Humanoid robots enter the factory halls, fully autonomous factories organize themselves. What is currently still a dream of the future could really shake up the industry in the coming years. NTT Data, provider of AI, digital business and technology services, takes a look at manufacturing in 2030.
Semiconductors and industrial robots
Yamaha Robotics bundles its European office with its subsidiary YME to expand semiconductor back-end processes (SEMI), SMT and FA solutions in Europe and to strengthen sales and services.
Current TOP 5
Mark Lich takes over the management of the newly established Global Key Account Management department at Mapal. He strategically and operationally manages the sales activities of global key customers.
After two weak years, the German machine tool industry expects slight production growth in 2026, driven by a recovery in domestic demand. At the same time, structural changes and international competitive pressure, particularly from China, are intensifying the demands on the industry.
According to the latest ifo survey, the supply of primary products to industry has eased. The automotive industry in particular is reporting significantly fewer material shortages.
The Zedler-Institut tests bicycles and components for safety and has relied on standard and operating parts from norelem for over 15 years to ensure the precision and service life of the testing machines.
Precise sensor technology for mobile machines
The Megatron MP1612 is a wear-free Hall effect single-turn encoder with 12-bit resolution, IP65 metal housing and extremely compact design (Ø12 mm, depth 11.5 mm). Ideal for joysticks, AGVs and agricultural machinery.
Andritz acquires 51% of Baoding Sanzheng Electrical Equipment, strengthening its portfolio for industrial induction heating and steel processing.
Mocom is planning to close the Gardelegen recycling site in 2026. The company cites the current market environment, a lack of regulatory planning certainty and low demand for recyclates as the reasons for this.
Alpla can look back on a successful financial year 2025 despite the difficult global economic situation. With revenue of 5.2 billion euros, the packaging and recycling specialist remains on course for growth.
SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou has recorded a high level of exhibitor participation just a few months before the start of the trade fair. The trade fair showcases new solutions for automation, robotics and industrial digitalization.
On course for growth with a complete range...
Ringspann acquired the two manufacturers StS Coupling and Steigerwald CNC-Technik shortly before the turn of the year. This completes the company's range of shaft couplings and expands its capacities in the field of metalworking. Further plans are also in place to expand the Niedernberg site into the Ringspann Group's competence center for precision couplings.
The Supervisory Board of Jungheinrich has appointed Dr. Tobias Harzer (50) as the Group's new Board of Management member for Automation & Warehouse Equipment with effect from February 1, 2026. The appointment is for a period of three years.
The global market value of installed industrial robots reaches 16.7 billion US dollars - a new high. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) analyzes five technological and structural trends that will shape robotics and automation in 2026.
Two new positions were filled at ifm at the start of 2026: Markus Wolf becomes Managing Director Sales Germany, Sven Quant takes over the position of Central Managing Director in the Process Sensors division within the ifm Group.
Schaeffler supplies actuators for humanoids from Humanoid. The partnership is aimed at large-scale industrial applications, greater automation and efficiency.
Insight into the production of corrugators at BHS Corrugated: Automated, modular and equipped with Helukabel components.
Schaeffler appoints Maximilian Fiedler as Regional CEO Asia/Pacific. From January 1, 2026, he will represent the region on the Schaeffler Group's Executive Board.
After four decades, Ulrich Reifenhäuser retires from the operational management of the Reifenhäuser Group and moves to the Advisory Board.
Hasco Hasenclever is setting the course for the company's future technical and strategic direction with a planned change in management. Markus Büngers has been the new CEO since January 1, 2026.
