The 35th edition of BI-MU is set to return to Italy from October 13 to 16, 2026, at fieramilano Rho as a trade fair for manufacturing technology. According to the event information released by the organizers, the show will cover machine tools for metal forming and metal cutting, along with robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing and related enabling technologies. The exhibition will occupy Halls 22 and 24.
The event is promoted by UCIMU and organized by EFIM-ENTE FIERE ITALIANE MACCHINE. Its 2026 positioning emphasizes digitalized and interconnected machines and systems that incorporate Industry 4.0 functions, automation and artificial intelligence for digital-factory processes. The presentation also states that many companies had already confirmed participation well ahead of the show, including major enterprises and returning industry players.
Beyond machine tools, BI-MU will structure part of its offer around seven technology themes. RobotHeart will focus on automation, components, systems and AI; AMITALY will address the additive-manufacturing supply chain; BI-MU Digital will present software and smart-factory solutions including connectivity, data security, sensing and self-adaptive systems; and Metrology and Testing will cover measuring instruments, testing machines and machine vision. Additional themes include Power4Machines for mechanical, electrical and pneumatic power transmission, Heat and Surface Treatments for material-performance improvement, and the new Tool Tech area dedicated to advanced tools for efficient, high-precision production.
The product range will also include an overview of revamping and retrofitting, intended to show refurbished and upgraded machines and systems aimed at the second-life market alongside new equipment. On the content side, the event will pair the exhibition with technical and cultural sessions, reflecting a trade fair model that combines product presentation with professional discussion and market interpretation.
Among the new program elements are two forums focused on sectors described as having particularly dynamic demand and growth potential: Aerospace & Defence and Energy. The sessions, titled “90 Minutes with the World of Aerospace & Defense” and “90 Minutes with the World of Energy,” are scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15, respectively. The announced format is a round-table discussion with four company representatives addressing production challenges, process needs and supplier requirements in each sector.
BI-MU will also retain a skills-development component. The Education & Skills project returns with ROBOTGAMES, an automation and robotics contest for high-school students now in its second edition. On October 15, 12 finalist teams representing 11 school institutes from across Italy are scheduled to present robotic automation projects for industrial applications. For Higher Technical Institute students, AITA and EFIM are also promoting Additive Future Lab, a new national contest intended to introduce younger talent to additive manufacturing, with the award ceremony planned for October 16 in the AMITALY area. Another new feature is the BI-MU FUTURTECH AWARDS for exhibitors in three categories: mechanical innovation, digitalization and sustainability. Award ceremonies and thematic sessions will take place at the BI-MUpiù Arena, which will also host the opening ceremony on the morning of October 13. The organizers also say a high-speed rail stop will be activated directly at the fair venue to facilitate access for visitors.
