TIMTOS 2025 is a global smart manufacturing and machine tool expo, taking place in Taipei, Taiwan March 3-8. Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), this year’s expo will feature nearly 1,000 exhibitors.
Since its debut in 1975, the show has been held 30 times, showcasing the latest machine technologies and innovative solutions and becoming a key platform in the fields of machine tools and smart manufacturing.
How Does This Show Stand Out from the North American Market?
Emma Yang, a team leader in the Exhibition Department at TIMTOS, said that Taiwan’s machinery industry is much more agile than U.S. markets, owing to its ability to respond quickly to market demands and offer customized solutions based on customer needs. Add to this the fact that the show is located in Taichung, home to a machinery cluster of more than 750 suppliers who come to TIMTOS to showcase the latest technologies and innovative products.
Spotlighting Industry Themes in Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainability
The show will focus on three themes: AI & Robotics, Future Smart Manufacturing, and Green Power & Sustainability. The exhibition will emphasize Industry 4.0 technologies such as digital twins, IoT, automation and cloud applications, driving the industry toward smarter, more efficient and eco-friendly development.
Yang said attendees can look forward to keynotes and forums centered around AI, smart manufacturing, green energy and sustainability. Networking opportunities are also prioritized at the 30th Edition Celebration & Beer Festival Networking, she said, where manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from around the world can gather to discuss the future of the industry and explore potential collaborations.
Taiwan’s Competitive Machinery Industry
Taiwan’s machinery industry is known for its manufacturing capabilities, strong R&D strength, flexible supply chain management and international market advantages.
According to the International Trade Administration data, Taiwan’s machinery and machine tools industry generated $48 billion in local production and accounted for $34 billion in total exports in 2022.
The United States trails Japan as Taiwan’s second-largest source of machinery and machine tools. Imports from the United States totaled $12.3 billion, accounting for 20 % of total machinery and machine tools imports, according to the ITA.
The Taiwan market has relied on Germany and Japan for traditional machinery and machine tools supply. Manufacturers in Taiwan view the U.S. as highly competitive in emerging technologies, including systems integration, automation and industrial robots.
“With its competitive edge in R&D, design and flexible production, Taiwanese manufacturers are quick to adapt to the AI wave and develop new products, such as AI robotics, with HIWIN being one of the key suppliers in this chain,” said Yang. She pointed to data from the Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders’ Association showing that from January to December 2024, Taiwan’s machinery equipment and components exports reached $3.73 billion.
Advancing Key Technologies in Energy Efficiency
TIMTOS 2025 is a key venue for showcasing Taiwan’s competitive edge in high-performance, energy-efficient machinery. The event will strengthen its influence in the global manufacturing sector as it attracts global buyers and industry professionals who want to take advantage of Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing technologies, said Yang.
Interviewed ahead of the show, Yang pointed out that Taiwanese companies are already part of the critical supply chain for AI robotics components in the U.S. “For example, HIWIN’s key robotics components—such as harmonic reducers, ball screws and AI logistics robots—have successfully integrated into major U.S. manufacturers’ robotics supply chains,” she said. Another example is Quaser, which has ventured into the hydrogen energy sector, focusing on SOFC and SOEC battery processing applications. The company expects rapid growth in the future, Yang noted.
AI is at the Forefront of Exhibits
As companies strive to reduce carbon emissions, many are introducing advanced models to improve efficiency. To this end, the show organizers are adding two new exhibit areas: “AI, Control Systems & Smart Manufacturing" and "Innovative Applications Products.”
That’s because many exhibitors are zeroing in on integrating AI technology. Yang said that this will help the machine tool industry develop smart solutions, as well as innovations in automation, laser processing, circular economy, energy-saving and carbon-reduction applications.
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Yang said that Taiwanese industry leaders such as Fair Friend Group, TTGroup, Victor Taichung, YCM, CHMER, Quaser, Delta Electronics and Hiwin, along with international names such as Siemens, HEIDENHAIN, FANUC, igus, MAZAK, and Mitsubishi Electric, will present a complete ecosystem from automation solutions to carbon-reduction technologies.
