A new initiative bringing together artificial intelligence, robotics, deep tech and sustainable manufacturing will make its debut at Global Industrie in Lyon (France) from 15 to 18 March 2027.
Global Industrie
has unveiled further details of Industrial Futures, a new 15,000 m2 exhibition and conference platform designed to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping industrial production. The initiative will make its debut at Eurexpo Lyon (France), from 15 to 18 March 2027, bringing together technology developers, manufacturers, researchers and investors.
Developed in collaboration with Christophe Victor, associated with VivaTech and Tech&Fest, Industrial Futures will feature more than 400 exhibitors, 100 conferences, 60 practical workshops and 250 speakers. The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between the technology sector and manufacturing industries, with a particular focus on the development of the cognitive factory.
This concept reflects the evolution of manufacturing beyond mechanisation and automation towards increasingly intelligent production environments. Artificial intelligence, interconnected systems and advanced software are enabling factories to analyse operational data, optimise resources and make decisions with greater autonomy.
“For years, we talked about the digital revolution. Today, we need to talk about convergence: there can be no high-performing industry without technology, and no sovereign technology without industry. With Industrial Futures, we want to create a place where these two worlds come together to build the economy of tomorrow,” has stated Christophe Victor, co-designer and host of Industrial Futures.
Industrial Futures will be organised around four thematic areas, each addressing a major technological development affecting the industrial sector.
- The Artificial Intelligence & Industrial Software area will explore applications ranging from generative AI and digital twins to industrial cloud infrastructure, data platforms and cybersecurity.
- Industrial IoT & Autonomous Machines will focus on connected production systems, collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), drones and humanoid robotics.
- The Sustainable Industry, Resources & Energy area will address industrial decarbonisation, process electrification, water management, energy efficiency and the role of smart buildings in more sustainable manufacturing operations.
- Research & Deep Tech will bring together research institutions, universities and technology companies working on emerging fields such as quantum technologies, advanced materials, industrial biotechnology and space technologies.
The exhibition will combine these four areas with live demonstrations, themed pavilions and dedicated conference spaces, allowing visitors to explore both emerging technologies and their potential industrial applications.
The four-day programme will include more than 100 conferences and 60 hands-on workshops, featuring 250 speakers from across the industrial and technology sectors. Discussions will address some of the most significant challenges facing manufacturers, including the industrial deployment of AI, agentic AI in production, IT/OT cybersecurity, digital twins, predictive maintenance, humanoid robotics, resilient supply chains and decarbonisation.
The programme will be delivered across four formats. La Grande Scène will host keynote presentations and major events, while The Agora will provide a setting for specialist discussions and demonstrations. Smaller groups will be able to participate in 30-minute practical workshops covering topics such as AI, cybersecurity and financing. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to present their technologies through dedicated 15-minute pitch sessions.
Alongside the exhibition and conference programme, Industrial Futures will introduce six initiatives designed to encourage collaboration, investment and technology adoption.
- The Hall of Tech will showcase innovations developed by French and European manufacturers, presenting them according to their geographical origins to highlight the diversity of industrial innovation across the continent.
- The Scale-Up Programme will support ten growing technology companies pursuing industrialisation projects in France, providing opportunities to meet investors and major industrial groups, present their business models and participate in an awards ceremony.
- A dedicated Startup Competition
will recognise emerging companies selected by a jury of industrial executives, investors and researchers.
- The Water Pavilion will examine industrial water efficiency, reuse and discharge quality, bringing together technology providers, water agencies and industry specialists.
- The Energy Transition Pavilion
will focus on practical approaches to decarbonisation, electrification and energy efficiency.
- The Women in Tech and Industry, will bring together female executives, researchers and emerging professionals to discuss leadership, representation and diversity within the industrial and technology sectors.