"_CO2-neutral production, artificial intelligence, hydrogen technologies, energy management and Industry 4.0 - these are the overarching themes of Hannover Messe 2023," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG. "Only by combining these technologies will it be possible to secure our prosperity in the long term and at the same time drive forward climate protection." From the digitalization and automation of complex production processes to the use of hydrogen to supply factories with energy and the use of software to record and reduce the_{carbon footprint}, Hannover Messe offers a holistic picture. Köckler: "Solutions for each of the current global challenges will be presented at Hannover Messe."

The exhibiting companies include global tech corporations such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, SAP, Siemens, Bosch, Nokia, ServiceNow and Schneider Electric as well as medium-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Rittal and SEW. Renowned research institutes such as Fraunhofer or the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) as well as more than 300 start-ups promise cutting-edge technologies and completely new business models.

The Hannover Messe is opened by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Indonesia is this year's partner country of the industrial fair.

Industry 4.0 & Manufacturing X

Data is needed to unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0. A lot of data that can be accessed by all companies involved in the value creation process. A new interconnected data ecosystem is intended to provide a remedy: Manufacturing X.

This vision of a secure data platform is being driven forward by the trade associations BDI, VDMA and ZVEI, among others. In close cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, the first steps towards implementing Manufacturing X will be presented at the Hannover Messe.

ChatGPT also for the industry?

In addition to optimizing processes, the manufacturing industry is increasingly relying on AI in simulation and product development. Generative AI will also find its way into industry. Systems such as ChatGPT or DALL-E can already provide support with texting, programming and design. "In the future, it is quite conceivable that an AI will design a machine and a human will then check which adjustments are necessary for real operation. This saves time and offers considerable potential in view of the prevailing shortage of skilled workers," says Köckler. Hannover Messe offers a comprehensive range of visitor tours, forums and presentations of AI tools and use cases from exhibitors on the topic of AI.

Making energy flows and consumption visible

The interaction between software and machines creates considerable potential for energy savings. "Smart Energy Monitoring" solutions from Hannover Messe exhibitors help to determine and optimize energy consumption at machine level and thus reduce the CO2 footprint. Unregulated motors in pumps, fans, compressors and machines are still part of everyday life in many factories. Without intelligent control technology and the interplay of electrical engineering and IT, it is virtually impossible to increase energy efficiency.

Hydrogen as a source of energy and hope

Everyone is talking about green hydrogen. The industry wants to use it to free itself from its dependence on fossil fuels and reduce_{CO2 emissions}. Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection describes hydrogen as a key energy source that is essential for the long-term success of the energy transition and for climate protection.

Nevertheless, there are challenges. The production of hydrogen is complex and expensive. Questions of availability, transportation and storage on a large scale still need to be clarified. In Hanover, industrial users and political decision-makers will be able to gain a comprehensive picture of the potential of this energy source and identify the course that needs to be set on the way to a hydrogen-based industry.

Your Future young talent initiative

With the Your Future young talent initiative, Hannover Messe and its partners have developed a new concept aimed primarily at graduating classes, students and young professionals. Hannover Messe offers them a discussion platform and guided tours to interested exhibitors.

Career Congress WomenPower

The WomenPower career congress is a successful networking and discussion event for women that focuses on diversity, career advancement, sustainability and new working environments. The congress takes place every year as part of the Hannover Messe and is primarily aimed at participants from the STEM sector. This year's motto is "Celebrate Diversity".

In addition to the programme of lectures, panel discussions and workshops, WomenPower offers companies, associations, networks, organizations and trainers the opportunity to find out about career prospects, studies, coaching and mentoring offers as well as other labour policy topics and trends in the accompanying exhibition.

Partner country Indonesia

Indonesia, the largest economic power in the ASEAN region, is presenting itself as a partner country at Hannover Messe 2023. The motto is: Making Indonesia 4.0. Indonesia aims to be one of the ten largest economies in the world by 2030. By then, the share of renewable energies in electricity generation should account for 51.6 percent of the total. At the Hannover Messe, the up-and-coming country is presenting itself as a reliable partner for companies around the globe.

The Hannover Messe takes place in Hanover from April 17 to 21.