For 50 years, EMO has stood for technology, information, exchange, international networking, and cooperation. More than 1,600 exhibitors from 45 countries, together with a diverse supporting program, presented a wide range of solutions for the modernization and upgrading of manufacturing.
“Smart and impressive technical solutions are available in abundance – EMO 2025 has made that clear,” said Carl Martin Welcker, Commissioner General of EMO 2025. “But in order for these solutions to unfold their impact, investment momentum must finally kick in. Many projects are waiting in the pipeline after three years of investment restraint, but uncertainty about political conditions continues to dampen investment,” Welcker explained.
Confidence is already growing abroad, especially outside Europe. More than 60 percent of international visitors indicated in the survey that they intend to invest. In Germany, however, the figure is less than half. This corresponds with order intake trends in the German machine tool industry: foreign orders rose by 6 percent in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, while domestic demand fell by 22 percent. Still, EMO exhibitors reported sales successes. “Open Possibilities – that is exactly what connects EMO and Okuma. Our trade fair participation was a complete success – three machines were sold directly from our booth to enthusiastic customers. For us, EMO is always a highlight,” said Norbert Teeuwen, Managing Director of Okuma Europe.
Automation – the industry’s top priority
Automation emerged as the dominant theme of the fair. Rising costs and skilled labor shortages are driving demand. Half of the surveyed visitors were primarily interested in how automation can make their production more productive. “Automation is everywhere here – and it makes a big difference,” commented Aaron Morrill, a CNC mechanic from the U.S. The importance of robotics continues to grow, as demonstrated by around 140 robotics manufacturers on site. “We also see that robots will play an increasingly important role in the machine tool industry. Industrial robots will coexist with human operators and will offer the most efficient solutions in the future,” said Klaus Winkelmann, CEO of Fanuc Europe.
Interfaces with digitalization and sustainability
More than one-third of trade visitors sought information about digitalization and AI. “We see the added value of AI in processes where all possibilities of processing sensor data are used. This is where AI makes a difference and improves quality on the shop floor,” explained Jan Otoupalik, CEO of Czech startup 4dot Mechatronics. This was also reflected in the strong attendance at the P.O.P. Talks, held daily on the centrally designed Innovation Stage, which shed light on many aspects of AI in production.
Automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence are not only boosting productivity, efficiency, and quality – they also enhance sustainability in production by advancing energy and material efficiency. Sustainability is increasingly prioritized in research and among young professionals. “We are working on various solutions. A very important example is reducing the energy consumption of production systems – for instance, optimizing coolant flow so that only the necessary amount is used instead of as much as possible, as in the past. This allows us to save up to 95 percent of pump energy, electrical energy, and up to 60 percent of the total energy consumption of the production system. That’s a big step,” said Professor Berend Denkena of Leibniz University Hanover.
Top platform for international decision-makers
Once again, EMO confirmed its role as the leading platform for executives and procurement decision-makers. More than half of the surveyed visitors identified as top or middle management, with corresponding purchasing authority.
Overall, 93 percent of visitors reported achieving their trade fair objectives, and 98 percent rated EMO positively, from “very good” to “satisfactory.” Exhibitors echoed this sentiment. “What we presented at EMO 2025 was a glimpse into the future of manufacturing. The enthusiasm and valuable feedback from our customers once again showed us how important personal exchange is for true innovation,” said Irene Bader, Executive Board Member of DMG Mori. German Wankmiller, CEO of Grob-Werke, added: “We are overall satisfied with this year’s EMO and, despite current market challenges, positively surprised. The visitor turnout and quality of discussions were consistently high and provided us with important impulses for the coming months.”
“Once again, EMO succeeded in bringing together the international market leaders of metalworking and addressing the industry’s latest themes,” concluded Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director of the EMO organizer VDW. “This has consolidated its position as the world’s leading trade fair and trend barometer.”
The next EMO will take place from October 4–8, 2027, in Milan, Italy.
Source: www.emo-hannover.de
