The IFAT 2026 trade fair which took place in Munich in May has once again established itself as the global epicenter for environmental technologies, and Wilo, a multinational leader in water management solutions, seized the opportunity to showcase its pioneering role in integrating artificial intelligence into the future of water. The company presented their “Wilo Speaking Waters” concept.
With thousands of international visitors flocking to its booth, Wilo presented cutting-edge innovations but also engaged in high-level discussions with political leaders, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and digital transformation in the water sector.
“Pioneering WATER AI for You“: A Strategic Vision in Action
Under the banner “Pioneering WATER AI for You,” Wilo’s participation at IFAT 2026 was a declaration of intent. This theme aligns with the company’s group-wide strategy, which systematically merges water technology with AI to address the pressing challenges of water management.
For Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group,
“At IFAT, we are demonstrating how this strategic approach translates into tangible solutions. AI is the key to mastering current and future water management challenges. It also holds the greatest potential for a sustainable water future.”
Wilo’s message was clear: the digital and AI era is already reshaping the water industry. The company’s booth became a hub for showcasing how AI can drive efficiency, resilience, and transparency in water systems worldwide.
AI at the Heart of Water Management: Introducing “Wilo Speaking Waters“
One of the highlights of Wilo’s presentation was the world premiere of “Wilo Speaking Waters”, an AI-powered component of the Wilo WATER AI platform. This innovative tool goes beyond mere data visualization, it transforms operational data into predictive analytics and actionable recommendations. This solutions therefore enables water management to evolve into a predictive, resilient, and transparent process.
For Peter Glauner, Regional CEO and CSO of Wilo Europe,
“Water management is increasingly shifting toward predictive operational control, becoming more resilient, efficient, and transparent.”
“Wilo Speaking Waters” represents a new generation of digital tools, setting a benchmark for how AI can optimize water systems for municipalities, industries, and utilities.
High-Level Dialogues: Shaping the Future of Water with Policy Makers
IFAT 2026 is a platform for technological innovation but it also became a stage for policy-driven discussions. Wilo hosted a series of meetings with prominent political figures, including:
- Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy
- Eric Mamer, Director-General for Environment at the European Commission
- Carsten Schneider, German Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety
- Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister for Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy, and Deputy Minister-President of Bavaria
- and, delegations from the Global South
These exchanges highlighted the critical role of AI in achieving sustainable water management and the need for cross-sector collaboration to tackle global water challenges.
The Road Ahead: AI as the Catalyst for Change
Wilo’s participation at IFAT 2026 sent a powerful message: AI is not just a tool but it is a transformative force for the water industry. By harnessing predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and intelligent automation, Wilo is paving the way for a future where water management is smarter, more sustainable, and more adaptive to the needs of a changing world.
