Advanced Factories 2026 strengthens Barcelona as Europe’s industrial innovation hub

10 Apr 2026

The 10th edition of Advanced Factories 2026 will take place from May 5 to 7 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.

The 10th edition of Advanced Factories 2026 will take place from May 5 to 7 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, reinforcing Barcelona’s position as a leading European hub for industrial innovation, robotics, and automation.

As Southern Europe’s largest event dedicated to Industry 4.0 technologies, the show is expected to gather more than 33,000 industrial professionals and over 750 exhibiting companies showcasing cutting-edge solutions in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, IoT, and advanced manufacturing.

A strategic event for Europe’s industrial competitiveness

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Advanced Factories has become a key platform to boost industrial competitiveness across Europe, particularly in a context of global geopolitical uncertainty and the need to strengthen industrial autonomy.

“The way to increase industrial competitiveness and create more jobs is by automating production,” said Carlos Méndez, President of Advanced Factories. The event brings together decision-makers from across the manufacturing ecosystem, including executives, plant managers, and technology leaders shaping the future of Industry 4.0.

 

“Today, no one questions the importance of Advanced Factories for our industrial ecosystem, both nationally and across Europe”

Joan Romero, Executive Director of ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment

Barcelona, global capital of industrial automation

During the event, Barcelona will once again position itself at the forefront of industrial transformation. “Today, no one questions the importance of Advanced Factories for our industrial ecosystem, both nationally and across Europe,” said Joan Romero, Executive Director of ACCIÓ-Catalonia Trade & Investment.

This reinforces Catalonia’s role as a key industrial and technological hub in Europe, driven by innovation, talent, and a strong ecosystem of advanced manufacturing companies.

Global industrial leaders and top companies on site

Advanced Factories 2026 will feature leading international and industrial companies presenting real-world applications of automation and AI across sectors.
Participating firms and case studies include major global players such as Nissan, Ford, Michelin, Stellantis, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.

Other participating companies span key industries such as food and beverage (PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Unilever) pharma and chemicals (Boehringer Ingelheim, Almirall) or energy and industry (Repsol).

In addition, technology providers such as Siemens and innovative firms in robotics, AI, and industrial software will showcase the latest solutions transforming factories into smart, connected production environments.

International speakers shaping the future of manufacturing

The Industry 4.0 Congress will gather more than 420 international experts addressing the key trends transforming manufacturing. Confirmed speakers include representatives from leading companies and institutions, such as experts from Airbus, Damm, Nissan Motor Iberica, Siemens or Jaka Robotics.

The congress will also feature renowned voices such as Jerome Engel (University of California Berkeley) and José Álvarez (NVIDIA), who will explore emerging innovation ecosystems and the evolution of AI in industrial environments.

AI and Industry 4.0 take center stage

Artificial intelligence will once again be a central theme, with a growing focus on “physical AI,” enabling machines to interact with real-world environments through simulation.

Across dedicated forums, including the CIO’s Summit, the Cybersecurity Forum, and the AI Forum, industry leaders will share over 200 real use cases demonstrating how companies are already leveraging automation, robotics, and AI to boost productivity and sustainability.

Catalonia at the forefront of Industry 4.0

With flagship events like Advanced Factories, Catalonia continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic industrial regions, combining a strong manufacturing base with leadership in digital transformation and emerging technologies.

The event highlights Barcelona’s growing role as a global meeting point for companies seeking to accelerate their transition towards smarter, more efficient, and sustainable production systems.

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