dm-drogerie markt is expanding its logistics site in Wustermark. Together with TGW Logistics, a highly automated distribution center for small parts and cosmetics will be built by 2029, in which 70 mobile robots will ensure efficient processes.
The bottleneck is in the system
A recent ISF study examines what is slowing down change in German industrial companies. According to the results of the study, the causes of innovation bottlenecks often lie in internal structures and a lack of strategic orientation.
Current TOP 5
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.
Scientific Society for Production Engineering
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.
Reactions to the Mercosur vote
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.
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 slumps again in 2025
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.
