Full House in Düsseldorf

Fully booked. The organizing team for XPONENTIAL Europe announced this several weeks before the second edition (March 24-26). With around 300 exhibitors from 40 nations, the event has not only grown noticeably but has also expanded its content profile. New focal points for the leading European trade fair for unmanned systems and robotics include safety and defense-related applications as well as the critical topic of IT and data security.

In and around Hall 1 of Messe Düsseldorf, as well as on, at, and above the Rhine, the entire value chain of unmanned systems on land, at sea, and in the air will be showcased during XPONENTIAL Europe 2026: from sensors, components, and software to AI-supported control and mission systems, as well as various drones. A central element will be live demonstrations that allow attendees to experience the technologies shown at the exhibition stands under real-world operating conditions. Seven country pavilions from around the world emphasize the trade fair’s international orientation. The event also gains additional political significance through the patronage of Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder.

The extensive conference program connects technological developments with regulatory, political, and security-related questions. The XPONENTIAL Europe Conference, along with a special keynote format that attracts high-profile speakers to Düsseldorf every morning at 9 a.m., an hour before the exhibition hall opens, is organized by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). A highlight of the first day of the trade fair is the EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM by UAV DACH, which brings together decision-makers from national and European regulatory authorities with representatives from the drone economy for direct exchange. With the Autonomous Inland & Short Sea Shipping Conference (AISS), XPONENTIAL Europe also includes a maritime focus, centering on current developments in autonomous inland and coastal shipping as well as intelligent port and assistance systems. The German Drone-Defence & Innovation Forum takes place in close cooperation with the Bundeswehr Innovation Center, and the exclusive event area “Defence meets Economy” is organized in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany. Last but not least: With the XPO+ Launcher, XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 again offers a dedicated area for start-ups and scale-ups, where young technology companies can connect specifically with industry partners, investors, and users.

Disclosure: The magazine Drones is a media partner of XPONENTIAL Europe.  

Image: Messe Düsseldorf / ctillmann