The demands on Ethernet networks in automotive, industrial and safety-critical applications are increasing rapidly. The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is responding to this with a new 10G TSN endpoint IP core that enables deterministic real-time communication with data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.
Lectures and information stand at the IFK 2026
Fluidon, service provider and developer of software solutions for the fluid engineering world, will be represented as an exhibitor and speaker in the lecture program at the 15th International Fluid Engineering Colloquium (IFK), which will take place from 9-11 March 2026 in Aachen, Germany.
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Artificial Intelligence for the Physical Space
Thousands of Jobs Under Scrutiny
Automation specialist Comau is expanding its portfolio of wearable robots with a new exoskeleton. The wearable system reduces muscle strain by up to 50 percent and is aimed at a wide range of applications in industry and SMEs.
The Zedler-Institut in Ludwigsburg tests bicycle components and prototypes and is passionate about developing its own testing machines, which are used in the laboratories of major bicycle brands worldwide. The engineers at Zedler have also been using standard and operating parts from Norelem for around 15 years in the design of the bicycle testing systems.
SEW-Eurodrive will be showcasing a wide range of scalable solutions for intralogistics at Logimat from March 24 to 26, 2026. The focus will be on new drive units, modular automation modules and mobile robotics. These solutions optimize the material flow and offer users greater energy efficiency, simple integration and maximum system availability.
The research and development of semiconductor technologies is increasingly taking place outside Europe, particularly in Asia. This is shown by evaluations of semiconductor patents by EconPol Europe.
At the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, companies and associations called for concrete, measurable steps towards greater competitiveness in Europe. VDMA, VCI, Plastics Europe, ZVEI, BDI and VDA also called for speed in reducing bureaucracy, lower energy costs and warned against industrial policy foreclosure through "Buy European" requirements.
Business figures 1st quarter 2026
Siemens makes a strong start to fiscal year 2026 and raises its forecast after a successful first quarter. The technology group recorded a significant increase in order intake and revenue, while industrial earnings grew at a double-digit rate. Siemens also set a new record with an order backlog of 120 billion euros.
Stratasys has launched a partner program for post-processing solutions to facilitate the creation of end-to-end AM workflows. The first partner is PostProcess Technologies, whose automated systems for FDM, PolyJet, SLA and P3 can now be purchased directly through Stratasys sales channels.
The International Federation of Robotics forecasts a future market value of several trillion dollars for AI-supported robotics. Logistics, manufacturing and the service sector are leading the way, and investment in embodied AI - robots that learn independently in virtual environments - is increasing worldwide.
Supply chains for injection molded parts
Supply chains are coming under pressure, manufacturers are disappearing from the market, successors remain open - for purchasers in the plastics industry, this has long been no exception, but a daily reality. Companies that buy in injection molded parts feel this particularly keenly: If a supplier fails, their own production quickly comes to a standstill.
Helukabel is stepping up its activities in the field of artificial intelligence and is now a member of the IPAI. The innovation and collaboration platform for companies, research facilities, institutions and administration has set itself the goal of advancing applied AI through joint projects and intensive exchange.
Formnext 2026 will focus on the United Kingdom as the official partner country. At the same time, the leading trade fair for additive manufacturing is further expanding its involvement in key user industries, including orthopaedics, aerospace and automotive.
Imitation learning in robotics
Imitation learning makes possible what classic robotics has not been able to achieve so far: fast learning of new processes even without robotics expertise and improved robustness in the face of process variants.
Data management, AI and organizational...
The use of artificial intelligence in the factory promises productivity gains and can also contribute to employee satisfaction. The prerequisites are a good data basis and close cooperation between IT and specialist departments.
An analysis by Facturee shows what buyers and engineers use AI agents for in procurement: primarily for quick feasibility and capacity checks before requesting a quote.
For the 50th time, the "Plagiarius" award ceremony is bringing brazen product copies into the public eye. The negative award highlights the extent of the economic, security-related and social damage caused by product and brand piracy and why the protection of intellectual property is more relevant than ever.
The Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2026 shows that artificial intelligence is being used almost everywhere in the logistics industry. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainties, tariffs and production relocations continue to drive the restructuring of global supply chains.
Klaus Conrad, long-time head of Conrad Electronic, will be 90 years old on February 27, 2026. He began his career at the company in 1954 at the age of 18 and took over the management around 20 years later.
Beckhoff at the Light + Building 2026
At Light + Building from March 8 to 13, Beckhoff will be demonstrating PC-based control as a universal lever for sustainable building automation. Visitors can experience on site how the integration of all systems on an open platform can lower engineering costs and reduce energy requirements. Scalable control concepts with TwinCAT 3 Building Automation and EtherCAT-based networking offer transparency and future-proofing.
