Rising Demand in Aerospace Manufacturing — TMTS 2026 Leads the Machine Tool Industry into AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing

To strengthen the technological link between the machine tool industry and its application sectors, TMTS 2026 adopts the theme “Empowering Intelligence, Sustaining the Future”, continuing to foster collaboration with key industries.
The “Aerospace Application Day” networking event, held on November 7 at Xiang Yuan Hotel Taichung, was co-organized by the Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association (TMBA) and the German Trade Office Taipei (AHK Taiwan). The event focused on aerospace manufacturing processes, AI applications, and automation technology development, attracting professionals from both the aerospace and smart manufacturing sectors.

The event opened with a keynote speech by Mr. Jen-Hui Lee, Director at Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), who shared insights into the transformation of the aerospace industry. He noted that the growing demand for unmanned vehicles and lightweight manufacturing processes has accelerated the adoption of composite materials and 3D printing technologies. AIDC has actively applied AI and big data in process planning, predictive maintenance, and production management to enhance efficiency and precision, while exploring cross-industry collaboration to elevate manufacturing capabilities.

Ms. Joy Huang, Manager at KUKA, presented on the topic “Multi-Scenario Applications of Robotic Automation,” highlighting the use of robotic arms in aerospace for material handling, automatic positioning, and thermoforming. She explained that KUKA’s open control architecture can be integrated with CAD/CAM systems to enable flexible production under smart manufacturing, helping factories quickly adopt aerospace-grade composite processes.

Ms. Ruo-Jen Lin, Deputy General Manager of Buffalo Machinery / Winbro, shared the company’s achievements in laser precision processing for aerospace applications. She emphasized that laser micro-drilling and high-temperature material machining have become key technologies for Taiwan’s manufacturing supply chain to enhance added value and expand international cooperation.

Closing the event, TMBA Chairman James Chen emphasized that TMTS 2026 is not only a vital showcase for the machine tool industry but also an international platform connecting application industries and fostering cross-domain collaboration. With AI and sustainability as dual curatorial focuses, the exhibition will feature an AI Demonstration Zone, a Dual Transformation Award Ceremony, an International Forum, and an Ecosystem Showcase, presenting Taiwan’s overall capacity in smart and sustainable transformation.
Chairman Chen also noted that TMTS will invite more application industries—particularly aerospace, semiconductors, energy, and electric vehicles—to participate in the exhibition and witness the latest achievements in AI-driven manufacturing.

The event also featured booths from YCM (Yeong Chin Machinery), Hartford (She Hong Industrial), Chien Yeh Machinery, Detron Machine, KUKA, ZEISS, TRUMPF, and SIEMENS, showcasing the latest technologies in aerospace manufacturing, precision measurement, laser processing, and smart automation. These displays demonstrated the strength and resilience of Taiwan’s cross-industry manufacturing integration.

TMTS 2026 will take place from March 25–28, 2026, at the Taichung International Exhibition Center (TICEC), bringing together over 400 exhibitors across 1,700 booths, presenting the latest advancements in AI, sustainability, precision machining, and automation. TMTS sincerely invites global buyers and industry partners to join us in witnessing Taiwan’s ongoing journey toward smart and sustainable manufacturing.