VISION 2026 is in the books. With nearly 500 exhibitors and 9,000 attendees from 59 countries, the show delivered no shortage of new technologies, innovations, and conversations.

There's always something special about stepping onto a tradeshow floor. The opportunity to connect with colleagues, both familiar faces and new contacts, while seeing the technologies we cover in Vision Systems Design up close never gets old. The energy surrounding next-generation robotics, automation, and AI was palpable, and the industry's drive to innovate was on full display. I was especially pleased to strengthen existing relationships and forge new partnerships.

I previously mentioned the special print edition we prepared for distribution at the show. When our shipment failed to arrive at the booth, it offered an unexpected lesson in perspective. Success at an event like VISION isn't measured solely by materials handed out. It's built through conversations, connections, and shared ideas. We directed attendees to the digital edition and reminded them that some circumstances are simply beyond our control.

The experience reinforced an important truth that can get lost amid the excitement surrounding emerging technologies: authentic collaboration and creative problem-solving matter just as much as the algorithms and automation we champion. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from the unexpected challenges and how we respond to them.

VISION by the Numbers

Messe Stuttgart reported that compared to the previous event in 2024, the number of exhibiting companies increased by 2%, the exhibition space occupied by 5%, and the number of visitors by 14%. Show management also reported the evaluation of the trade visitors was positive, and 82% would recommend VISION to others. The high relevance for business decisions is also clear: 90% are involved in investment and purchasing decisions in their company.

"VISION brings together suppliers, users, and the next generation of innovative companies from all over the world in one place." said Roland Bleinroth, member of the executive board of Messe Stuttgart. "This is where specific industrial requirements meet new technologies. This exchange results in impulses that bring image processing into application more quickly. This connection makes VISION the most important platform for the international market."

Daniel Seiler, chairman of the board of the VDMA Machine Vision department added: "The mood among the companies was excellent, and the diverse supporting program gave VISION noticeably additional energy. VISION is much more than a trade fair: As a real network meeting, it brings people together, promotes the exchange of ideas and opens up space for new partnerships."

A total of 31 start-ups presented themselves in the VISION Start-up World and at the BMWE joint stand Young Innovators. Both platforms offered young companies the opportunity to present their technologies and ideas to international trade visitors and to make contacts in the industry.

Another highlight for the young corporate scene were the "VISION Start-up of the Day" and "VISION Start-up 2026" awards, which honored innovative solutions from up-and-coming companies. The Start-up of the Day award went to the companies Phaseform, eyeo imaging and TiHive. eyeo was named VISION Start-up 2026.

Looking Ahead to 2028

The biennial event returns to Stuttgart October 24-26, 2028, and VSD plans to be there with another special print edition in hand.

Back at my desk, I'm sorting through the many insightful conversations I had packed into three short days at VISION. Stay tuned for industry perspectives on AI, automation, and other key trends shaping the future of machine vision.