Management change at KraussMaffei Technologies: Dirk Musser takes over the management from Jörg Stech on April 1, 2026.

At the DMG MORI in-house exhibition, Hufschmied Zerspanungssysteme presented friction stir welding with process-optimized tools and series production potential for the industry.

Which certificates are valid worldwide? Christian Latte, Head of Technical Compliance and Approval Officer at Hummel AG, explains this in an interview. He provides insights into product approvals and explains why early approval strategies shorten time-to-market, reduce risks and sustainably secure international markets - with a focus on global standards and certifications.

The Spanish foundry Funosa is modernizing its equipment fleet with an RDGE 1250 wire belt continuous shot blasting machine from Rösler. Focus: sand removal from heavy iron castings, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance and ESG strategy.

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The 'X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2026' from IBM shows a significant increase in AI-supported cyber attacks. In 2025, 40% of the incidents observed worldwide began with the exploitation of vulnerabilities. Europe was the third most common target region with a 25% share.

AI leaves the demonstration level and becomes production reality: From April 20 to 24, Hannover Messe 2026 will showcase concrete applications in robotics, automation and networked manufacturing - supplemented by new exhibitors, new formats and the political focus on partner country Brazil.

Stefan Schönegger succeeds Florian Schneeberger as CTO of ABB Machine Automation (B&R), who has been Division President of the Machine Automation Division and CEO of B&R Industrial Automation since November 1, 2025.

The Helukabel Group is parting with part of its name: in future, the company will only operate under the Helu brand. With this step, the specialist for electrical connection technology is underlining its strategic development from a classic cable manufacturer to a system and solution provider.

After rolling bearing damage to a rotary kiln in a cement plant, the existing gear rim was badly damaged and had to be replaced. SEW-Eurodrive worked closely with the operator to supply a new ring gear and supported the commissioning. The project contributes significantly to the long-term operational reliability and efficiency of the plant.

A transparent overview of the devices actually installed is the prerequisite for targeted maintenance, forward-looking risk management and reliable investment planning. The dynamic analysis of the installed base creates this basis by creating digital twins of all assets and evaluating them systematically and practically.

At Maintenance, RS offers an overview of its range of products and services. From consumption meters and frequency inverters to power supplies and measuring and testing devices, the company provides support in the selection of products and solutions.

At Maintenance, Conrad will be providing an overview of its services as a solution provider in the field of technical procurement and showcasing a number of measurement technology innovations.

A third of tech start-ups in Germany report an improved business situation, almost as many report a deterioration. Nine % expect a possible insolvency within a year. Only half would start up again in Germany.

The mechanical and plant engineering industry in Germany once again suffered noticeable losses on foreign markets in 2025. According to the Federal Statistical Office, exports fell by 1.8% in nominal terms compared to the previous year. Adjusted for prices, the decline was even 3.3 percent.

January 2026 started with a record for startups, with almost a third more startups being founded in Germany. With 3568 newly created companies, a new high was reached, as announced by the Startup Association - also thanks to AI. Nico Gaviola, VP Digital Natives & Emerging Enterprise at Databricks EMEA, comments.

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A short study conducted by the German Economic Institute on behalf of the VDMA Impuls Foundation shows clear differences in technology teaching in Germany. The VDMA calls for technology to be a compulsory subject from year 5 onwards.

MSK, a specialist in intralogistics solutions for all aspects of pallet handling, will be showcasing innovative end-of-line systems at Logimat 2026 that have been developed to meet the requirements of manufacturers and distribution/logistics centers.

Targeted and efficient energy management is becoming increasingly important for customers in the logistics sector: a large number of devices, different charging cycles and high electricity volumes mean that electricity is a critical cost factor for many customers.

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Schnaithmann Maschinenbau has planned and implemented three assembly lines for the automated production of automotive displays. Together with Schnaithmann's customer, a German automotive supplier, various system concepts were simulated, validated and compared with each other.

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When every minute counts in outgoing goods and parcels have to be prepared for dispatch every minute, ergonomics make all the difference when it comes to efficiency. Modern lifting technology makes all the difference in day-to-day work.

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