BIEMH 2026 AI Show Preview
BIEMH 2026 AI Show Preview starts with a clear reality: this year’s exhibition in Bilbao is not only about machines. Artificial intelligence, automation, digitalisation and smart manufacturing systems are becoming one of the strongest themes across the entire show floor, during the BIEMH show.
Taking place from 2–6 March 2026 at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, BIEMH remains one of Europe’s most important advanced manufacturing events, bringing together machine builders, software developers, automation specialists and technology providers shaping the future of industrial production.
For visitors focused on AI in machining, the challenge is simple. With hundreds of exhibitors across multiple halls, identifying where AI is being demonstrated in a meaningful, practical way can be difficult.
This guide highlights the exhibitors showcasing AI-driven software, robotics, machine vision, digital intelligence and smart automation so you can plan your visit with purpose.
Why BIEMH 2026 Is Different
This year, automation, robotics and digitalisation occupy a significant part of the exhibition footprint, signalling a broader industry shift toward intelligent manufacturing environments.
AI at BIEMH is showing up in several clear layers:
- AI-powered automation and robotics
- AI-driven inspection and machine vision
- Intelligent manufacturing software
- Data-driven optimisation and digital machining workflows
Rather than isolated demos, many exhibitors are presenting AI as part of connected production environments.
AI Robotics & Intelligent Automation Exhibitors
ABB
ABB continues to expand its AI-powered robotics offerings, including smarter programming environments and optimisation tools designed to reduce setup time and improve production efficiency. Expect strong demonstrations around connected robot workflows and intelligent automation.
Siemens
Siemens is expected to highlight industrial AI integration across automation, control systems and digital manufacturing platforms. Their presence reflects the growing importance of data-driven production environments.
Beckhoff Automation
Beckhoff focuses on intelligent control architecture and data-centric automation. Visitors can expect solutions designed to support adaptive and highly connected manufacturing cells.
KUKA
KUKA brings advanced robotics integration, with increasing emphasis on flexible, intelligent production systems that allow faster adaptation to changing manufacturing requirements.
Yaskawa
Yaskawa continues to push smart robotics and motion control systems aimed at improving efficiency in manufacturing environments where precision and repeatability remain critical.
Zimmer Group
Known for automation components used in smart production environments, Zimmer Group supports the broader move toward AI-enabled manufacturing cells.
AI Machine Vision & Inspection Technology
Machine vision remains one of the fastest-growing AI segments in manufacturing, and BIEMH 2026 shows a strong presence in this area.
MVTec Software
MVTec is expected to showcase AI-powered machine vision solutions using deep learning for inspection, quality control and automation workflows. This area is especially relevant for manufacturers exploring real-time process intelligence.
Sariki
Sariki will demonstrate advanced metrology, vision and inspection technologies aligned with automated quality workflows and digital inspection environments.
Baumer
Baumer’s sensor and vision solutions support intelligent inspection environments where data is increasingly used to drive automation decisions.
AI Software & Industrial Intelligence Platforms
AI at BIEMH is not only visible through robotics or vision systems. Software-driven intelligence is becoming a key growth area.
Open Mind Technologies
Known for hyperMILL developments, Open Mind continues to push intelligent CAM workflows, automation and connected manufacturing strategies that align closely with AI-driven programming trends.
Lantek
Lantek’s digital manufacturing software focuses on intelligent planning and optimisation for production environments, where data and automation play a growing role.
Sisteplant
Smart manufacturing optimisation and intelligent production systems aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational waste.
Semantic Systems
Industrial digital intelligence solutions supporting connected manufacturing environments.
Applied AI & Advanced Manufacturing Demonstrators
IDEKO
IDEKO is expected to showcase advanced manufacturing technologies including robotics, vision-based systems and digitally driven production strategies, particularly within aerospace manufacturing environments.
IBARMIA
Live automated machining demonstrations will give visitors insight into how automation and intelligent workflows are being applied directly on the shop floor.
