With new exhibitors, a revised thematic structure, improved visitor guidance, expanded networking formats, and a strong focus on AI, HANNOVER MESSE 2026 demonstrates how current industrial challenges can be converted into competitive advantages while delivering greater value for companies and visitors.

Global competition, rising cost pressure, and rapid technological innovation are driving a major transformation across manufacturing. Companies require platforms that present technological progress and translate it into practical industrial applications. HANNOVER MESSE 2026 fulfils this role by demonstrating how AI, automation, digitalisation, energy systems, and research work together to ensure sustainable competitiveness.

Industrial AI is emerging as a key driver of innovation and growth. By analysing production data in real time, it optimises processes and enables intelligent, adaptive control of production workflows. This leads to measurable efficiency gains, higher productivity, more efficient resource use, and the creation of new data-driven business models and value-creation opportunities.

“Now is the time to act and invest consistently in new technologies. Those who boldly invest in AI, automation, and digital systems today create the foundation for efficiency leaps, resilience, and sustainable competitiveness,” says Dr Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. “HANNOVER MESSE is the platform where visitors can experience concrete AI applications and learn through direct exchange with exhibitors how they can increase productivity by using AI.”

For the first time, Physical AI will be a central focus. These AI systems interact directly with machines, plants, and robots. “AI thus becomes a productive force in the factory—especially in industrial and humanoid robots. We will experience this impressively at the booths of robotics exhibitors at HANNOVER MESSE,” Köckler adds.

Around 3,500 companies from mechanical engineering, electrical, digital, and energy sectors will present production and energy solutions with AI at their core. Exhibitors include AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric, and Siemens, alongside technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, HARTING, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, and SEW. Research institutes including Fraunhofer and KIT will present industrial solutions, while over 200 start-ups will showcase emerging technologies.

New exhibitors reflect the convergence of robotics, automation, and AI. Rockwell Automation will return to the fair after many years, joining global automation leaders such as Siemens. Agile Robots will debut with industrial and humanoid robotic systems demonstrating intelligent automation.

DMG Mori will present developments in connected manufacturing, digital twins, and automated production solutions. Bosch Connected Industry will showcase IoT and AI-based industrial applications, including intelligent maintenance and connected production processes.

Schwarz Digits will present sovereign digital solutions focused on secure AI-supported data and cloud infrastructure. Additional new exhibitors include Jumo, Denso, Wandelbots, and German Edge Cloud.

A revised hall layout improves visitor orientation and increases exhibitor visibility within their respective technology environments.

HANNOVER MESSE 2026 will strengthen knowledge exchange through masterclasses, roundtables, expert stages, and matchmaking formats, reinforcing its role as a platform for innovation, business, and collaboration.

The new Center Stage will host discussions involving industry, political, and research leaders. Cedrik Neike of Siemens AG will address automation, industrial AI, and digital infrastructure. Verena Pausder will discuss innovation culture and start-up ecosystems. Amy Webb will present insights on technological megatrends and disruption preparedness.

Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, will discuss AI-driven organisational transformation. Federal Minister Karsten Wildberger will address digital sovereignty, while Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger will examine industrial performance in the context of security and geopolitics.

The new Defense Production Park will showcase production technologies designed for security-critical manufacturing, focusing on scalability, quality, and capacity expansion amid geopolitical changes.

Brazil will serve as the partner country, highlighting its growing importance as a trade and industrial partner. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will officially open the fair.

Brazil and South America are gaining strategic importance due to supply chain diversification, access to raw materials, and joint industrial and climate initiatives.

High-level political delegations from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa are expected, including German Research Minister Dorothee Bär and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

“The collaboration with Brazil is more than trade – it is a strategic alliance,” emphasises Köckler. “Especially in times of global tension, we must rely on trustworthy partners. HANNOVER MESSE provides the ideal platform for building such relationships.”