Whether it’s marine propulsion systems, high-speed motors, fluid technology, or small-scale robotics: At SPS 2026, manufacturers will showcase controllers and drives designed to meet today’s demands. Discover approaches to efficient and space-saving automation solutions.

The industrial use of AI is increasingly shifting from pilot testing to regular operations. The focus is on AI-powered assistance systems for engineering, digital twins for Physical AI, and the development of dedicated AI data centers. Here’s an overview of some of the latest developments.

At the newly opened Lighthouse Factory in Taicang, China, humanoid joint modules for the next generation of humanoids are being assembled in series production. Testing under real-world production conditions is intended to pave the way for the industrial deployment of humanoid robots. 

Whether it’s measurement systems, machine modules, or the fingers of a humanoid robot hand: In many applications, there is a growing need for greater performance, precision, and reliability within an ever-smaller installation space. Miniature gearboxes and microdrives are emerging as key technologies in this context. 

Waste is turned into valuable raw materials. Modern briquetting systems reduce disposal costs and protect the environment. Six practical examples show the benefits of a functioning circular economy.

At EuroBLECH 2026, there were a number of new products and innovative solutions to see in sheet metal working. AI and automation run through all areas.

The software giant Microsoft has reportedly offered around 60,000 employees the option of leaving the company voluntarily with a severance package ...

Tiepner, a manufacturer of special-purpose machinery, is converting its ID card production machines from hydraulic to servo drives. With Stöber’s precision drive technology, the company is achieving greater accuracy, lower energy costs, and reduced maintenance requirements.

The path to safe autonomous systems—which should also be as affordable as possible—is much more challenging than originally thought. To bring all stakeholders together, the company TTTech Auto—which, following its acquisition by NXP Semiconductors, now operates under the name “TrustMotion”—launched the “The Autonomous” initiative in 2017. At that time, the focus was clearly on autonomous driving, but now the initiative encompasses autonomous systems of all kinds.

Miracle II is the second phase of the Miracle project funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation. The name stands for Minimally Invasive Robot Assisted Computer-guided LaserosteotomE, i.e. a modular laser robot for minimally invasive bone removal that is planned and accompanied in virtual reality. The robotics elements of this system were developed by Prof. Dr. Georg Rauter and his team at the University of Basel, based on Beckhoff control technology and in particular on TwinCAT 3 Target for Simulink.

To speed up vehicle development, the BMW Group has modernized its entire high-performance computing (HPC) environment. In doing so, the automaker replaced a 30-year-old legacy system with a modern automation layer—achieving enormous time savings.

New generations of AI are finding vulnerabilities in industrial software at a rapid pace. To maintain system availability, researchers are calling for a paradigm shift: software and automation manufacturers need exclusive early access to new AI models.

Positioning strip steel coils requires enormous force and precision. In an adjustable lift table, linear actuators from Neff screw drives contribute to this. 3,900 Nm of torque get the system moving. Find out what matters when designing for these high loads.

More than just power and data: In networked systems, cable selection becomes a true design challenge. Learn how to reliably select cables for complex conditions such as motion, EMC, and temperature.

In our “Fascination with Technology” section, we showcase impressive research and development projects for engineers every week. Today: a smart patch that, thanks to a clever octopus-inspired trick, adheres perfectly to the skin and measures heart rate and arterial stiffness for cardiac diagnostics more accurately than any smartwatch.

Many companies want to virtualize their development, but they hardly tap into its full potential. The reason: The biggest obstacles are often not technological in nature, but rather lie in processes or mindsets.

Tesla has begun limited commercial operations in Austin with “Cybercabs”—vehicles that do not have a steering wheel or pedals. On the very same day, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation. The agency has since issued a Special Order requesting information on the technical and legal basis upon which Tesla has self-certified its compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Volkswagen has tested automated driving of cars from the factory to logistics areas. At Audi, the focus was on loading cars onto railroad cars.

Mercedes has significantly redesigned the C-Class halfway through its product cycle. Compared to its recently unveiled all-electric sibling, the 206 series retains a significant advantage.

One million cars have been driven automatically at BMW plants to date. At the Oxford plant, the vehicles are already connected to the plant control system.

What are the most important criteria for selecting connectors? What technical requirements are placed on power and data transmission? What regional differences exist in the use of online tools in the design process?

Intel plans to acquire the Israeli company Classiq. Its software for the automated synthesis of quantum algorithms is intended to complement Intel's development of silicon-based quantum processors.

Prices for established semiconductor processes are rising, while major foundries are shifting capacity. This is relevant for developers in industrial electronics, the automotive sector, medical technology, and measurement technology. At the same time, specialty foundries are investing in precisely these technologies. So what’s behind this trend?

The physics of rockets remains the same. But sensors, software, and autonomous systems are transforming space transportation. ESA engineer Kate Underhill explains why data and energy impose limitations, where AI can help—and where it cannot.