Cyber-physical systems. A wearable robotic cameraman outfitted with artificial intelligence. Or the smallest, lightest hydroelectric power plant in the world. Only a few examples of the innovations that visitors discovered in the Research and Technology sector at HANNOVER MESSE 2016.

Leading international research institutions have already registered for the 2017 event, including the Fraunhofer Society, the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), the 4TU Federation (Netherlands) and the Swiss Innovation Parks. Dr. Johanna Wanka, Germany’s Federal Minister of Education and Research, is once again patroness of Research & Technology.

"Whether cobots, smart materials or industry drones, exhibitors at Research & Technology present research projects and results that will boost efficiency in the manufacturing and energy industries," explains Sonia Wedell-Castellano, project director at Deutsche Messe.

Approximately 400 exhibitors in Hall 2 represent universities, technical colleges, research institutions, and promotion networks as well as companies and national and regional organizations. In addition, service providers present their offers in areas such as financing, standards, marketing, and design. "Exhibitors at Research & Technology can directly network and form partnerships with the more than 6,000 further exhibitors. No other event of its type so clearly bridges the gap between science and industry," summarizes Wedell-Castellano.

Poland is Partner Country at HANNOVER MESSE. Eastern Europe’s economic engine demonstrates its innovative spirit on approximately 300 square meters at Research & Technology. Together with Polish research organizations and companies, the National Centre for Research and Development presents current initiatives in science and technology. Visitors can look forward to topics such as advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, product design, and intelligent energy. Additionally, Poland is pursuing partnerships in the area of green technology.

Under the patronage of minister Wanka, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) organizes a group exhibit in Hall 2. Wanka officially opens Research & Technology as part of the Night of Innovations on 24 April. The restyled evening program features a podium discussion about the challenges of Industrie 4.0, presentation of the top nominees for the HERMES AWARD and guided tours as well as the traditional networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to the exhibits, Research & Technology features a broad spectrum of forums, meetings and special events. For example, the central forum "tech transfer" brings together researchers and business people with shared interests. The talks in the daily forum cover such aspects of technology transfer as bionics, electromobility, energy and resource efficiency, and standards.