Advanced Factories 2027 – Industrial Automation Expo Spain

What to expect in 2027

Advanced Factories 2027 will bring the industrial automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 community together at Fira Barcelona – Gran Via from March 31 to April 2, 2027. The event will be the eleventh edition of Advanced Factories and will combine a large industrial technology exhibition with the Industry 4.0 Congress, networking programmes, technology demonstrations, startup activities and specialist forums. The organiser describes the 2027 edition as a meeting focused on the next generation of factory automation and the technologies transforming industrial production.

The 2027 event is expected to focus strongly on the convergence of artificial intelligence with automation, robotics and industrial digitalisation. The organiser is also highlighting IIoT, industrial cybersecurity, digital twins, machine vision, data analytics, industrial cloud, edge-cloud architectures, 5G, interoperability and sustainable technologies as important parts of the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Advanced Factories is aimed at industrial decision-makers and technical professionals rather than general consumers. Its audience includes CEOs, plant managers, production directors, CIOs, COOs, engineers, IT/OT specialists, manufacturing managers and other professionals looking for technologies and services that can improve industrial productivity, flexibility, sustainability and competitiveness.

The 2026 edition attracted 34,657 industrial professionals, 758 exhibiting companies and 432 international experts. The exhibition presented 1,419 solutions across automation, collaborative robotics, AI, additive manufacturing, data analytics, machine vision, industrial software, cybersecurity, sensors, IoT and energy efficiency. These figures provide useful context for the scale of the 2027 event, although the final 2027 numbers are not yet available.

Event dates

Advanced Factories 2027 will take place from March 31 to April 2, 2027.

The organiser has published the following visitor schedule for the 2027 edition:

• March 31: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
• April 1: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
• April 2: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM

Exhibitors will have earlier access for setup and exhibition operations, while speakers and press have separate access schedules. Visitors are advised to bring their printed pass according to the organiser’s current instructions.

The three-day format allows attendees to combine exhibition-floor visits with congress sessions, technology tours, demonstrations, startup activities, professional meetings and specialist forums.

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Venue & exhibition site

Advanced Factories 2027 will be held at Fira Barcelona – Gran Via, Hall 2, in the Barcelona metropolitan area.

Venue: Fira Barcelona Gran Via – Hall 2
Address: Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain

The Gran Via venue provides a large exhibition environment suitable for industrial machinery, automation systems, robotics, software, technology demonstrations and congress facilities. The 2027 organiser information specifically identifies Hall 2 as the location for Advanced Factories.

The exhibition site is also used for other major international trade fairs, giving visitors access to extensive transport connections, parking facilities and surrounding accommodation.

Full industry programme

The complete Advanced Factories 2027 congress agenda has not yet been published. However, the organiser has confirmed the Industry 4.0 Congress as a central part of the event and continues to describe it as a major European congress focused on advanced and digital industry.

The programme is expected to address the full industrial value chain, combining technological presentations with industrial case studies, management strategies and practical experiences.

Key areas include:

• Automation and robotics: Industrial automation systems, robotic systems, cobots, machine vision and human-machine interaction.
• Artificial intelligence: AI, machine learning, data science, predictive maintenance and AI-enabled production.
• Connected factories: IIoT, industrial cloud, 5G, blockchain, platforms and integrated systems.
• Advanced manufacturing: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, hybrid production, zero-defect manufacturing and flexible production cells.
• Cybersecurity: Protection of connected manufacturing environments, IT/OT security and industrial risk management.
• Sustainability: Energy efficiency, circular manufacturing, new business models and sustainable production.
• Worker 5.0: Digital talent, training, workplace safety and human-centred manufacturing.

The congress structure also includes vertical forums and professional agendas designed around particular industrial sectors and management responsibilities.

Featured companies & exhibitors

The final Advanced Factories 2027 exhibitor directory has not yet been published. The organiser is currently encouraging previous exhibitors and new technology companies to reserve exhibition space for the 2027 edition. Advanced Factories reported that 758 companies exhibited in 2026 and that demand from additional companies interested in participating in 2027 was already high.

Previous editions have brought together major industrial technology providers alongside manufacturers, engineering companies, technology startups and specialist solution providers.

