Coming this April, HANNOVER MESSE 2026 launches with a new thematic structure, improved visitor guidance and expanded networking formats. Discover a host of reasons to attend this year’s event, including the latest in industrial robotics and software, and a new area dedicated to defence.
Automation and digitalisation form the core of HANNOVER MESSE this year, with exhibitors from around the world presenting innovations for the manufacturing industry. A major new feature is the Defence Production Area, designed to strengthen Europe’s security and defence industry through advanced production technologies.
Artificial intelligence remains a defining theme. As AI reshapes industrial processes and business models, it will appear across every hall and on nearly all major exhibitor stands. Companies including AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Beckhoff, Festo, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, and others will highlight practical AI-driven solutions for competitive, efficient and intelligent production.
“Automation and digitalisation are moving closer together physically and in content,” says Hubertus von Monschaw of Deutsche Messe AG. The redesigned hall structure reflects the convergence of software and hardware, from AI-powered robots to data-driven manufacturing and digital supply chains.
Automation at HANNOVER MESSE spans sensor systems, industrial communication, embedded solutions, electric drives, and motion control; key pillars of Industry 4.0. A new addition is production technology for the defence sector.
Defence Production Area
Growing defence demands require scalable, flexible and reliable industrial production. The new Defence Production Area will showcase suppliers offering innovative technologies for defence, security and resilience. Developed in cooperation with DSEI Germany, the platform demonstrates how modern production tools meet stringent security-related requirements.
Industrial Robotics
Visitors will experience the latest robotics trends: AI-based perception systems, autonomous mobile manipulators and humanoid robots. Their strength lies in adaptability: they can operate within human-designed environments, enabling automation without major infrastructure changes. While specialised industrial robots will continue to dominate high-precision sectors like automotive and electronics, significant software advances are expected, including improved digital twins, simulation tools and virtual commissioning.
Industrial Software
Modern industrial software connects machines, people, and processes into intelligent systems. From production planning and control to data analytics and digital twins, software enables resource efficiency, flexible response and competitive strength. Paired with AI, edge computing, and IIoT, it drives sustainability and innovation. Exhibitors include SAP, PSI, Inform, soffico, cybus, Aegis, and Microsoft.
Digital Resilience & Connectivity
Cybersecurity will gain heightened emphasis, with leading providers presenting solutions for secure clouds, OT protection, zero-trust architectures, and AI-based threat detection. The 5G & Industrial Wireless Arena—Europe’s largest industrial wireless platform—will highlight 5G, 6G and NB-IoT technologies, with exhibitors such as Siemens, Huawei, Ericsson, and InterX.
HANNOVER MESSE remains the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology, featuring 4,000 exhibitors across automation, digitalisation, energy infrastructure, and research. The 2026 partner country is Brazil.
