Special for EMO

On May 1, 2026, there were personnel changes in the top management of the ifm group of companies. Dr. Volker Frey succeeds Benno Kathan as CTO, who has retired.

Schaeffler improved its operating profitability in the first quarter of 2026 despite declining nominal revenue. The Group generated 5.764 billion euros in revenue and increased EBIT before special items to 285 million euros. E-mobility and Asia/Pacific were the main growth drivers.

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With its 15th five-year plan, China has placed robotics at the center of its new industrial strategy. The aim is to focus AI research on physical applications and use robotics as the main driver of economic growth.

Grinding is often used for high-precision component production or demanding surfaces. The combination of machine, measuring technology, expertise and tools is becoming increasingly important for this. Targeted developments for specific applications, such as the machining of brake disks or cast parts, ensure further efficiency gains for the user.

Sereact secures 110 million US dollars in a Series B round. The capital will be used to further develop the Cortex 2 AI platform - a solution in which robots actively take over picking processes in warehouses and production.

Large module gears for ship drives place high demands on machining. Switching from skiving to 5-axis simultaneous milling with high-feed tools considerably shortens the roughing process. Process parameters and a well thought-out tool selection are crucial here.

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GrindingHub 2026 will take place from May 5 to 8 in Stuttgart and is fully booked: 460 exhibitors from 28 countries will showcase innovations in grinding technology. New forum, start-up hub and joint stands provide impetus for practice and exchange.

At Interpack 2026, Sick will be showcasing its portfolio of sensor, automation and AI-supported solutions for secure and digitally networked packaging processes in the consumer goods, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

The German machine tool industry is showing the first signs of stabilization in 2025, while China is expanding its production, replacing Germany as the largest exporter for the first time and further strengthening its dominant role in the global market.

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Thanks to innovations and a focus on strategic industrial markets, Sick was able to moderately increase its sales in the 2025 financial year. In a turbulent market environment, the company was able to maintain its position and gain market share with sensor solutions. Profitability remains at a low level.