Artificial intelligence as a central theme at AMB 2026 // Guido Reimann, VDMA, discusses opportunities, challenges and current developments
At AMB, the international trade fair for metalworking, taking place in Stuttgart from September 15 to 19, 2026, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be one of the three main topics, alongside automation and the circular economy. We discussed the progress made by the industry and the useful insights decision makers can draw from AMB 2026 with Guido Reimann. He is Deputy General Manager of VDMA Software and Digitalization and Coordinator of the VDMA Competence Network on Artificial Intelligence.
AMB: AI was a hotly debated topic at AMB 2024. Where does the metalworking industry stand today, in 2026? Has AI become a standard practice, or are pilot projects still prevalent?
Guido Reimann: For the mechanical and plant engineering sector in general, as well as for manufacturers of precision tools and machine tools, the topic of artificial intelligence has gained further importance. A VDMA survey in spring 2026 revealed that over 80% of mechanical engineering companies attach great importance to artificial intelligence technologies. Around a third of companies are already using AI solutions in production. This means the era of pilot projects is over. We are seeing increasing practical application of AI. Furthermore, many pilot projects continue to be conducted within companies to further familiarize themselves with the technology and test new application possibilities.
Current business application areas related to manufacturing focus on software development, engineering and design, business management, IT, marketing, and communications. Artificial intelligence solutions are also increasingly being used in sales and product-related services for customers in the mechanical engineering industry. To fully leverage their potential, companies must focus on their digitalization and promote it strategically.
AMB: The mechanical and plant engineering sector expects a tangible increase in efficiency thanks to AI. What specific figures and success stories do you know in the metalworking industry? And what are the main obstacles to implementation?
Guido Reimann: AI-based solutions and approaches not only promise increased efficiency, they also ensure it along the entire value chain. This is reflected, for example, in the reduction of costs for producing technical documentation and user manuals, in the time and cost savings in purchasing by increasing the number of identical components and thus improving purchasing conditions, or in the reduction of unplanned downtime, for example on machine tools, where cost savings of 10 to 20% are possible. Furthermore, AI solutions can significantly accelerate processes in many areas: development, production, sales, and customer service.
Comprehensive and sustainable digitalization is a fundamental prerequisite for the use of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. However, obstacles often include change management, slow implementation, and a lack of human resources. Projects often fail less due to technical issues than to organizational difficulties, inadequate decision-making structures, poor engagement, insufficient knowledge of applications and limitations, and other non-technical factors. And even in the case of AI, it's true that not all pilot projects are successful. The crucial factor is knowing when to stop and redirect limited resources towards more effective digitalization activities.
AMB: Which AI technologies and application areas do you believe will dominate AMB 2026, and why is participation in AMB 2026 essential for metalworking professionals interested in AI?
Guido Reimann: In traditional product development and design, as well as in software development, we are now seeing numerous AI-based solutions offered by the software industry. At the same time, many mechanical engineering companies have integrated AI technologies into their related products or services, making them available for metalworking. At AMB, industry professionals will find not only manufacturers and suppliers of production machinery, but also software and service providers that support seamless implementation along the entire value chain.
AMB: Industrial AI, the European AI Regulation, humanoid robotics, quantum computing: the agenda is getting busier. What developments should decision makers in the metalworking industry definitely keep an eye on over the next five years?
Guido Reimann : It's true that the range of technologies, applications, and regulatory requirements relevant to the digital sector is constantly expanding. This also means that equipment manufacturers and application industries must keep pace with this change. Digital technologies are not only becoming increasingly important for internal business processes, but are also significantly influencing companies' business models. Those who are new to new digital technologies and their potential applications within their own company and in their customers' industries can lay the foundation for future success well in advance. A VDMA survey from spring 2026 also shows that mechanical engineering companies are focusing intensively on the following three technologies and intend to expand their use: artificial intelligence, digital twins, and open source software.
AMB: Thank you for the interview, Mr. Reimann.
Artificial Intelligence at the heart of the program
For those who want to delve deeper into the topic of AI at AMB 2026, not only by visiting the exhibition stands but also by interacting directly with experts, the AMB Stage offers two special opportunities on Wednesday, September 16: From 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., VDMA Software und Digitalisierung invites you to a panel discussion entitled "Artificial Intelligence in Production - Practical Examples." This will be followed at 2:00 p.m. by the presentation "AI in Production - From Impact to Added Value," featuring industry, research, and application professionals who will discuss current developments, concrete application examples, and open questions related to the use of AI in mechanical processing. The AMB Stage is located in the atrium (EO010) at the east entrance.
