Five developments from OTWorld 2026 that are here to stay
OTWorld 2026 may be over, but some of the developments that emerged in Leipzig continue to make an impact. New formats have proved their value, topics have gained greater visibility and different areas of orthopaedic treatment and care have been brought closer together. We take a look at five developments that stood out – and that will remain relevant on the road to 2028.
1. Digitalisation works when it delivers tangible benefits
The OTWorld.eSummit made its debut in 2026. With 758 visitors and more than 800 attendances across the individual programme sessions, the new format demonstrated the strong interest in digital processes and solutions.
The “Robotics + AI” spotlight and the “Digital Manufacture” Innovation Forum also made one thing clear: technology for technology’s sake is not what matters. It becomes relevant when it makes workflows easier, supports skilled professionals or creates new possibilities for individual orthopaedic treatment and care.
2. Rehabilitation technology gains greater visibility
In 2026, 67 exhibitors presented products and solutions from the field of rehabilitation technology. Bringing them together in Hall 3 made it easier to explore the area and gave it greater visibility.
At the same time, the “Neurology Living Environments” spotlight, organised by RehaVital, demonstrated how medical aids can support people through different stages of life. This placed an even stronger focus on mobility, independence and participation.
3. Practical knowledge is in demand
The World Congress brought together 2,950 participants from 52 countries. Formats that made knowledge directly applicable proved particularly popular: 36 Congress workshops provided intensive hands-on learning, while OTWorld as a whole offered more than 130 hands-on workshops.
The feedback reflects this demand: 90 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the choice of topics and 93 per cent with the quality of the presentations.
4. International exchange takes place at many levels
More than 300 speakers from over 30 countries contributed around 400 presentations to the World Congress. At the same time, “Bridging Global Challenges” focused attention on orthopaedic treatment and care in low- and middle-income countries and in crisis regions.
The next generation was internationally connected too: Youth.Academy TO brought together trainees and students from different countries, combining a specialist programme, practical workshops and personal exchange.
5. Face-to-face interaction remains essential
As digital as many processes have become, OTWorld 2026 also demonstrated just how important face-to-face interaction remains for the sector.
From the anniversary party and the eSummit networking evening to the event at FELIX, exhibitor stand parties and the Youth.Academy evening, there were numerous opportunities to make new contacts and strengthen existing networks.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from 2026 is this: progress does not come from new technologies or new knowledge alone. It happens when people share their experiences, bring together different perspectives and develop solutions together.
This is exactly what OTWorld will build on as we move towards 2028.
