Hannover Messe 2026: Automation, AI and robotics

Hannover Messe 2026 stands for industrial transformation under real-life conditions. Messe.TV's coverage will focus on automation, AI and robotics - three areas that can no longer be viewed in isolation.

Innovations for industry at the Hannover Messe

Production systems, logistics processes and industrial services are increasingly merging into integrated, data-driven structures. Discover with us specific applications that are already in use today or are about to be introduced.

Automation as the backbone of modern industrial processes

Automation is no longer just about efficiency. Companies are focussing on end-to-end process chains that extend from production through quality assurance to delivery. The aim is not only to reduce costs, but above all to stabilise processes in an increasingly volatile environment. The focus is shifting from individual machines to networked systems. Sensors, control technology and software are interlinked. Production lines react flexibly to changing requirements without the need for manual intervention. This is particularly evident in modular systems that can be quickly adapted to new products or batch sizes. Typical developments in the field of automation:

• Networked production systems with end-to-end data integration
• Modular system concepts for flexible production
• Real-time monitoring of processes and machine statuses
• Integration of quality assurance directly into production

Artificial intelligence is changing industrial decision-making

Artificial intelligence is evolving from an analytical tool to an active component of industrial systems. Whereas data used to be collected and subsequently evaluated, AI-based applications now make decisions independently - for example, when optimising production parameters or predicting maintenance requirements. One key area of application is predictive maintenance. Machines report deviations in operation at an early stage before failures occur. This reduces downtimes and increases predictability. At the same time, AI is increasingly being used in quality assurance, for example in image processing or automated fault detection. Important fields of application for AI in industry:

• Predictive maintenance to avoid unplanned downtime
• Automated quality control using image and sensor data
• Optimisation of production processes in real time
• Support for complex planning and control tasks

Robotics between precision and flexibility

Robotics has developed significantly in recent years. In addition to traditional industrial robots, collaborative systems are becoming increasingly important. These work directly with humans and take on tasks that require a combination of precision and adaptability. One key trend is the increasing mobility of robot systems. Autonomous platforms move through production halls or storage areas and take on transport or assistance tasks. At the same time, improved sensor technology and AI are enabling robots to perform more complex tasks. Relevant developments in robotics:

• Collaborative robots for flexible application scenarios
• Mobile robotics for internal logistics
• Improved sensor technology for precise and adaptive movements
• Integration of AI for autonomous decision-making

Energy, digitalisation and new industrial structures

In addition to the core areas of automation, AI and robotics, energy efficiency and digitalisation play a central role. Industrial companies are under pressure to make their processes more sustainable and remain competitive at the same time. The combination of digital control and efficient energy utilisation is becoming a decisive factor here. Another aspect is the increasing networking across company boundaries. Supply chains are mapped digitally, production data is exchanged between partners and processes are jointly optimised. This is leading to new forms of collaboration that go beyond traditional business models. Hannover Messe 2026 picks up on these developments and shows how industrial systems are evolving. The focus is not on visions, but on concrete solutions that are already being tested or used in practice today.