The production world is facing challenges – at NORTEC 2026 in Hamburg, we create exchange and practical solutions for this. Initial program highlights are set: These include the German-Danish technology dialogue on robotics & AI on February 3, daily live demos of an electronics manufacturing line, and the VDMA workshop on flexible production on February 4. A new aspect is the cooperation with the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce, which specifically promotes international technology transfer.
NORTEC cooperates with Denmark
Denmark is considered a pioneer in automation, collaborative robotics (cobots), AI integration, and digital manufacturing. The new cooperation with the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce sets corresponding signs at NORTEC: It brings proven practical impulses from the Danish robotics ecosystem to Hamburg and strengthens the cross-border exchange between companies from both countries.
"When Danish robotics expertise and German manufacturing practice come together, an innovation boost occurs from which production companies in both countries benefit. Cross-border collaboration strengthens our competitiveness and makes tech and AI solutions faster to use and scale," emphasizes Andreas Wenzel, CEO of the German-Danish Chamber of Commerce.
At the center is a German-Danish technology dialogue on robotics and AI – compact, practice-oriented, with a focus on efficiency and competitiveness in production. A panel discussion is planned, moderated by Andreas Wenzel, on Tuesday, February 3, at 2:00 PM. For this, we bring leading voices from collaborative robotics and industrial automation to the stage – with solutions that have proven themselves in production.
Production line with live demos
Daily, NORTEC 2026 showcases a complete electronics manufacturing line in action – from substrate to solder paste application and assembly to soldering, integrated inspections, panel separation, and ejection. "For the first time live at NORTEC, you can experience the production of a complex electronic assembly using the example of the ISIT SMT clock, with the currently smallest passive SMD components on the market, size 008004 – that's only 250 µm x 125 µm, smaller than a grain of sand," explains Helge Schimanski, group leader of module services at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT.
The demonstrations at the 22-meter-long, fully automated production line make visible how various highly precise individual processes interlock with the latest manufacturing equipment, tools, and materials. "Only in this way is the processing of a demanding mix of components of large and small shapes with high quality and process reliability possible," emphasizes Schimanski. Especially in light of increasing demands for quality and efficiency, the line provides valuable impulses for practice.
Experts are available directly at the line for technical questions. "The demonstration explains the manufacturing process clearly for individuals with little experience and provides valuable insights for professionals. Insights into technology thus become a real decision-making aid for everyday manufacturing," adds Schimanski. Participants also receive practical checklists for process control and specific tips for avoiding errors in critical SMT steps – explained directly at the machine and component.
The live demos take place daily from February 3 to 5 at 2:00 PM, with an additional session on February 5 at 10:00 AM. Partner companies of the line include: ANS, AS-Equipment, ASYS Group, Felder Löttechnik, Fraunhofer ISIT, FUJI Europe, LPKF, Rehm Thermal Systems, smartTec, Sunshine PCB GmbH, Viscom, and Vliesstoff Kasper.
VDMA Workshop on February 4: Flexible Production in Volatile Times
How can fluctuating capacity utilization and phases with low order volumes be successfully managed? Answers to this are provided by the VDMA workshop on February 4. Under the title "Volatile Production – how do I deal with peaks in capacity utilization and times with low orders?" participants will gain practical insights into proven solutions: from Manufacturing X to variant management to innovative approaches for optimal utilization of machines and employees. "Production is the heart of every machinery and plant engineering company. To meet changing times and challenges, processes must also be regularly adjusted," says Katrin Caldwell, managing director of the VDMA regional association North. "In the annual NORTEC workshop, we focus on current topics and provide participants with valuable impulses for a strong industrial location."
Inspiring practical examples, creative ideas, and networking are the focus – with the goal of taking directly applicable impulses for one's own production.
The workshop takes place from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the auditorium. Participation requires prior registration. You can register via the NORTEC website: VDMA Workshop | NORTEC.
Exhibitor directory now online, NORTEC app to be added in mid-December 2025
The online exhibitor directory for NORTEC 2026 is now available. With filtering options by industry, products, and topics, professional visitors can quickly find suitable contacts and solutions. From mid-December 2025, the offering will be supplemented by the NORTEC app: a favorites list, hall plan, matchmaking, and a personal program overview will further assist in preparing and planning the trade fair visit.
Contact:
www.messe-stuttgart.de/nortec/
