Must-Visit Industry 4.0 & Precision Machining Events - January–February 2026

The first two months of the year are when manufacturing strategy is set. For owners and professionals in precision machining, automotive supply chains, and Industry 4.0, the events below matter because they influence technology roadmaps, supplier selection, and automation priorities long before procurement decisions are finalized.

CES

Dates: January 6–9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

CES has become an early signal for industrial technology, not just consumer electronics. In recent years, it has emerged as a key event for industrial AI, robotics, digital twins, edge computing, and software platforms that later enter manufacturing environments.

Automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers attend CES to evaluate autonomous systems, AI-driven production software, sensor technologies, and next-generation robotics concepts that shape Industry 4.0 investments.

IMTEX

Dates: January 22–28, 2026
Location: Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore, India

IMTEX is one of Asia’s most important machine tool exhibitions, with a strong focus on CNC turning, milling, grinding, and automation. The event attracts global machine tool builders, robotics suppliers, and automotive component manufacturers.

For precision machining professionals, IMTEX is a key venue to evaluate cost-effective CNC platforms, automation cells, and Industry 4.0 solutions targeted at high-volume and export-oriented production.

Arab Health

Dates: January 26–29, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

While known as a healthcare exhibition, Arab Health plays a significant role for manufacturers involved in precision machining, injection molding, and regulated production. Automotive and industrial suppliers attend to connect with contract manufacturers and OEMs operating under strict quality and traceability requirements.

Automation, digital quality systems, and precision manufacturing technologies are major focus areas.

SPIE Photonics West

Dates: January 27–29, 2026 (Exhibition)
Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, USA

SPIE Photonics West is the world’s leading event for laser processing and photonics used in manufacturing. It is essential for professionals working with laser cutting, laser milling, surface texturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced materials.

Precision machining leaders attend to understand developments in ultrashort pulse lasers, micromachining, and hybrid laser–CNC processes.

Manufacturing World Japan

Dates: February 18–20, 2026
Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan

Manufacturing World Japan is one of the most comprehensive Industry 4.0 exhibitions globally. It covers CNC machining, robotics, factory automation, digital manufacturing software, and automotive production technologies.

The event provides insight into Japanese approaches to precision, lean automation, and long-term production stability, making it valuable for automotive and electronics suppliers worldwide.

MD&M West

Dates: February 10–12, 2026
Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA

MD&M West brings together advanced manufacturing disciplines including automation, precision machining, molding, electronics manufacturing, and quality systems. It is highly relevant for automotive, aerospace, and industrial suppliers operating in regulated or high-mix environments.

Industry 4.0 themes such as digital quality, traceability, and smart production are prominent.

MODEX

Dates: February 9–12, 2026
Location: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, USA

MODEX focuses on intralogistics and automation, which are increasingly critical for automotive and precision manufacturing plants. Topics include AMRs, AGVs, digital warehouse control, and data-driven material flow.

Owners attend MODEX to solve bottlenecks between machining, assembly, and shipping rather than to evaluate machine tools directly.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics

Dates: February 3–5, 2026
Location: Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, Farnborough, United Kingdom

Southern Manufacturing is a key European event for CNC machining, precision engineering, automation, and electronics manufacturing. It attracts Tier-2 and Tier-3 automotive suppliers, aerospace subcontractors, and industrial manufacturers.

The event is valued for its practical focus and strong representation of production-ready technologies rather than concept demonstrations.

How Owners and Professionals Should Treat These Events

• Industry 4.0 strategy and AI: CES, Manufacturing World Japan
• Precision machining and CNC sourcing: IMTEX, Southern Manufacturing
• Laser and micromachining: SPIE Photonics West
• Regulated and high-precision production: Arab Health, MD&M West
• Automation and factory logistics: MODEX

Final Takeaway

January–February 2026 is about setting direction. Owners and manufacturing professionals who attend the right global exhibitions early gain clarity on Industry 4.0 maturity, automation readiness, and supplier capability before capital budgets are committed. These events provide insight that cannot be replicated through vendor meetings alone.

About MDCplus

Our key features are real-time machine monitoring for swift issue resolution, power consumption tracking to promote sustainability, computerized maintenance management to reduce downtime, and vibration diagnostics for predictive maintenance. MDCplus's solutions are tailored for diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, precision machining, and heavy industry. By delivering actionable insights and fostering seamless integration, we empower manufacturers to boost Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth along with future planning.