From e-mobility to communication and from medical technology to smart tools and household appliances, industry needs more and more battery cells. However, their production in gigafactories consumes enormous amounts of energy. In addition, the large production lines are very inflexible. A possible alternative has now been successfully trialed at the wbk Institute of Production Engineering at KIT. The approach: process containment in mini-environments. Robots from KUKA fill one of the main roles!

Kontron's network platforms offer scalable switching (L2) and routing (L3) functions for different hardware platforms. The EN50155-compliant Ethernet switches KSwitch R20, KSwitch R16, and the Ethernet switch module KSwitch M20 provide solution building blocks for secure communication.

In an era where efficiency, speed, and cost savings are key success factors in connection technology, CONEC sets a new benchmark with its M12 Bayonet System. The innovative quick-locking mechanism can be used in industrial applications, agricultural engineering, and railway technology, for example.

Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-frequency, fiber-optic and high-voltage interconnect solutions, presents Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) as a pioneering solution for industrial networking.

Machine-oriented visualization and operation of machines, devices and systems with the Kontron KPanel S series

With the new KPanel S Panel PC series, Kontron offers an industrial-grade all-in-one Panel PC that ensures brilliant visualization of work processes and reliable operation of machines, devices and systems in on-machine operation. Kontron HMIs have been proving their worth for some time now, for example in vehicle assembly, as you can read in the case study.

Dynetics offers a wide range of axial, radial and centrifugal fans with AC or DC power supply. The company therefore has a high level of expertise in fans and blowers. In this article, Dynetics provides advice to help find the optimum solutions for specific requirements. Dynetics will be presenting a range of new fans and blowers at PCIM (Hall 9, Booth 132), which takes place in Nuremberg from 6 to 8 May 2025. Some of the new products will be presented in advance in this article.

To adapt better to rapidly changing markets, industrial production must become more adaptable and autonomous. Siemens is developing software-defined automation, which replaces hardware-based automation devices with software-defined functions. At last year's Hannover Messe, Siemens already presented solutions in this field. At Hannover Messe 2025, Siemens will showcase further innovations in Hall 9, Booth D53.

KUKA robots disassemble battery systems

The business of electric cars is booming – but what happens to the tons of used batteries? Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation has successfully tested how industrial battery disassembly works using the KR QUANTEC robot. The goal: make the use of electric cars even more sustainable.

Application: Secondary load is protected by a fuse switch or fuse

RECOM's RACPRO1 series includes high-performance three-phase DIN rail power supplies with outputs of 240, 480 and 960 watts in widths of 43, 52 and 80 millimeters. This technical article describes how to compensate for voltage drops, improve overcurrent protection and prevent damage. You will learn which measures are used to ensure that DC fuses and circuit breakers with the RACPRO1 series trigger safely.

Now also available as version with bayonet quick locking: Connector series M12x1 X-coded with data transmission up to 10 G/bits

With the M12x1 x-coded product series, CONEC offers a portfolio of CAT 6A-capable connectors which includes socket connector versions and SMT and THR variants, a field attachable connector with crimp termination as well as overmoulded axial and angled connectors.

Safety, durability and functionality – the industry is demanding

Whether plug connections, terminal strips, sockets or screw fasteners - without the hidden components in devices, for example from WECO, almost all machines in industry would come to a standstill. Unconditional functionality, high quality requirements, robustness and safety are at the top of the list. Also, the price/performance ratio must be right.

With Kontron’s Modified Standard Concept to the individual IPC

Off-the-shelf products are not always right for every application – on the other hand, developing a fully customised solution is not always an option due to budget or time constraints. This is where Kontron's Modified Standard concept comes in.

From expert to expert company DMB Technics

The person behind this groundbreaking patent is Dieter Heimgartner, co-inventor of STN technology and founder of DMB Technics AG in Hünenberg, Switzerland. With his expertise and innovative spirit, he laid the foundations for the success of this groundbreaking technology and his company.

Power supply solutions with high isolation requirements for operator and patient

TDK-Lambda has a high level of expertise in the design, production and application of power supply solutions. In particular, the terms MOOPs and MOPPs are often used in the context of AC-DC power supplies for medical technology. The following article explains the meaning of these terms and what needs to be considered in this area.

Power supply specialist RECOM provides valuable tips

DIN-rail power supplies offer several advantages over traditional power supplies. They are modular, easy to install, and space efficient. They mount on a DIN-rail, making them ideal for applications where space is limited or easy access to power is required. They come in various sizes, voltages, and wattages, catering to different needs.

Dynetics supports engineers in the selection and design-in of small motors, linear drives, motion controllers and other mechanical and electronic components for mechatronic tasks. The company will present some highlights from these areas at SPS in Nuremberg in hall 4, booth 490.

Dynetics offers various types of rotary and linear motor solutions for innovative machines and robotics, including servo, stepper, brushless and brushed DC motors. Dynetics will be presenting some innovations from these areas at Motek in Stuttgart in Hall 7, Stand 7116.

Medical technology requires durable connection solutions

There are areas of application in which reliable function and durability are essential. This applies to electronics and – often not in focus – electrical connections. WECO manufactures connection solutions for applications where the zero-defect principle is a prerequisite for operation. One example is medical technology.

Siemens envisions a suite of generative AI-powered industrial copilots across the entire value chain that will transform the way companies design, plan, develop, engineer, and work. Together with early pilot customers and partners, Siemens is advancing generative AI-powered copilot solutions across multiple industries, from automotive, infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare to manufacturing and mechanical engineering.

Few people in Switzerland know the display industry as well as Dieter Heimgartner. More than 40 years ago, in 1980 to be exact, he co-developed STN (super-twisted nematic) technology, co-inventing the globally significant STN patent, which had a decisive impact on LCD technology then and continues to shape it today. So, when it comes to determining the direction in which the display market is heading, there are few more qualified to comment than Dieter Heimgartner – who, you’ll be interested to know, is not only the co-founder of DMB Technics but also its CEO.

This article by RECOM Power discusses what specifications a true ‘ready to use’ product needs to meet. Mobility applications put heavy demands on power converters. While commercial products may meet some of the required specifications, extensive external circuitry is typically required for overall compliance with standards such as EN 50155 for railways.

More power, less load: the S700 active shoulder exoskeleton from exoIQ

Now ready to use: the active shoulder exoskeleton for industrial use, made in Germany. The S700 from the Hamburg-based company exoIQ effectively relieves arm, neck and shoulder muscles with up to 5 kg per arm. Physically demanding workplaces in industry can thus be made fit for the future.

Data acquisition, processing and visualising

Spectra has set itself the task of incorporating experience from the automation sector into the manufacture of its industrial PC systems. Complemented by automation products, this enables the company to offer tailor-made automation solutions from a single source.

Habia focuses on cross-sector industrial solutions

Habia, the global sup­plier of cus­tom high-per­for­mance ca­bles, har­nesses and ser­vices, has ex­panded its prod­uct of­fer­ing and mar­ket cov­er­age through the merger of HEW-KABEL and Habia Cable. In 2024, Habia's con­nec­tiv­ity so­lu­tions will serve as key com­po­nents for life-sav­ing med­ical ther­a­pies, fos­sil-free power gen­er­a­tion, ad­vanced de­fence and se­cu­rity tech­nolo­gies, and zero-emis­sion cars and air­craft, among oth­ers.