With the takeover of Gummiwarenfabrik R. Neddermann GmbH, Festo is systematically expanding its vertical integration and its expertise in sealing and rubber technology.

In Germany, more companies filed for insolvency in 2025 than at any time in the last 20 years. This is the result of a recent analysis by the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle (IWH).

At CES, Siemens presented technologies to accelerate industrial AI: new digital twins, AI co-pilots, an Industrial AI Operating System and applications in manufacturing, energy and life sciences.

The PI Group joins Hoerbiger. For customers, all contracts, delivery processes and contacts remain unchanged, PI continues to operate independently under the familiar brand.

The business climate index for the automotive industry improves slightly in December 2025 Electromobility continues to gain in importance and reaches new highs.

German industry is changing from a pure producer to a service provider: companies are increasingly focusing on product-related services such as consulting, assembly and maintenance. According to the ifo Institute, they generated more revenue in 2024 than the entire hospitality industry combined. Mechanical engineering, vehicle construction and the electrical industry are leading the trend.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is modernizing airport security screening at the 2026 World Cup venues, where it will deploy Rohde & Schwarz QPS201 security scanners.

SSI Schaefer and CERP are building a highly automated logistics center for pharmaceutical logistics in Wissous with shuttle storage, A-Frame, robotics and WAMAS software.

Proalpha acquires Spanish MES provider Mapex and expands its portfolio with an AI-supported, modular MES platform for digital shopfloor, ERP integration and international expansion.

Conrad presents innovative current clamps and measurement technology for DC grids, DC microgrids and Industry 4.0 applications at all about automation in Berlin.

Mayr Antriebstechnik strengthens location and international logistics: Construction of a new hall in Mauerstetten - parallel expansion of the plant in Poland as a logistics hub.

KraussMaffei will start with a new management structure from January 2026: Alex Li will become CEO, Chi Zhang will return as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Michael Hofmann will take over as CFO. All details on the management changes.

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ifo Institute presents new findings on AI use in the workplace: Only 20 percent of employees use AI regularly on the job. The use is often self-initiated, while company-introduced AI is associated with higher usage and productivity gains.

Ralph Lehleuter (Mafu Group) takes over as Chairman of the VDMA Automated Solutions Division. Focus on AI, innovation, competitiveness and defense.

A pneumatically operated, self-locking ball support pin enables seamless integration into robot and handling systems.

DEKRA has opened its first training center for machine and equipment safety in Brilon. Here, the company's own employees are qualified to test work and operating equipment in accordance with the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health.

At SPS, conplement and R. STAHL will present how the digital twin works end-to-end along the entire value chain: from creation and provision to productive use.

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In the VisionAdapt transfer project, scientists are researching how camera systems and machine learning can make machining production more efficient, safer and more autonomous. The aim is to automatically detect critical chips and adapt machining processes in real time - without human intervention and with greater process reliability.

The INDUSTRIAL Production team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a successful and healthy 2026.

A new replaceable head drill from Walter can reduce machining time in series production thanks to its patented interface and screwless design.

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