messe over the coming years and mark the next major step in the development of industry.’
Hannover Messe 2026
industrial AI
automation
robotics
digitalisation
smart manufacturing
energy infrastructure
Deutsche Messe AG
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