- September 29, 2025
- Hannover Messe
- News
Summary
HANNOVER MESSE will kick off in April 2026 with a new thematic structure.
Sept. 29, 2025 – HANNOVER MESSE will kick off in April 2026 with a new thematic structure, optimized visitor guidance and new networking formats. The focus is on automation and digitalization. Exhibitors from all over the world will showcase their innovations and solutions for the manufacturing industry. One new feature is the Defense Production Area–a forward-looking exhibition format to strengthen the European security and defense industry.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a key technology for the competitiveness of Germany and Europe. Applying AI to manufacturing is fundamentally changing company processes and business models, thereby enabling competitive, efficient and intelligent production. At the upcoming HANNOVER MESSE, AI will be a recurring theme throughout all the halls and will play a central role on almost all stands. Tech companies such as AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens as well as technologically leading 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 be showcasing their innovative developments and practical solutions.
"Automation and digitalization are moving closer together both physically and in terms of content. The trade fair is thus following a clear trend: there is increasing software and hardware convergence in the industry–from AI-driven robots to data-based manufacturing optimization and digitized supply chains," said Hubertus von Monschaw, global director, Trade Fair and Product Management HANNOVER MESSE at Deutsche Messe AG. "The new hall structure makes apparent what has long been a reality in the factories."
The field of automation encompasses sensor technology, industrial communication, embedded solutions, electric drive technology and motion control, among other areas. These core areas form the backbone of modern Industry 4.0 solutions. A new addition is the topic of production technologies for the defense industry.
New: Defense production area
Modern production technologies are also in demand in the security and defense industry. There, reassessing defense capabilities is leading to increased investment and imposing high demands on industrial production, which must be scalable, flexible and reliable. The Defense Production Area is a new exhibition format at HANNOVER MESSE, aimed at strengthening the European security and defense industry. The focus is on suppliers and providers of production technologies that present innovative solutions for defense, security and resilience. In cooperation with DSEI Germany, HANNOVER MESSE is for the first time offering an attractive platform that shows how modern technologies can meet the demanding requirements of security-related production.
Robotics applications for industry
The latest trends in robotics can be experienced at 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 pure performance and more in their adaptability: they are designed to use tools, workstations and infrastructures developed by people. This enables processes to be automated or modifications made to established procedures and products without having to rebuild the entire production environment. In the classic fields of automation such as automotive or electronics production, specialized industrial robots with greater accuracy, speed, payload and reliability will continue to occupy the high ground for the time being. Many advances on the software side are also to be expected in the field of robotics. In addition to improved digital twins through data-driven methods, aspects such as simulation and virtual commissioning are becoming more prominent as a means for programming or teaching robots more quickly – without interrupting production.
Industrial software: The digital engine of production
HANNOVER MESSE will once again demonstrate that modern industrial software is the backbone of efficient and networked production that is geared up to meet the needs of the future. It combines machines, people and processes into an intelligent overall system–from product development to production and maintenance.
Whether production planning, plant control, data analysis, or digital twins – modern industrial software is a key driver when it comes to optimizing industrial processes. It helps companies to use resources efficiently, react flexibly to changes and strengthen their own competitiveness. This opens up new potential for efficiency, sustainability and innovation in combination with key technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Software is increasingly becoming a strategic differentiating factor: only those companies which use their data in real time and control production dynamically will be able to position themselves successfully in fast-moving markets. The exhibiting companies will include SAP, PSI, Inform, soffico, cybus, Aegis and Microsoft.
Digital resilience for industry
Next year, HANNOVER MESSE will focus even more strongly on IT and OT security. In an increasingly digitalized and networked industry, cybersecurity is the basic prerequisite for competitiveness and innovative strength. Leading providers of security solutions will present their latest technologies and strategies for protecting industrial infrastructures. Whether secure cloud solutions, OT security for production environments, zero-trust architectures or AI-supported threat analysis: visitors will gain practical insights into current trends and challenges.
5G and industrial wireless
Connectivity is an essential building block 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 NBIoT. The direct proximity to the topics of robotics, IT/OT security and production technologies for defense, security and resilience is creating added value and revealing the future of networked communication, from autonomous systems to intelligent networks. The exhibitors will include Siemens HUAWEI, Ericsson and InterX.
About HANNOVER MESSE
HANNOVER MESSE is the world's premier trade fair for the manufacturing industry. 4,000 exhibiting companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industry as well as the energy industry gather there to present solutions for a competitive and sustainable industry. The main exhibition areas are Automation & Digitalization, Energy & Industrial Infrastructure and Research & Technology Transfer. The topic of artificial intelligence is a common thread running through all exhibition areas. A diverse conference program complements the exhibition. The next edition of HANNOVER MESSE will be held in Hannover from 20 to 24 April 2026, with Brazil as the partner country.
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