Li Auto is initially testing its solid-state battery in a pair of smart glasses and plans to begin installing the first cells in vehicles in 2027 or 2028 at the earliest. This example illustrates why, despite significant progress, China’s battery industry does not expect broader-scale mass production to begin until 2030.

With Dragonwing FWA Gen 6 Elite, Qualcomm is bringing multiple communication standards onto a single platform. AI processors are designed to optimize wireless connections and facilitate the networking of remote locations.

The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute has decided to award the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine “for their discoveries concerning light-controlled ion channels and optogenetics” to the following individuals: Karl Deisseroth, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Stanford University, USA; Peter Hegemann, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany; Georg Nagel, University of Würzburg, Germany.

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.

For Norelem’s trade show appearance, Nico Kleiner developed a compact engraving machine that customizes promotional materials and signs right on the spot. The project demonstrates how a practical system can be quickly designed using CAD data and a high proportion of standard parts.

Lead-free materials present new challenges for machining. In this interview, Vitali Panin of Bass GmbH explains how mass-production manufacturers ensure long tool life and reliable processes despite difficult alloys.

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. 

Chinese machine builders are often still viewed as newcomers in German industry, with some skepticism. Ironically, it is in the aerospace industry—one of the most demanding sectors of all—that the Shanghai-based company TOPNC has already made a name for itself. Now, the manufacturer of high-end CNC machine tools aims to conquer the German market as well—and has opened a branch right next to an Airbus plant to that end.

Neura Robotics and Nxai are partnering to collaborate on a building block for the memory of cognitive robots.

At CIIF 2026, companies presented solutions that integrate AI, robotics, and automation in manufacturing. Kuka, Siemens, and other vendors showcased systems for controlling entire factories.

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. 

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.

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.

In the food and packaging industries, grippers must handle products of various shapes quickly and gently. To address this, SoftGripping GmbH has used additive manufacturing to produce a gripper base with integrated air channels. Selective laser sintering enables a compact design with fewer individual parts.

Improving the service life of stainless steel has never been easy. The challenge lies in increasing its hardness without compromising the alloy’s corrosion resistance. To address this, Bodycote has developed a low-temperature, diffusion-based surface hardening process.

Audi plans to build a plant in the state of Georgia for four billion dollars (3.6 billion euros) so it can begin production in the U.S. for the first time ...

It has now come to light that Mercedes-Benz, the premium automaker, plans to manufacture its next generation of vehicles according to a new principle ...

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.

Following initial tests with its robotaxis in Europe, Pony.ai now plans to bring robotrucks—that is, autonomous electric trucks—to Europe as well. Company executives say they are already in talks with ports and various governments in Europe about pilot projects of this kind.

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.

With stacked chips, heat dissipation is becoming an increasing challenge. Siemens and Nvidia have therefore developed an AI-powered EDA workflow that automates electrical and thermal analyses. According to Siemens, this allows for the evaluation of up to 50 times more design variants.

In collaboration with Broadcom and Celestica, Fuji has tested the automated placement of the 1.3-kilogram (2.9-pound) Tomahawk 6—Davisson. According to the manufacturer, the NXTR placement machine was able to successfully place the CPO package onto a printed circuit board.

At the China International Industry Fair, the semiconductor industry made its debut with its own trade exhibition. Three trends defined the fair: new chip architectures, increased computing power directly at the machine level, and closer collaboration along the supply chain.