Chinese firms showcase AI and robotics at Hannover Messe amid growing partnerships with Europe

Artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics are taking center stage at this year's trade fair in Hanover, Germany, where Chinese companies are once again making a strong impression.

Around 700 Chinese exhibitors are present at the world's biggest industrial fair, making them the second-largest group after Germany.

One of the standout innovations is a so-called Land Aircraft Carrier, a hybrid between a truck and a passenger drone developed by Chinese electric vehicle maker XPENG. The carrier is making its European debut at the event, showcasing advancements in e-mobility and autonomous transport.

"The drone is foldable and then it can be automatically taken into the car," said Maarten van Hulten, Marketing Manager at XPENG European Holding. "And then when you need it again it can be taken out of the car and folded and then you're ready to go."

As companies continue to develop next-generation technologies, cross-border partnerships appear set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of industry.

"We're very proud of the cooperation we have with Volkswagen that has been extended over the past years where we now also support with the products that are on sale in China for Volkswagen," van Hulten added.

Chinese–European collaborations are visible across the showcased technologies at Hannover Messe, partnerships that appear to be thriving despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"In our field, the field of robotics, we have developed new partnerships with Chinese companies and we are optimistic that this relation will grow in the future," said Grigore Stamatescu, owner of Asti Automation.

Despite this optimism, concerns over data security continue to shape European market dynamics. Skepticism toward both American and Chinese tech firms has led some German distributors to prioritize solutions that keep data stored locally, often using open-source software.

"It works so well with Chinese companies because it's open-source. And the German companies can have a digital German wall for the data," said Shiar Hido, CEO of Minden Robotics - a company that distributes humanoid robots made by China's LimX Dynamics.

"In the last 40 years for Germany and China, I've seen when everyone works together we will have completely new solutions, we will find new ways and it would be good for both countries."