Left to right: Dr Markus Heering executive director of the VDW, Professor Christian Brecher of RWTH Aachen, and EMO General Commissioner Carl Martin WelckerEMO Hannover 2025 opened its doors today (taking place 22-26 September) to welcome more than 1,600 exhibitors from 45 countries, reaffirming its status as the world’s leading trade fair for production technology.
EMO General Commissioner Carl Martin Welcker set the tone for the week-long show, promising inspirational content and a strong boost for manufacturing industries, while urging policymakers to create better conditions for industrial investment and job creation.
Despite high expectations amid challenging economic and political conditions, including punitive new US tariffs on metal components, Mr Welcker emphasised that
EMO is more than a showcase — it is a platform for proactive solutions, global competitiveness, and future-proofing the sector.
For the first time,
EMO has appointed a partner country, with ‘Alliance Country Canada@EMO2025’ highlighting Canadian manufacturing in Hall 12, underscoring the event’s commitment to international collaboration and rule-based trade. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are in sharp focus, with the
VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) identifying automation, sustainability, digitalisation, and AI as the event’s main themes. Mr Welcker noted that while AI is a headline topic, practical automation solutions that directly improve efficiency and quality remain the primary draw for most visitors.
AI’s growing role in production technology was explored by Professor Christian Brecher of RWTH Aachen, who sees Europe’s industrial data depth as a unique advantage and called for greater investment, talent development, and open data ecosystems. He urged industry and policymakers to take bold steps in AI, leveraging Europe’s strong research base and new infrastructure such as AI gigafactories.
The AI + Digitalization Area and AI Hub@EMO2025 in Hall 6 offer hands-on demonstrations of AI in metalworking, while the
EMO Innovation Stage in Hall 12 delivers daily insights into the future of production technology. The programme includes the
EMO Economic Forum, discussions with industry leaders, and debates on Germany’s industrial challenges, ensuring a comprehensive look at the current and future state of manufacturing.
Furthermore, a record number of school-age students have registered for the Special Education Show, according to Mr Welcker. Organised by the Nachwuchsstiftung Maschinenbau foundation and 16 partners, the event in Hall 7 aims to introduce young talent to companies, technologies, and promotoe educational opportunities. The
EMO Startup Area in Hall 6 is also fully booked, giving industry newcomers a platform to present their innovations, with the
EMO Startup Night and speed dating event on 23 Septemberas highlights.
Joint stands across the fair reflect the industry’s current pulse. The global initiative ‘umati’ is spotlighting the benefits of standardised machine networking, while the
Additive Manufacturing Area targets visitors interested in 3-D printing. Sustainability is a key theme at the joint stand in Hall 14, where practical, easily implemented examples for sustainable production across the value chain are on display.