Hanover. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology for the competitiveness of Germany and Europe. The application of AI to manufacturing is radically changing companies' processes and business models, enabling competitive, efficient, and intelligent production. At the upcoming HANNOVER MESSE, AI will be a recurring theme in every hall and will play a central role in almost every booth. Technology companies such as AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric, and Siemens, as well as leading technology SMEs such as Beckhoff Automation, Emerson/Aventics, Festo, Hiwin, IBG, ifm electronic, Harting, Lapp, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Rittal, Schaeffler, SEW-EURODRIVE, and Wittenstein, will present their innovative developments and practical solutions.
“Automation and digitalization are converging both physically and conceptually. The trade fair is thus following a clear trend: there is increasing convergence between software and hardware in industry, from AI-powered robots to data-driven manufacturing optimization and digitized supply chains,” says Hubertus von Monschaw, Global Head of Trade Fairs and Product Management at HANNOVER MESSE, Deutsche Messe AG. “The new hall structure highlights what has long been a reality in factories.”.
The field of automation encompasses, among other areas, sensor technology, industrial communication, integrated solutions, electric drive technology, and motion control. These fundamental areas form the backbone of modern Industry 4.0 solutions. A recent addition is the topic of production technologies for the defense industry.
New this year: Defense Production Area.
Modern production technologies are also in demand in the security and defense industry. In this sector, the reassessment of defense capabilities is leading to increased investment and placing high demands on industrial production, which must be scalable, flexible, and reliable. The Defense Production Area is a new exhibition format at HANNOVER MESSE, designed to strengthen the European security and defense industry. It focuses on suppliers and providers of production technologies that present innovative solutions for defense, security, and resilience. In collaboration with DSEI Germany, Hannover Messe is offering, for the first time, an engaging platform demonstrating how modern technologies can meet the demanding requirements of security-related production.
Robotic Applications for Industry:
The latest trends in robotics can be seen at the Hannover Messe. The focus will be on AI-based perception systems, autonomous mobile manipulators, and humanoid robots. Their advantage over classic industrial robots lies less in their raw performance and more in their adaptability: they are designed to use tools, workstations, and infrastructure developed by people. This allows for the automation of processes or modifications to established procedures and products without having to rebuild the entire production environment. In traditional automation fields such as automotive or electronics manufacturing, specialized industrial robots with greater precision, speed, payload capacity, and reliability will continue to be the focus for the time being. Many advances in software are also expected in the field of robotics. In addition to the improvement of digital twins through data-driven methods, aspects such as simulation and virtual commissioning are gaining importance as means to program or train robots more quickly without interrupting production.
Industrial software: the digital engine of production.
The Hannover Fair will once again demonstrate that modern industrial software is the backbone of efficient, connected production, ready to meet the needs of the future. It combines machines, people, and processes into a single, intelligent system, from product development to production and maintenance.
Whether in production planning, plant control, data analysis, or digital twins, modern industrial software is a key factor in optimizing industrial processes. It helps companies use resources efficiently, react flexibly to changes, and strengthen their competitiveness. This opens up new possibilities for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation when combined with key technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Software is increasingly becoming a strategic differentiator: only companies that use their data in real time and control production dynamically will be able to successfully position themselves in rapidly evolving markets. Exhibiting companies include SAP, PSI, Inform, Soffico, Cybus, Aegis, and Microsoft.
Digital Resilience for Industry:
Next year, Hannover Messe will place an even greater emphasis on the security of information and operational technologies. In an increasingly digitized and connected industry, cybersecurity is a fundamental requirement for competitiveness and innovation. Leading security solution providers will present their latest technologies and strategies for protecting industrial infrastructures. Whether it's secure cloud solutions, OT security for production environments, zero-trust architectures, or AI-powered threat analysis, visitors will gain practical insights into current trends and challenges.
5G and Industrial Wireless
: Connectivity is essential for the digital and sustainable transformation of industry. With the "5G & Industrial Wireless Arena," HANNOVER MESSE is organizing Europe's largest platform for wireless communication in industry. The focus will be on key technologies such as 5G, 6G, and NB-IoT. Direct proximity to topics such as robotics, IT/OT security, and production technologies for defense, safety, and resilience is creating added value and revealing the future of networked communication, from autonomous systems to smart grids. Exhibitors include Siemens, HUAWEI, Ericsson, and InterX.
