Annual balance sheet of the VCI 2025
The German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) takes stock at today's press conference: 2025 was a difficult year for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry with declining sales, low production capacity utilization and increasing uncertainty for jobs and locations.
The Elbflorance Formula Student team from TU Dresden relies on sophisticated pedal designs, lightweight CFRP construction and precise gas springs from ACE for its electric racing cars. The article shows the structure, functionality and advantages of the components as well as insights into the development process.
Current TOP 5
The mechanical engineering industry wants to keep production in Germany and Europe. However, better location conditions are urgently needed to prevent research, production and therefore innovation from migrating, it was stated at the association's annual press conference on December 9, 2025.
Interview with Wasilis Alvanidis from Heitec
With 'HUGS', Heitec presents a mobile, GMP-compliant robotics platform that automates manual activities in the cleanroom. Modular in design, validatable and IT-integrable, it offers scalable solutions for tasks such as sampling, disinfection and material handling. Wasilis Alvanidis on the details.
Innovation, efficiency, precision and flexibility in industrial production: in the INDUSTRIAL Production Products of the Year 2026 competition, we are presenting 33 outstanding solutions in six categories. As a reader, you can now choose your favorites.
Interview with Prof. Dr. Vanessa Just
Artificial intelligence is changing the economy and society: but how sustainable is the AI boom really? In this interview, Prof. Dr. Vanessa Just talks about sustainable digitalization, responsible technologies and the role of the next generation in shaping AI systems.
From March 17-20, 2026, Grob is hosting an in-house exhibition for trade visitors in the field of production technology. Over 40 machines from universal machining centers, machining technology, electromobility and additive manufacturing will be on display. Special Areas: Semiconductor, Aerospace & Defense, Energy Technology and Die & Mold.
Dr. Helga Linnartz will take over as Managing Director of Endress+Hauser Level+Pressure on February 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Dirk Mörmann, who died in an accident in 2025. The physicist brings many years of experience to the company.
Digitalization in mechanical engineering
The VDMA awards the Young Talent Award for Digitalization: At the "Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering" research day, the VDMA awarded prizes to four final theses in engineering and computer science.
Expresso Deutschland GmbH presents the "lift2move cleanroom", a mobile lifting and transport system that is certified in accordance with ISO 14644. This makes the German company one of a small group of manufacturers that can implement cleanroom-capable material flow solutions.
The maintenance Dortmund and PumpsS & Valves 2026 trade fairs start with record participation: Over 310 exhibitors are expected. They will be presenting solutions for industrial maintenance, digital assistance systems and process technology.
Siemens Sustainability Report 2025
Siemens reports on significant progress within its DEGREE framework in its latest sustainability report. The company has made strong progress in decarbonization, resource efficiency and social responsibility.
Interaction between man and machine
Accurately detecting people in an industrial environment is a particular challenge. But what exactly makes it so difficult to reliably recognize people?
Meurer-etechnik from Großmaischeid is a new partner of the Rittal and Eplan Application Center. The company presents practical solutions for Industry 4.0, automation and digitalization in control and switchgear manufacturing.
Production, metalworking and robots
At EMO, Andreas Mühlbauer spoke with Dr. Harald Neun, Executive Officer and Managing Director & Chief Sales & Service Officer EMEA North at DMG Mori, about the willingness to invest, the shortage of skilled workers, automation and international markets.
The hydrogen flagship project "H2 Giga" shows how electrolysers can be mass-produced, digitally monitored and sustainably recycled in the future - a technical and economic step towards green hydrogen production and recyclability.
Heads of federal states put pressure on Brussels: Eleven German federal states appeal to the EU to promote low-emission steel in the automotive industry more strongly. The German Steel Federation supports the initiative as an important lever for climate protection and industrial value creation.
Practical training in drive technology
The ABB Motion University in Mannheim has presented its training program for drive technology. The courses are designed to be practice-oriented so that participants can apply the knowledge they have acquired directly in the implementation, operation and maintenance of systems.
Millions lost due to hardware-bound systems
Industrial companies can increase their competitiveness by USD 11.28 million a year by modernizing closed automation systems. This is according to a recent Omdia study.
In modern production, craftsmanship and high-tech come together. Where once only human skill was required, today production lines are created that combine manual precision with digital intelligence.
