Editorial
What if ...
... we would have been spared the Covid-19 pandemic? The joyless anniversary of the first diagnosis of the disease in a patient in Wuhan is just behind us. Nevertheless, suddenly there is hope again.
The first vaccines are available and life could slowly return to normal in the spring. So where were we in "normal" life? For the German economy, the biggest uncertainties at the end of 2019 were the question of the automotive industry's switch to electric drives, stagnating globalization and Brexit. Some things have become clearer while the pandemic has dominated the headlines: suppliers to the automotive industry have had to cope with severe cutbacks and the worst-case scenario of a hard Brexit has materialized. However, it seems that the coronavirus aid measures have cushioned these adjustment processes. When I skype, zoom or teame with entrepreneurs today, I sense optimism for the future: they have used the time to acquire new customers, modernize plants and arm themselves against shaky supply chains. Nobody knows where we would be today without Covid-19, but that's pointless because a lot has been clarified and the path for the future is clearer.
We, the INDUSTRIAL Production editorial team, would like to accompany you on this journey. In this issue with a focus on robotics. In the coming year with our magazines, news, virtual trade fairs and events and, of course, the handling award 2021. But before that, on behalf of the editorial team and publishing house, I would like to wish you a relaxed and healthy Advent season, happy holidays and a good start to the new year.
You might also be interested in
Boost through intelligence
The Federal Republic of Germany turned 71 this year. Economically, the country has experienced and is experiencing the most brutal slump since the Basic Law came into force. The coronavirus, combined with a deep structural change in the automotive...
read more...New opportunity
The coronavirus pandemic has made people and companies inventive. In March, for example, a school in central Hesse used its 3D printers to produce special hooks to open doors almost contactlessly.
read more...Humanoid robotics from Germany
Igus launches service robots for everyday industrial use
Humanoid robotics: With the Iggy Rob Home, igus presents a service robot for industry and everyday life. What's behind it.
read more...New sales and service unit in Gurugram
Yamaha Motor expands robotics business in India
Yamaha Motor is opening a new Robotics Business Support Division in India to strengthen sales and service in the growing robotics market. The unit will support SMT systems and industrial robots, among other things, and will be complemented by a...
read more...Robotics and autonomous order picking
Locus Robotics acquires Nexera Robotics and expands autonomous warehouse logistics
Locus Robotics takes over Nexera Robotics and may have taken a decisive step towards truly universal warehouse automation. A new gripping technology should now make possible what was previously considered difficult to automate.
read more...Factory planning without compressed air...
How vacuum becomes mobile
Modular factories, mobile robotics and rising energy prices are fundamentally changing automation. One solution: into the future without compressed air. Electric vacuum systems reduce costs, save energy and support flexible manufacturing and...
read more...A robot for all occasions
Industrial robots take on many tasks. Even milling with accuracies in the sub-millimeter range is now possible.
read more...Why stator and rotor laminations are becoming a performance factor
Why the future of robotics depends not only on software, but also on high-precision stator and rotor laminations inside the motor.
read more...Infineon Startup Challenge 2026
Focus on humanoid robotics
Infineon brings together young deep-tech companies worldwide to drive innovation in humanoid robotics. The focus is on hardware and system solutions from sensor technology to motor control. Applications are still possible until May 27, 2026.
read more...