Digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the circular economy the key themes on the agenda at forthcoming edition of TECMA

The forthcoming edition of the International Urban Planning and Environment Fair, TECMA, to be held from 9 to 11 June at IFEMA MADRID, is set to further establish its position as the main meeting place for professionals in the urban ecosystem. With the participation of 150 companies over 15,000 trade visitors expected to attend, the Fair will set new attendance records and cement its place the leading showcase for the solutions that will shape the development of the cities of the future.

This year, advanced digitalisation, the application of AI and circular economy models form the backbone of an exhibition programme designed to maximise operational efficiency, sustainability and traceability in urban services.

Waste management enters the age of data and artificial intelligence

TECMA 2026 reveals a leap forward in the sector’s technological maturity, with solutions that integrate AI and advanced analytics into waste collection and treatment processes.

Highlights in innovation include MAWIS.AI VIEW, presented by MOBA, a tool that enables real-time analysis of the contents of bins during collection, identifying non-recyclables and hazardous materials. This development improves the quality of collected fractions and optimises operational decision-making.

Meanwhile, Nord Engineering presents Easy NR, a system that incorporates artificial intelligence algorithms to optimise automated bilateral collection in single-operator operations, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

In the software sector, Distromel is launching the siGEUS Web platform alongside the TouchPro in-cab device, both of which utilise AI for event detection and advanced management of the pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) model, a key system in the transition towards fairer and more sustainable models.

The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem is also taking centre stage with offerings from DORLET waste and SAYME, rolling out comprehensive solutions such as smart locks for bins (Maddi BIN and Lock), compostable bag dispensers (Maddi BAG) and mobile apps that allow residents to monitor their recycling behaviour.

In addition, ID·Waste offers a technological ecosystem that ensures full data traceability in waste management, with real-time monitoring tools, AI for incident detection, route optimisation and new devices such as ID·WEAR and ID·BOX to improve operations.

More efficient, quieter and more sustainable machinery 

The urban equipment and specialist machinery sector has made significant progress towards improving operational performance and reducing environmental and noise impact.

Cayvol will showcase the latest generation MULTIVO V17 and MULTICONTAINER models, vehicles designed to increase payload, reduce weight and improve profitability in refuse collection operations.

In the street cleaning sector, Tennant presents the Z50 Citadel™ outdoor sweeper, combining mechanical sweeping and vacuum systems with certified filtration to minimise the emission of fine particles.

Meanwhile, SICAL is introducing the LL’2BCA fibre for side brushes, a solution based on steel wires coated in natural rubber, ensuring quieter and more durable sweeping, particularly important in noise-sensitive urban environments.

Invicta Electric is driving the transition towards sustainable fleets with a range of 100% electric vehicles designed for municipal services. Models like the Eidola, the Metro and the Orca, as well as the Logistar range, offer payload capacities of up to 1,230 kg and ranges of up to 310 km, making them suitable for a wide range of operational uses.

Major progress is also being made in the electrification of fleets, with proposals from SEMAC and Ipcworldwide, which are committed to zero-emission electric vehicles for urban services, in line with decarbonisation targets.

Resilient urban spaces and new design models 

TECMA 2026 also focuses on the transformation of public spaces based on sustainability and climate adaptation criteria.

Avant Serveis stands out for its innovative range of street furniture made from recycled fibreglass sourced from wind turbine blades, a material that combines structural strength with the principles of the circular economy.

Savia Proyectos presents its 360° projects approach, focused on creating climate-resilient spaces that integrate vegetation, inclusive recreational features like Waterplay and sustainable natural cork flooring.

When it comes to materials, Montalbán and Rodríguez have opted for architectural concrete and the eco-friendly SUDS paving stone, designed to optimise sustainable urban drainage management.

GreenBlue Urban presents solutions such as RootSpace and HydroPlanter, which facilitate the integration of trees and natural drainage systems in densely urbanised environments, thereby improving resilience to extreme weather events. 

Decarbonisation and traceability: key strategic priorities for the sector 

The event will also serve as a forum for discussion for industry leaders such as Envac, FCC Medio Ambiente and Paprec, who all agree on the need to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable models.

Smart pneumatic collection, advanced data analysis and the internationalisation of solutions – with Portuguese companies playing a leading role through APEMETA– reinforce the Iberian Peninsula’s position as a leader in the circular economy. 

At the same time, the infrastructure sector is adopting solutions such as glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) structures from M.M. SRL, used at water treatment plants for their corrosion resistance and durability. Technologies like MicroCat-BioPOP offer biological alternatives for the removal of grease and odours from sewerage systems, without the need for dosing systems.

A meeting place for designing the city of the future 

With a highly specialised exhibition programme focused on innovation, TECMA 2026 will cement its status as a strategic platform where public authorities, operators and technology providers share solutions to move towards more efficient, liveable and technologically advanced cities.