Hannover, Frankfurt am Main, September 26, 2025 – The world of metalworking converged in Hannover as EMO 2025, the world’s premier trade fair for production technology, opened its doors to over 80,000 global visitors. For five days, the event became the pulse of industrial innovation, spotlighting the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in manufacturing.
With participation from 1,600+ exhibitors across 45 countries, EMO 2025 reaffirmed its role as the global stage for industrial modernization, networking, and collaboration. The fair celebrated 50 years of advancing technology and fostering partnerships that drive manufacturing efficiency and sustainability.
“There is a profusion of smart and impressive technical solutions. EMO 2025 has convincingly demonstrated that,” said Carl Martin Welcker, General Commissioner of EMO 2025. “Now, the booster engine of investment needs to fire up so these technologies can power real transformation.”
Automation Takes Center Stage
At this year’s event, automation dominated conversations across the exhibition halls. Rising costs and the shortage of skilled labor have accelerated the push toward automated manufacturing solutions. According to the visitor survey, half of all attendees explored ways to implement automation to enhance productivity.
“Automation is everywhere here, and it’s going to make a big difference,” said Aaron Morrill, a CNC mechanic from the USA. Over 140 robot manufacturers showcased next-generation systems designed to integrate seamlessly with human operators. Klaus Winkelmann, CEO of Fanuc Europe, noted, “Robots will increasingly coexist with human workers, providing the most efficient solutions for tomorrow’s factories.”
AI and Digitalization Redefine Production
More than one-third of trade visitors were drawn to exhibits focusing on digitalization, data analytics, and AI applications in production. Jan Otoupakik, CEO of Czech startup 4dot Mechatronics, explained, “AI is unlocking new levels of precision and process optimization. When sensor data is fully leveraged, production quality and efficiency rise dramatically.” The fair’s P.O.P. Talks series, held on the central innovation stage, drew large audiences with daily sessions exploring the intersection of AI, automation, and smart manufacturing.
Sustainability Through Smart Engineering
EMO 2025 also underscored the industry’s growing commitment to sustainable production. Technologies that optimize resource and energy use are shaping the next generation of machine tools. Professor Berend Denkena of Leibniz University Hannover shared a breakthrough approach: “By reducing coolant flow to the exact requirement, we can cut pump energy by up to 95% and total system energy by 60%. That’s a major leap forward for sustainable production.”
Strong Global Confidence, Mixed European Sentiment
While confidence among international markets is rising, investment caution remains in Europe. Two-thirds of visitors from outside Europe expressed plans to invest soon, compared to less than half of German attendees. Still, EMO exhibitors reported steady sales. Okuma Europe’s Managing Director Norbert Teeuwen shared: “Our participation was a complete success. We even sold three exhibition machines directly off the booth.”
Foreign orders for the German machine tool industry rose 6% in the first seven months of 2025, even as domestic demand fell 22%. Despite these contrasts, EMO proved to be a powerful platform for new business and investment momentum.
A Global Hub for Industrial Decision-Makers
EMO 2025 once again attracted top-tier management and decision-makers from around the world. Over 94% of visitors reported meeting their goals, and 98% rated the event as satisfactory to excellent. “Our booth was a glimpse into the future of production,” said Irene Bader, Board Member of DMG Mori. “The enthusiasm and feedback we received highlight how vital in-person collaboration remains for true innovation.” German Wankmiller, Chairman of the Board of Grob-Werke, added, “Given the current market challenges, we were positively surprised by the visitor turnout and the quality of discussions. EMO continues to deliver ideas worth pursuing.”
EMO’s Enduring Legacy
Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director of the VDW, summed up EMO 2025’s success: “Once again, EMO attracted the world’s leading market players and addressed the key themes defining modern industrial production. It has reinforced its position as the world’s leading trade fair and the ultimate barometer of manufacturing trends.”
As the world prepares for the next edition, EMO 2027 promises to carry the torch of innovation to Milan, Italy, from October 4–8, 2027 — where the future of intelligent manufacturing will continue to unfold.
