The next edition of PaintExpo will bel held from 14th to 17th April 2026 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
PaintExpo, the world’s leading trade fair for industrial coating technology, will highlight how intelligent, automated solutions are already being used today and will play an even greater role in the future. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping the world of industrial surface technology, improving efficiency, sustainability, and process reliability. Whether in process monitoring, quality assurance, material efficiency, or plant control, digital technologies are taking painting processes to a new level. Close collaboration between manufacturers, system providers, research institutions, and users confirms that AI is no longer a future promise but a key tool for more stable, resource-efficient coating operations.
AOM-Systems is leading the way in sustainable processes and error reduction in wet paint systems. Using AI-driven analysis of process data, their technology enables real-time correction of spray errors, reducing material, energy, and electricity consumption.
“A major OEM could previously only ensure minimum coating thickness by applying a high safety margin. With AOM spray monitoring, they can now control 100% of the coating application in real time, saving material, energy, and costs. At PaintExpo, the company will demonstrate the integration of spray monitoring directly into atomisers,” has explained Meiko Heckerm, Managing Director.
Convergent Information Technologies GmbH employs AI and machine learning to automate complex paint repair applications. According to Managing Director Dr.-Ing. Christof Eberst, this approach shortens start-up times, increases production flexibility, and accelerates the integration of new products. At PaintExpo, Convergent IT will present the next generation of automated planning for robotic paint repair and other surface processes, along with new user-friendly programming options.
Dürr Systems AG
will focus on automation for wet paint systems, demonstrating overspray-free painting with EcoPaintJet and the EcoSupplyP Core modular material supply system. These solutions recover almost all unused paint, reduce detergent consumption, and enable rapid colour changes. EcoPaintJet, initially used in industrial vehicle painting, is now being applied across other sectors.
ESS Engineering Software Steyr GmbH specialises in automating pre-processing in meshing and the broader simulation workflow. Automation reduces vehicle development times by up to a month and cuts operating costs by around 30%, while patented painting technology lowers energy use per car body from 600 kWh to 200 kWh. At PaintExpo, ESS will showcase automated workflows covering the entire simulation process.
FerRobotics Compliant Robot Technology GmbH applies AI and robotics to delicate surface processes such as grinding, polishing, and deburring. Its Active Compliant Technology (ACT) ensures 100% reproducibility, efficiency gains, and reduced reject rates. At the trade fair, the company will present solutions including the Active Taping Kit for automated masking and novel strategies for intuitive robot programming.
Gema Switzerland GmbH is leveraging AI and networked control systems, such as MagicControl 4.0, to optimise powder coating processes. Real-time monitoring reduces overspray, increases efficiency, and improves safety for workers. PaintExpo will see Gema present integrated functions that enhance quality, process control, and sustainability.
M&N Fördersysteme GmbH highlights the role of automated conveyor systems in stabilising material flow and ensuring precise coordination of surface technology processes. Optimised systems reduce downtime, energy consumption, and waste while increasing reproducibility. At the fair, M&N will showcase new rotary transfer systems and advanced control technologies.
Pi Probaligence develops machine learning algorithms for industrial and research applications, enabling intelligent predictions and virtual simulations. Their tools support faster, more efficient product development and process optimisation. At PaintExpo, Pi Probaligence will demonstrate AI-assisted applications and a new natural-language interface for existing tools.
The innovations on display at PaintExpo 2026 underline a key trend: AI and automation are increasingly integral to connected, continuous coating processes. Real-time evaluation of process data and quality information allows manufacturers to achieve reproducible results, higher efficiency, and improved resource use. The fair provides a platform to explore these technologies, their limitations, and future potential.