Heimtextil 2026: Where AI Meets Craft

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the textile industry, influencing everything from design and production to pricing, distribution, and communication. At Heimtextil 2026, taking place from 13–16 January, AI takes centre stage through a comprehensive content programme designed to translate innovation into practical business value for the global textile and interiors industry.

With a strong focus on real-world applications, Heimtextil 2026 demonstrates how AI can be successfully integrated across design, retail, manufacturing, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing. Key highlights include the Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, a design installation by Patricia Urquiola, and a live talk with AI pioneer Tim Fu.

AI is accelerating creative processes and redefining workflows across the textile value chain from concept development and material visualisation to data integration and product implementation. Heimtextil brings these developments to life by bringing together leading international experts who showcase how AI is already being used in practice and where it creates tangible value.

The Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0 serves as the fair’s central knowledge hub, offering a future-oriented and business-focused programme. Among the highlights, London-based architect and AI pioneer Tim Fu discusses 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) explores AI-driven workflows and data integration, while Elisabeth Ramm (Atelier Brückner) shares insights into the use of AI in exhibition design and materials. Martin Auerbach of the Association of German Home Textiles Manufacturers presents practical examples of AI integration in everyday business operations.

Additional sessions address the intersection of sleep, technology and textiles, moderated by sleep expert Markus Kamps, while Architonic hosts discussions with exhibitors at the Talk Spot in Hall 12.0, including a dialogue with Oriental Weavers on balancing craftsmanship and global production.

Under the theme ‘Craft is a Verb’, the Heimtextil Trends 26/27 explore how AI-driven design processes can coexist with traditional textile craftsmanship. Curated by Alcova and presented in the Trend Arena (Hall 6.1), the trends introduce six stylistic directions highlighting the interaction between high-tech innovation and artisanal techniques.

The concept is reflected in a vibrant colour palette where digital ‘glitches,’ synthetic accents, and unexpected disruptions deliberately contrast with natural tones. Daily talks and guided tours translate these themes into actionable insights for designers, retailers and manufacturers.

Renowned designer Patricia Urquiola explores AI-based creation in her immersive installation “among-all” in Hall 3.0. Combining futuristic textiles, sustainable materials, and AI technologies, the installation demonstrates textiles as intelligent, transformative materials that actively engage visitors.

Urquiola will discuss her visionary approach in a live talk on 14 January 2026 at the Texpertise Stage, complemented by daily guided tours offering a glimpse into the interior design of the future.

Through Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil offers a tailored programme for decision-makers in architecture, interior design, hospitality, and the contract business. At the Talk Spot in Hall 3.1, experts including Mauro Brigham (ncbham) and Helen Häkli (bdia) discuss AI as a creative partner in evolving design processes. Further contributions from Corinna Kretschmar-Joehnk (JOI-Design) and Robin Hepp (Kids Studio) enhance the hospitality-focused agenda.

At the DecoTeam Stage in Hall 3.0, AI expert Alexander Ligowski demonstrates how AI can support interior decorators and craftspeople from room and colour concepts to quotation optimisation, sales tools and AI-generated social media content.

Heimtextil 2026 also introduces the New Talents Area in Hall 6.1, offering a platform for emerging designers from around the world. The curated exhibition provides insights into how the next generation is engaging with AI technology and encourages direct exchange between young talents and the international industry.