HANNOVER MESSE 2026 restructures halls and adds formats around industrial AI

Deutsche Messe set out the concept for HANNOVER MESSE 2026, built around making industrial artificial intelligence tangible and application-oriented, with a new thematic structure, optimised visitor guidance, new networking formats and new exhibiting companies. The organiser said industrial AI is becoming a central driver of innovation and growth by analysing production data in real time, optimising processes and enabling adaptive control of production workflows. Exhibitors include AWS, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens, alongside Beckhoff, Festo, HARTING, ifm, LAPP, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, Schaeffler and SEW, with research institutes including Fraunhofer and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and more than 200 startups. Rockwell Automation returns for the first time in many years. New knowledge and networking formats include masterclasses, roundtables, expert stages and matchmaking, plus a new Center Stage whose speakers include Siemens managing board member Cedrik Neike, entrepreneur Verena Pausder and futurist Amy Webb.