Hannover Messe, the world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology, is set to begin from April 17-21, 2023. With an annual gathering of global industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers, it showcases cutting-edge technologies, discusses the future of industrial innovation, and is a platform for collaborations. In an interview, Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of Deutsche Messe, shared his insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities in industrial technology.
This year’s Hannover Messe has the theme of “Industrial Transformation – Making a Difference”, which aligns with the current global focus on ecology and climate change. With the industry on the way to becoming climate-neutral, companies exhibiting at the fair will showcase what difference they can make with their products and solutions, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, carbon-neutral production, energy management, hydrogen, and Industrie 4.0.
The fair will showcase new technologies and innovations such as artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Luminous from Aleph Alpha, which can help with text messaging, programming, and design. Other innovations include OMRON’s robot, which solves assembly tasks by following the hand movements of human workers and learning from their mistakes. The German industry associations BDI, VDMA, and ZVEI will present the sovereign and secure data platform Manufacturing X in the area of Industrie 4.0. Holo-Light will present the new version of its augmented reality glasses – the world’s first industrial metaverse application that enables interaction and collaboration between AR and VR. More than 500 companies will showcase hydrogen solutions for industry, with Siemens Energy simulating the effects of changes in the energy mix.
To remain a leading international trade fair for the industry, Deutsche Messe maintains close contact with its customers and partners and works with industry trade associations such as BDI, VDMA, and ZVEI. The fair works with exhibitor advisory panels for specific topics and has an overarching exhibitor advisory board.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not expected to play a role in this year’s fair, as the government has lifted all Corona restrictions. While some traditional manufacturers like KUKA might not attend the event, Deutsche Messe does not draw conclusions from which companies do or do not participate.
Indonesia is the partner country for this year’s fair, with the keynote theme being “Making Indonesia 4.0 – Connect to Accelerate”. The island nation’s goal is to encourage industrial cooperation, stimulate foreign investment, and strengthen ties between Indonesia and Germany. The Indonesia National Pavilion will cover more than 3,000 square meters, hosting roughly 150 exhibiting companies and organizations, spotlighting Indonesia’s industrial capabilities, special economic zones, and real estate for foreign investors, and programs for education and human capital.
Deutsche Messe is a member of the “Net Zero Carbon Events” initiative and intends to reach 65% of its emission-reduction target by 2030. The fair is working constantly to reduce energy consumption and adopt the most sustainable practices possible in areas such as mobility, exhibit construction, and waste disposal.
One of the highlights of the fair for Dr. Jochen Köckler is the opening ceremony with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Indonesia’s President Widodo. The fair is introducing new programs such as HACK4INDUSTRY, a competition matching startups with established companies, and YOUR FUTURE, a program that helps get young people excited about careers in STEM. Dr. Jochen Köckler looks forward to meeting customers, discovering innovations, getting inspired for the future, and seeing how Partner Country Indonesia presents itself.
