With new exhibitors, a revised thematic structure, optimized visitor guidance and new networking formats, the event has a clear focus on application proximity. The aim is to provide orientation and translate technological developments into concrete solutions.

Hannover Messe brings together around 3,500 exhibiting companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries as well as the energy sector. They present solutions for a competitive and sustainable industry. The main exhibition areas include Automation & Digitalization, Energy & Industrial Infrastructure and Research & Technology Transfer. The topic of artificial intelligence runs through all areas. A conference program complements the exhibition. The next edition will take place in Hanover from April 20 to 24, 2026. Brazil is the partner country.

Industry under pressure to transform

Global competition, rising cost pressure and the rapid development of technological innovations are increasing the pressure for change in the manufacturing industry.

Companies are facing structural upheaval. Platforms that not only present technologies but also integrate them into real-life use cases are becoming increasingly important. In this context, Hannover Messe 2026 sees itself as a place where different fields of technology - AI, automation, digitalization, energy systems and research - overlap.

Industrial AI is described as a key driver here. It analyses production data in real time, optimizes processes and enables adaptive control of production workflows. This results in efficiency gains, higher productivity and a more conscious use of resources - while at the same time creating new data-driven business models and additional value creation potential.

"Now is the time to act and consistently invest in new technologies. Those who boldly invest in AI, automation and digital systems today are laying the foundation for leaps in efficiency, resilience and sustainable competitiveness," says Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG.

He adds: "Hannover Messe is the platform where visitors can experience concrete AI applications and learn how they can increase their productivity through the use of AI in a direct exchange with the exhibiting companies."

Physical AI: when software meets machines

For the first time, the topic of physical AI will play a central role at the trade fair. This refers to AI systems that interact directly with the physical world - for example in machines, systems or robots.

"AI is thus becoming a productive force in the factory - especially for industrial and humanoid robots. We will experience this impressively at the stands of the robotics exhibitors at the Hannover Messe," says Köckler.

The focus is on systems in which software is directly coupled with hardware and autonomously implements decisions in production environments.

Exhibitor landscape and technological focus

Around 3,500 companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries as well as the energy sector will be presenting solutions for production and energy supply.

The exhibitors include global technology companies such as AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens as well as medium-sized technology leaders such as Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler and SEW.

Research institutes such as Fraunhofer and the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) will be presenting concepts and solutions for industrial applications. More than 200 start-ups from various fields of technology are also represented.

New players in the field of robotics and automation

The list of exhibitors shows the extent to which technology areas overlap: Rockwell Automation is represented again for the first time in many years. The company from the USA is a provider of automation and digitalization solutions, positioning itself in the environment of major industry players such as Siemens.

Agile Robots will be exhibiting in the robotics area for the first time. Industrial and humanoid robot systems will be presented - developments that illustrate the direction of intelligent automation.

DMG Mori is also a new exhibitor. The machine tool manufacturer will be using its presence at the trade fair to showcase developments in networked manufacturing, digital twins and automated production solutions.

Bosch Connected Industry is also a new exhibitor and will be presenting IoT and AI solutions for industrial applications - including maintenance, connected production processes and data-based services.

Schwarz Digits specializes in sovereign digital solutions. The focus is on building AI-supported, secure data and cloud infrastructures for industrial applications and developing AI ecosystems.

Other new exhibitors include Jumo, Denso, Wandelbots and German Edge Cloud.

Theme structure and visitor guidance

The revised thematic structure has resulted in a new hall layout. The aim is to achieve stronger thematic bundling and more direct orientation for visitors.

The aim is for companies to be present in an environment that matches their focus in terms of content and makes technological connections visible.

Exchange formats and networking

In addition to the spatial restructuring, new formats for knowledge exchange and networking will be introduced.

Masterclasses, roundtables, expert stages and matchmaking offers are intended to structure the exchange between experts and users. The trade fair thus offers additional opportunities for discussions on specific challenges and solutions.

Center Stage: Dialogue between industry, politics and research

At the Center Stage, representatives from industry, politics and research will come together to discuss future industry issues.

The trade fair thus emphasizes the aim of making transformation processes visible and bringing together different perspectives.

The speakers include:

• Cedrik Neike, Member of the Executive Board of Siemens AG, sheds light on the role of automation, industrial AI and digital infrastructure for competitive industrial companies.
• Entrepreneur Verena Pausder provides impetus for a culture of innovation and for strengthening the start-up ecosystem in Germany and Europe.
• Futurologist Amy Webb analyzes technological megatrends and shows strategies for dealing with disruptive developments.
• Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, discusses the transformation of global organizations through AI, cloud and data-driven business models.
• Federal Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger talks about digital sovereignty and performance as framework conditions for innovation in Europe.
• Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, classifies the importance of industrial performance in the context of security, geopolitics and technological independence.

Safety-critical production

The Defense Production Park demonstrates how modern production technology can meet the requirements of safety-critical manufacturing while remaining scalable.

Companies in the defense industry are facing similar challenges to other sectors - but are having to expand their capacities in a short space of time as a result of the "turnaround".

The focus is on how growth, safety and quality requirements can be combined.

International dimension and partner country Brazil

High-ranking political delegations from Europe and other regions are also expected in 2026.

The focus is on Brazil as the partner country. The trade fair will be opened by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical developments, Brazil - and therefore South America - is gaining in importance as a trade and industrial partner.

Topics include diversified supply chains, access to raw materials and joint industrial and climate projects.

In addition to international delegations, representatives from German politics and the EU Commission are expected to attend, including Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, Research Minister Dorothee Bär and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

Further delegations from Europe, America, Asia and Africa underline the international dimension of the event.

"Cooperation with Brazil is more than just trade - it is a strategic alliance," emphasizes Köckler. "Especially in times of global tensions, we need to rely on dependable partners. Hannover Messe offers the ideal platform for this."