Automation gaining ground – Current trends and topics in metalworking

Frankfurt am Main, December 10, 2025 – Featuring around 1,600 international exhibitors from 45 countries, EMO Hannover 2025 provided a global showcase for innovation in production technology from September 22 to 26. 50 years after the premiere of the world's leading trade fair for production
technology in Paris, the focus was on forward-looking aspects, such as artificial intelligence and digitalization, automation and sustainability. The exhibitors impressively demonstrated how modern production technologies are now more networked, intelligent and resource-saving than ever before.
The technologies include everything from smart machines and IoT-based applications through to AI-supported production processes and systems for data-driven analysis. EMO Hannover 2025 offered an 360° overview of the current state of industrial manufacturing and its future.

The developments – especially in the field of automation – were on show in numerous areas at the trade fair. Visitors were given an insight into the current state-of-the-art. The latest systems showed how it is increasingly possible to operate production lines without human intervention. The solutions presented
help to minimize error rates, improve product quality and increase production speed. Flexibility is also being optimized in production, which is opening up new customization and scaling opportunities for companies.

Another key topic at the event was sustainability in industrial production. The concepts and technologies on display were not only aimed at improving the ecological credentials of companies, but also demonstrated concrete ways of raising the efficiency levels of machines. There was a particular spotlight on developments aimed at reducing energy consumption.

A further focus was on the use of artificial intelligence in industrial production. Various AI applications were presented at EMO Hannover 2025 which have the potential to change production processes on a permanent basis. These included intelligent chatbots that can be used as digital assistants in machine operation, maintenance and production planning. Such systems enable intuitive human-machine interaction, assist operating personnel and reduce the amount of training required. In addition, various advanced AI models for process optimization were presented. These analyze large volumes of production environment data, identify patterns and deviations, and adapt processes autonomously.

Selected highlights from various topic areas are presented in the report. They illustrate not only the innovative potential of the exhibitor companies, but also the diversity of the technologies themselves.

++ DOWNLOAD THE FULL TECHNICAL REPORT - EMO HANNOVER 2025 ++