As EMO Hannover celebrates its 50th year in 2025, the German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW), the organiser of the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, set the stage with an impressive EMO Hannover Press Preview on July 10 and 11 in Frankfurt am Main. As someone present at this event, I can confidently say it was a glimpse into the transformative future of manufacturing.
The EMO Hannover 2025 Press Preview began with a welcome address by moderator Sven Krause, followed by the first round of dynamic 90-second pitches from participating exhibitors, each showcasing upcoming innovations. This set the stage for an insightful interview between Sven and Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of VDW, where they discussed the global relevance and vision of EMO Hannover 2025.
The momentum continued with a second round of exhibitor pitches, leading into a thought-provoking panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing. After the final pitch session, attendees enjoyed a short networking break before the day concluded with a keynote address by Jayson Myers, CEO of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), representing Canada as the Partner Country for EMO Hannover 2025.
Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of VDW and the face of EMO Hannover, was undeniably one of the most sought-after people during the event. Having recently completed a world tour across three continents, 27 countries, and 35 cities, engaging with journalists, exhibitors, and industry leaders, Dr Heering carried global insights and anticipation back to Frankfurt. At the preview, with cameras and microphones capturing every word, he addressed pressing subjects, ranging from international tariff policies and competition in Asian markets to the upcoming breakthroughs in automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainability that will define EMO Hannover 2025.
“Nowhere else can guests encounter so much international expertise as at EMO,” Dr Heering emphasised, addressing over 150 attendees from 24 countries, including delegations from India, China, the USA, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and across Europe. During the interview session, Dr Heering reflected on the excitement he had witnessed worldwide: despite global uncertainties, the mood surrounding EMO remained optimistic. Whether it’s 24/7 automation or technical breakthroughs, both exhibitors and visitors come to Hannover expecting innovation and leave inspired.
Panel Discussion: Not Using AI is not an Option
A central theme that echoed throughout the preview was the power of Artificial Intelligence. One pitch described a machine equipped with an integrated chatbot—one that not only trains operators but also asks questions, such as whether the coolant needs refilling, and shows precisely where to find it. This blend of usability and automation represents the future of shop-floor interaction.
The potential of AI was further explored in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Sebastian Heinz, CEO of Statworxs, and Prof Michael Zäh from the Technical University of Munich. They issued a wake-up call to Europe: the pace of AI innovation must accelerate, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. “AI makes mistakes, will not make humans obsolete,” Prof Zäh remarked, stressing the need to develop skills that complement intelligent systems. Sebastian added, “The biggest value of AI is its ability to generate new ideas and accelerate innovation.” Both agreed: “Not using AI is not an option.”
Canada: EMO Hannover 2025 Partner Country
Following Hannover Messe 2025 in March 2025, Canada will return to Hannover as the Partner Country of EMO Hannover in September 2025. Jayson Myers, CEO of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), did a presentation on how Canada, this year’s Partner Country at EMO Hannover, will be exhibited. NGen will host a Canadian pavilion at EMO, featuring 15 exhibitors representing the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
NGen is a national initiative with over 11,000 members and has already invested in 250 collaboration projects, generating over $1 billion in project investments and $7.5 billion in revenues. “AI is not the solution—it’s part of the solution,” said Jayson Myers. He stressed the importance of broader cooperation across automation, cybersecurity, materials science, and precision metrology. NGen also act as a bridge to over 5,000 technology providers from Canada’s metalworking ecosystem, eager to collaborate on a global scale.
90-Second Innovations and Cross-Border Dialogues
One of the most exciting aspects of the Press Preview was the 90-second pitch rounds by 26 exhibitors, each of whom unveiled what they will showcase at EMO in September. These lightning-fast presentations covered a wide range of topics, including new machining systems and automation platforms, tool change innovations, and AI-enabled software. The energy in the room was electric, with lively discussions extending well into the evening, including a networking boat tour along the River Main.
Many of the companies emphasised themes such as process optimisation, robotic integration, and sustainability, highlighting long-lasting machines, retrofitting for second-life use, and lowering carbon footprints. A particularly insightful experience was the visit to the ETA Factory on Day 2 at TU Darmstadt. This climate-neutral model factory focuses on research-driven solutions for future-proof, energy-efficient manufacturing.
EMO Hannover 2025: A Global Stage for Innovation, Dialogue, and Collaboration
What stood out most during the EMO Preview was the spirit of collaboration and open dialogue. Whether it was during presentations, panels, or informal conversations, it became evident that EMO Hannover is a global movement. As Dr Markus Heering aptly stated, “EMO sets the right topics, and it provides a platform for discussions and forging new contacts.”
As Machine Maker prepares to cover EMO Hannover 2025 from September 22nd to 26th, I invite our community of manufacturers, technologists, and innovators to join us on this journey. Let’s explore the innovations shaping the future of manufacturing and the stories of individuals and companies leading the change. From Frankfurt to Hannover, the countdown to the world’s biggest manufacturing stage has truly begun.