About AMB
Since 1982, AMB has presented the highlights of the international metalworking industry. "Where metal comes alive" will also be a regular event on the industry's agenda in 2026, this year from September 15 to 19. It is the international marketplace and meeting place for metal cutting, showcasing the latest products, technologies, innovations, services, and concepts in all their facets. AMB is supported by the VDMA Precision Tools, VDMA Software and Digitalization, and the VDW Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V. (German Machine Tool Builders' Association). Further information is available at www.amb-messe.de/
Machine tools: economic recovery remains fragile due to persistent structural pressures
CECIMO examined the challenges the sector will face in 2026 and discussed future risks and opportunities, in a context still characterized by political and economic uncertainty. Economic situation and prospects In 2025, the European machine tool sector continued to face a challenging economic environment, with weak demand and increased global competition putting pressure on CECIMO member companies. European machine tool production is estimated to have decreased by approximately 6.6% compared to 2024, reaching €23.5 billion, demonstrating that the slowdown has yet to ease. This trend is also impacting Europe's position in the global market. In 2025, Europe's share of global machine tool production fell to approximately 30.8%, almost 2 percentage points less than the previous year. This trend is particularly worrying when compared to 2023, when Europe accounted for 33.4% of global production. This means that Europe has lost almost 3 percentage points of global production share in just two years, indicating a gradual erosion of its "industrial position." Furthermore, the European machine tool market showed clear signs of weakening when considering consumption levels, which decreased by 3.7% compared to 2024, reflecting lower demand across European countries. Trade flows also declined: exports by European machine tool manufacturers decreased by 8.8%, while imports fell by 4.2%. The main export destinations for European machine tool manufacturers (excluding Europe) are the United States, China, and India. At the same time, when looking at European machine tool import flows, Japan, China, and South Korea continue to be the most significant suppliers. Overall, these developments confirm that the sector has been operating in a challenging economic environment, impacted by slowing investment, persistent uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and weakening momentum in both European and global markets. Taken together, these factors have reduced demand for machine tools and negatively impacted the operating conditions of CECIMO members. A similar picture emerges when looking at the order levels of the CECIMO8* index. Domestic orders decreased by approximately 1.7% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the third consecutive year of contraction. By contrast, foreign orders increased by 1.2% over the same period, marking the first year of growth after two consecutive years of decline. CECIMO's projections for 2026 indicate a modest improvement after two consecutive years of declining production and consumption in the European machine tool sector. Consumption and production levels are expected to increase in European countries, suggesting a possible stabilization. CECIMO's estimates for orders indicate an improvement in overall order volumes in the CECIMO8 index countries in 2026. However, this outlook remains fragile and exposed to external shocks and general market conditions and should therefore be interpreted as a transition phase rather than a full recovery. The sector will continue to operate in a highly uncertain environment, characterized by geopolitical tensions and conflicts, trade risks, potential tariff measures, energy market volatility, and weak investment dynamics in major European economies. Since European machine tool manufacturers remain highly exposed to international trade and industrial investment cycles, any deterioration in these conditions could limit the expected recovery and potential future recoveries. At the same time, CECIMO sees potential support from positive spillover effects related to public investment and strategic sectors such as defense, aerospace, electrification, artificial intelligence technologies, and advanced engineering. These sectors could help support demand for advanced and high-precision manufacturing solutions, but their impact will depend on timely implementation and avoiding further delays. A stable trade environment, increased industrial investment, and effective policy measures could mark the beginning of a gradual recovery for the European machine tool sector. Without these conditions, Europe risks further weakening its position in machine tool technologies, while global competitors continue to strengthen their industrial capabilities. "The current situation confirms that Europe cannot take its industrial leadership for granted. European machine tool manufacturers continue to operate in a challenging environment, characterized by declining demand, persistent global uncertainty, and growing competitive pressure. While some opportunities may emerge in strategic sectors, Europe needs a stable policy framework, increased industrial investment, and faster implementation of measures to support advanced manufacturing," commented François Duval, President of CECIMO.
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