Digitalisation and AI in the orthopaedic treatment and care sector: OTWorld 2026 showcases concrete solutions for clinics, workshops and medical supply stores
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are noticeably changing the orthopaedic treatment and care sector. From 19 to 22 May 2026 in Leipzig, OTWorld 2026 will show how digital and AI-supported applications are already being used today, from analysis to care to rehabilitation – in a practical, scientifically sound manner and with concrete approaches for implementation.
Digital applications with a clear practical focus
The focus is not on the technology itself, but on its concrete benefits for practical use. The World Congress will highlight:
• the current use of digital solutions in existing care structures
• the opportunities and limitations of AI, digitalisation and robotics
• the integration of digital applications in clinics, workshops and medical supply stores
Experts from the fields of medicine, rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, as well as science, will engage in interdisciplinary discussions on how digital innovations can be used sensibly and responsibly.
AI, robotics and digital health applications
A central symposium will be dedicated to the opportunities and risks of AI, digitalisation and robotics in rehabilitation. Topics will include:
• Applications from robotics in prosthetics and orthotics
• AI-supported documentation and decision-making processes
• Augmented and virtual reality in therapy and pain visualisation
• Digital health applications (DiGA)
• AI in gait analysis and prosthesis fitting
• Teleconsultations for complex treatment cases
One thing is clear: digital systems can relieve the burden on professionals and improve processes – but they cannot replace professional responsibility and personal care.
From 3D printing to AI-supported care processes
Additive manufacturing processes and digital workflows are increasingly shaping the orthopaedic treatment and care. The congress demonstrates in a practical way:
• 3D printing in prosthetics, orthotics and individual protection and therapy systems
• Material selection, socket design and clinical evaluation
• Digital supply processes from scanning and CAD-supported modelling to milling and printing technology
The skilled trades, digital processes and AI are already working closely together – analysis, manufacturing and adaptation are supported, but the quality of care remains dependent on experience, expertise and dialogue with the patient.
Digitalisation as the focus of the trade show
The international trade show will also set clear priorities in 2026:
• OTWorld.education + research (Hall 1): Research, technological development and international educational opportunities related to data-based, efficient and future-proof care.
• Spotlight ‘Robotics + AI’: Modern assistance systems, humanoid robotics and intelligent technologies with interactive use cases and live demonstrations.
• OTWorld.campus: International educational institutions present courses and programmes with a focus on digitalisation and interdisciplinary research. Student projects such as a myoelectric railway or a self-driving wheelchair showcase practical innovation.
• OTWorld.3D (Hall 1): 3D printing, 3D scanning, software and hardware, and custom-made medical aids.
• ‘Digital Manufacture Innovation Forum’: Current digital manufacture processes, AI-controlled processes and efficiency improvements in prosthetics, orthotics and insoles.
• OTWorld.start-ups (Hall 3): 24 young companies from 11 countries present solutions from digital manufacture, assistance systems, software and intelligent materials.
With the OTWorld.eSummit, 2026 will also see an additional focus on digital developments and strategic future topics, strengthening the international dialogue on digital transformation.
