Robotics and AI: Bosch bets on a billion-dollar market Robotics and AI are intended to open up new growth prospects for Bosch. The group is aligning itself more strongly toward automation and humanoid robotics. Stefan Weinzierl
AI makes flexible automation economical AI is becoming the driver of flexible automation at the Siemens Gerätewerk Erlangen. Stephan Schlauß explains how technology, digital twins, and cultural change interact. Claus Wilk
Legal resilience in mechanical engineering: the underestimated competitive factor Legal resilience is becoming a strategic factor in mechanical engineering. Export controls, supply chain obligations, product liability and cybersecurity are changing the rules of the game in the industry. Redaktion Produktion
How Siemens is turning Erlangen into a high-tech campus The Industrial Metaverse is becoming industrial practice in Erlangen: Siemens is investing around 500 million EUR and connecting software, shopfloor and sustainability. Claus Wilk
How Schneider Electric is driving AI in industry Gwenaelle Avice Huet, Executive Vice President of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric, sees AI in industry as the key to efficiency, energy, and sustainability. But whether Europe benefits from it will not be decided in theory, but on the factory floor. Anja Ringel
Arctic sea routes: opportunity for global trade Arctic sea routes are coming more into the focus of global trade due to melting ice, geopolitical risks and rising transport costs. An analysis by Coface. Dörte Neitzel
Straits and the risk for procurement The modern supply chain depends today more than ever on a few straits. As the Iran war shows, a disruption leads to worldwide effects. Risk profiles of the most important bottlenecks. Renè Petri, Proxima
Why Europe is relying on the Lobito Corridor The Lobito Corridor is intended to bring critical raw materials from Africa to Europe. For the EU, the new rail route is a strategic counterweight to China. Dörte Neitzel
Strait of Hormuz: UAE plan pipeline bypass The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point in the global energy supply. The UAE are relying on pipeline and rail logistics to the port of Fujairah, which borders the Indian Ocean. Dörte Neitzel
AI in mechanical engineering: from the pilot to practice AI in mechanical engineering is gaining significantly in importance. VDMA expert Guido Reimann explains why digitalization, standards and data are crucial for the broad rollout. Claus Wilk
Defense business: Dürr examines new opportunities The defense business is gaining importance in mechanical engineering. Dürr is also analyzing which technologies could be considered for defense customers. Anja Ringel
Strait of Hormuz: What now awaits mechanical engineering The Iran war is becoming a stress test for German mechanical engineering. Energy prices, supply chains, and postponed investments are hitting an industry that is already under pressure. Two experts discuss the current situation. Anja Ringel
Turkish Machinery: These are the plans of the new president In this interview, Sevda Kayhan Yılmaz, the new president of the Turkish machinery exporters’ association Turkish Machinery, talks about export opportunities, digitalization, Germany, and the role of women in mechanical engineering. Anja Ringel
Defense market challenges mechanical engineers The defense market is moving further into the spotlight for machinery and plant manufacturers. High defense spending is creating opportunities, but compliance, audits, and supply chains impose clear limits. That was the takeaway from the panel discussion at the Mechanical Engineering Summit Salon at Stratasys in Rheinmünster. Daniela Hoffmann
US tariffs on EU cars: Billions at risk US tariffs on EU cars could rise significantly as early as next week. German manufacturers in particular are coming into focus in a new trade conflict. Stefan Weinzierl
European alternatives to US hyperscalers The digital backbone of the German economy is firmly in US hands. More and more companies are now looking for sovereign alternatives – also for cost reasons. We show what the market has to offer. The hurdles are often lower than expected. Daniela Hoffmann
Why industry is betting on AI in machine tools AI in the machine tool is no longer just a topic for the future. Initial applications are already running in practice, while limitations, risks, and open standards remain crucial. Trumpf, Index, and Siemens provide insights. Torsten Kirchmann
Turkish mechanical engineering hopes for new momentum Turkish mechanical engineering remains an important industrial driver, but it is under pressure. Inflation, volatile exchange rates, and expensive financing are slowing investment, while export-oriented sectors and German suppliers are hoping for fresh momentum. Ernst Leiste
Cyber Resilience Act: Why companies must invest The Cyber Resilience Act fundamentally changes the requirements for products in mechanical and plant engineering. From December 2027, only demonstrably secure solutions may be placed on the EU market. Daniela Hoffmann
EU-Australia free trade agreement: Boost for industry The EU-Australia free trade agreement has been concluded after around eight years of negotiations and is intended to reduce tariffs, trade barriers, and dependencies. Stefan Weinzierl