Other Exhibitors Worth Visiting for AI Conversations
Several major exhibitors at BIEMH are active in AI, automation or digital manufacturing strategy even if AI is not the sole focus of their stand:
These companies remain important stops for visitors exploring how AI is being integrated into machining, measurement and process optimisation.
What This Means for Visitors
The biggest takeaway from BIEMH 2026 is clear.
AI is no longer appearing as a future concept. Instead, exhibitors are presenting:
- AI assisting operators
- intelligent optimisation tools
- smarter robotics integration
- adaptive inspection workflows
- digital manufacturing intelligence layers
Visitors should plan their route around these categories rather than specific brands alone.
MachineToolNews.ai Analysis
The evolution happening on the BIEMH show floor reflects a wider market shift.
We are now seeing three major AI layers emerging in manufacturing:
- AI generating or assisting programming
- AI verifying and optimising processes
- AI supporting decisions through data and intelligence systems
BIEMH 2026 demonstrates how these layers are moving from theory into real production environments.
For manufacturers, the focus has clearly moved toward practical outcomes:
- improved efficiency
- better quality control
- faster decision making
- reduced risk on the shop floor
Key Takeaways
- BIEMH 2026 places strong emphasis on AI, automation and digitalisation
- Robotics, vision and intelligent software dominate the AI conversation
- Hall areas dedicated to automation highlight the industry’s shift toward smart manufacturing
- Visitors should plan around AI categories rather than only machine builders
FAQ: BIEMH 2026 AI Show Preview
What is BIEMH 2026 and why is it important for AI in manufacturing?
BIEMH 2026 is one of Europe’s leading advanced manufacturing exhibitions, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. The event brings together machine builders, automation specialists, software developers and industrial technology providers. In 2026, AI is expected to be a major theme, with exhibitors demonstrating intelligent automation, machine vision, digital manufacturing tools and AI-driven optimisation solutions.
Which exhibitors at BIEMH 2026 are showcasing AI technologies?
Several key exhibitors are expected to showcase AI-related solutions including ABB, Siemens, Beckhoff Automation, KUKA, Yaskawa, MVTec Software, Open Mind Technologies, Lantek and IDEKO. These companies are presenting technologies ranging from AI-powered robotics and machine vision to intelligent software and digital manufacturing platforms.
Where will AI technologies be located at BIEMH 2026?
AI-related exhibitors are spread across multiple halls, with a strong concentration in areas focused on automation, robotics and digitalisation. Hall 6 in particular is expected to highlight intelligent automation and smart manufacturing solutions, making it a key destination for visitors interested in AI.
What types of AI will be demonstrated at the show?
Visitors can expect to see several types of industrial AI including:
- AI-assisted automation and robotics
- AI-powered machine vision and inspection
- Intelligent manufacturing software
- Data-driven process optimisation
- Connected digital production systems
Many exhibitors are demonstrating how these AI technologies work together within real production environments.
Why is AI becoming more visible at machine tool shows like BIEMH?
Manufacturing is moving toward smarter, data-driven production systems. AI is now being used to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, optimise machining strategies and support decision-making across the production chain. Shows like BIEMH reflect this shift by giving visitors the opportunity to see AI working in practical industrial applications.
Which AI trends should visitors pay attention to at BIEMH 2026?
Some of the biggest trends to watch include:
- AI integrated into robotics and automation cells
- AI-driven machine vision for inspection and quality control
- Intelligent CAM and software workflows
- Digital twins and data-led manufacturing optimisation
- AI systems designed to support operators rather than replace them
These areas represent the strongest growth direction for AI in machining and manufacturing.
How should visitors plan their BIEMH 2026 visit if they are interested in AI?
Visitors should organise their route around AI categories rather than individual brands. Focusing on automation, vision, intelligent software and digital manufacturing exhibitors will help maximise time and ensure exposure to the most relevant innovations on the show floor.
