At AMB 2026, artificial intelligence will move from trend topic to practical tool for metal working. VDMA’s Guido Reimann explains where AI is already delivering value in mechanical engineering, what still slows implementation and why digitalisation, AI, digital twins and open-source software will shape the next phase of industrial competitiveness.

TMTS 2026 showcased Taiwan’s transformation from a machinery exporter to an AI and ecosystem provider. Nearly 73,000 visitors from over 80 countries generated business opportunities worth over US$2 billion.

In a joint appearance at AMB 2026, DN Solutions and Heller are bringing a combined lineup of 5-axis mill-turn centres, robotic automation cells and AI-driven digital tools to hall 10.

Brother has expanded its European technology centre near Frankfurt, relocating to a 1,700 square metre facility in Bad Homburg. The enlarged site will showcase almost the full Speedio machining centre range and support demonstrations, training, automation projects and dealer collaboration across Europe.

Gewefa UK has rebranded as Nydaloxe Precision to reflect its development from a former subsidiary into an independent tooling specialist. The company now represents a wider portfolio of German and Swiss manufacturers, supplying toolholding systems, driven and static tool holders, angle heads and related services across Britain and Ireland.

Several machine tools from Yamazaki Mazak were used as part of the recent World Skills UK National Finals, which saw young competitors go head-to-head to program and machine a complex workpiece under strict time conditions.

Berg Spanntechnik is optimizing its production operations with Haimer’s Microset VIO linear tool presetter. The system delivers precise measurement results and enables a continuous flow of data.

Industrial 3D metrology will take centre stage in London from 8 to 10 September 2026, when the 3D Metrology Conference returns for its 11th edition. The event will bring together experts from industry and academia to discuss AI-supported algorithms, robotics, automation, additive manufacturing and data-driven metrology infrastructures.

From hybrid machine tools to AI-driven robotics and automated post-processing, additive manufacturing is entering a new phase of industrial maturity. A look at current technologies shows how AM is becoming a reliable, scalable element of modern production.

Italian machine tool orders ended 2025 on a weak note, with a sharp drop in the fourth quarter exposing continued fragility in global demand and only limited relief at home. While annual order intake remained slightly positive, Ucimu warns that geopolitical uncertainty, stalled trade agreements and delayed investment incentives are weighing heavily on the industry’s outlook.