The landscape of metalworking is evolving rapidly with advancements in automation, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, and data-driven processes powered by artificial intelligence. Staying abreast of these trends and gaining a comprehensive overview poses a significant challenge. The key question for companies remains how to accurately evaluate new technologies and integrate them effectively to maximise benefits. EMO Hannover 2025, taking place from September 22 to 26, will provide valuable support for making these strategic decisions
Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director of VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association), highlights that EMO transcends being a conventional trade fair. “As a global platform fostering dialogue among all international stakeholders—manufacturers and end users alike—the event is unparalleled. No other venue offers attendees such a concentration of international expertise,” he notes. “This is evident not only at exhibitor stands but also within technical presentations, forums, and targeted special pavilions addressing future-critical metalworking themes. Participants will find ample opportunities to exchange knowledge, network, and identify potential business collaborators.”
Emerging markets demand extensive technical proficiency
Virtually every manufacturing facility requires modernisation. Global competition compels companies to continuously seek optimisation paths. Key drivers include escalating costs, energy and raw material price volatility, new CO2 emission targets, and circular economy goals. Challenging sectors such as aerospace, medical devices, and renewable energy call for advanced technical skills along with improvements in efficiency and quality. Moreover, the processed materials are evolving: high-performance and coated alloys become lighter, stronger, more durable, and increasingly resistant to corrosion and heat. Handling such materials necessitates specialised expertise, making digital solutions and AI-driven approaches exceptionally valuable amid growing skill shortages.
Automation, sustainability, digitalisation, and AI stand out as the primary innovation vectors in metalworking
EMO Hannover will showcase cutting-edge solutions aligned with these trends. Industry leaders can benefit from exhibitor knowledge and expert insights to mitigate investment risks. Whether producing components for diagnostic medical equipment or manufacturing geometrically complex, safety-critical aerospace parts, capital expenditures on production lines, robotics, or software are justified only if they boost productivity or unlock new business avenues. Success is heightened when value chain partners collaborate closely.
Efficient, sustainable metalworking hinges on automation
The VDW identifies automation, sustainability, digitalisation, and AI as the foremost technological trends shaping metalworking. “Given quality demands and workforce scarcity, automation plays a crucial role,” says Dr. Heering. “Automated systems need to be user-friendly and adaptable to specific requirements. They should support both mass production and cost-effective single-unit manufacturing. Automation ranges from straightforward implementations such as pallet changers and handling units to advanced robotic and autonomous systems. The Cobot Area at EMO focuses specifically on the applications and advantages of collaborative robots.”
IoT and AI-based digital frameworks will drive productivity enhancements
Sustainability initiatives target not only energy and material efficiency at the machine level and secondary processes but also the broader impact of machinery on CO2 reduction and greener production paradigms. “Mechanical engineering is a key enabler in the climate-friendly transition,” stressed Bertram Kawlath, President of VDMA (German Engineering Federation), in a recent statement. EMO’s Sustainability Area serves as a hub to discover innovative solutions for eco-conscious manufacturing. Exhibitors will demonstrate approaches for optimising energy consumption, integrating renewable energy sources, embracing circular economy principles, and applying life cycle management methods.
Connected digital workflows enhance transparency
The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI technologies is set to play an essential role in streamlining production. A growing number of machines now feature built-in sensors and monitoring technologies that collect data continuously. This digital interconnection of process chains provides full transparency, enabling “smart” machines to anticipate malfunctions and facilitate predictive maintenance strategies.
