In engineering, it's rarely the big idea that causes problems. Usually, it's the little things that hold things back: a requirement is unclear, variants no longer fit together, and the crucial document isn't where it's expected. This is precisely where it's OWL comes in at Hannover Messe 2026. The technology network demonstrates how new technologies find their way into industrial applications and showcases solutions that make development processes more efficient, improve the utilization of team knowledge, and integrate sustainability into decisions from the outset. Together with the Engineering Automation Competence Center, it's OWL will bring demonstrators and live demonstrations to Hannover, showing how AI can simplify everyday engineering tasks without companies relinquishing control. it's OWL will present its exhibits from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the NRW joint stand in Hall 13, Stand C14.

At the heart of the trade fair presentation is the Engineering Automation Competence Center . There, partners from industry and research are developing AI-supported assistance solutions for typical tasks in product development. The idea is simple: support should take place where engineering teams already work – in the programs used to describe requirements, maintain models, and document information. In this way, AI should relieve them of routine tasks, make knowledge more readily available, and better prepare engineering decisions before they become costly later on.

“Many companies are experimenting with AI. In engineering, however, what ultimately matters is whether it truly simplifies work, integrates seamlessly into the existing development environment, and remains reliable,” says Günter Korder, Managing Director of it's OWL. “At the Hannover Messe, we are showcasing AI as an assistant that supports routine tasks and helps teams reach sound decisions more quickly.”

When a cobot assists with setup

How AI can provide concrete support is demonstrated by a physical cobot configuration demonstrator. A cobot is a robot designed to work safely alongside humans. The cobot demonstrates pick-and-place tasks, i.e., gripping and placing components.

The focus is on how configuration steps can be accelerated by combining user instructions, for example via natural language, with information from the robot's workspace. The AI ​​does not make final decisions; it assists with preparation and guides the user through the necessary steps. Execution remains tied to approvals, and humans retain control over relevant steps. This illustrates the core principles of engineering automation: reduced parameterization effort, faster commissioning, and clearer handovers between development and operations.

Lectures and guided tours by it's OWL at the Hannover Messe

On our event page you will find all the information about our lectures and guided tours at the Hannover Messe. Secure your free ticket now and visit us in Hall 13, Booth C14.

AI Live Demos: From Requirements to Variants

Additionally, it's OWL will present live demos of AI co-pilots in engineering. These include AI-supported requirements management, which assists in structuring and clarifying technical requirements and can reduce coordination efforts. Furthermore, it's OWL will demonstrate how automated architectural variants can be derived and compared in systems engineering tools like Cameo to accelerate modeling work.

Also presented is the Engineering Graph, a knowledge network that makes development knowledge accessible in context across requirements, models, documents, and decisions. The goal is to find information more quickly and in context, instead of spending a lot of time searching for the 'latest version'.

GoProZero combines engineering with circular economy

Engineering is not only becoming automated and faster, it also needs to become more sustainable. Regulatory requirements are increasing, materials are becoming scarcer, and the circular economy is becoming a strategic priority. The it's OWL project GoProZero addresses precisely this issue: It supports companies in developing circular and resource-efficient products so that sustainability can be integrated into development decisions from the outset.

Because in addition to speed and consistency in engineering, the question of how to assess ecological impacts during the development phase is also coming to the fore. To illustrate this principle, it's OWL will also be showcasing an exhibit from the research environment.

Spotlight makes early sustainability assessment tangible

From the NALYSES research project, it's OWL is showcasing a prototype headlight that is repairable and fully recyclable. A digital "green twin" is also being used, combining development data with life cycle analysis methods. This allows for the comparison of environmental impacts in early development phases and establishes sustainability as a measurable decision-making factor in product development.

Scientists at Fraunhofer IEM have developed a headlight in the NALYSES project that is repairable and recyclable by type. Photo: Fraunhofer IEM / Janosch Gruschczyk

Sustainability in engineering: The “green twin” using headlights as an example

Furthermore, it's OWL is showcasing an exhibit from the research environment: The NALYSES project has resulted in a prototype headlight designed to be repairable and recyclable by type. A digital "green twin" is also being used, combining development data with life cycle analysis methods to make environmental impacts comparable even in early development phases.

This approach illustrates how sustainability can be anchored as a measurable decision-making factor in product development.

The article "AI in engineering that really helps: it's OWL presents Engineering Automation live at the Hannover Messe 2026" first appeared on it's OWL .