AMB 2026 closed on 19 September with stable attendance. It also attracted more visitors involved in purchasing and investment decisions. The Stuttgart exhibition drew around 65,000 visitors from 76 countries. It hosted 1,195 exhibitors from 34 countries.
For a metalworking sector facing difficult market conditions, the event provided a forum for project discussions, technology exchange and new business contacts. Visitor numbers matched those of the 2024 event. However, the audience included more decision-makers. According to organiser Messe Stuttgart, 68 percent of visitors held decision-making roles in manufacturing. The share of visitors from business, corporate or plant management rose to 14 percent. In 2024, the figure was 10 percent. A further 35 percent worked in manufacturing, production or quality control. International visitors accounted for 22 percent of attendance. Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Türkiye, the Netherlands, France, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia were among the best-represented markets. AMB occupied all ten halls at Messe Stuttgart. The exhibition covered machine tools, tooling, measurement technology, software, automation, components and services. It also featured an accompanying programme and networking formats.
Decision-makers bring concrete project discussions
Exhibitor feedback showed a clear focus on practical manufacturing requirements. Several companies reported discussions about specific projects, automation and digitalisation. They also reported interest in improving production processes despite uncertain economic conditions. CERATIZIT identified security of supply as a recurring topic in customer meetings. ISCAR Germany similarly reported that more visitors arrived with concrete projects. Nagel Werkzeug-Maschinen noted urgent enquiries and spontaneous orders. INDEX said it secured direct sales during the event. This feedback suggests that discussions extended beyond general technology scouting. Instead, many conversations addressed immediate investment and application questions.
Machine builders also highlighted the growing link between machining, automation and digital systems. CHIRON Group saw interest ranging from micromachining to large-part manufacturing. HELLER used its joint appearance with DN Solutions to demonstrate complementary technology, service and customer proximity. UNITED MACHINING reported strong interest in its five world premieres. The company said that project requests were a notable outcome of the event. For manufacturers, this shift is significant. Trade fairs are increasingly judged by visitor relevance and the quality of technical dialogue, not attendance figures alone. AMB’s visitor survey produced an overall rating of 1.7. A score of 1.0 represented the top result.
Digital manufacturing and quality integration in focus
Software, digitalisation and automation featured prominently in discussions around AMB 2026. Guido Reimann, deputy CEO of VDMA Software and Digitalisation, described several technologies as important productivity levers. These included simulation, digital twins, data-driven production processes and artificial intelligence. He also noted that such technologies are becoming established in industrial practice. Exhibitor statements supported this assessment. HAIMER reported interest in automation, digitalisation and AI, particularly in connection with the shortage of skilled workers. OPEN MIND Technologies described AMB as a place to experience market trends directly. The company also highlighted exchanges with customers, partners and other exhibitors. These discussions provide input for product development.
The integration of measurement systems into production was another recurring theme. Mahr reported continued interest in roughness and contour measurement. It also noted growing attention to optical measurement technology. Automation, digital networking and the integration of measurement technology into manufacturing processes were central topics in visitor discussions. As a result, the event reflected the need for quality assurance systems that operate efficiently in connected production environments. The AMB Award programme also reflected the breadth of current development work. Eight companies received recognition across several categories. These included machine tools, cutting tools, measurement technology and quality assurance, software and digitalisation, automation and handling, components, and operating materials. Special awards went to Citizen Machinery Europe for sustainability and Paul Horn for the jury prize.
