STUTTGART: Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily moving from experimental pilot projects to real industrial deployment, with manufacturers increasingly integrating it into production, design, maintenance and customer-facing operations, industry experts feel ahead of AMB 2026, one of the world’s leading metalworking technology exhibitions. The growing role of AI will be a major focus at AMB 2026, scheduled to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, from September 15th to 19th. The event will focus on three key themes that will shape the future of manufacturing: automation, circular economy, and artificial intelligence.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Guido Reimann, Deputy CEO of VDMA Software and Digitalization and Coordinator of the VDMA Artificial Intelligence Competence Network, said that the adoption of AI in manufacturing has progressed significantly since the last exhibition in 2024. “More than 80% of mechanical engineering companies now believe that AI is becoming increasingly important, and approximately one-third are already using AI in their production environments,” Reiman said, citing VDMA research. A survey conducted earlier this year.
According to him, AI applications are no longer limited to experimentation and are increasingly being integrated into everyday business functions. Current applications are focused on software development, engineering design, corporate management, IT operations, marketing, and communications. Mechanical engineering companies are also expanding AI-driven capabilities in sales and customer support services.
Industry leaders believe this technology has the potential to deliver tangible benefits across the manufacturing value chain. AI-powered solutions can help companies reduce costs associated with technical documentation and operating manuals, optimize procurement processes, improve component standardization, and minimize unplanned machine downtime.
“In machine tool operations alone, 10 to 20 percent cost savings can be achieved through AI-enabled predictive maintenance and operational efficiency,” says Reimann. But he cautioned that technology itself is rarely the biggest hurdle. Challenges such as organizational readiness, change management, employee skills, integration issues, and decision-making processes often delay implementation.
“Many AI projects fail because of organizational and cultural barriers, not technical limitations. Companies must be able to identify failed pilot projects early and direct resources to initiatives that create tangible business value,” he said.
Visitors to AMB 2026 can expect to see a wide range of AI-enabled solutions, from advanced software platforms to intelligent machine tools and production systems. Lyman said software developers and machine builders alike are increasingly incorporating AI into products and services designed specifically for metal cutting and precision engineering applications.
Looking to the future, he believes manufacturers need to closely monitor several emerging technologies, including industrial AI, digital twins, open source software, humanoid robotics, quantum computing, and evolving regulatory frameworks such as the European Union’s AI law. “Digital technologies are no longer limited to improving internal processes; they are increasingly shaping entire business models. Companies that recognize these opportunities early will be well-positioned for long-term success,” he said.
To foster dialogue across the industry, AMB 2026 will host dedicated sessions on artificial intelligence. Experts from industry and academia will discuss practical applications, implementation challenges, and future developments at a special event focused on AI in manufacturing and production.
Held since 1982, AMB has established itself as one of the most important global platforms for the metalworking industry, bringing together manufacturers, technology providers and industry participants to showcase the latest innovations and trends shaping the future of production.
