Messe Stuttgart has unveiled the key highlights of AMB 2026, one of the world’s leading exhibitions for metalworking, ahead of its opening from September 15 to 19, 2026. With all ten exhibition halls fully booked and around 1,150 exhibitors already confirmed from 34 countries, the event is set to bring together manufacturers, technology providers and industry leaders to showcase the latest developments in machining, automation and production technologies.
Spread across 120,000 square metres of exhibition space, AMB 2026 will present the complete metal-cutting value chain, featuring machine tools, automation solutions, precision engineering, digital manufacturing technologies and industrial services. Around 31 per cent of the exhibitors will come from international markets, underlining the exhibition’s global appeal.
Roland Bleinroth, President of Messe Stuttgart, said the strong exhibitor response reflects the industry’s continued confidence in AMB as one of the most important global platforms for metalworking. He noted that for more than four decades, the exhibition has served as a meeting point for manufacturers, technology innovators and customers seeking the latest production solutions.
One of the major additions to this year’s programme is the introduction of “Defence & Security Opportunities,” a dedicated platform developed in collaboration with VDMA. The programme will explore how the metal-cutting industry can support the rapidly growing defence manufacturing sector through scalable production capabilities. The initiative will feature keynote presentations from defence manufacturers and suppliers, along with guided visits to selected exhibitors showcasing relevant technologies.
AMB 2026 will also strengthen international business engagement through a new partnership with Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i). The International Gallery, located at the East Entrance, will host industry associations from countries including India, Italy, Taiwan and Spain. Country-specific networking sessions and business presentations will provide visitors with opportunities to explore new markets and build global partnerships.
Ahead of the exhibition, Messe Stuttgart is also organising the AMB Roadshow, taking the event directly to manufacturing companies across the region. During the exhibition, the roadshow vehicle will remain on display in Messepark, offering visitors another platform for networking and interaction.
A new addition to the programme is AMB Night, an after-work networking event scheduled for September 18. Designed primarily for manufacturing professionals, the event will combine exhibition access with opportunities to interact with industry experts and digital content creators in an informal setting.
The five-day exhibition will feature more than 107 supporting events involving around 50 industry speakers. The VDMA Technology Forum will host technical sessions covering topics such as sustainable manufacturing, circular economy practices and cost-efficient production. The AMB Stage will feature daily discussions focused on sectors including aerospace, maintenance and advanced manufacturing.
Artificial intelligence will be one of the central themes of AMB 2026. Dedicated sessions on September 16 will examine the growing role of AI in production, including process optimisation, predictive maintenance, quality control and manufacturing efficiency. Visitors will also have opportunities to engage directly with experts during interactive discussion sessions.
The exhibition will also feature a Start-up Area, recognising emerging technologies and innovative business models, while the AMB Award will honour outstanding developments in metalworking technology. The Young Engineers Foundation’s special education showcase will provide students and young professionals with hands-on demonstrations of CNC machining, automation and digital production systems.
Automation, artificial intelligence and the circular economy remain the three central themes running throughout AMB 2026. By bringing together global manufacturers, technology developers and industry professionals, the exhibition aims to promote innovation, knowledge sharing and business collaboration while highlighting the future of the international metalworking industry.
