The 2026 Packaging Machinery Day focused on generative AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Six companies explored these topics in greater depth during hands-on workshops.
At its 7,500 m² facility in Taicang, Schaeffler combines manufacturing and robot training. Six humanoid robots work at five assembly stations, and the company has received orders totaling approximately 400 million euros.
A robotic cell processes up to 1,300 items per hour with a gripping accuracy of more than 99.5 percent. The new AI Robot Trainer is expected to reduce engineering effort by up to 75 percent.
In Lüneburg, the SD2M and SD4M series will be fully assembled and tested in the future. The final inspection includes, among other things, a two-hour functional test in a thermal chamber.
The research project will last six months. According to Fraunhofer IFF, even in highly automated production lines, 10 to 20 percent of tasks are still performed manually due to technical limitations.
The prize is worth 10,000 euros, and the deadline for submissions is January 27, 2027. In addition, the AMA awards a special prize to companies that are no more than five years old.
According to preliminary estimates, the global market leader in integrated solutions for cable and connection technology generated revenue of more than 2.3 billion euros in fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026).
The acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2027. Onlogic will remain an independent company following the acquisition, and its headquarters, brand, and management are expected to remain in place.
Since October 1, Sedlmair has been managing the Darmstadt and Rostock locations together with Matthias Unbescheiden. His focus is on visual computing and human-centered AI.
The Nordfrische Center processes up to 40,000 containers daily and supplies approximately 650 stores. Two robots from Knapp now handle up to 900 picks per hour.
The partners aim to support developers every step of the way, from the safety concept through to certification. This approach is based on six norms and standards for functional safety identified by Synapticon.
68 percent of the women surveyed view gender stereotypes in the workplace as a challenge. The study is based, among other things, on a survey of 1,274 participants and four workshops.
Over the course of three days, 152 exhibitors showcased solutions for industrial manufacturing. For the first time, the trade show took place concurrently with Vision and EFX in the immediately adjacent halls.
IDS is contributing its expertise in computer vision and edge AI to the Heilbronn AI ecosystem. Plans include hackathons, camera tests, and a new AI Vision Circle, among other initiatives.
King Carl XVI Gustaf and about 40 representatives from the business, scientific, and public sectors visited Zwickroell to learn about digital testing technology, medical technology, and workforce development.
Following organic growth and several acquisitions, Steute Technologies is consolidating its operations more closely. The company’s existing corporate and product brands will remain in place.
The results are in: The winners of the 2026 AutomationsBest Award have been announced.
He will take over as head of the global manufacturing division. The manager will also join the optics specialist's Executive Leadership Team.
More than 9,000 trade visitors attended the trade show. New formats highlighted AI, startups, and specific applications of image processing.
From a total of 40 nominated products, the readers of inspect, together with a panel of experts, selected the winners in four categories.
After several declines, the European image processing industry expects revenue to rise again in 2026. AI, robotics, and new industrial applications remain the key drivers of growth.
At Vision 2026, the Spectronet network will be exhibiting alongside six technology companies. The focus will be on components and solutions for industrial image processing.
FLIR's A40 and A70 thermal imaging cameras are the first systems to be UL 2684-listed for fire detection. This certification provides additional evidence for designers and operators.
Mitutoyo has opened a new Semiconductor Competence Center in Dresden. The facility is intended to serve as a point of contact for customers in the semiconductor and electronics industries.
The automation specialist is expanding its management structure. Michael Matthesius, a new manager, is taking on responsibility for sales, marketing, and product management.
Camera manufacturer Ximea is stepping up its marketing efforts. Jörg Bussmann is taking on the role of Head of Marketing, marking his return to the image processing industry.
Vega, a manufacturer of measurement technology, is acquiring the Swiss company Akenza AG. With this acquisition, the company is expanding its offerings in the areas of Industrial IoT and digital platforms.
After more than four decades under founder Harald Lang, Spectra is gaining a new majority owner. The British Captec Group is acquiring a majority stake in Serikon Holding.
Fraunhofer Vision is hosting a hands-on seminar on surface inspection in early December. The seminar will focus on image processing, 3D measurement technology, and modern quality control methods.
Logistics, cleaning, and medical robots, in particular, are seeing strong growth, while humanoid systems remain in the testing phase.
The company is restructuring the leadership of its EMEA region. Timo Köchel will become COO and assume responsibility for the entire supply chain in the company's largest region.
The number of industrial robots installed worldwide reached the five-million mark in 2025. The main drivers of this growth are China, the U.S., and India.
A live demo shows how AI-powered image recognition directly provides information on the right replacement parts.
Edmund Optics is expanding its partner network. With Joya Team, the company is gaining additional expertise in AR, XR, and electro-optical systems.
About 500 exhibitors will showcase the latest trends in image processing at Vision 2026. The focus will be on AI, 3D vision, sensor technology, and industrial applications.
