How AI can be applied successfully and where it can truly add value along the textile supply chain will be a major theme at the Heimtextil 2026 home and contract fabrics fair in Frankfurt from January 13-16.

A comprehensive programme will be dedicated to illustrating how AI opens up new business opportunities with practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing.

Key highlights will include the progressive Heimtextil Trends 26/27 presented by Alcova, Patricia Urquiola’s interactive design installation and a live talk from AI pioneer Tim Fu.

The central knowledge hub will be the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0, where a forward-looking, business-relevant content programme has been curated to focus on how technological innovation can be translated into practical insights for the industry.

A must-attend will be the live talk with Tim Fu, the London-based architect and AI pioneer, who will discuss interior design in the age of AI with Simon Keane-Cowell, editor-in-chief of leading sector platform Architonic.

On the first day of the fair, Anja Bisgaard Gaede, founder of Spott, will highlight workflows, data integration and the textile future shaped by AI and Elisabeth Ramm of Atelier Brückner will share insights into AI and materials in exhibition design. Using tangible examples, Martin Auerbach of the Association of German Home Textiles Manufacturers will also explain how AI is now being used in everyday work and how companies can integrate it profitably into their daily workflows, while sleep expert Markus Kamps will moderate dedicated sessions on sleep and technology, featuring numerous guest speakers.

Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola will also unveil her ‘among-all’ installation, with its futuristic spatial elements including hybrid sculptures, inflated figures and hanging grid structures to showcase new possibilities for future interior design.

Drawing on sustainable and traditional materials reimagined via new technologies, highlights will include a 3D-printed portal by Italian additive manufacturing specialist Caracol produced with the robotic Heron AM platform and made from Aquafil’s Econyl chips, and a large LED wall on which motion sensors detect movement and use AI to morph show visitors into fantastical new creatures.

In the Trend Arena in Hall 6.1, Alcova will also present six stylistic directions that explore how high-tech and craftsmanship interact. Daily talks and guided tours with experts at the show will also seek to explain how its trend themes translate into concrete business insights.

How the next generation of designers are engaging with AI will also be featured in the New Talents area in Hall 6.1.

www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com