Starting in 2027, HANNOVER MESSE will expand its lineup to include a dedicated exhibition area for companies in the drive and fluid technology sectors. Every two years, these companies will showcase their innovative strength as part of MOTION & DRIVES. The motto, The Power Behind Industrial AI, highlights these companies' role as hidden champions of industrial transformation. The biennial cycle aligns with the current innovation and investment cycle of the sector.

“In the interest of all participants, we have established a dedicated home for companies from the drive and fluid technology sector,” explains Carolin Illig, Global Director Motion & Drives and Smart Manufacturing & Automation at HANNOVER MESSE. “By doing so, we offer this key industry even greater visibility and emphasize its significant role in areas such as energy efficiency and climate action. In this environment, exhibitors can more effectively reach professionals from fields such as purchasing, plant operations, engineering, and design.”

In 2027, MOTION & DRIVES will be located in Hall 12, in the immediate vicinity of the automation, industrial supply, and compressed air and vacuum technology sectors. The core thematic focus areas include drive technology, drive-related services, components, and linear technology as well as hydraulics and pneumatics. Exhibitors offer both individual components and system solutions. Companies that have already registered include FESTO, Flender, Lillbacka Powerco, PH Hydraulik, Schaeffler, and SEW-Eurodrive.

“The return of MOTION & DRIVES as an independent exhibition area is an important signal regarding the strategic importance of drive and fluid technology for Germany as an industrial location. Our industry provides core technologies for automation, energy efficiency, and sustainable value creation. The higher visibility at HANNOVER MESSE and closer networking with machine tool building create new momentum for innovation, technological cooperation, and international business development,” emphasizes Hartmut Rauen, managing director of the drive technology and fluid power trade associations and deputy executive director of the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) in Frankfurt am Main.

Economic outlook for drive and fluid technology

Drive and fluid technology remains one of mechanical engineering’s strong export sectors, even though the 2025 fiscal year was weaker: According to VDMA data, drive technology in Germany achieved an estimated turnover of 17.6 billion euros (-2 percent nominally compared to 2024). Revenue growth of three percent nominally is expected for 2026.

In 2025, fluid technology achieved a turnover of 8.3 billion euros (-2 percent compared to 2024), of which 5.3 billion euros were in hydraulics (-3 percent) and three billion euros in pneumatics (-2 percent). The forecast for 2026 likewise anticipates nominal growth of three percent across all subsegments. Like other industrial sectors, both industries are under the influence of global uncertainties and a persistently challenging market environment.

Global trade shares in drive and fluid technology, which have remained unchanged at around 20 percent for ten years, confirm Germany’s international importance as the leading export nation in first place ahead of China, the USA, and Japan. “However, technological leadership would offer significantly higher value creation potential in Germany if regulatory conditions were better,” says Rauen.

Compressed air and vacuum technology creates broad synergies

The Compressed Air & Vacuum Technology exhibition area in Hall 11 is also entirely dedicated to the motto, "The Power Behind Industrial AI." Compressed air and vacuum technology have a direct, symbiotic relationship with MOTION & DRIVES. Through the seamless coupling of media generation and mechanical actuation, these industries enable holistic system integration. This maximizes energy efficiency, process precision, and digital condition monitoring across the entire production chain. Visitors benefit from a comprehensive overview of their application possibilities in less time.

HANNOVER MESSE 2027 with a shorter duration

Shortening HANNOVER MESSE to four days (April 5–8) meets the specific requirements of the drive and fluid technology sectors by attracting a trade audience of decision-makers who visit booths with greater focus. Exhibitors benefit from greater efficiency and cost savings on space rental, logistics and personnel.