People visit Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
HANNOVER, Germany, April 20 (Xinhua) - Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer.
Addressing the opening ceremony on Sunday evening, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that AI is "profoundly reshaping economic activity," particularly in the industrial sector, where it can boost productivity, optimize resource use, and reduce costs, thereby enhancing competitiveness.
He added that Germany aims to double its computing capacity by 2030 compared with 2025 levels and plans to increase investment in key technologies such as microelectronics, quantum computing, and electrification.
First held in 1947, Hannover Messe has developed into one of the world's leading platforms for industrial technology.
Among Chinese exhibitors, AI and robotics companies are a major highlight this year, showcasing applications ranging from AI-powered factory automation to humanoid robots.
AI is expected to play a central role in China's broader development plans through 2030, supported by policies that prioritize its advancement, according to an article published on the organizer's website. The technology is helping drive the country's industrial modernization by enabling the digitalization of manufacturing and the upgrading of production processes to more advanced levels. ■
The opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 is held in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addresses the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addresses the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Actors perform at the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 19, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Chinese companies maintain a strong presence at the fair, with approximately 700 exhibitors, making China the second-largest exhibitor group after host country Germany, according to the organizer. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People visit the exhibition area of Microsoft at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People visit Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People visit the exhibition area of Microsoft at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People visit Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows the exhibition area of Xpeng at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A staff member demonstrates a VR-assisted product at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People visit Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
People look at a robotic dog at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows the exhibition area of German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows the exhibition area of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A man tries VR equipment at the exhibition area of Siemens at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A man tries a racing simulator at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
An industrial robotic arm is pictured at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
A man looks at a humanoid robot at the exhibition area of Agile Robots at Hannover Messe 2026 in Hannover, Germany, April 20, 2026.
Hannover Messe 2026, Germany's flagship industrial trade fair, opened on Monday with industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots taking center stage for the first time.
Held under the theme "Think Tech Forward," the five-day event has attracted around 2,900 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
