Machines powered by artificial intelligence. Robots that learn autonomously. Systems for recycling electric batteries. Software to measure CO2 emissions across entire factories. Efficient hydrogen production systems. And a secure data space for European industry.
The innovative strength of the companies appearing at HANNOVER MESSE is greater than ever, and the increased presence of political leaders from around the globe helps provide the perfect mix at this, the world’s leading industrial trade fair in Hannover, Germany.
“Innovative technologies and a clear economic policy agenda – that’s what is important for Hannover to be able to impart the signs of new beginnings and a renewed spirit of optimism,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Managing Board Chairman at the Deutsche Messe group of companies, adding he was convinced that at least half of that equation had already been fulfilled: “Our exhibiting companies will make their own contribution by showcasing technologies that enable industry to produce competitively and sustainably around the world.”
The innovations on display at the trade fair will revolve around intelligent and CO2-neutral production, AI, hydrogen and energy solutions. “Our exhibitors will show that a competitive and sustainable industry is also possible in Europe. This however requires a reliable regulatory framework – one that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship,” declares Köckler.
The solution lies in the interaction of automation, digitization and electrification, broad cross-industry and cross-border cooperation and a clear political course. With 4,000 exhibitors, record participation from the realm of politics and Norway as the partner country, HANNOVER MESSE 2024 represents the ideal platform for this.
“Visitors to HANNOVER MESSE are looking for answers to the question of how to make sensible use of automation, artificial intelligence, state-of-the-art drive technology, renewable energies and hydrogen. It is precisely this kind of expertise that our exhibitors at HANNOVER MESSE provide,” explains Köckler.
Exhibiting companies include global technology giants like AWS, Bosch, Google, Microsoft, SAP, Schneider Electric and Siemens, as well as medium-sized technology leaders like Beckhoff, Festo, Phoenix Contact, Rittal, SEW-Eurodrive and Harting. Renowned research institutes such as Fraunhofer and KIT (the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) as well as more than 300 start-ups will also be in the starting blocks in the exhibition halls. The exhibiting companies come from 60 different nations, with the top five nations consisting of Germany, China, Turkey, United States and Italy.
“HANNOVER MESSE is the place where technology is showcased, business deals are driven and economic policy is made – by decision-makers from government, industry and business, who are traveling to Hannover in April in greater numbers and at a higher level than ever before,” says Köckler, adding: “In Hannover, politicians can experience the technological solutions to the challenges of our age.” More than 300 delegations from all over the world are expected, led by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will open HANNOVER MESSE together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In addition, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Robert Habeck, will take advantage of the platform offered by the leading trade fair for industry to network and dialogue with representatives of the business community.
Artificial intelligence: The next stage of industrial digitization
“The speed at which AI solutions are making inroads into industry is breathtaking. Companies must invest now and, above all, introduce their employees to the opportunities offered by AI if they don’t want to be left behind by the competition,” says Köckler.
Concrete applications can be viewed first-hand at HANNOVER MESSE: Robots that can be controlled by voice, machines that automatically detect errors and systems that reduce downtime using predictive maintenance.
Generative AI will play a role at many exhibition stands, and will also be discussed on the conference stage at the trade fair – including the participation of German AI trailblazer Jonas Andrulis, whose company Aleph Alpha aims to provide an alternative to the predominant AI models favored by American and Chinese companies.
How soon for the hydrogen economy?
Given the increasing use of volatile renewable energy sources, hydrogen is increasingly coming into focus as a suitable energy carrier for an emissions-free economy. With over 500 companies, HANNOVER MESSE is the most important platform for ready-to-use hydrogen solutions in an industrial context and a platform for the international ramp-up of the global hydrogen economy.
According to Köckler: “Hydrogen offers enormous opportunities as the green energy carrier par excellence. However, the current speed of implementation and scaling is insufficient. The development of a hydrogen economy requires bold political decisions in the regulatory area, intensive research and development for rapid implementation and the development of the necessary infrastructure for scaling. This is the only way to establish viable business models.”
Manufacturing X: Creating a secure data space for European industry
European companies need a secure data space if they want to fully exploit the potential of connected industries. Industry in Europe has the opportunity to rely on a concept that is specifically tailored to SMEs: “Manufacturing-X”. A secure data space for the sharing of knowledge and the joint processing of projects, which simultaneously offers companies data sovereignty and room for innovation. This is because, in this model, a company’s most important asset – its own data and domain knowledge – does not need to be left to a large platform operator.
Partner Country Norway: Powerhouse for energy and digitization
Norway is using the global stage provided by HANNOVER MESSE to showcase itself as an innovative and reliable energy partner, and more. The partner country’s motto is “Norway 2024: Pioneering the Green Industrial Transition”, underling the country’s determination to play an important role in the development of solutions in the fields of renewable energy, CO2-neutral production, carbon capture and the digitization of industry.
European Union: A strong economic alliance
Two months before the European elections, the European Union is presenting itself as a strong economic alliance at HANNOVER MESSE. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will open the program with a speech at the opening ceremony on 21 April. The EU program during the trade fair includes the conference titled “Investing in European Industry” on 22 April, where representatives from industry can engage in discussions with EU politicians on topics like the “Green Deal”.
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