Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the textile industry – from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. Heimtextil 2026 addresses this global shift by dedicating a comprehensive content programme to AI, exploring how the technology can be applied successfully across design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. The fair brings together renowned experts to demonstrate practical applications and business opportunities emerging from AI integration across the entire textile value chain.
AI from stage to practice
The central knowledge hub for AI discussions is the Texpertise Stage located in Hall 6.0. Here, Heimtextil translates technological innovation into practical insights for industry professionals. A key highlight is the live talk with London-based architect and AI pioneer Tim Fu, who will discuss interior design in the age of AI with Simon Keane-Cowell, Editor-in-Chief of Architonic. On the opening day, Anja Bisgaard Gaede (Founder, Spott trends & business aps) addresses workflows, data integration and the textile future shaped by AI. Elisabeth Ramm from Atelier Brückner shares insights into AI and materials in exhibition design, while Martin Auerbach (Association of German Home Textiles Manufacturers) explains how AI is used in everyday work and how companies can integrate it profitably into their daily workflows.
Sleep expert Markus Kamps moderates dedicated sessions on the megatrend of sleep and technology with numerous guest speakers. Additionally, at the Talk Spot in Hall 12.0, Architonic hosts a discussion with exhibitor Oriental Weavers on carpets between craftsmanship and global production.
Design trends exploring AI and craftsmanship
The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 provide orientation for the coming season under the motto “Craft is a verb”, exploring how AI-driven design processes combine with traditional textile craftsmanship. Presented by design platform Alcova in the Trend Arena in Hall 6.1, six stylistic directions demonstrate the interplay between high-tech and craftsmanship. The exhibition features a vibrant colour palette where “glitches”, unexpected digital disruptions, and radical synthetic accents deliberately break through the natural colour spectrum. Daily talks and guided tours with experts translate trend themes into concrete business insights.
Patricia Urquiola’s installation “among-all” in Hall 3.0 poses the question: what happens when we ourselves become part of AI-based creation? The designer combines futuristic textile elements, sustainable materials and new AI technologies, showcasing how textiles can function as transformative and intelligent materials while actively involving visitors in the spatial staging. Urquiola will discuss her visionary approach in a live talk on 14 January 2026 on the Texpertise Stage, with daily guided tours bringing the interior design of tomorrow to life.
Specialized programmes for design and hospitality sectors
With Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil offers decision-makers from interior design, architecture, hospitality and the contract business a customised programme. At the dedicated Talk Spot in Hall 3.1, Mauro Brigham (Founder ncbham) discusses why design is never static. Helen Häkli (Freelance Architect, bdia) explores how AI serves as a creative partner in interior design. Specialized lectures from Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk (JOI-Design) and Robin Hepp (Kids Studio) complement the extensive hospitality programme.
On the DecoTeam Stage in Hall 3.0, AI expert Alexander Ligowski demonstrates concrete applications for interior decoration and the crafts sector. Using selected examples, he provides insights into AI-supported interior design – from room and colour concepts to sales support, text generation for social media and the optimisation of quotations.
New Talents Area debuts
Heimtextil 2026 introduces the New Talents Area in Hall 6.1, offering fresh perspectives on how the next generation of designers engages with AI technology. The curated exhibition presents emerging design talents from around the world and enables direct exchange with international newcomers. Heimtextil 2026 takes place from 13 to 16 January 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