Industrial companies represented in recent Industry 4.0 Congress case studies have included Nissan Motor Corporation, Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Gestamp, Michelin, Stellantis, Navantia, Volkswagen, Airbus, Repsol, Mars, Mahou San Miguel, Almirall and others.

The 2027 exhibition is expected to include companies working in:

• Industrial automation
• Robotics and collaborative robotics
• Machine vision
• Sensors and measurement
• Additive manufacturing
• Industrial software
• Cybersecurity
• IIoT
• Digital factories
• Intralogistics
• Production integration
• Predictive maintenance
• Sustainability
• Industrial consulting and services

The final exhibitor list should be checked through the official exhibitor directory once it is released.

Industry sectors & technologies

Advanced Factories covers technologies applicable across a wide range of manufacturing industries.

Automation and robotics

The exhibition includes industrial robots, articulated robots, parallel-link robots, micro robots, collaborative robots, service robots, robotic components and automation systems.

Machine tools and production

Machine-tool technologies include cutting, drilling, laser processing, milling, forming, stamping, turning, polishing, pressing and other production processes.

Artificial intelligence and data

AI, machine learning, big data, analytics, digital twins, production planning, visualisation and predictive maintenance are major Industry 4.0 technology areas.

Connectivity and integrated systems

The programme includes IIoT, industrial cloud, 5G, cybersecurity, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, HMI systems and integrated digital platforms.

Advanced materials and manufacturing

Solutions include 3D printing, hybrid manufacturing, flexible manufacturing cells, intelligent materials, energy-efficient equipment, coatings, composites and zero-defect production.

Energy and sustainability

Energy management, industrial energy storage, renewable energy, energy recovery, efficiency systems and sustainable production are also part of the technology landscape.

The organiser’s current 2027 exhibition information specifically identifies automation, robotics, machine learning, AI, VR/AR/MR, digital twins, machine vision, systems integration software, IoT, industrial cloud, data analytics, cybersecurity and industrial plant management tools.

Products, machinery & innovations

The exhibition is designed to allow manufacturers and technology providers to present practical products and production technologies rather than only theoretical concepts.

Visitors can expect solutions covering robotic cells, industrial automation equipment, machine tools, control systems, PLCs, production software, machine vision, sensors, metrology equipment, industrial cybersecurity, connected machinery and digital factory platforms.

Intralogistics and transport technologies are also represented through intelligent palletisation and storage systems, positioning systems, autonomous ground vehicles, AGVs and drones.

Recent editions demonstrate the breadth of solutions presented. Advanced Factories 2026 featured 1,419 solutions from 758 exhibiting companies, including automation, collaborative robotics, AI applied to industry, additive manufacturing, data analytics, machine vision, industrial software, cybersecurity, sensors, IoT and energy-efficiency technologies.

Sustainable industrial equipment is another important area. Previous innovation awards have recognised technologies designed to reduce energy consumption, improve industrial energy management and increase production efficiency.

Demonstrations & technical presentations

Advanced Factories places strong emphasis on practical demonstrations and industrial applications.

Guided Technological Tours have been organised to take visitors through selected solutions and live demonstrations. In 2026, the tours lasted approximately one hour and showcased real-world applications across automation, robotics, AI, AR/VR, cybersecurity, IIoT and other industrial technologies. Business and Premium VIP Pass holders could participate subject to prior registration.

The Factory Innovation Theatre provides another space for exhibitors to present new solutions, while the Industry 4.0 Congress provides technical sessions, industrial case studies and strategic presentations.

Other activities can include the Workshop Arena, startup pitches, technical forums and specialist summits.

For 2027, the detailed demonstration schedule has not yet been released, so individual exhibitors and presentation times should be confirmed closer to the event.

Ticket types & registration

Advanced Factories 2027 ticket prices have not yet been published. Previous-edition pricing can therefore be used only as a reference.

For 2026, the published professional access structure included Business Pass and Premium VIP Pass options. A professional industry association listing reported the 2026 Business Pass at approximately $104 and the Premium VIP Pass at approximately $460, based on the published standard prices. These are previous-edition reference prices and are not confirmed 2027 rates.

