Attending Automechanika Frankfurt for the first time was an incredible experience! This global trade show brought together renowned companies from Germany and across the world to showcase their latest products and cutting-edge technologies. The exhibition was spread across multiple halls, from Hall 1 to Hall 12, and divided into several floors. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit every hall, but I did manage to explore Halls 1 through 6.

One of the most eye-catching technologies I saw was “KAI,” an android mechanic powered by generative AI. This virtual assistant, presented in 3D, was designed to look and behave like a real person, answering questions about vehicles in both English and German. Although there was a bit of lag, it was fascinating to see an auto parts company diving into AI development!

Another impressive innovation was a service that offered mechanic training through VR. While I didn’t get the chance to try it out (it was quite popular!), it struck me as an extremely efficient way to teach mechanics the basics before they hit the shop floor.

Companies from Turkey, Poland, India, China, and many other countries were also present, proudly displaying their products and expertise.

The Korean Pavilion was spread across two locations—Hall 3.0 and Hall 4.1—which made it a bit tricky for visitors to find the booths they were looking for. I ended up helping quite a few people locate the booths they wanted to visit.

One of the most impressive technologies in the Korean Pavilion came from TeraOn, a company that specializes in heating systems. Founded in 2018, TeraOn has developed a super-thin but powerful heating system that can even be installed on walls. It heats up within seconds and can warm a vehicle like traditional “ondol” (Korean floor heating) systems! I heard that from 2026, their heating system will be used in Hyundai Genesis assembly lines. Given their OE focus, we might see them at Stuttgart’s exhibition next year.

As for KIMCHA, we showcased our online platform, koreapartsinfo.com, as well as a range of exciting products like smart keys, ignition coils, and sensors. We even hosted a fun event where visitors could win a packet of Korea’s famous Buldak Ramen by guessing the car model correctly! Our traditional Korean snacks and spicy noodles were a big hit, and we were thrilled to see so many people showing interest in KIMCHA’s business.

A little tip for anyone planning to exhibit at Automechanika Frankfurt: be aware of intellectual property regulations! They take patent issues very seriously, and even if your product looks slightly different but functions the same as another, you could face legal trouble for patent infringement. Always check the patents of your parts before exhibiting.

The exhibition ran from September 10th to 14th, and it was an exciting, productive week. If I get the chance, I’d love to participate again in two years!