Key theme for 2026

Growing with AI – New opportunities for the baby & toddler products industry

The key theme for Kind + Jugend 2026, “Growing with AI – New opportunities for the baby & toddler products industry”, focuses on the opportunities, advantages and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturers, retailers and families. This September in Cologne, visitors can experience firsthand how AI is transforming the industry and the potential it holds for the future.

Digital technologies are evolving rapidly, with AI becoming a decisive factor for new products, more efficient processes and better customer experiences. This is precisely where Kind + Jugend 2026 comes in – the leading international trade fair for high-quality baby and toddler products makes innovations tangible, puts developments into context and brings together the market players driving this change.

“Artificial intelligence is already firmly established in the baby and toddler products industry and will become one of the most important engines of innovation in the years ahead. Our Growing with AI theme puts us at the forefront of this development. At Kind + Jugend 2026, visitors will see exactly what this technology can do for the sector, without losing sight of the human element.” – Jörg Schmale, Director of Kind + Jugend

How AI is changing the baby and toddler products industry

AI is the engine driving transformation across the entire value chain – from initial idea and product development to everyday family life.

Product development

AI spots trends earlier and helps tailor designs to real needs
New ideas are tested, improved and brought to market faster
The result is more innovation in less time and products that better meet market needs

Production

Intelligent systems automate quality assurance and detect issues early
Predictive management of maintenance and processes results in greater efficiency, stability and planning accuracy
This translates to resource-saving manufacturing, less waste and measurable cost savings

Retail

AI enables more precise product range planning and demand forecasting
Customer interactions are more personalised, both online and in-store
The customer experience is enhanced and retail partners can plan better

Communication and marketing

Content is generated more efficiently and optimised using data-driven insights
Campaigns reach target groups with greater precision and less wastage
This creates reach, relevance and measurable impact

Parents and families

Smart products and AI assistants help with everyday tasks – from safety to staying organised
They deliver greater comfort, guidance and confidence, providing real relief from the everyday challenges of family life

Witness AI in action and gain industry insights

At Kind + Jugend 2026, visitors can see firsthand the various ways that artificial intelligence is shaping the baby and toddler products sector and which innovations are set to hit the market in the near future. The trade fair provides the ideal platform to understand these trends, learn about best practices and map out the next steps together.

What you can expect at Kind + Jugend 2026:

Innovations presented live on-site by international market leaders, start-ups and technology providers
Hands-on applications & best practices demonstrating what AI is already capable of
International trends & market insights for navigating a dynamic environment
Exchange between industry, retail and research for a shared understanding of the future
An enriching event programme featuring expert talks, live demos and real-world use cases

Selected highlights from the Kind + Jugend programme:

Trend Space: Emerging topics and international developments at a glance

Live demos and expert talks: Trends, insights and best practices straight from the industry

Innovation Award: Exceptional new products

New Product Trail: Targeted discovery of new products

Start-up Area and Young Innovators: Fresh ideas, new players, smart solutions

Seizing opportunities, living responsibly

The key theme, “Growing with AI”, represents growth that combines technological progress with clear values. Artificial intelligence creates enormous opportunities for the sector. At the same time, it places heightened emphasis on questions of data privacy, security, transparency and ethical standards.

Kind + Jugend 2026 addresses these aspects directly and promotes an approach to AI that supports innovation while building trust so that growth remains intelligent, sustainable and human.

Do you develop AI-powered products, smart solutions or digital services for the industry?

Showcase your innovations where the international baby and toddler industry comes together and help shape an intelligent, sustainable and human future.

Also interesting:

New Product Trail
Trend Space
Innovation Award
Theme worlds