Hannover Messe 2026 is set to open its doors from 20 to 24 April next year in Hannover, Germany, with a refreshed thematic structure, enhanced visitor guidance, and new networking formats. The event will once again position itself as the world’s leading industrial trade fair, with a strong emphasis on automation and digitalisation. Exhibitors from around the world will present cutting-edge innovations and solutions tailored to the manufacturing sector.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a dominant theme throughout the exhibition halls. From predictive maintenance to intelligent robotics, AI is increasingly shaping industrial processes and business models. Hubertus von Monschaw, global director trade fair and product management at Deutsche Messe AG, said: “Automation and digitalisation are moving closer together both physically and in terms of content. The trade fair is thus following a clear trend: there is increasing software and hardware convergence in the industry — from AI-driven robots to data-based manufacturing optimisation and digitalised supply chains.”
Among the companies showcasing their AI-driven solutions are global tech leaders including AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens, alongside technologically advanced SMEs such as Beckhoff Automation, Festo, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, SEW-Eurodrive and Wittenstein. They will demonstrate how AI is enabling competitive, efficient and intelligent production.
A notable addition to the 2026 edition is the Defense Production Area, a new exhibition format aimed at strengthening the European security and defence industry. Developed in cooperation with
DSEI Germany, this area will spotlight suppliers and providers of scalable, flexible and resilient production technologies for defence applications. The reassessment of defence capabilities across Europe is driving investment and innovation in this sector, and
Hannover Messe is offering a dedicated platform to meet these evolving demands.
Digital twins and simulation toolsRobotics will also take centre stage, with a focus on AI-based perception systems, autonomous mobile manipulators and humanoid robots. These systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into human-centric environments, allowing automation of tasks without the need to overhaul existing production setups. While traditional industrial robots continue to dominate in sectors such as automotive and electronics, software-driven advances are accelerating the development of digital twins, simulation tools and virtual commissioning techniques.
Industrial software remains the digital engine of modern production. Exhibitors including SAP, PSI, Inform, soffico, cybus, Aegis and Microsoft will present solutions that connect machines, people and processes into intelligent systems. From production planning and plant control to data analysis and maintenance, software is increasingly becoming a strategic differentiator. Companies that harness real-time data and dynamic control systems are better positioned to compete in fast-moving markets.
There will also be a focus on cybersecurity with increased attention on IT and OT security. As industrial environments become more connected, protecting infrastructure is essential for maintaining competitiveness and fostering innovation. Visitors will gain insights into secure cloud solutions, zero-trust architectures and AI-supported threat analysis from leading providers in the field.
Meanwhile, connectivity technologies will be showcased in the ‘5G & Industrial Wireless Arena’, Europe’s largest platform for wireless communication in industry. The arena will feature developments in 5G, 6G and NBIoT, with exhibitors including Siemens, Huawei, Ericsson and InterX. The proximity of this arena to robotics, cybersecurity and defence production technologies will highlight the integrated nature of future industrial communication systems.
With Brazil as the official partner country,
Hannover Messe 2026 will bring together 4,000 companies from mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries, and the energy sector. The exhibition will be complemented by a diverse conference programme, reinforcing its role as a global hub for industrial innovation and transformation.