Hannover Messe 2026: Major Advances in Industrial Automation

The Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair promises to be a turning point for the global industry, where approximately 4,000 companies will present innovative solutions for current and future challenges. As industry professionals, we know that this event is not simply just another exhibition, but the world's leading forum for promoting industrial technologies.

However, what makes the 2026 edition particularly significant is its focus on how companies can transform current pressures into real opportunities. Furthermore, the Hannover fair will feature a renewed thematic structure divided into three main areas: Automation and Digitalization, Energy and Industrial Infrastructure, and Research and Technology Transfer. Artificial intelligence will be the common thread that ties all exhibition areas together, playing a central role in practically every stand. Of course, the Conference Center will bring together brilliant minds from industry, politics, and science to address fundamental issues such as carbon-neutral production and the role of AI in creating industrial value. In our opinion, the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair is shaping up to be the definitive stage where the industry will demonstrate its ability to master change.

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Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair presents record figures and global reach

With over 75 years of history, the Hannover Messe trade fair is preparing for its next edition, which will set new records in 2026. The relevance of this industrial event transcends borders and positions Germany as the epicenter of global technological innovation.

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Dates, location, and represented sectors

The next edition of Hannover Messe will take place from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the Hannover fairgrounds in Germany. The opening hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Brazil will be the partner country for this edition, standing out as the largest economy in Latin America and a rapidly growing industrial market.

The fair will present a completely renewed thematic structure and organization concept. For the first time, the event will be divided into three clearly defined exhibition areas that will bring together the key technologies of industrial transformation. This new architecture will provide better orientation, open up synergies, and bring the full breadth of industrial change to life.

Among the represented sectors we find:

• Industrial 5G and wireless technology
• Additive manufacturing and innovative materials
• Automation and robotics
• Sensor technology
• Hydrogen and fuel cell solutions
• Quantum technology
• Industrial services and predictive maintenance
• Circular economy and resource efficiency

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Over 4,000 exhibitors and thousands of international visitors

Based on official figures, we expect the participation of approximately 4,000 exhibiting companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, digital industry, and energy sectors. However, some estimates indicate that it could exceed 6,000 exhibitors, presenting more than 8,000 innovative products and solutions.

Regarding visitors, taking the 2025 edition as a reference, it is expected to exceed 123,000 attendees from 150 countries. A significant fact is that over 40% of visitors come from abroad, making Hannover Messe a true international meeting point. The countries with the highest attendance, after Germany, have traditionally been China, the Netherlands, Canada, Poland, South Korea, and Japan.

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Importance of the Hannover fair in the European context

The Hannover Messe trade fair is undoubtedly the most important industrial event in Europe and the world. As a leading platform, it brings together fundamental industrial sectors in one place, from drive engineering, automation, and energy to R&D, industrial IT, and outsourcing.

The European relevance of the event is demonstrated by its ability to attract international visitors. One-third of all professional visitors come from outside Germany, and more than half of these come from non-EU countries. Even German attendees show high commitment, as one in two travels more than 300 kilometers to be present in Hannover.

The European Commission has recognized the importance of Hannover Messe as a fundamental forum for presenting the EU's work in support of industry. Since 2021, the Commission has actively participated, helping companies adopt the green and digital transitions, creating conditions to boost their competitiveness and resilience.

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Industrial automation becomes the central axis of the event

Automation is emerging as the fundamental pillar at the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair, positioning itself as the strategic response to the challenges facing the global industry. Faced with growing global competition, rising costs, and the advancement of artificial intelligence, industrial automation not only controls processes but also generates crucial data to improve decision-making, increasing efficiency and productivity.

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Trends in robotics and process control

The Application Park is shaping up to be one of the main attractions of the Hannover Messe trade fair, exhibiting intelligent robotic systems in autonomous operation. Visitors will be able to experience the latest AI applications in robotics, image recognition tools, and virtual platforms that transform industrial production. This space will demonstrate how automation and logistics processes can be made more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable through experiential interactions between different applications.

The future of robotics is clearly autonomous. At Hannover Messe 2026, attendees will be able to witness cutting-edge technologies: from autonomous robots to generative artificial intelligence. This approach highlights how AI is transforming the industry and establishing new operational standards.

