WoodTECH 2026: Moving from AI hype to mill floor reality

Friday 17 Apr 2026

 
With over 40 international technology leaders now confirmed to exhibit, WoodTECH 2026 is set to be one of the largest showcases of wood processing for the Southern Hemisphere. It also highlights a massive regional push toward autonomous, "zero light" manufacturing.

The sheer scale of the upcoming series, which takes place in Rotorua (18-19 June) and Brisbane (23-24 June), underscores a pivotal moment for the sector. As mills across Australia and New Zealand face rising costs and fluctuating markets, the focus has shifted from incremental improvements to a total technological overhaul.

The event has moved beyond its traditional role as a conference; it has become a southern hub where the world’s most advanced AI, robotics, and scanning companies are landing to demonstrate how 'digital twins' and autonomous systems are performing in real-world mill environments.

A powerhouse of global expertise

The exhibition floor is a major drawcard this year, featuring a record number of confirmed product and service suppliers. This massive assembly allows mill managers and operations leaders to compare, first-hand, the latest advancements from companies like Finnos, DO2, and SiCam Systems. The presence of over 25 international speakers further bridges the gap between global innovation and local operational reality.

From human-led to data-driven

The 2026 programme, themed “Automation, AI & Action,” reflects a sector-wide transition. The sessions are specifically designed to address the move toward "zero light" manufacturing—autonomous production lines capable of operating at maximum output with minimal manual oversight.

Strategic focal points for the series include:
  • Autonomous Operations: In Rotorua, Tony Johnston (WET) will detail the path to optimized engineered lumber, while Thomas Schaefer (LINCK) explores the "one operator, maximum output" model.
  • Value-Added Transitions: Brisbane sessions will see Ian Blanden (FWPA) and Prof. Benoit Gilbert examining the high-value potential of Bluegum as it moves from pulpwood to glulam.
  • Precision Recovery: Nick Barrett (SiCam Systems) and Jyri Smagin (Finnos) will break down how AI-powered scanning and closed-loop size control are drastically reducing waste and maintenance costs.
  • Workforce Resilience: Acknowledging the human element, Lance Burdett will provide a roadmap for maintaining focus and operational safety in a high-tech, high-change environment.
Securing the Future

By bringing together a record-breaking number of exhibitors and world-class specialists, WoodTECH 2026 serves as the definitive staging ground for the next decade of wood processing in the Southern Hemisphere. Detailed programme information and the full exhibitor directory can be found at woodtech.events.

Source: FIEA


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