Physical AI & industrial transformation: FLEXOO at Hannover Messe 2026
2026-04-30
Hannover Messe as a platform for Physical AI and industrial transformation
Hannover Messe once again underscored its role as a central platform for industrial transformation, bringing together technology providers, manufacturers, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders from around the world. For FLEXOO, the 2026 edition provided an important setting to place tactile sensor technology and Physical AI into a broader industrial and international context.
Industry dialogue and growing interest in Physical AI
Throughout the week, discussions at Hannover Messe reflected a growing interest in how artificial intelligence can better interact with the physical world. Across conversations with industry representatives, research partners, and international delegations, Physical AI emerged as a key topic - particularly in relation to robotics, smart manufacturing, and future production systems.
FLEXOO’s presence contributed to this dialogue by highlighting the role of surface‑integrated sensing as a foundational element for connecting AI systems with physical reality.
International exchange and “Invest in China” as a strategic context
As part of the international program at Hannover Messe, FLEXOO also took part in several exchange formats within the “Invest in China” initiative. These sessions provided a platform for dialogue with representatives from regional manufacturing ecosystems and illustrated the increasing international relevance of technologies that enable data‑driven and adaptive production.
In this context, FLEXOO presented its sensing approach as a modular and application‑oriented contribution to intelligent industrial systems.
Live demonstrator at the SmartFactory‑KL booth
In parallel, FLEXOO contributed to a live robotics demonstrator shown at the SmartFactory‑KL booth at Hannover Messe. The setup illustrated how surface‑integrated, multimodal sensing can be embedded directly into industrial grippers, turning physical contact into measurable data in a production context.
The demonstrator supported broader discussions around Physical AI in an industrial Smart Factory context, addressing how tactile sensing can complement existing automation approaches in connected, flexible manufacturing environments.
Outlook: continuing the dialogue beyond Hannover Messe
Overall, Hannover Messe 2026 confirmed the relevance of Physical AI as a cross‑cutting topic connecting robotics, manufacturing, and international industrial collaboration. For FLEXOO, the event highlighted the importance of engaging with industry, research partners, and international stakeholders across different application contexts.
Building on these exchanges, FLEXOO will continue its dialogue with industrial partners and contribute to further application‑oriented industry formats, including upcoming energy and manufacturing events later this year.
The FLEXOO team during Hannover Messe 2026, participating in international exchange formats including the “Invest in China” program.
Live robotics demonstrator illustrating tactile sensing in an industrial Smart Factory context at Hannover Messe 2026.