With new exhibiting companies, a new thematic structure, optimized visitor guidance, new networking formats, and a consistent AI focus, the fair shows how today’s challenges can be transformed into concrete competitive advantages – while offering companies and visitors even greater orientation and value.

Global competition, increasing cost pressure, and the rapid pace of technological innovation are confronting the manufacturing industry with the greatest transformation challenge in its history. In this phase of change, companies need a platform that presents technological innovation and translates it into real-world applications. HANNOVER MESSE 2026 fulfills exactly this role by showing how AI, automation, digitalization, energy systems, and research interact to ensure sustainable competitiveness.

Industrial AI is becoming a central driver of innovation and growth. It analyzes production data in real time, optimizes processes, and enables intelligent, adaptive control of production workflows. This results in measurable efficiency gains, higher productivity, and more conscious use of resources – while also opening up new data-driven business models and additional value-creation potential.

“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.”

At HANNOVER MESSE 2026, the topic of Physical AI will also play a central role for the first time. This refers to AI systems that directly interact with the physical world – for example in machines, plants, or 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, the electrical and digital industries, and the energy sector will present solutions for the production and energy supply of today and tomorrow, with AI playing a central role.

Exhibitors include global tech companies such as AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric, and Siemens, as well as technology leaders including Beckhoff, Festo, HARTING, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, and SEW. Renowned research institutes such as Fraunhofer and KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) will outline industrial solutions for tomorrow, while more than 200 startups from various technology fields will present their innovations.

New exhibitors from robotics, automation, and AI

A look at the long list of new exhibitors shows how strongly robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are converging at the trade fair.

For the first time in many years, Rockwell Automation will return to HANNOVER MESSE. The U.S. company is one of the world’s leading providers of automation and digitalization solutions and joins the ranks of industry giants such as Siemens. There are also exciting additions in robotics: the innovative company Agile Robots will exhibit at HANNOVER MESSE for the first time, showcasing both industrial and humanoid robotic systems that clearly demonstrate the direction of intelligent automation.

DMG Mori is also new to the fair. The internationally leading machine tool manufacturer will use its debut to present current developments in connected manufacturing, digital twins, and automated production solutions. Bosch Connected Industry will likewise exhibit for the first time, presenting practical IoT and AI solutions for industrial applications—from intelligent maintenance and connected production processes to data-based services.

Another newcomer, Schwarz Digits, specializes in sovereign digital solutions, focusing on building AI-supported secure data and cloud infrastructures for industrial applications as well as developing powerful AI ecosystems. Other notable new exhibitors include Jumo, Denso, Wandelbots, and German Edge Cloud.

New thematic structure and optimized visitor guidance

A key innovation is the revised thematic structure, resulting in a new hall layout. For visitors, this means more direct orientation; for exhibitors, greater visibility within their relevant environment.

New networking formats

In addition to spatial realignment, HANNOVER MESSE 2026 will place an even stronger emphasis on content depth through new knowledge and networking formats. Experts and users can exchange ideas in a practical way about concrete challenges and solutions. Whether masterclasses, roundtables, expert stages, or matchmaking, the new offerings position the fair as a central venue for business, innovation, and networking.

New Center Stage

The new Center Stage will bring together leading figures from industry, politics, and research to discuss concrete solutions for the future of industry.

Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, highlights 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. Renowned futurologist Amy Webb analyzes technological megatrends and shows how companies can strategically prepare for disruptive developments. Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, discusses the transformation of global organizations through AI, cloud, and data-driven business models. Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Karsten Wildberger talks about digital sovereignty and performance as framework conditions for innovation in Europe. Finally, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, assesses the importance of industrial performance in the context of security, geopolitics, and technological independence.

New topic area: Defense Production Park

The new Defense Production Park will demonstrate how modern production technology meets the requirements of security-critical manufacturing while remaining highly scalable. Companies in the defense industry face challenges similar to other industrial sectors but must rapidly expand capacities in response to the geopolitical “turning point.” The focus is on how to achieve this without compromising security and quality.

Top-level politics and Partner Country Brazil

High-ranking political delegations from Europe and around the world are expected again in 2026. The focus will be on this year’s partner country, Brazil. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be officially open the fair – sending a clear signal of the growing strategic importance of German-Brazilian relations.

Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation, Brazil – and South America as a whole – is becoming increasingly important as a reliable trade and industrial partner for Germany and Europe. Diversified supply chains, access to raw materials, and joint industrial and climate projects are gaining importance.

In addition to international delegations, leading representatives of German politics will attend, including Research Minister Dorothee Bär and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Further high-level delegations from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa are expected, emphasizing the global importance of HANNOVER MESSE for industry, technology, and geopolitical exchange.

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