
Award for heavy-duty robot
Every two years, Igus presents the Vector Award at the Hannover Messe trade fair, recognizing special applications with energy chain systems. This year, the golden Vector went to Robotic Drilling Systems from Norway.
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Every two years, Igus presents the Vector Award at the Hannover Messe trade fair, recognizing special applications with energy chain systems. This year, the golden Vector went to Robotic Drilling Systems from Norway.

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, order intake at Siemens rose by 7% to €22.3 billion - an increase of 10% after adjusting for currency translation effects. The Group significantly improved its earnings in the Industrial Sector.
ABB had to report declines in both order intake and sales in the figures for the first quarter of 2016. Things are looking better for the service business, which is growing slightly and is becoming increasingly important for the company.

Without drive technology - in the truest sense of the word - nothing would turn in most machines and systems. Computer&AUTOMATION presents the latest innovations in this automation discipline in a series of pictures.

Mechanical and plant engineering
According to initial estimates by VDMA economists, global machine sales rose by a nominal 10% to a new record level. Adjusted for currency and price effects, however, global sales stagnated. The figures in detail.

Mechanical engineering exports to the USA
According to the VDMA, German mechanical engineering companies are optimistic: despite the VW emissions scandal, they expect more business with the USA, the partner country of the 2016 Hannover Messe, in 2016. However, the VDMA warns against too much euphoria.

Intelligent motors that know for themselves whether they are still running smoothly without sensors, that can be controlled efficiently and coordinated with other drives: Professor Matthias Nienhaus and his team at Saarland University are turning the engine itself into a sensor.

The increasing intensity of competition in the oil & gas, metals and mining sectors is forcing Siemens to reorganize its capacities in the process industry and drives. In Germany, 2,000 jobs are being cut as a result.
Linear direct drive technology
Linear direct drive technology makes it possible: Thanks to a sophisticated magnetic field, a new method for material feed in metal processing works completely contact-free and significantly faster than conventional roller feeds.

Mechanical engineering companies in Germany were able to slightly increase their exports in 2015, setting a new export record despite all the uncertainties in the markets - according to the industry association VDMA.