The 'FS500i-A' CNC controller from Fanuc, which was presented in the development phase as the 'FS 50i-A', offers 2.7 times higher CPU performance and, according to the manufacturer, enables faster cycle times, improved 5-axis simultaneous machining and better surface quality.

With the 'Smart-Knob Mini', Elektrosil is expanding its series of intelligent rotary pushbuttons with a compact solution. The rotary encoder combines rotation and pressure functionality in a robust housing with IP65 protection and a glass surface.

Bachmann electronic has appointed Daniel Pfeifer as its new Managing Director with effect from January 1, 2026. He succeeds Bernhard Zangerl, who will be leaving the company.

Eurotech and PNY Technologies are pooling their expertise: By signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies aim to drive innovation in the areas of high-performance computing, edge AI and embedded solutions in a targeted manner.

Imrox, system integrator for robotics solutions, predicts developments for the coming year in the field of logistics in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Based on project experience, trade fair observations and discussions with decision-makers, the company has identified four key trends for 2026.

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Together with European partners, researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have networked superconducting quantum computers with a spin-based quantum memory. In doing so, they are taking quantum technology a decisive step forward. The European Innovation Council is funding the project as part of the Pathfinder program.

At the end of the year, TXOne Networks looks at the development of OT cyber security and identifies key trends for 2026 and 2027. The focus is on new EU regulations such as the Cyber Resilience Act, increasing time pressure for machine and plant manufacturers and the shift towards active, integrated and measurable OT security approaches.

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AI is evolving from technology hype to an efficiency booster. According to IFS, practical criteria such as productivity, security and measurable results will come to the fore in 2026. This will increase the pressure on companies to productively integrate AI into their workflows. IFS describes the AI trends for 2026.

GEA and Romanian technology company RebelDot have formed a strategic joint venture to drive digital transformation in the global process industry. The company, named 'RebelDot Process Industries', will be headquartered in Cluj, Romania, and will start operations in January 2026.

TeamViewer is expanding its Tensor enterprise platform to include "Agentless Access", enabling secure remote access to industrial systems without the need for local software installation.

Five outstanding research talents were honored as Werner von Siemens Fellows 2025 in the Trumpf Auditorium in Ditzingen on December 12. The Werner von Siemens Ring Foundation honors researchers whose work has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of science and technology in Germany right from the start of their career.

The ifo Institute is revising its economic forecast downwards: It expects growth of just 0.1% in 2025 and 0.8% in 2026. The reasons for this are structural change, bureaucracy and US tariffs.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important for business processes in mechanical and plant engineering, as the results of a survey by VDMA Software and Digitalization show.

The Hima Group, a provider of safety-related automation solutions, has further expanded its presence in China by moving to new premises in Shanghai.

Three new people will strengthen the top management level of Endress+Hauser in the future: The Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Mirko Lehmann, Prof. Dr. Katja Windt and Helena Svensson to the Group's Executive Board.

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AI is profoundly changing jobs, but at the same time it is making human skills indispensable. The new Skills Economy Report 2026 from SkyHive by Cornerstone shows that roles in the future will require both technical skills and soft skills.

Dr. Helga Linnartz will take over as Managing Director of Endress+Hauser Level+Pressure on February 1, 2026, succeeding Dr. Dirk Mörmann, who died in an accident in 2025. The physicist brings many years of experience to the company.

The mechanical engineering industry wants to keep production in Germany and Europe. However, better location conditions are urgently needed to prevent research, production and therefore innovation from migrating, it was stated at the association's annual press conference on December 9, 2025.

More and more large-scale factories for the production of batteries are getting on in years and need to be modernized. These brownfield investments also offer significant new business opportunities for the European mechanical and plant engineering industry - the study "Battery Manufacturing 2030+: From Hype to Hard Truths" by VDMA and Porsche Consulting shows which ones.

At the "Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering" research day, the VDMA awarded prizes to four final theses from the fields of engineering and computer science. The award-winning projects show applications of AI in test processes, production quality, analysis of solar wafers and project management.