What has mostly been superficially represented until now, the VDW is now making tangible at the NexGeM (Next Generation Metalworking): a look at the smart metalworking of tomorrow. As a co-located event to the Hannover Messe, the new exhibition will open its doors from April 5 to 8, 2027. 'We have decided to take this step because it was long overdue,' states Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the VDW. 'The machine tool is not a stand-alone solution. It is embedded in the entire digital industrial value chain, from planning to service. And yet, intelligent, connected machine tools are not adequately addressed outside of a few specialized trade fairs. We will change this with the NexGeM and bring together companies from the mechanical engineering and IT and software worlds.'
The trade fair is an independent event. As a new format, it creates a connection between the two previously largely separate industries. Since it focuses on digitalization, it is not a traditional machine fair and also not a 'small EMO Hannover.'
Smart machine tools and production systems in application
The enormous potential of artificial intelligence is on everyone's lips, but it can only be realized in a fully digitized factory. However, many companies have not yet completed this development, as the topic is complex and often expensive, especially in the existing machinery (Brownfield).
The NexGeM will focus on the central themes of digital transformation for metalworking companies. It will demonstrate how machine tools, production systems, and the associated peripherals can become more efficient and economical through automation, networking, robotics, as well as software and platform solutions. This includes value creation technologies such as MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), digital twins, and AI, but also IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) as well as cloud and edge technologies. The security aspect should not be overlooked either. How can cybersecurity applications secure industrial processes and ensure data integrity?
With concrete application examples that are already in use or can be implemented in the short term, the NexGeM will clearly show how connected machine tools are already changing production. It also opens a window into the future of production technology – including existing machines. The trade fair thus provides an economically relevant outlook on current and upcoming trends. 'As an association, it is our task to address the changes in the industry and to show companies current market needs. With our initiative, we support companies in their investment decisions, whether in an existing production or in a new acquisition,' says Heering.
Business platform for a cooperative industry
The Hannover Messe is the optimal companion for the new format, as it attracts decision-makers from automation technology, energy industry, digital and tech companies, as well as politics like no other industrial fair in Germany. Both exhibitors and visitors of the NexGeM will find important partners and customers here that they usually do not encounter at traditional metalworking trade fairs. According to the motto 'Metal Works Digital', the new format enables networking between machine builders, IT managers, digitalization managers, and automation experts.
Dr. Jochen Köckler, CEO of Deutsche Messe AG, which organizes the Hannover Messe, is also convinced of the success of the initiative: 'The successful digital transformation of the industry requires close cooperation between mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, automation, and industrial users. It creates additional synergies, expands the industrial ecosystem to include the machine tool and metalworking industry, and offers our visitors shorter paths with even greater diversity of topics.'
The innovative concept of the NexGeM fills a gap that can secure the competitiveness of the German and European industry and sensibly complements existing formats. 'We are convinced: Only if all areas of industrial production and their indirect sectors work hand in hand can value creation be generated in the long term and competitiveness be enabled,' emphasizes Heering. 'We want to contribute to ensuring that companies do not lose their footing in the international market and that the industrial location Germany or Europe gains further advantages.'
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