Schunk is bundling its activities in humanoid robotics by founding its own spin-off at the beginning of January. The aim of the new company is to develop modular humanoid robot hands for industrial applications.

Four trends will fundamentally change robotics in 2026, says guest author Anders Billesø Beck, Vice President AI Robotics Products at Universal Robots: predictive mathematical methods, networked cobots, task-specific AI solutions and data-driven value creation for significantly greater economic benefit.

Prof. Jürgen Fleischer, Head of the Institute of Production Engineering (wbk) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is the new President of the WGP (Scientific Society for Production Engineering). His goal for his two-year term of office is to work with his colleagues at the WGP to strengthen the competitiveness of the German manufacturing industry.

The EU Parliament's decision to refer the Mercosur agreement to the EU Court of Justice has also been met with massive criticism from the associations: it is an "industrial policy revelation", "completely incomprehensible" and a "bitter setback for Europe", according to the reactions of the VDMA, VCI, VDA and ZVEI.

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The Industry 4.0 Research Advisory Board has appointed Klaus Bauer (Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen) as the new spokesperson for industry. He moves up from the position of deputy spokesperson for industry. He is succeeded in this position by Björn Sautter (Festo).

At Logimat 2026, Munk Günzburger Steigtechnik will be showcasing modular bridging steps, stairs, platform and walkway systems for production, warehousing and logistics. With online configurators, distances can be efficiently shortened, processes accelerated and occupational safety increased - individually and flexibly plannable.

Steel production at crisis level in 2025: demand weak, import pressure high. Association head Rippel calls for 2026 to be the year to secure the location.

A study by the IBM Institute for Business Value shows: Managers in Germany and Switzerland expect artificial intelligence to provide a significant boost to sales and productivity by 2030. At the same time, there are uncertainties regarding integration and strategic implementation.

Humanoid robots enter the factory halls, fully autonomous factories organize themselves. What is currently still a dream of the future could really shake up the industry in the coming years. NTT Data, provider of AI, digital business and technology services, takes a look at manufacturing in 2030.

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Yamaha Robotics bundles its European office with its subsidiary YME to expand semiconductor back-end processes (SEMI), SMT and FA solutions in Europe and to strengthen sales and services.

Mark Lich takes over the management of the newly established Global Key Account Management department at Mapal. He strategically and operationally manages the sales activities of global key customers.

After two weak years, the German machine tool industry expects slight production growth in 2026, driven by a recovery in domestic demand. At the same time, structural changes and international competitive pressure, particularly from China, are intensifying the demands on the industry.

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According to the latest ifo survey, the supply of primary products to industry has eased. The automotive industry in particular is reporting significantly fewer material shortages.

The Zedler-Institut tests bicycles and components for safety and has relied on standard and operating parts from norelem for over 15 years to ensure the precision and service life of the testing machines.

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The Megatron MP1612 is a wear-free Hall effect single-turn encoder with 12-bit resolution, IP65 metal housing and extremely compact design (Ø12 mm, depth 11.5 mm). Ideal for joysticks, AGVs and agricultural machinery.

Andritz acquires 51% of Baoding Sanzheng Electrical Equipment, strengthening its portfolio for industrial induction heating and steel processing.

Mocom is planning to close the Gardelegen recycling site in 2026. The company cites the current market environment, a lack of regulatory planning certainty and low demand for recyclates as the reasons for this.

Alpla can look back on a successful financial year 2025 despite the difficult global economic situation. With revenue of 5.2 billion euros, the packaging and recycling specialist remains on course for growth.

SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou has recorded a high level of exhibitor participation just a few months before the start of the trade fair. The trade fair showcases new solutions for automation, robotics and industrial digitalization.

Ringspann acquired the two manufacturers StS Coupling and Steigerwald CNC-Technik shortly before the turn of the year. This completes the company's range of shaft couplings and expands its capacities in the field of metalworking. Further plans are also in place to expand the Niedernberg site into the Ringspann Group's competence center for precision couplings.