Clarity in uncertain times

From September 16 to 21, some 117,000 production specialists gathered to immerse themselves in metalworking. The 2019 edition of the EMO closed its doors with a slight decline in visitors but with a satisfied organization. Managing Director Carl Martin Welcker said, "EMO Hannover has established itself as a reliable rock, providing clear guidance on which direction it is taking manufacturing technology, even in these uncertain times. We continue to guarantee a strong international character, a high quality of visitors and exhibitors and an incredible wealth of innovations and new products."

Despite slightly lower visitor numbers - the historic shift in the auto industry is a big part of that - EMO can still call itself the place-to-be when it comes to metalworking. Indeed, quite a few of the 117,000 visitors came to the fair not empty-handed, but with clear plans to invest in their production. A quarter of them even placed their order at the fair or would close the deal very soon after. Another 20% were determined to spend money in the aftermath of the stock market. The focus of those investments was mainly on expanding and replacing machinery and tools to achieve flexible manufacturing and automation. More than half of the visitors were not from Germany, but from across the borders. An increase in numbers was even noticeable there. The international character of the fair was thus clearly underlined.

110 machines, one universal interface

EMO is of course also the time par excellence to spot novelties. As an innovation platform for production technology, the fair has for years served as a barometer for the trends of the coming years. This was highlighted with the theme: 'Smart technology driving tomorrow's production'. Buzzwords like IoT platforms, apps, digital twins, artificial intelligence, edge and cloud computing were all over the show floor. Indeed, much has changed over the past two years. Visitors now have a more holistic view of their process chain, digital services included, to create added value for customers. In Hall 9, research and daily practice on the shop floor came together. In the Start-up zone, the first applications in artificial intelligence surfaced. Here visitors could satisfy their hunger for what the future might bring. Additive processes, the IIoT, 5G and OPC UA or umati (new standard interface for machine tools and umbrella IT systems) also clearly set the tone. The large umati showcase that included 110 machines from seventy international companies and partners demonstrated for the first time that a universal interface between machines and IT systems can function across all product types.

On to Milan

"Against all odds, we can still close EMO Hannover 2019 on a positive note. The trade fair continues to be a pole of attraction for the entire international manufacturing technology community. If it has demonstrated anything it is that investments are still happening to meet the challenges of the future and that it can make an important contribution in providing the solutions," Welcker concluded. The next edition will take place in Milan from October 4 to 9, 2021.