The previously fragmented industry of autonomous technologies and robotics in Europe has found its home at XPONENTIAL Europe. From 18 to 20 February, the entire value chain was on display in Düsseldorf: From impressive live demos and visionary start-ups to forward-looking conferences and keynotes. The premiere of XPONENTIAL Europe 2025 proved that it is more than just a trade fair: it is an experience, a catalyst for the future and a platform that brings innovation to life – a pioneering, cross-industry format that brings together all relevant players enabling a cross-industry exchange the likes of which have never been seen before.
Malte Seifert, Director of XPONENTIAL Europe, is delighted with the successful start to the event and the positive feedback from the industry: “The atmosphere at XPONENTIAL Europe was great – full of energy and valuable dialogue. Numerous discussions made it clear that the industry needed precisely this central platform – a place to discover innovations, gain new business partners, cultivate networks and find the right products and solutions.”
The positive mood was also reflected in the Visitor Survey: Around 94% of all visitors stated they had achieved the goals of their visit and were very satisfied. At the same time, the strong international participation with guests from over 65 countries – particularly from Europe, North America and Asia – underlined the global relevance of the event.
High-tech live demonstrations, cutting-edge research and international networking
XPONENTIAL Europe offered a unique combination of trade fair, live demonstrations and a top-class conference programme. The teleoperated rides by MIRA, Rheinbahn and the drone flights by Quantum Systems provided hands-on technology, while the spectacular Drone Show on 19 February impressively showcased the innovative power of the industry to the trade fair audience. Daily keynotes by internationally renowned speakers before the start of the trade fair brought exhibitors and visitors together and provided important impetus for the future of autonomy.
Multidisciplinary exchange and expert knowledge for the international drone economy
The high-calibre supporting programme, which perfectly complemented the trade fair, went down particularly well with the audience. The EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM, the XPONENTIAL Europe Conference, the Standards Forum and the DRONERESPONDERS European Public Safety & Emergency Response Forum highlighted the latest technological developments, regulatory framework conditions and market potential. Industry leaders and start-ups discussed the challenges and opportunities of autonomous systems – from aerospace and maritime applications to urban mobility.
Michael Robbins, President and CEO of AUVSI:”The launch of XPONENTIAL Europe proved that it is more than an event – it is a movement shaping the future of mobility. Attendees benefitted from robust programming, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities that bridged international perspectives. AUVSI is grateful for the collaboration with Messe Düsseldorf and UAV Dach, and our community is already eagerly looking forward to attending XPONENTIAL later this year in Houston and returning to XPONENTIAL Europe in 2026.”
“Since the beginning of the cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf and AUVSI, it was clear to us we could create something big and important for our industry together with XPONENTIAL Europe,” says Dr Gerald Wissel, CEO of UAV DACH, the largest European association for uncrewed aviation and co-host of XPONENTIAL Europe. “The feedback from our exhibiting members, the many, many guests at our stand and at the EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM was extremely positive showing us that XPONENTIAL Europe is the leading trade fair for autonomous systems in Europe right from the start.”
XPO+ Launcher Award: Stage for start-ups
Another highlight was the XPO+ Launcher, where innovative start-ups presented their projects in the field of autonomous technologies on all three days and were able to network with potential investors. The highlight was the Award Pitch, where the three best companies were honoured by a high-calibre jury. The Croatian start-up “Arkensight” was the most convincing with its system-independent AI platform, which simplifies and accelerates aerial image analysis, and not only secured first place, but also a free stand at the US version of XPONENTIAL in Houston in May.
The successful premiere and the excellent response from the industry have laid the foundations for XPONENTIAL Europe to become a permanent fixture as a leading European trade fair. Visitors, exhibitors and the broad partner network are already looking forward to the next edition from 24 - 26 March 26 – because one thing is certain: the future of autonomous technologies has found a new home in Europe.
The next XPONENTIAL in the USA will be held in Houston from 19 to 22 May 2025.
Further information and impressions of XPONENTIAL Europe 2025 are available online at: www.xponential-europe.com
Press photos:
https://medianet.messe-duesseldorf.de/press/xponential
We share exciting updates and insights on autonomous technologies in Europe on our LinkedIn channel:
www.xponential-europe.com/LinkedIn
