aiwan’s Smart Machinery Overseas Promotion Program, led by DITA, made its first 2026 stop at SIMTOS in Korea. A 72 m² Taiwan Image Zone showcased a smart-machinery value-chain ecosystem with 10 exhibitors, backed by four industry associations and boosted by localized influencer marketing to draw qualified buyers. On-site observations showed Korean machine-tool leaders accelerating AI adoption. Taiwan identified two entry points: customized large gantry machines and highly flexible components supported by co-exhibition tactics, creating strong opportunities for complementary Taiwan–Korea partnerships.

CCMT 2026 was held in Shanghai from April 21 to April 25, drawing strong attention with the theme “Digital, Connected, Intelligent Manufacturing,” showcasing the machine tool industry’s post-pandemic transformation. The exhibition covered 202,000 square meters and featured over 2,000 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, attracting more than 270,000 visits in total. The CEO Forum highlighted that the industry is shifting from equipment supply toward data-driven, end-to-end solution offerings to meet emerging demands such as humanoid robots and semiconductor packaging, as well as the trend toward carbon neutrality. Domestic manufacturers are seeking breakthroughs through integrated hardware-software solutions, AI-enabled CNC systems, and an NC Link–based connectivity ecosystem, while also leveraging digital twins to drive GX energy-saving design.

SIMTOS 2026 adopted the theme “AI Autonomous Manufacturing Meets Talent,” showcasing how Korea’s machine-tool industry is moving beyond digitalization toward true autonomy. The show’s AI Factory Theme Pavilion demonstrated next-generation manufacturing systems that integrate equipment, data, Digital Twin capabilities, and big-data analytics. Exhibits emphasized practical AI functions such as self-learning optimization, real-time decision-making, and predictive maintenance, pointing to a future where machining can scale from individual smart machines to lights-out, plant-wide operations. The event also highlighted a key workforce shift: technicians are evolving from traditional operators into supervisors and decision-makers who manage AI-enabled production systems, accelerating human–machine collaboration. In parallel, a Taiwan delegation brought 11 exhibitors presenting CNC machining solutions and critical components, strengthening market visibility in Korea and expanding opportunities for technical exchange and partnership.

TMTS 2026 introduces the "Front Showroom, Back Factory" model, connecting exhibition booths with real manufacturing sites. International buyers visited leading firms like TMT, Leadwell, and Quaser to witness R&D, precision assembly, and smart data integration firsthand. This initiative transforms catalog data into tangible technical experiences, building deep trust in Taiwan’s quality and transparency. By showcasing advanced smart manufacturing capabilities, the industry effectively strengthens global partnerships and responds to evolving market demands.

he award ceremony for the 22nd Hiwin Thesis Award was held with great distinction on March 28. Student Shen Yi-Hsuan and Professor Lin Pei-Chun from National Taiwan University (NTU) received the highest honor, the Gold Award, for their thesis titled "Development of a Whole-Body Force Control Framework for RHex-type Robots with Variable Multiple Contact Points." The award includes a prize of NT$1 million. This year, NTU recommended 14 theses for the competition, 9 of which reached the final defense, and 6 ultimately secured awards. This outstanding performance established NTU as the biggest winner of the session.

When AI is no longer just a tool for process optimization but begins to "learn, judge, and inherit expertise," the competitive logic of the manufacturing industry is undergoing a total transformation. In collaboration with TechOrange, the TMTS 2026 International Forum provided an in-depth analysis of how Embodied AI is entering production lines and how human experience is being digitally replicated. The forum explored topics ranging from AI robotics and Digital Twins to defense, aerospace, and semiconductor supply chains, highlighting how Taiwan's machine tool and precision machinery industries are building a more resilient intelligent manufacturing ecosystem amidst geopolitical shifts and high-volatility environments.

The 2026 Taiwan International Machine Tool Show (TMTS) will grandly debut from March 25 to 28 at the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center (TICEC). In alignment with the TMTS 2026 core theme, "DX & GX for a Sustainable Future," HIWIN Group will host a joint exhibition featuring its three major business entities: HIWIN Technologies, HIWIN MIKROSYSTEM, and MATRIX Precision. This exhibition provides a comprehensive demonstration of the Group’s vertical integration capabilities—ranging from precision critical components and nano-scale positioning and control systems to high-end gear equipment and complete line solutions—highlighting its systemic strength in high-end manufacturing and autonomous supply chains.

In the new era driven by AI, the requirements for machining precision, efficiency, and stability in the precision machinery industry continue to rise. Facing rapidly changing market challenges, the competitiveness of machine tools no longer depends solely on individual hardware, but rather on the overall performance of the control system in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and digital integration capabilities. At booth H0241 of the TMTS 2026 (Taiwan International Machine Tool Show), Siemens Digital Industries is showcasing the new generation digital CNC platform, SINUMERIK ONE. Featuring forward-looking functions that combine industrial-grade AI, digital twins, and intelligent control technologies, Siemens is creating diverse integration possibilities for the machine tool industry—assisting manufacturers and end-users in enhancing machining efficiency, shortening development cycles, and accelerating digital transformation.