Regarding process control, Siemens' Simatic PCS7 system, developed over 20 years ago, is presented as an effective tool with powerful hardware and extensive libraries. Furthermore, the response to new challenges like "modular plants" and "scalability" has driven the launch of web-based process control systems. These systems make it easy for up to 30 experts from around the world to connect simultaneously and work without conflicts.

The Hannover fair will also emphasize intelligent systems, sensor technology, and networked control technologies, as well as PLCs, DCS systems, SCADA, motion control, industrial PCs, embedded systems, and electric drives. These technologies guarantee quality and enable intelligent and interconnected processes across all industries.

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Convergence between industrial software and hardware

The new design of the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair makes visible what is already a reality in factories: processes and technologies are no longer separate, but interconnected. Automation and digitalization are moving closer together both spatially and conceptually, reflecting a clear trend: the growing convergence between software and hardware, from AI-controlled robots and data-based manufacturing to digitized supply chains.

This convergence materializes in solutions like EcoStruxure Automation Expert, which stands out for its open, software-defined automation approach, allowing industries to respond quickly to market changes and integrating digital technologies with AI. This system increases operational and engineering efficiency through its adaptable and modular design.

The global AI market will reach 217.08 billion euros by 2026, with an annual growth of 28.6%. In parallel, the cloud robotics market will approach 26.24 billion euros, growing at a rate of 33.1% annually. This evolution will continue with 5G in the cloud robotics market, which will reach 8.49 billion euros, with an impressive annual growth of 79.2%.

In short, the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair highlights the path towards the automated, digital, and AI-driven factory. Artificial intelligence will be the common thread that runs through all exhibition areas, playing a central role in practically every stand. This offering is complemented by AI tours, masterclasses, forums, and networking events organized by HANNOVER MESSE.

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Digitalization and sustainability mark the technological agenda

Digital transformation and sustainability are intertwined as driving forces at the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair, creating a new industrial paradigm where technology and environmental responsibility coexist. This fundamental shift responds to global pressures for more efficient and environmentally responsible industrial systems.

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Industry 4.0 and digitized supply chains

The 2026 edition of the Hannover fair will present digital ecosystems that enable companies to collaborate through platforms and share data securely. Interconnection through IIoT, 5G technologies, LoRaWAN, or NB-IoT has become a prerequisite for maintaining competitive processes and developing new business models.

A highlighted element will be the digital twin, a virtual model connected in real time to its physical counterpart, which drives efficiency, reduces costs, and contributes to the sustainable design of production processes. However, supply chains are moving more slowly towards digitalization; a BME survey revealed that supply chain managers have barely implemented advanced digital solutions, limiting themselves mainly to cloud computing, robotics, and automation.

Production planning and control software, like that developed by Tvinn, promises significant improvements: more punctual deliveries, 30% less inventory, and 50% greater planning efficiency.

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Solutions for carbon-neutral production

Carbon-neutral production will be a central topic on the main stage, where how to achieve this crucial milestone will be analyzed. Industry represents nearly 40% of global final consumption, making its decarbonization imperative.

Among the highlighted solutions will be advanced electrical storage systems, supercapacitors, and clean mobility solutions that help minimize emissions without losing competitiveness. Technologies powered by hydrogen and other renewable energy systems will capture special attention.

It should be noted that the EU will ban claims of "climate neutrality" by 2026, requiring companies to provide concrete proof of excellent environmental performance, which will drive the implementation of genuinely sustainable solutions.

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Use of software for emissions reduction

Industrial software acts as a digital infrastructure that connects processes, reduces costs, and makes ESG goals measurable. Specialized tools like Sustainability Tracker integrate industrial data at the asset scale, simulate operations as digital twins, and provide detailed reports on sustainability indicators.

Other solutions like CERius automate the collection of greenhouse gas data and improve the accuracy of Scope 1 emissions by up to 33%. These tools are fundamental in the face of an expanding regulatory landscape, with over 5,000 proposed climate laws and policies worldwide.

Exhibitors at Hannover Messe 2026 will show how these technologies not only optimize processes but also contribute decisively to sustainability goals and environmental targets.

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Exhibitors show disruptive advances in energy and hydrogen

At the center of the industrial debate are the energy technologies that promise to transform production processes. The Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair will dedicate significant space to solutions that address decarbonization and energy efficiency, fundamental to reducing the 70% of global emissions that come from the energy sector.

