IT and OT are growing together. Martin Ruskowski, CEO of the SmartFactory-KL technology initiative, explains in an interview why Germany is lagging behind despite good concepts and how real projects are paving the way to the smart factory.
Pöppelmann is set for a change in management: Bernd Moormann will join the management board on July 1, 2026. At the same time, Matthias Lesch will leave the management board and the company by mutual agreement after 24 years with the company.
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Artificial Intelligence for the Physical Space
Thousands of Jobs Under Scrutiny
Start to the year without a recovery signal
The German aluminum industry starts 2026 without a recovery signal: production, recycling and semi-finished products remain under pressure. Which segments are particularly affected and why the industry does not expect a quick turnaround.
Synapticon and Generative Bionics have entered into a partnership to develop propulsion systems for humanoid robots. The goal is to establish a European supply chain for the development, manufacturing, certification, and integration of the technology, as well as to reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Following a surprisingly strong second quarter, specialty chemicals group Evonik is more optimistic about the current fiscal year. The company is raising its profit forecast but is sticking to its comprehensive restructuring plan: The planned elimination of more than 6,000 jobs is set to go ahead.
ebm-papst returned to a growth trajectory in fiscal year 2025/26. Air Technology, data center applications, and artificial intelligence are driving revenue and investment.
When the quantum computer arrives
How can we protect our critical infrastructure from attacks by quantum computers in the future? As part of the QUEST project, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is researching new methods—post-quantum cryptography—designed to withstand even the most sophisticated side-channel attacks.
Artificial Intelligence for the Physical Space
Alibaba is expanding its Qwen model family with a robotics suite for Physical AI. The three models—for manipulation, navigation, and simulation—are designed to assist autonomous robots with complex tasks in real-world environments.
Effective July 1, 2026, Baerlocher will transfer its operational business to a newly established subsidiary: Baerlocher Germany, headquartered in Lingen. This wholly owned subsidiary of the former Baerlocher will take over the European business going forward, while the parent company will focus on its holding company role.
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) has moved beyond the conceptual phase and is increasingly being implemented in industrial settings. The focus here is not only on higher data rates and simplified cabling, but above all on the issue of system integration into existing automation environments. Standardization, interoperability, and real-world applications are setting the pace for market penetration.
Manufacturing companies have high hopes for AI. IFS highlights the five most common reasons why AI projects fail.
How Image Processing and Digital Worker Assistance Optimize Manufacturing Processes: In this interview, Michael Kunze, Managing Director of MKey Solution GmbH, explains how companies can reduce scrap, improve quality, and control processes in real time.
The German economy is showing signs of a cautious recovery. The ifo Business Climate Index rose to 85.6 points in June 2026. Companies are assessing the current situation and their expectations somewhat more positively, but remain largely cautious.
To remain competitive in the market in the future, more and more companies are considering digitizing their CNC manufacturing processes. The right software solutions can make process knowledge transparently accessible and significantly reduce the workload on the shop floor—provided the right conditions are in place.
IT and OT are converging, thereby laying the foundation for the smart factory. Only through seamless data integration can AI, digital twins, and flexible production processes become a reality. Why IT/OT convergence is becoming a competitive advantage.
Harmonics are underestimated sources of interference in electrical power grids. Particularly in wastewater treatment plants and water treatment facilities, harmonic distortion leads to poorer power quality and associated costs: additional heating of transformers and cables, false tripping of protective devices, reduced service life, and even plant shutdowns.
An industry survey shows that 82 percent of decision-makers in Germany view humanoid robots as a key driver of innovation and are calling for greater development and support of the technology, following the international model.
The HIMA Group will increase its revenue to 190.5 million euros in 2025. International business, digitalization, and partnerships are driving this growth.
Machine Tool Manufacturing Offers Hope
New orders in the machine tool industry are rising significantly again for the first time. However, production, exports, and employment continue to decline.
Thousands of Jobs Under Scrutiny
Evonik is restructuring the group and downsizing: The Essen-based specialty chemicals company is cutting thousands of jobs. But there is more to these job cuts than just a cost-cutting program.
