Production experts visiting EMO Hannover 2023 will be able to learn about the latest trends in production technology in September.

Attendees can experience, live and on site, the latest trends at a total of four joint booths.

EMO Hannover organiser the German Machine Tools Builders’ Association (VDW) states that these booths will be focusing on additive manufacturing, connectivity, open space collaborative robot (cobot) solutions and sustainability.

VDW exhibitions director Martin Göbel knows the value of a visit.

“Nowhere else can production specialists experience the sector’s innovations so close up, presented in thematic packages over the entire process chain, and up to date at all times. If one is attending EMO Hannover 2023, they shouldn’t miss out on the joint booths,” states Göbel.

No matter whether aircraft construction, medical engineering, or in the hydrogen economy – additive manufacturing methods are growing in importance in production.

The business prospects for additive manufacturing methods are also ideal.

This was verified recently by a survey among the about 200 member companies of the Additive Manufacturing Working Group within machinery and equipment manufacturing industry body the German Engineering Association (VDMA).

Almost three-quarters of these companies are expecting an upward trend in their business in Germany in the coming 24 months. Yet the technology can only be used to its full potential when it is integrated successfully in highly automated industrial process chains.

How this works is demonstrated in the Additive Manufacturing Area of EMO Hannover 2023. Here companies will be presenting pioneering concepts from the whole bandwidth of the additive process chain, whether direct and indirect three-dimensional printing technologies, engineering materials, or rapid product development.

Connectivity of Production

The VDW states that in digital production, machines must be able to communicate with each other, irrespective of their make, age or controller.

The Future of Connectivity Area at EMO Hannover 2023 therefore will focus on these processes.

In this area, visitors will encounter new applications, automation processes, smart production, Industry 4.0, machine learning, predictive maintenance, Industrial Internet of Things, and many other aspects.

The editorial series Future of Connectivity will also be reporting on these subjects in the run-up to EMO Hannover 2023.

Humans and Robots Working Together

The VDW adds that more companies are investing heavily in automation to maintain their productivity and competitive strength, to augment their resilience and versatility, and to keep pace with growing demand.

For instance, the number of new industrial robots installed in 2021 exceeded the 500 000 mark for the first time – a new record.

Cobots specifically are in high demand, adds the VDMA. They already now make up 7.5% of all installed industrial robots, and this is on an upward trend.

“The Open Space Cobot Solutions Area is therefore fully dedicated to the interactions between humans and industrial robots and their actual and potential applications. Manufacturers will be presenting to an international trade public their automation solutions based on cobots and their innovative use: grippers, image processing, measuring systems, software, industrial electronics, feed systems, and much more can be experienced up close.”

Sustainability

The declared goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement is to limit the rise in mean global temperature to a maximum of 2 ºC.

The VDW states that since then it has become clear: The subject of sustainability is seen as a challenge of global import, affecting society as a whole.

Among other intentions, the European Union has resolved to render its economy and society carbon-neutral by 2050. The manufacturing industry too is feeling the considerable effects, and it sees itself faced with equally imposing challenges – and opportunities.

At EMO Hannover 2023, the Future of Sustainability in Production Area provides the ideal environment for experiencing the latest solutions for tomorrow’s production.

“Here visitors can learn about the current trends in energy efficiency, the integration of renewable energies, circular economy, and lifecycle concepts. “This is a fair highlight, not only with an eye to climate protection and reduced production costs in times of persistently scarce energy and raw materials.”