A separate 2026 Virtual Pass for the Video On Demand platform was priced at approximately $69. This provided access to recorded Industry 4.0 Congress sessions, including congress summits, Industry Startup Forum, Workshop Arena and Factory Innovation Theatre content.

The 2027 registration structure is expected to provide different levels of access according to whether visitors want exhibition access, congress content, networking activities or premium facilities.

Trade visitor & professional access

Advanced Factories is a professional B2B event focused on the industrial ecosystem. Its visitor profile includes CEOs, management directors, plant managers, CIOs, production managers, engineers, technical specialists and other decision-makers.

The organiser states that more than 33,000 industrial professionals form part of the event’s target professional audience, with companies from numerous manufacturing sectors attending to identify equipment, technologies, services and digital solutions.

Relevant visitor industries include:

• Automotive and components
• Aerospace and defence
• Metal and steel
• Electronics and electrical
• Energy
• Rail
• Naval
• Food and beverages
• Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
• Machinery manufacturing
• Industrial engineering
• Tools and industrial supplies
• Metallurgy
• Moulds and dies
• Industrial assembly
• Intralogistics and transport

The event is particularly relevant for professionals evaluating new technologies for factory automation, digital transformation, production efficiency, quality control and sustainable manufacturing.

Exhibition halls & floor plan

Advanced Factories 2027 will use Hall 2 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. The final 2027 exhibitor map has not yet been published.

The latest available pavilion information identifies the exhibition map and exhibitor directory as separate resources, allowing visitors to search participating companies and locate them within the hall.

The exhibition environment is expected to combine company stands with congress auditoriums, innovation areas, networking facilities and activity zones.

Visitors can expect the layout to accommodate technology providers across automation, robotics, machine tools, AI, industrial software, cybersecurity, IIoT, manufacturing systems and related services.

The official Advanced Factories mobile application has previously provided updated programme information, speaker details, exhibitor information and maps showing congress auditoriums and important event areas.

Business meetings & networking

Networking is a major component of Advanced Factories. Alongside the exhibition and congress, the event has hosted dedicated business and professional activities including the Leadership Summit, CEO’s Summit, Plant Managers Summit, CIO’s Summit, Industry Startup Forum, Talent Marketplace and other networking initiatives.

The Subcontracting Meeting connects manufacturers with suppliers of components and services, while the Industry Startup Forum provides a dedicated environment for emerging industrial technology companies.

The Talent Marketplace focuses on connecting companies with professionals and younger talent in engineering, automation, robotics and digital technologies.

The official mobile application can also help attendees build a personal schedule, save sessions and speakers, review exhibitor information and navigate the exhibition.

For companies attending with a business-development objective, these activities provide opportunities to identify technology partners, suppliers, customers, startups, investors and potential employees.

Event rules & visitor information

Advanced Factories is a professional trade event, and visitors should complete registration before arrival and follow the accreditation instructions issued by the organiser.

The current visitor information states that attendees should bring their printed pass. Visitor access for March 31 and April 1 is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, while April 2 closes at 5:00 PM.

Visitors should also follow Fira Barcelona’s venue safety and security requirements. Large equipment demonstrations, machinery and technical installations may operate under specific safety procedures, so visitors should follow staff instructions around exhibition stands and demonstration areas.

Because the detailed 2027 visitor regulations may be updated before the event, attendees should review the final accreditation, security and venue rules when registration opens.

How to get there

Fira Barcelona Gran Via is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, immediately southwest of central Barcelona, and is well connected to the city’s public transport network.

The official Advanced Factories information recommends using public transport or taxi services to reach the venue. The principal metro connection is Europa Fira, served by Lines L8 and L9 Sud.

Visitors travelling from Barcelona city centre can connect through Plaça Espanya and continue toward Europa Fira using the FGC network.

Taxis are also available, and the organiser identifies Barcelona taxi services as one of the convenient options for reaching Fira Gran Via.

For international visitors arriving by air, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main airport serving the Barcelona metropolitan area and provides road and public transport connections toward the exhibition centre.

Public transport & parking

Metro: Europa Fira is served by Metro Lines L8 and L9 Sud and is the principal metro connection highlighted by Advanced Factories.

