Companies are facing a strategic dilemma: quantum computers will soon be able to crack today's encryption, while many organizations will need years to switch to new security standards. A recent survey shows: The window of opportunity is narrowing, even for German companies.
Topics such as digitalization and sustainable production will shape Hannover Messe 2026, and a number of prizes will also be awarded during the trade fair.
Fraunhofer at the Hannover Messe 2026
Under the motto "Innovations for our Future", nine Fraunhofer Institutes and Groups and the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) will be presenting concrete solutions for a resilient, digitally networked industry at Hannover Messe 2026.
Polytec has appointed Dr. Alexander Huber as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from April 2026. Together with Commercial Director Alfred Link (CFO), he forms the dual leadership of the company.
According to the company, 2025 ended on a very positive note for the ifm Group. Adjusted for currency effects, turnover increased by 10 percent to EUR 1.47 billion.
The ultrasonic sensors of the 'UB*-F42' series from Pepperl+Fuchs can detect objects and levels even under difficult conditions.
Georg Schlegel With the 'MKTOSFE' and 'MKPTOSFE' contact elements from the 'MK/MKP' series, Georg Schlegel is launching two compact solutions on the market that offer increased protection for man and machine in industrial applications thanks to integrated fault protection.
With the 'KR Titan ultra', Kuka is expanding its portfolio for demanding heavy-duty applications. The robot combines long reach with dynamics and thus opens up new scope in automotive manufacturing, battery and large component handling as well as in heavy-duty logistics.
International Federation of Robotics
The integration of robots plays a key role in increasing industrial productivity worldwide. In 2024, Western Europe installed a record 267 industrial robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing sector, putting it ahead of North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units in the international automation race.
Jens Hunecke will join the Management Board of the Wago Group as Chief Business Officer (CBO) of the Interconnection division on May 1, 2026.
Pressure and complexity are increasing in enclosure manufacturing. Automated wire assembly, digital production control and smart wire logistics from Rittal Automation Systems and Eplan reduce the workload on skilled workers, increase quality and optimize processes - from engineering to production.
Keysight and Sateliot win an ESA and GSMA competition for 6G innovations. The award went to a concept for the secure integration of satellite and terrestrial networks based on blockchain, AI and machine learning.
A large majority in Germany would like more digital independence. According to the Bitkom survey, 99% consider more sovereignty to be important, while at the same time many feel that switching to European providers is too time-consuming.
Siemens and Nvidia have significantly accelerated the verification of AI chips. With the help of FPGA-based prototypes, tens of trillions of design cycles could be tested within a few days before production. This should improve the development and reliability of complex SoCs.
Basler, a provider of machine vision components and solutions, and Orbbec, a specialist in 3D vision technology and robotics, have announced a strategic partnership to implement industrial 3D solutions for factory and logistics automation.
The European research project 'Increace' is setting a milestone for the circular economy: a network of universities, research institutes and industry partners has presented a comprehensive set of basic principles and a new evaluation tool that should significantly advance the use of recycled plastics in electronic products.
Microchip Technology has been certified by UL Solutions according to IEC 62443-4-1 Maturity Level 2 (ML2). The certification confirms secure development processes for automation and control systems and strengthens the cyber security guarantee for customers.
SEW-Eurodrive and Safelog announced a strategic partnership at Logimat to jointly develop and establish a powerful software system for controlling mobile and stationary processes in intralogistics.
Study on AI and the World of Work
A C-level survey by valantic and the Handelsblatt Research Institute examines how AI will transform the world of work by 2030. Managers expect creativity, empathy and ethical judgment to remain crucial skills in the future.
IFS is introducing a new pricing model designed to simplify access to 'Industrial AI'. Instead of paying per user, companies will in future pay per asset operated, enabling company-wide use without cost increases.
