NexGeM 2027: New VDW Trade Fair for Digital Machine Tools

<p>The machine tool of the future is networked, data-driven, and deeply embedded in digital value chains – yet so far there has been no trade fair that consistently places this development at its center. With <strong>NexGeM (Next Generation Metalworking)</strong>, the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW) closes this gap and creates an entirely new format for smart metal processing of tomorrow.</p>

<h2>An overdue step toward digitalization</h2> <p>The new showcase takes place for the first time from <strong>April 5-8, 2027</strong> – as a co-located event parallel to Hannover Messe. Dr. Markus Heering, CEO of VDW, explains the motivation behind the project: "We decided to take this step because it was long overdue. The machine tool is not a stand-alone solution. It is embedded in the entire digital industrial value chain, from planning to service. And yet intelligent, networked machine tools are not given sufficient coverage outside a few specialized trade fairs. We're changing that with NexGeM."</p> <p>With this, NexGeM deliberately positions itself not as a classic machinery fair and not as a scaled-down version of EMO Hannover. Rather, it is aimed at companies that are actively driving digital transformation in metal processing – and builds a bridge between two worlds that have so far often operated separately: classic mechanical engineering and the IT and software industry.</p>

<h2>Key topics: From MES to Cybersecurity</h2> <p>Content-wise, NexGeM focuses on the central thematic areas of digital transformation in metal processing companies. The central question is how machine tools, production systems, and associated peripherals can become more efficient and economical through automation, networking, robotics, and software and platform solutions. The following technology fields are to be covered:</p> <ul> <li><strong>MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)</strong> for process control in manufacturing</li> <li><strong>Digital twins</strong> for virtual representation of real production systems</li> <li><strong>Artificial intelligence</strong> as a driving force for data-based processes</li> <li><strong>IIoT, cloud and edge technologies</strong> for networked production environments</li> <li><strong>Cybersecurity applications</strong> for securing industrial processes and data integrity</li> </ul> <p>Thus NexGeM covers a range of topics that goes far beyond pure machine technology and takes into view the entire digital infrastructure of modern manufacturing facilities.</p>

<h3>Cooperation with Deutsche Messe AG</h3> <p>The spatial and temporal proximity to Hannover Messe is no coincidence, but strategically intended. VDW and Deutsche Messe AG join forces to create synergies for the international expert audience. Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Deutsche Messe AG, explains: "With NexGeM, digital manufacturing technology now also finds its place in Hannover. The focus is on the role of the machine as a data provider in increasingly networked production. Together with VDW, we demonstrate how this data can be combined with AI, automation and digital platforms to create new potential along the entire industrial value chain."</p> <p>This cooperation expands the already broad range of topics at Hannover Messe by adding a central area of the industrial value chain – digital metal processing – and should be of particular interest to exhibitors and visitors seeking synergies between classical mechanical engineering and digital cross-cutting technologies.</p>

<h2>Outlook: A new chapter for the industry</h2> <p>With NexGeM, a platform is created for the first time that brings together digitalization, automation and AI specifically for machine tool manufacturing and its associated value chains. For manufacturing companies, software providers and technology partners, the new format from April 2027 onwards offers an opportunity to exchange ideas about the future of smart metal processing – beyond classical machinery exhibitions. Whether NexGeM will establish itself as a permanent fixture in the international trade fair calendar remains to be seen in the coming years. What is already clear: VDW and Deutsche Messe AG are sending a clear signal with this move that the digitalization of machine tools is no longer a peripheral issue, but deserves its own attention.</p>