FGC: Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya services connect Plaça Espanya with Europa Fira, providing a useful connection from central Barcelona.

Taxi: Taxi services can take visitors directly to the Gran Via exhibition complex.

Private vehicle: Fira Barcelona provides parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. The current Advanced Factories practical information lists previous parking rates at approximately $4.13 per hour, with a maximum of approximately $34.44 for a full day. These are reference rates based on the latest published information and may change for 2027.

Visitors driving to the event should check the final parking conditions and access arrangements before travelling, particularly during busy exhibition periods.

Accommodation areas

Barcelona and the surrounding metropolitan area offer a wide range of hotels suitable for Advanced Factories visitors.

L’Hospitalet de Llobregat: This is one of the most convenient areas for visitors who want to stay close to Fira Gran Via. It offers hotels, restaurants and direct transport connections to the exhibition centre.

Plaça d’Espanya: This area provides convenient access to both the FGC network and Metro connections toward Europa Fira. It is also useful for visitors who want to stay closer to central Barcelona.

Sants: Barcelona-Sants is an important railway hub with metro and local transport connections, making the surrounding area practical for visitors arriving by train.

Eixample: Central Barcelona’s Eixample district offers extensive accommodation and dining choices with transport connections to the venue.

Barcelona city centre: Areas around Plaça Catalunya and other central districts provide a larger selection of hotels, although travel time to Gran Via can be longer during peak periods.

Business travellers should consider staying near a metro or FGC station to make daily travel to Hall 2 easier.

Accessibility

Fira Barcelona Gran Via is a major international exhibition complex designed to accommodate large professional events and international visitors.

Visitors who require accessible entrances, mobility assistance or other specific arrangements should contact the venue or Advanced Factories organiser before arrival so that the relevant facilities can be confirmed for the 2027 edition.

The availability of public transport connections at Europa Fira also gives visitors several alternatives for reaching the exhibition complex without relying on private vehicles.

Because accessibility services and operational arrangements can be updated for each edition, visitors should review the final 2027 visitor information before travelling.

Previous year’s highlights

Advanced Factories 2026 was the event’s tenth edition and attracted 34,657 industrial professionals, 758 exhibiting companies and 432 international experts. The exhibition presented 1,419 solutions covering automation, collaborative robotics, AI, additive manufacturing, data analytics, machine vision, industrial software, cybersecurity, sensors, IoT and energy efficiency.

The 2026 Industry 4.0 Congress included 436 international experts and 217 real-world industrial case studies. Speakers and case studies represented companies and organisations including Nissan Motor Corporation, Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Gestamp, Michelin, Stellantis, Navantia, Volkswagen and others.

The event also hosted the Leadership Summit, CEO’s Summit, Plant Managers Summit, CIO’s Summit, Industry Startup Forum, Talent Marketplace, Factories of the Future Awards and other professional activities.

The 2025 edition attracted 38,714 industrial professionals, 639 exhibiting companies and 427 international experts. Its exhibition showcased 1,419 solutions, while the Industry 4.0 Congress featured 427 international speakers and 217 industrial case studies.

Previous innovation activities have also highlighted practical technologies including industrial robotics, AI-based visual inspection, private 5G and edge computing, predictive maintenance, energy-management systems and advanced manufacturing.

For 2027, the organiser is placing particular emphasis on the transition toward an AI-driven advanced industry, combining AI with automation, robotics, digitalisation, IIoT, digital twins, machine vision, data analytics, industrial cybersecurity and sustainable technologies.

Official tickets & registration

Advanced Factories 2027 registration information is being prepared by the organiser. The official event website currently confirms the March 31–April 2, 2027 dates and Fira Barcelona Gran Via location while continuing to develop the 2027 programme and visitor information.

For the latest registration announcements, visitor passes, congress access and exhibitor information, use the Official Advanced Factories website (https://www.advancedfactories.com/).

The organiser can also be contacted at +34 919 55 15 51 or info@advancedfactories.com.

For pricing reference, the previous-edition Business Pass was approximately $104 and the Premium VIP Pass approximately $460, while the latest published Video On Demand pass was approximately $69. These figures are previous-edition reference prices only and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 prices.