TIMTOS 2025 Report (1/2): 30th edition, advanced technologies lead the differentiation trend

April 7, 2025

By: Ichiri Hirakawa, Staff Editor, SEISANZAI Japan

The 30th edition of the Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS 2025), co-hosted by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), was held from March 3 to 8. Covering approximately 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event attracted 1,038 exhibitors and a total of 30,058 visitors. AI-driven innovations and uniquely positioned solutions attracted significant attention, while about 4,100 international buyers from 90 countries engaged in dynamic business negotiations throughout the venue.

The venue attracted a total of 30,058 visitors and was bustling with activity.

Industry leaders draw crowds with keynote speeches

President Dr. Lai Ching-te of Taiwan attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

TIMTOS is one of Taiwan’s two major machine tool exhibitions and a globally renowned international trade show that attracts buyers from around the world. This year, the event was held across three venues: Nangang Exhibition Center Halls 1 and 2, and the TAITRA building, where peripheral equipment manufacturers were mainly located. The 1,038 exhibiting companies hailed from 18 countries and regions.

Buyers from 90 countries attended, led by India, Japan, China, South Korea, and Malaysia. Meeting spaces at booths were constantly full, with signs marking sold products indicating an active trading environment.

At the opening ceremony on the first day, James C. F. Huang, Chairman of TAITRA, remarked on the exhibition’s theme, “Integrate to Innovate”: “This year marks the 30th edition and the 50th anniversary of TIMTOS. Taiwan will continue to unite as a team and drive innovation together.”

Taiwan President Dr. Lai Ching-te also attended and stated, “Whether Taiwan’s machine tool industry can successfully enter high value-added fields such as semiconductors, AI, and robotics is key. If achieved, Taiwan’s economy will reach a new level.”

For the first time, TIMTOS hosted a keynote session themed on AI technologies. The speakers were Akihiro Teramachi, Chairman and CEO of THK, Haw Chen, General Manager of Techman Robot. And then, Hitoshi Yoshida, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO SEIMITSU (ACCRETECH) and other keypersons discussed the future of manufacturing.

Teramachi emphasized, “It is essential to holistically determine what humans can do versus what can be delegated to AI, and to foster talent capable of using AI creatively.”

Tickets for the keynote session cost about JPY 10,000, yet all 400 seats were filled. Paul Liu, Senior Project Manager at TAITRA, proudly noted, “We invited visionary industry leaders to share their insights on the future of manufacturing. No one left mid-session, which speaks to the high level of interest.”

From left: Maurice Chang, Global Sales & Marketing Senior Director of HIWIN; Christine Herbst-Kubitz, General Manager of Siemens Taiwan; Paul Chen, VP of FFG; and Hitoshi Yoshida, Chairman & CEO of TOKYO SEIMITSU, discussed the future of manufacturing.

Transformation as the key to survival

“We aim to enhance the added value of our services through AI technology,” said Patrick P. Chen, General Manager of YCM.

According to TAMI, Taiwan’s machine tool exports declined by 14.8% year-on-year to USD 2.218 billion in 2023, reflecting ongoing struggles amid price competition with Chinese and Japanese manufacturers.

However, some countries showed growth. Exports to India, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea increased by about 17% to 25% year-on-year, which was also reflected in the number of buyers at the show.

Tommy Hsu, President of TAMI, stated, “Transformation is necessary for Taiwan to overcome its current challenges.” Major manufacturers responded by showcasing solutions beyond conventional machine tools, with AI playing a central role.

Fair Friend Group (FFG), consisting of 36 companies, occupied the largest booth space of 1,125 square meters, showcased cutting-edge AI applications. Using international industrial protocols such as ‘Modbus’, ‘Profibus’, ‘CC-Link’ and ‘OPC UA’, they demonstrated centralized management of the operation and energy consumption of connected machine tools. “Through our cloud-based ‘Strategic Control Room,’ users can analyze aggregated data to verify the performance and feasibility of deadlines for each machine,” said a representative.

Yeong Chin Machinery Industries (YCM), with a 70-year history, introduced “AI-Cube,” an AI feature that allows machine tools to be operated via chat. A live demonstration with a person operating it for the first time piqued the audience’s interest. Patrick P. Chen, General Manager, noted, “We aim to enhance the value of our services by leveraging digital solutions and AI technologies.”

Tongtai Machine & Tool, known for automotive and aerospace applications, showcased the new “TMS Series” 5-axis multi-tasking machine with 3D collision avoidance system and “T-BOT” AI assistant. Tomohiro Kashiwagi, Sales Dept. General Manager of the company’s Japan office, explained, “T-BOT provides updates on machining status through simple voice prompts to a microphone.”