Quantum tunneling is also possible on a macroscopic scale. This has been impressively demonstrated by this year's Nobel Prize winners. But what does it mean for industry if quantum effects can now be detected not only in tiny particles, but also in larger, macroscopic systems?
Additive manufacturing in toolmaking
With two research projects, the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) is demonstrating how topology optimization and automated temperature control channels can reduce weight, shorten cycle times and increase component quality in additively manufactured tools.
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Artificial Intelligence for the Physical Space
Thousands of Jobs Under Scrutiny
The material fails and the machine suddenly stops? Then you need to take the right measures to be able to resume production quickly. Material failure in the form of faulty components or material wear in the frame are a risk for any production.
The digital twin opens up opportunities that will have a lasting impact on production. The technology has the potential to take products, services and supply chains to a new level.
A new pilot plant at Evonik's Essen site is being operated with Schneider Electric's open automation solution to optimize additives for plastics recycling. The collaboration aims to use data analytics, improve scalability and support circular practices.
VDMA economic survey 3rd quarter 2025
The mood in the mechanical and plant engineering sector continues to deteriorate. According to the new VDMA economic survey, less than a quarter of the total of 877 companies (23%) rate the current situation as "very good" or "good" (July: 26%).
Introduce, train, specialize: This triad forms the basis for the new training center of the Bruchsal-based drive and automation specialist SEW-Eurodrive. DriveEducation has now been officially opened with renowned guests from education, politics, associations and, of course, numerous employees.
Huge data treasures are still lying dormant in many manufacturing companies. And yet it is high time that these treasures were unlocked. There is often a lack of resources and capacity to make data usable in real time. Streaming production data can help here and is also the basis for using AI productively more quickly.
Sustainability has long been more than just a buzzword. It is a driver of growth, competitiveness and long-term success. "Companies that prioritize sustainability are positioning themselves for long-term success," writes Eryn Devola, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Digital Industries.
ABB has agreed to sell its Robotics division to the Japanese SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of 5.375 billion US dollars. Closing is expected mid to late 2026. The transaction is expected to deliver short-term value to shareholders, while ABB intends to deploy the proceeds in accordance with its capital guidelines.
New release and virtualization
Bosch Rexroth presents new functions and variants of its Linux-based operating system 'ctrlX OS'. In addition to a virtualized version, the system offers extended diagnostic, network and security functions with the LTS release 3.6. Three versions cover different integration requirements.
Open standards in intralogistics
Bosch Rexroth and Synaos have integrated the autonomous mobile robot 'A-Mate Lite' from K.Hartwall into the 'Synaos Intralogistics Platform'. This is based on the open communication standard VDA 5050, which facilitates the control of mixed fleets
Producing complexly shaped bodies of consistent quality from ceramic bodies is a science. A special machine manufacturer produces high-performance extruders for this purpose. The company is now using new, space-saving planetary gear units from SEW-Eurodrive, which optimize the adjustment of the extruders to the respective process.
International Federation of Robotics
Global sales of professional service robots have risen by 9% to almost 200,000 units, according to the annual report 'World Robotics - Service Robots' published by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The shortage of qualified workers is one of the main reasons for companies to rely on robots that are specially designed for use with trained specialists.
With the new SX6 safety module, Stöber is expanding its sixth-generation drive controllers with extensive safety functions for use in complex multi-axis applications.
In the Kikerp project, researchers at Fraunhofer IPK are developing an AI assistance system that evaluates disused appliances for refurbishment: are they suitable for repair or do they need to be recycled? Integrated into a cloud-based management platform, the system for image-based identification of household appliances helps to determine their quality and price.
ek robotics, manufacturer of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), has found a new owner in Neura Robotics. This secures the company's long-term future.
Bosch Rexroth and Advantech are cooperating on edge solutions and offering a ready-to-use platform for industrial applications. Customers benefit from the combination of Bosch Rexroth's open and app-based operating system 'ctrlX OS' with ecosystem and Advantech's modular hardware.
Schneider Electric, provider for the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announces the appointment of Martin Jäger as the new Vice President Home Solutions for the DACH region, effective September 1, 2025.
Phoenix Contact at the SPS 2025
Phoenix Contact will be presenting pioneering technologies for industrial automation at this year's SPS - Smart Production Solutions from November 25 to 27 in Nuremberg.
