TÜV Study 2026: AI Training is Growing, but Still Lags Behind Usage
The most important thing first: the AI skills gap in the German economy is closing slowly. Although more than half of German companies are already using generative AI in their daily operations, systematic employee training is lagging significantly behind. While the number of AI training courses has more than doubled since 2024, the majority of companies still lack [...]
Schmitz Cargobull fully takes over Berger Fahrzeugtechnik
Complete takeover of Berger Fahrzeugtechnik by Schmitz Cargobull The most important thing first: Following a successful minority stake, Schmitz Cargobull AG is now taking over the remaining shares in Berger Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH. The aim of the merger is to combine Berger's specialized lightweight construction expertise with Schmitz Cargobull's global production and service network in order to expand the range of highly efficient [...]
Implement AI Act swiftly: TÜV Association warns of risks of watering it down
Consistent rules for safe AI in industry. On the occasion of the start of Hannover Messe 2026, the TÜV Association has called for the swift implementation of the EU AI Act based on the EU Commission's proposal, in order to create a uniform legal framework for industrial AI applications across Europe. The aim is to establish a reliable framework for the use of artificial intelligence in industry. [...]
German Industry and the „Space Economy“: Opportunities in the Changing World of Spaceflight
New Growth Opportunities for Industry According to the press release, the Bonn Academy of Economics (BWA) sees a great opportunity for German industry in the increasing commercialisation of space travel. According to the BWA Academy, a new, market-economy-driven phase of space travel has begun, which is heavily reliant on industrial capabilities. This could be particularly beneficial for the struggling automotive and supplier sectors […]
Bio-based foam as a sustainable alternative for industry
Sustainable innovation without production overhaul The press release states that the „xPBS“ project has developed a bio-based extruded foam made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) that can replace conventional petroleum-based materials such as polyethylene. According to Fraunhofer, the new foam is suitable for applications in packaging, transport solutions, and construction, i.e. in areas with high demand. According to the press release, particularly [...]
Panattoni is developing its largest City Dock® project in Neuss
Extensive new build project in a central location According to the press release, the company Panattoni is planning its largest City Dock project to date in Neuss. A modern business park is to be built on a site of approximately 85,500 square metres in the Hammfeld district, which was previously used by the US company 3M. According to Panattoni, approximately 32,600 square metres of hall space and around 6,500 square metres of office space will be [...]
Nationwide survey on automated piece-picking launched
Objective and Background of the Survey According to a press release from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), a nationwide company survey on the topic of piece picking has been launched. The aim is to record the current level of automation in individual item picking in Germany and to analyse technological developments. According to the press release, this is intended to create a reliable data basis to establish the status and […]
DHL supply chain accelerates automation with SOFTBOT platform
Faster integration of robotics solutions According to the press release, DHL Supply Chain is now relying on the SOFTBOT platform from SVT Robotics to accelerate automation projects worldwide. More than 8,000 collaborative robots are already in use at various company locations. According to DHL, the plug-and-play platform is designed to integrate new robotic systems up to twelve times faster than [...]
AI robotics optimises order picking at OPO Oeschger
Initial situation: Automated, but with a bottleneck OPO Oeschger has largely automated logistics processes, in particular through a shuttle warehouse. Nevertheless, the manual removal of articles was said to be a bottleneck in the picking process. According to Sereact's press release, the company was therefore specifically looking for a solution that could be integrated into existing processes without major structural or system adjustments. [...]
Digital transformation of logistics: Fraunhofer develops open multi-agent systems
Challenge and project objective According to the Fraunhofer press release, the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML has reached an important milestone for the digital transformation of logistics with the completion of the SKALA research project. According to the information provided, there has often been a lack of interoperability between IT systems, while isolated systems and paper-based processes have slowed down the efficiency of companies. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and [...]