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Hydrogen technologies applied to industry

The "Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE" area will constitute the core of hydrogen-related activities at the Hannover fair. This space will offer a unique platform to present hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in an industrial context, something exclusive to this event. Data confirms its relevance: more than 16,000 visitors interested in these technologies will attend, with 82% being sector professionals and 63% having decision-making authority.

Exhibitors will be able to choose between compact spaces or complete service packages that include catering and opportunities for presentations, facilitating networking and knowledge exchange. Companies will show innovations that underline their role as drivers of the energy transition.

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Industrial energy and energy efficiency

Without intervention, the energy demand of the industrial sector could grow by 30% by 2050, increasing CO₂ emissions by 17%. Faced with this problem, the fair will present pioneering technologies for waste heat recovery, considering that in 2018, 12 quadrillion BTU of thermal energy were used in manufacturing, with 7 quadrillion lost as waste.

Companies will exhibit solutions for reliable and efficient energy supply, essential for industries that require uninterrupted operation. The adoption of these technologies allows manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint, decrease costs, and improve performance and competitive position.

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Startups present innovative energy solutions

The startup zone will be a highlighted point where entrepreneurs will be able to exhibit innovative projects in energy. This space has proven its value: more than 300 startups launched their businesses in previous editions. New ventures will find a conducive ecosystem to connect with potential investors among the more than 130,000 in-person attendees.

Brazil, as the partner country in this edition, will contribute its leadership in renewable energies, offering numerous business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors.

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Tips for exhibitors and visitors of the Hannover 2026 fair

To properly prepare for participation in the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair, both exhibitors and visitors need to plan in advance. Practical details make the difference between a successful experience and a missed opportunity.

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How to register and plan the visit

The acquisition of tickets for Hannover Messe 2026 is done simply through the official online ticket shop, where visitors can customize their experience according to their professional interests. The fair will present a completely renewed thematic structure and pavilion design, with three differentiated exhibition areas that show the key technologies of industrial transformation. Exhibitors can register until February 6, 2026, the deadline to secure their participation.

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Stand design services and brand visibility

Presentation on Hannover Messe's digital channels guarantees greater visibility even before the event begins. Exhibitors receive exclusive codes to invite clients and business partners for free, being able to create their own campaigns that efficiently and measurably generate new contacts. Furthermore, a complete package for invitation campaigns is offered, including logo, graphics, banners, and other visual materials from Hannover Messe.

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Logistical and accommodation recommendations

The get2fairs service, exclusive to Deutsche Messe AG, provides customized accommodation options without surcharges, including hotel rooms and private accommodations both in downtown Hannover and surrounding areas. Likewise, the Kronsberg camping site offers an economical alternative for overnight stays, located in a quiet area near the fairgrounds with complete sanitary facilities and daily rates between 27 and 50 euros per night.

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Hannover Messe 2026 trade fair will mark a before and after in global industrial automation. Through our exploration, we have seen how this event will bring together approximately 4,000 exhibiting companies that will present pioneering solutions for the current challenges of the sector. The fair's renewed focus, structured into three main areas (Automation and Digitalization, Energy and Industrial Infrastructure, and Research and Technology Transfer), effectively responds to the transformation needs we face.

Artificial intelligence will certainly act as the common thread that unifies all exhibition areas, while the convergence between industrial software and hardware consolidates as a dominant trend. This technological fusion, evidenced by solutions like digital twins and software-defined automation platforms, will allow companies to achieve levels of efficiency previously unattainable.

Brazil, as the partner country of this edition, will contribute its unique perspective and offer significant business opportunities, especially in the field of renewable energies. Additionally, startups will find an ideal ecosystem to connect with potential investors among the more than 130,000 expected attendees.

Sustainability, for its part, will cease to be a simple statement of intent to become a measurable and verifiable commitment. Solutions for carbon-neutral production and hydrogen technologies will occupy a prominent place, demonstrating that competitiveness and environmental responsibility can advance together.

Finally, our experience indicates that those who participate in Hannover Messe 2026, whether as exhibitors or visitors, must carefully plan their attendance. The registration, stand design, and accommodation services offered by the organizers will facilitate successful participation in this world-reference event.

After analyzing all aspects of the fair, we can affirm that Hannover Messe 2026 will not only reflect the current state of the industry but will also chart the path towards a future where automation, digitalization, and sustainability constitute the fundamental pillars of global industrial development.

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