EMO 2025 drives AI and automation to boost global metalworking industry

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EMO 2025 drives AI and automation to boost global metalworking industry

EMO 2025 drives AI and automation to boost global metalworking industry

Articles
Oct 03,25

EMO 2025 in Hannover drew 80,000 visitors, spotlighting automation, AI, and sustainability in metalworking.

EMO 2025 drives AI and automation to boost global metalworking industry

For five days, Hannover became the hub of metalworking as EMO 2025, the leading global trade fair for production technology, brought together 80,000 international trade visitors. The event set new benchmarks for competitiveness, with automation and artificial intelligence firmly embedded as drivers of efficiency in industrial processes.

For half a century, EMO has symbolised technology, knowledge exchange, networking, and cooperation. More than 1,600 exhibitors from 45 nations, supported by a diverse programme, showcased solutions for upgrading and modernising production.

“There was a wealth of smart, impressive technical solutions. This EMO convincingly demonstrated that,” said Carl Martin Welcker, General Commissioner of EMO 2025. “What is needed now is the engine of investment to kick in. Projects are lined up after years of restraint, but political uncertainty is still slowing commitments,” Welcker added.

Positive momentum was seen abroad, especially beyond Europe. Two thirds of non-European visitors surveyed indicated plans to invest, compared with less than half in Germany. This matched the trend in the German machine tool industry, where foreign orders grew by 6 per cent in the first seven months of 2025, while domestic demand dropped by 22 per cent. Still, exhibitors reported sales. Norbert Teeuwen, Managing Director of Okuma Europe, confirmed: “Our appearance was a complete success. We even sold three exhibition machines directly from the booth.”

Automation in focus

Automation remained the industry’s focal point, driven by cost pressures and labour shortages. Half of surveyed visitors explored ways to integrate automation into operations. “Automation is everywhere here and is going to make a big difference,” said Aaron Morrill, CNC mechanic from the USA. Roughly 140 robot manufacturers demonstrated solutions, underscoring robotics’ growing role. Klaus Winkelmann, CEO of Fanuc Europe, noted: “Robots will increasingly coexist with human operators, offering efficient solutions.”

Digitalisation and sustainability

More than a third of trade visitors examined advances in digitalisation and AI. “AI optimises processes by using sensor data, improving factory quality,” explained Jan Otoupakik, CEO of 4dot Mechatronics, Czech Republic. The P.O.P Talks on AI and digitalisation drew strong interest.

Automation, digitalisation, and AI also enhanced sustainability by conserving energy and materials. Professor Berend Denkena of Leibniz University Hannover highlighted: “Reducing coolant flow saves up to 95 per cent of pump energy, 60 per cent of total system energy, and marks a major step forward.”

Top-level platform

The fair once again proved a magnet for senior managers and decision-makers, with over half of visitors at top or middle management level.

Overall, 94 per cent of attendees said their visit objectives were met, and 98 per cent rated the event between satisfactory and very good. Irene Bader, Board Member at DMG Mori, said: “Our showcase offered a glimpse into the future of production. Customer enthusiasm reaffirmed the value of face-to-face exchanges.” German Wankmiller, Chairman of Grob-Werke, added: “Despite market challenges, the quality of visitors and discussions was excellent, offering strong follow-up opportunities.”

Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of organiser VDW, concluded: “Once again, EMO attracted global leaders in metalworking and spotlighted new industrial production trends. It has cemented its role as the leading trade fair and industry barometer.”

The next EMO will be held from October 4 to 8, 2027, in Milan, Italy.