Discover the World of Industry at WoTS 2026

During the World of Industry Industrial innovation forms the substantive focus of WoTS 2026. Engineers, technicians, and decision-makers come together at Jaarbeurs Utrecht to gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in the manufacturing and process industries. The combination of exhibitors, live demos, and a targeted knowledge program makes this world a reflection of industrial practice today and tomorrow.

The World of Industry explicitly targets industrial end-users and professionals from machine building, OEM, engineering, and the process industry. In two interconnected halls, exhibitors present solutions at the intersection of automation, drive technology, and smart manufacturing. The emphasis is not on technology as an end in itself, but on its implementation: how do you make systems scalable, interoperable, and safe within complex industrial environments?

Technological themes with direct impact

The program aligns closely with the issues currently at play in the industry. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Industrial OT cybersecurity, and IT/OT integration feature in both the seminars and on the exhibition floor. These themes are approached through concrete practical case studies, in which end-users and suppliers demonstrate how technology actually adds value in production environments.

In addition, explicit attention is paid to topics such as interoperability, industrial networks, and energy management. These themes illustrate how digitalization is no longer an abstract concept, but a structural part of modern industrial architectures.

Program: from vision to implementation

It World of Industry program combines strategic insights with practical in-depth analysis. On Tuesday, September 22, Jarno Duursma will deliver the keynote on artificial intelligence, in which he explains the acceleration of AI developments in an industrial context.

Subsequently, the focus shifts to concrete applications. Sessions such as 'AI in Practice: Applications in Industrial OT Environments' demonstrate how algorithms and data contribute directly to process optimization. Additionally, topics covered include optimizing plant performance with process technology, robotics and drone technology, and the impact of digitalization on the manufacturing and process industries.

For technical experts, this program offers added value primarily through the translation of theory into practice and implementation. The focus is not on the promise of technology, but on the question of how it can be effectively deployed within existing infrastructures.

Innovation in context

In addition to the substantive program, pavilions and demonstrations contribute to the depth. At the Student Innovation Pavilion, young engineers present concrete solutions for challenges such as energy transition and sustainability, often in the form of working prototypes.

The strength of the World of Industry lies in this combination: established industrial technology alongside experimental innovations. Moreover, the connection with the other worlds within WoTS creates an integral perspective on the technological chain, from component to application.

For engineers and technical decision-makers, the World of Industry thus offers not only an overview, but above all direction. In a defined setting, it becomes clear which technologies are relevant, how they are developing, and which choices today will determine the industry of tomorrow.

Practical information

Date: Tuesday, September 22 to Friday, September 25, 2026
Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht – Halls 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
Access: A visit to WoTS 2026 is free. Registration is possible via www.fhi.nl/wots.

Keep an eye on the website for current information and the program.