IMKL’s format combines a multi-track conference programme with dedicated product showcases, providing a platform for companies to present customised solutions across areas including artificial intelligence, data and cloud computing, robotics, Unified Namespace (UNS) and more.
The conference, co-organised with the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC), is held over two days and covers the full lifecycle of digital implementation and transformation from conceptual planning to the deployment of integrated hardware and software solutions, supporting local and international enterprises of all sizes in enhancing their digital capabilities. Developed under the guidance of the Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur advisory committee, the 2026 edition will run under the theme "Beyond automation: your roadmap for human-centric digital transformation". The committee is composed of:
- Dr Chua Wen-Shyan, Head of Malaysian Smart Factory 4.0, Selangor Human Resource Development Centre
- Dr Ing Dominic Gorecky, Head of Swiss Smart Factory & Swiss Health Tech Center, Partner, Executive Board Member, Switzerland Innovation Park Biel / Bienne AG
- Prof Dr David Romero, Scientific Vice-Chairman, World Manufacturing Foundation and Professor of Advanced Manufacturing, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico
Among the conference highlights will be a keynote address by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Detlef Zuehlke. Widely regarded as one of the founders of Industry 4.0, he brings expertise spanning industrial control architecture, factory planning and operations, and human-machine systems for industrial applications. He has worked extensively as a strategic adviser to organisations across both the public and private sectors, including government agencies and multinational corporations in countries such as China, Germany, India, South Korea, and Vietnam. In his keynote, "20 years smart factory – from smart machines to worldwide ecosystems", Professor Zuehlke will discuss advances in standardisation and interoperability, the emergence of digital twins and service-based communication and the applications of AI in global production networks.
The 2026 edition will also introduce a new pitching session as part of the conference programme, designed for solution providers to present practical answers to challenges faced by manufacturers. The session's agenda will be shaped by manufacturers themselves, with the organisers collecting feedback on pressing issues including data security, the digital skills gap and talent shortages, both before and during the conference. Solution providers will then present their technical solutions and implementation strategies, giving attendees a clear basis on which to evaluate their feasibility and business impact. Applications for the new pitching sessions are now open.
Running from 13 – 14 May 2026, the conference is inviting contributions from researchers, industry experts, start-ups, and established organisations on the following themes:
- AI-Driven Manufacturing Operations
- Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Big Data
- Human-Machine Collaboration
- Measuring ROI in Manufacturing Digitalisation
- Real-World Success Stories
- Robotics, Cobots, and Humanoid Technologies
- Other relevant topics
For further information on paper submissions, please visit https://qr.messefrankfurt.com/82c5b
Further opportunities for networking and communication
Beyond the conference programme, IMKL provides additional opportunities for engagement through its product showcases and Tech Labs (from 13 – 15 May). These interactive zones offer participants the chance to discover advanced technologies, learn from experts across different sectors, and enhance their product understanding through workshops and discussions covering the latest industry developments.
Within these offerings, SPS Stage Kuala Lumpur will return for its second edition, linking the event to the global SPS network. The programme is designed for previous exhibitors from other international SPS events, helping them to establish or expand their presence in the ASEAN market. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their technologies in the IMKL Tech Lab sessions, meet with potential clients from Southeast Asia’s high-potential industries, and explore new opportunities for business collaboration within the region.
Entry to the product showcase area and Tech Lab is free for professionals aged 18 and above. An admission fee is required to participate in the conference:
- Two-day conference package: MYR 2,400/person
- Group purchase (three or more tickets): MYR 1,600/person
- Super early bird discount: MYR 1,650/person, available until 28 February 2026
All prices are subject to local prevailing sales and service tax.
Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and is supported by a number of prominent organisations and industry associations, including:
- Communication 21 Media Group Sdn Bhd
- International Alliance of Robotics Associations (IARA)
- Intrinsic SEA
- Malaysia Board of Technologies (MBOT)
- Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
- Malaysia Robotics & Automation Society (MyRAS)
- Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF)
- Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers’ Association (MRPMA)
- MyDIGITAL Corporation
- Plastic & Rubber Institute Malaysia (PRIM)
- Smart4wrd
- Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association (TAIROA)
- The National ESG Association of Malaysia
- TusStar Malaysia
Co-located event:
- Automechanika Kuala Lumpur: 14 – 16 May 2026, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. www.automechanika-kl.com
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Press information and photographic material:
https://myintelligentmanufacturing.hk.messefrankfurt.com/kualalumpur/zh-cn/press.html
Intelligent Manufacturing Kuala Lumpur on social media:
www.linkedin.com/company/intelligent-manufacturing-imkl/
www.facebook.com/intelligent.manufacturing.kualalumpur
www.instagram.com/imklconference/
#IMKL #IntelligentManufacturingKualaLumpur #SmartManufacturing
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,500 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2024 were around € 775 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and
the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
Background information on Selangor Human Resource Development Centre
The Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) is a leading organization in Malaysia dedicated to enhancing human capital and fostering industry collaboration to drive economic growth and technological advancement. Established in 1992 as a nation’s call to enable personal and organizational development. As of today, more than 100,000 participants have gone through talent development and training programs with us and SHRDC spans with over 100 courses over 6 strategic business units with over 200 competent trainers. SHRDC is located in Section 13 Shah Alam.
For more information, please visit www.shrdc.org.my
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- IMKL26_PR1_EN (pdf, 140 KB)