A wealth of inspiration for innovative machinery and plant manufacturers

EMO Hannover 2025 with production technology for the modern factory

From ice machines to wheel loaders, the spectrum of technical products is as broad as the market itself. However, almost all manufacturers face the same major challenges: modernizing production, developing strategies to counter the shortage of skilled labor, implementing solutions for a more circular economy and improved resource efficiency. Under the banner of "Innovate Manufacturing," EMO Hannover 2025, the world's leading trade fair for manufacturing technology, offers engineering companies a wide range of inspiring innovations and solutions. In addition, companies will also be able to find suitable partners at EMO who can provide expert support for their modernization processes. This saves time and minimizes investment risks.

Embracing new technologies

It is now critical for the industry as a whole - not just small and medium-sized enterprises - to embrace new technologies and solutions. Ideally, these should be scalable, have already proven their effectiveness and increase efficiency from the start. EMO offers direct access to the leading manufacturers and suppliers of customized manufacturing solutions in engineering and showcases advances in metalworking. Visitors can experience machine tools in action at the show. They can discuss and consult with experts and industry specialists at the booths, as well as in presentations, workshops and live demonstrations.

"The EMO is unique among trade fairs in presenting the entire value chain of metalworking - from machine tools, production systems and additive processes to precision tools, automation, metrology, quality assurance, software and accessories," emphasizes Dr. Markus Heering, managing director of EMO organizer VDW (German Association of Machine Tool Manufacturers). The EMO motto "Innovate Manufacturing" is therefore more than just a slogan, Heering says, it is a call to suppliers and users to boldly exploit the potential of new technologies.

Digitization is revolutionizing technology

This is especially true of the megatrends of automation, digitization and artificial intelligence. Advancing digitization is revolutionizing technology, the VDW believes. A decisive factor here is the linking of all machines in the process chain. The opportunity to experience this live is what makes EMO unique. Machine tools are now pre-equipped with comprehensive sensor and monitoring systems. Exhibitors should address trade visitors' concerns about the possible loss of data sovereignty or the threat of cyber attacks. Exhibiting companies feel it is important to facilitate the transition to data-driven manufacturing. On display will be systems that run exclusively on or in individual machines and within the customer's own network. It is entirely up to users to decide whether they allow the exchange of data - for example, with external parties, such as the machine manufacturer or partners inside or outside the value chain, now or at some point in the future. Real added value is created when maintenance cycles can be predicted, downtimes minimized or data for documenting the carbon footprint within the supply chain can be provided at the touch of a button.

Machine learning, a subfield of artificial intelligence, opens up a new dimension of self-organized production. This allows companies to respond more flexibly to changes in the market and to individual customer demands. It is a crucial prerequisite for maintaining innovation and competitiveness in the long term.

Addressing skilled labor shortages

Digitalization and automation of production can be combined with strategies aimed at countering the shortage of skilled workers in engineering. Automated assistance systems, for example, can support machine operators while increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. In addition to technical solutions, EMO will also address how best to adapt training programs for the next generation of skilled workers to meet the latest requirements in technological development, digitalization and artificial intelligence. Changes affecting technology also include sustainability. More and more countries are taking measures to protect the climate and investing in the green transformation of their industries. In manufacturing, there is a stronger focus on being more resource-efficient, using energy-efficient machines and production processes, and establishing circular economies for products and materials. As the VDW reports, at EMO 2023 there was already a tremendous amount of visitor interest in this topic. The Sustainability Area at EMO 2025 will be a focal point for modern solutions focused on the sustainable production of the future and answering visitors' questions. This is a topic that is clearly at the top of the agenda when it comes to modernizing production.