120 firms from 12 countries to gather at Kintex for AI welding robots, advanced tools expo

An exhibition showcasing AI-powered welding automation technology and advanced industrial tools is set to open next week, offering small and midsize manufacturers a look at solutions to boost productivity and cut production costs amid rising raw material prices and a shortage of skilled workers.

The Korea Tool Industry Cooperative and the Korea Welding Industry Cooperative announced Tuesday they will jointly hold the "2026 International Tool and Smart Welding Automation Show" at Hall 2 of Kintex Exhibition Hall 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30.

Now in its 30th year, the four-day show will bring together 120 companies from 12 countries, including Germany, the United States, Japan and China. About 75,000 types of products and technologies will be on display, spanning high-precision industrial tools, welding and cutting equipment, and robotic automation systems.

The central themes are AI-driven smart manufacturing and welding automation. Exhibits will include high-precision industrial tools, power tools and hand tools alongside smart welding machines, industrial welding robots and collaborative-robot-based automated welding systems. Laser welding and cutting machines, electron-beam welding systems and quality-monitoring technologies will also be featured.

Automation technologies designed to address the shortage of skilled workers on the factory floor are among the headline exhibits. Welding is a process in which quality and productivity can vary significantly depending on a worker's skill level; automated equipment can improve the precision of repetitive tasks and enhance working conditions.

Beyond technology showcasing, the event is focused on helping small and midsize manufacturers find new business partners and expand overseas sales. Participating companies plan to demonstrate their products to domestic and international buyers and hold technical consultations and export negotiations on site.

The Korea Tool Industry Cooperative set a consultation target of $550 million and a contract target of $95 million for the show. Executive Director Moon Byung-yun said the cooperative would support participating companies in expanding their sales channels and breaking into new markets to achieve tangible business results.

During the exhibition, the Korea Welding Industry Cooperative will host the "4th AR Simulator Welding Skills Competition," a contest using augmented reality technology to raise awareness of welding skills and highlight the importance of training specialized workers in the field.

The show will also run alongside the "Metal Industry Exhibition" and the "K-Tech Inside Show," both opening Wednesday, allowing visitors to explore technologies across the related industries of tools, welding, metalworking, and materials, parts and equipment — broadening opportunities for participating companies to find new business partners.

Companies and individuals wishing to attend can register in advance on the official website for free admission.