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AI in robotics: IFR outlines the next stage of development

AI in robotics is on the verge of transitioning from research to widespread practical use. A new IFR position paper highlights market potentials, key industries, and technological milestones.

Stefan Weinzierl

How AI is changing mechanical engineering

Between AI breakthrough and economic downturn: Industry associations and companies show how mechanical engineering is advancing with smart technologies.

Anja Ringel

How mechanical engineering remains internationally competitive

Economic pressure, global competition, and political inertia - Germany's mechanical engineering is under pressure in 2026. Industry leaders show which strategies make the difference now.

Anja Ringel

Dassault Systèmes and Nvidia build industrial AI platform

Virtual twins in focus

Dassault Systèmes and Nvidia aim to move industrial AI out of the 'pilot project corner' and establish it as a scalable platform for virtual twins in engineering, manufacturing, and research. The goal: fewer isolated solutions, more robust industrial architecture.

Stefan Weinzierl

Editor's Pick View all

Engineering job market under pressure: Skills are lacking

Shortage despite decline in open positions

Despite declining job offers, the demand for engineers remains high. The new VDI/IW Engineering Monitor provides explosive figures.

Stefan Weinzierl

Machine safety 2026: Trends in IoT, AI, and cloud solutions

Digitization and automation

In 2026, manufacturers and operators face the task of integrating new technologies such as industrial IoT, artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions while meeting increasing demands for functional safety and cybersecurity. TÜV SÜD outlines key trends.

Redaktion Produktion

Insolvencies 2025: Highest level in ten years

Corporate insolvencies on record course

Germany's economy staggers: The number of corporate insolvencies rises in 2025 according to Creditreform to the highest level in over a decade - with massive consequences for employees, creditors, and industries.

Stefan Weinzierl

MetaverseView all

Industrial metaverse

How the Nvidia Omniverse makes AI factories a reality

How does the Nvidia Omniverse accelerate AI factories? The digital ecosystem is transforming planning, production, and robotics in record time. An interview with Timo Kistner, EMEA Industry Business Lead - Manufacturing & Industrial.

Anja Ringel

29 January 2026

Industry event

Industrial metaverse conference 2026 - where the industry of tomorrow is created

At the "Industrial Metaverse Conference" on February 10 and 11, 2026, in Munich, decision-makers, technologists, and industry pioneers will meet to showcase tangible paths into the industrial metaverse - from digital twins and physical AI to collaborative value creation. Meet the minds and concepts shaping this technological evolution.

Stefan Weinzierl

22 January 2026

AutomationView all

Dr. Axel Zein, CEO of WSCAD, on AI in engineering

“Humans will then become almost like a kind of team leader”

AI is still in its infancy in engineering - but its potential is enormous. WSCAD CEO Dr. Axel Zein explains why use cases are more important than technology, how engineers become team leaders of virtual designers, and how to successfully introduce AI in your own company.

Philip Bittermann

10 February 2026

Interview with Dr Daniel Eckertz, group leader innovation engineering at Fraunhofer IEM

One of the most important prerequisites is openness

AI is changing engineering less through major upheaval and more through many smart reliefs. Dr Daniel Eckertz from Fraunhofer IEM explains in the interview where AI is helping in mechanical engineering today, which applications are mature - and why openness is the key.

Philip Bittermann

27 January 2026

New Work View all

Kicker / headline about 30 characters

Manufacturing 2030: Humanoid robots and autonomous factories

Humanoid machines take over tasks, autonomous systems control entire production lines. Two megatrends are setting course for manufacturing in 2030 - with disruptive potential.

Stefan Weinzierl

23 January 2026

Re- and upskilling

What the future costs

The major automotive players are investing significant amounts in re- and upskilling their people. With increasing AI usage, career paths are changing, and the right further education becomes even more crucial. Especially for medium-sized companies, this is a challenge.

Daniela Hoffmann

13 October 2025

Professionals in the automotive industry

These skills secure developers and engineers their jobs

The automotive industry is in crisis. Development engineers are also noticing this. Should they be worried about the cuts at OEMs and suppliers? Not if they have special skills.

Chris Löwer

9 October 2025

MarketsView all

Thierry Bieber, business development manager at HMS industrial networks, on the cyber resilience act

“The CRA brings the necessary regulatory pressure”

The cyber resilience act (CRA) is fundamentally changing industrial automation. HMS expert Thierry Bieber explains why secure communication is now mandatory, where SMEs are struggling - and how manufacturers can make their products fit for the CRA era.

Philip Bittermann

6 February 2026

Industry development

Hit rock bottom: Machine tool industry looks ahead

The German machine tool industry is under pressure: China surpasses Germany in exports for the first time, investments are stalling, planning security is scarce, and jobs are at risk. Nevertheless, the industry is counting on stabilization in 2026 - with technology, courage, and clear demands on politics.

Annika Ostermeier

30 January 2026