EU regulation: Why industrial companies need to pay close attention now Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act, NIS2 or CBAM: From early 2026, numerous new EU regulations will apply to companies. Some are already in force, others will follow over the course of the year, and 2027 is also already in the regulatory spotlight. Manfred Godek
Soaring gas prices: How industry must respond now The Iran war is tightening LNG supply and gas prices are surging. Industry is facing a second gas price shock within four years. What companies should do now. Dörte Neitzel
Eurozone: Industrial sentiment signals growth Industrial sentiment in the eurozone continues to brighten. For the first time since August, the purchasing managers’ index has climbed back above the expansion threshold – a signal of increasing activity in the manufacturing sector. Stefan Weinzierl
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 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
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
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
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
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
How AI accelerates defense production A new aircraft is ready - but it is not allowed to fly. The cause often lies in the system: While the technology is highly advanced, the production lacks digital power. Arian van Hülsen
Eppendorf Leipzig: Transformation as a recipe for success Not just modernized, but completely reinvented: The transformation at Eppendorf Leipzig shows how leadership, culture, and processes revolutionize the production system. For this change, the plant is awarded at the Factory of the Year. Maximilian Festus
AI becomes a business risk Allianz sees artificial intelligence not only as a technological opportunity but increasingly as a massive threat to companies worldwide. Stefan Weinzierl
How Maplan perfects small series in mechanical engineering Structure meets speed: Maplan elevates small series production in mechanical engineering to a new level. With digital precision, lean DNA, and consistent modularization, variant diversity becomes industrial excellence - awarded as factory of the year. Maximilian Festus
Mercosur agreement: EU finally clears the way After decades of negotiations, the path is clear for the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc. A historic step - with potential for conflict. Stefan Weinzierl
AI in manufacturing: What really matters now What AI can achieve in industrial manufacturing - and where it faces challenges in practice. In the interview, Arti Garg, chief technologist of Aveva, explains which applications are relevant and what really matters now. Anja Ringel
Mechanical engineering 2026: Between crisis and comeback 2026 marks a turning point in mechanical engineering: Between stagnant economy and disruptive innovation, new rules are forming for the industry. Stefan Weinzierl
How a startup plans to revolutionize quality assurance With acoustic AI and an automated tapping process, Resoniks detects defects in metal components faster than any CT scan - starting from the incoming goods inspection. A system that lets machines listen - and rethinks industrial processes. Daniela Hoffmann
How digital models help increase service revenue Getting closer to the customer's processes is the order of the day for the industry. In digital services, standardization, simplicity, and looking beyond one's own product lead to success. Daniela Hoffmann
9 tools for optimal machining of aluminum Light, stable, and versatile: Aluminum is indispensable in production. However, machining poses special requirements for tools and processes. These are the best solutions for precise and economical machining. Julia Dusold
How Kellenberger is strategically positioning itself to withstand crises How does Kellenberger plan to position itself as a global player in mechanical engineering? The CEO explains the future strategy and new technologies in the interview. Julia Dusold
Manufacturing-X: SMEs move into practice From concept to application: Manufacturing-X demonstrates in initial SME use cases how digital value creation works across borders.
The new EPTS Congress: These are the highlights Technology, pressure, transformation: The EPTS Congress unites research elite and industry heavyweights for the first time. Between AI, lasers, battery systems, and price pressure, a clear mandate for the production of the future emerges.
Pitfalls where AI strategies fail 90 percent of companies plan to increase their spending on AI tools next year. As of today, only six percent of respondents have not yet used artificial intelligence in some form.
How AI connects mechanical drive technology and fluidics Digital technologies are conquering drive and fluid technology. Why artificial intelligence is becoming more important and what that means for industrial manufacturing.
Industrial Metaverse Conference: The future of production The metaverse is gaining momentum! At the Industrial Metaverse Conference 2025, experts presented developments that redefine production. From digital twins to GenAI - the future of the industry is connected, intelligent, and immersive.