VDWF: AI assistant "ExpoPilot" connects visitors with exhibitors at the joint stand

The German Association of Tool and Mould Makers (VDWF) is introducing its AI-powered assistant "ExpoPilot" for the first time at Fakuma 2026. The browser-based application helps trade fair visitors find suitable exhibitors at the association’s joint stand. Exhibitors include toolmakers, contract manufacturers, machinery and component manufacturers, software providers and service providers.

Visitors can enter their requirements in the chat, such as questions about processes, materials or target regions. The application then suggests relevant companies. An exhibitor list that can be filtered by industry is also available. Both options show each company’s location at the joint stand. For association members, company profiles with further information and links to websites and social media are also accessible.

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"ExpoPilot" is available in German and English and requires no app installation. The service can be used before and after the trade fair. In addition to helping users find companies, it answers questions about the association’s trade fair offerings and helps visitors navigate the joint stand.

According to the association, the application runs on its own server. Its data is drawn exclusively from the profiles of exhibiting member companies published on the association’s website. The application therefore uses no cookies and stores no IP addresses. The association states that only search requests are recorded in anonymised form.

The service adds a digital route to exhibitor information alongside the association’s personal introductions at the stand. The announcement provides no information on the relevance of search results, the number of companies included or usage to date.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
12–16 October 2026
Hall B2, Stand 2112

More information: www.vdwf.de

VDWF – Verband Deutscher Werkzeug- und Formenbauer e.V., Schwendi