The global industrial landscape is more competitive than ever, with AI providing unprecedented productivity gains. Companies must integrate these advancements swiftly to maintain a competitive edge, while evolving geopolitical realities call for decisive policy actions.
“Never before has participation in HANNOVER MESSE been so vital to securing a competitive edge,” says Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board of Deutsche Messe AG. “Visitors from around the world will discover cutting-edge technologies that will define future success and learn how to integrate them seamlessly.”
Köckler also highlights geopolitical shifts: “The recent inauguration of the new U.S. president has reinforced America’s sustainability-driven economic strategy. For Europe and partners like Canada—the official partner country of HANNOVER MESSE 2025—now is the time to align and drive a unified geo-economic strategy.”
With nearly 4,000 exhibitors from mechanical engineering, electrical, digital, and energy sectors, the fair will showcase solutions for future production and energy supply, with AI at the center. Industry giants such as Amazon Web Services, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and Siemens will exhibit alongside mid-sized leaders like Beckhoff, Festo, Harting, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, and SEW-EURODRIVE. Research institutions such as Fraunhofer and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) will present next-generation industrial solutions, while over 300 start-ups will unveil disruptive innovations.
2/ AI for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Mittelstand-Digital
In Hall 17, the Mittelstand-Digital booth offers SMEs hands-on experience with AI applications and digital solutions. Experts from Mittelstand-Digital and the German network of European Digital Innovation Hubs will be available for consultations. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) provides free access to all Mittelstand-Digital resources, and visitors can complete an AI Readiness Check in advance for tailored recommendations.
Siemens
Siemens will demonstrate industrial AI applications in pharmaceutical production, including AI-driven digital twins for existing facilities. The Siemens Industrial Copilot for TIA Portal assists automation engineers with generative AI-powered SCL code generation, engineering queries, and HMI visualizations.
Aleph Alpha & German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
Aleph Alpha will host a masterclass on how generative AI can improve business processes by 30%. DFKI will present research on generative AI’s role in enhancing operational efficiency.
AI on Stage
Expert panels and presentations by Altair, Beckhoff, Bosch, Google Cloud, PSI, SAP, and Siemens will showcase AI solutions and real-world applications. AI-focused sessions will take place on the Industry 4.0 Stage (Hall 8), Energy 4.0 Stage (Hall 13), and Digital Transformation Stage (Hall 17), culminating in an Industrial AI conference on Thursday.
Robotics
Autonomous robotic systems are evolving rapidly, with AI-driven simulations improving training efficiency. Demonstrators at the shared booth will showcase business models within data ecosystems, including the Robot-X collaborative robot, which aims to make robotics accessible to SMEs.
Smart Manufacturing
The Smart Manufacturing exhibition area spans seven halls, focusing on intelligent and sustainable production. Companies will showcase automation, sensor technology, robotics, logistics automation, and drive and fluid technology solutions.
“AI will revolutionize the entire value chain of manufacturing companies, significantly boosting their competitiveness,” says Hubertus von Monschaw, Global Director of Trade Fair and Product Management at HANNOVER MESSE.
Leading exhibitors include Aignep, Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth, Cantoni, Delta Electronics, Emerson, Festo, Flender, Harting, HAWE, ifm electronic, I.M.M. Hydraulics, Lapp, Pepperl+Fuchs, Pilz, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler, Schneider Electric, SEW-EURODRIVE, Siemens, and Turck.
AI-powered robots will be in action at the HANNOVER MESSE application park, demonstrating adaptive learning for customized and small-batch production. Motion & Drives technologies, a traditional highlight in odd-numbered years, will showcase state-of-the-art applications under the Motion & Drives label.
“With HANNOVER MESSE, we offer exhibitors in Smart Manufacturing a unique industrial innovation ecosystem,” says von Monschaw. “Here, companies from mechanical engineering, electrical, digital, and energy sectors present sustainable applications for intelligent production.”
3/ Industrial Metaverse
Once thought to be fading, the Industrial Metaverse is making a strong return at HANNOVER MESSE. By bridging the digital and physical worlds, it represents the next phase of connected production, integrating data ecosystems, digital infrastructure, and AI. Demonstrators will highlight applications in product development, training, and simulation.
Content retrieved from: https://emag.directindustry.com/2025/03/31/hannover-kicks-off-today-ai-smart-manufacturing-robotics-and-geopolitical-context-at-the-forefront/.
