From automation to AI: what industrial manufacturers can expect at DREMA 2026
From 8 to 11 September 2026, Poznań will once again become a meeting point for the woodworking and furniture industries. The 42nd edition of DREMA will bring together machinery, automation, robotics, software, components and production technologies, with a strong focus on solutions that can help manufacturers increase efficiency, improve quality and respond to the changing demands of industrial production.
DREMA is one of the key meeting places for the wood and furniture sectors in Central and Eastern Europe and the only woodworking industry event in Poland recommended by EUMABOIS. For 2026, the fair is introducing a refreshed format designed to put even greater emphasis on practical technology, professional visitors and direct business contacts.
For furniture manufacturers and woodworking companies, the exhibition will cover virtually every stage of the production process. The scope ranges from primary and secondary wood processing, surface finishing and assembly to packaging, material handling, warehousing and robot technology. Visitors will also find production planning and control systems, CAD and ERP software, measuring and control technologies, energy solutions, furniture components and materials.
Technology that can be assessed in practice
A key element of DREMA 2026 will be the opportunity to see machinery and equipment in operation rather than only as static exhibits. Live demonstrations will allow production specialists, technical managers and investment decision-makers to take a closer look at how individual technologies could perform in real manufacturing environments.
The focus on production efficiency is also visible among the solutions recognised in this year's DREMA Gold Medal competition. Award-winning technologies include an automated CNC nesting centre capable of integrating loading, machining and unloading, as well as software designed to connect online product configuration, pricing and visualisation with production preparation and warehouse processes. These are examples of the broader shift towards increasingly integrated and data-driven furniture manufacturing.
Nearly 200 companies and brands are expected to present machinery, tools, components and technological solutions during the four-day event. Alongside technologies aimed at large industrial manufacturers, DREMA will also include specialist zones dedicated to areas such as occupational safety, transport, flooring and tool testing.
Automation, digitalisation and AI
Artificial intelligence and automation will be among the major themes of this year's accompanying programme. The new AI Forum – DREMA 5.0 will look at the growing role of AI in the wood and furniture industries, while the 3rd Technologists' Forum will focus on automation, robotisation, digitalisation and the changing role of production technology specialists.
For industrial manufacturers, the topics reflect challenges already affecting day-to-day operations: automated quality inspection, integration of production systems, modernisation of existing production lines, traceability, workforce skills and the economic case for automation investments.
The programme also includes the KOOPDREW Timber Industry Congress and the National Furniture Congress. These events will address broader challenges facing the Polish wood and furniture sectors, including competitiveness, raw-material availability and the future development of the industry. As much of the conference programme is conducted in Polish, international visitors may find the exhibition, technology demonstrations and direct discussions with suppliers particularly valuable.
International business opportunities
DREMA 2026 is also strengthening its role as a platform for international business. The returning Hosted Buyers programme will bring nearly 50 selected buyers and company representatives from 15 European markets to Poznań. Participants are visiting the fair specifically to explore technologies, meet suppliers and discuss purchasing, investment and partnership opportunities.
This international dimension complements DREMA's core role as a place where manufacturers can compare technologies, discuss specific production requirements with suppliers and evaluate solutions before making investment decisions.
For companies currently considering greater automation, production-line modernisation, digital process integration or new machinery, DREMA 2026 will provide four days to explore a broad cross-section of the technologies shaping the next generation of woodworking and furniture manufacturing.
DREMA 2026 will take place from 8 to 11 September at the Poznań International Fair. Professional visitors can register for a free four-day ticket.