Vision 2026: AI, 3D Vision, and Sensor Technology Are Shaping the Future of Industrial Image Processing
About 500 exhibitors will showcase the latest trends in image processing at Vision 2026. The focus will be on AI, 3D vision, sensor technology, and industrial applications.
Vision 2026 in Stuttgart showcases how industrial image processing is evolving from individual components to a comprehensive intelligent system. Around 500 companies from around the world are presenting new technologies and applications related to artificial intelligence, deep learning, embedded vision, 3D image processing, hyperspectral imaging, and modern sensor technology at the world’s leading trade fair.
The focus is no longer solely on cameras or sensors, but rather on the interplay of optics, lighting, software, data processing, and automation. The goal is to provide robust and cost-effective solutions for quality inspection, production monitoring, and industrial automation.
The Industrial Vision Days and Scientific Vision Days make an important contribution to knowledge transfer. With around 80 presentations, panel discussions, and startup presentations, these events offer insights into current technology trends, research findings, and market developments. Among the most dynamic topics are lidar, light-field and 3D techniques, SPAD sensors, and synthetic data for AI training and simulation environments.
The new VDMA Vision AI Guided Tours demonstrate just how far AI applications have already advanced in practical use. There, visitors gain direct insights into real-world applications and AI-based image processing solutions at exhibitors’ booths.
Startups are also shaping the trade show landscape. In the Vision Start-up World, around 30 startups are presenting new image processing and AI technologies. The lineup is complemented by the Vision Integration Area and IPC 4 Vision sections, which focus on turnkey system solutions as well as embedded and edge AI platforms.
Vision is receiving additional attention thanks to its parallel events: Motek/Bondexpo, EFX, and Quantum Effects. Together, they create a cross-technology hub for machine vision, automation, electronics manufacturing, and quantum technologies. Vision 2026 thus underscores its role as a central platform for innovations and future applications in industrial image processing.
