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Dr. Rüdiger Brockmann (left), formerly CEO of Blackbird, and Richard Steinbrecht, formerly CEO of Lessmann, now jointly lead Iqulase. © Iqulase

Blackbird and Lessmüller Merge

13. October 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Blackbird Robot Systems, a provider of robot-assisted laser welding, and Lessmüller Lasertechnik, a manufacturer of monitoring systems for industrial welding processes, are merging under the new company name Iqlase. Both […]

The real-time overview in Lantek Bend displays the workflow and all user information in one place. © Lantek

Software connects the processes

9. October 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Support for digital process chains in sheet metal fabrication is the focus of the new version of Lantek’s software suite. New features for bevel cutting, nesting, bending processes, and quote […]

This machine changes everything: The Trulaser Tube 7000, with 6 kW of laser power and a 12.5 m loading and unloading length, has been installed only three times in Germany—including at Metallbau Götzl. © Trumpf

Fully automated, just like in Chicago

8. October 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Over the past 20 years, Peter Götzl has transformed his one-man metalworking shop into a high-tech job shop. The company, with its fully automated and digitized sheet metal fabrication, is […]

For new or exotic materials, the AI can be retrained for crack detection. © Zwick-Roell

AI Detects Cracks in Real Time

26. August 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Zwick-Roell is expanding the hole expansion test according to ISO 16630 to include AI-based crack detection. The new system is integrated into the BUP sheet metal forming testing machine and […]

Fluke E-Maint helps companies manage their equipment, optimize maintenance processes, and transition to predictive maintenance. © Fluke

AI Helps with Maintenance

31. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Fluke Corporation has introduced new AI features for its E-Maint CMMS/EAM software. These features will be available as part of a beta update and incorporate specially developed AI tools into […]

The Galaxia project aims to reduce dependence on external technology platforms and give companies back control over critical data and processes. © Lantek

Multi-Agent AI for Industry

30. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

With Galaxia, Lantek and Ikerlan are developing an agent-based AI architecture for industrial applications. It is designed to give companies more control over critical data and processes and reduce their […]

The production of ZKW lighting systems must be precise to the micrometer. For quality assurance, the company therefore relies on Zeiss. © Zeiss

Complete Clarity Thanks to Quality Assurance

29. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

ZKW Lighting Systems develops and manufactures high-quality lighting systems for the automotive industry. However, new materials, complex designs, and tight tolerances are pushing conventional measurement technology to its limits in […]

The Akas 5 system uses lasers to ensure safety during bending. © Fiessler

Productivity—with Safety

28. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Efficiency and safety are often at odds in metalworking. While high closing speeds increase throughput, they also raise the risk and often lead to complex safety systems that slow down […]

Deburring with automated part removal

9. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

Pietec Feinwerktechnik manufactures a wide range of metal components in a competitive global market. To boost productivity and quality, the company invested in a new grinding machine and a robotic […]

Robotstudio Hyperreality from ABB Robotics compared to a real image of the same robot cell in a factory. © ABB

More reality for digital twins

3. July 2026 Stéphane Itasse

AI libraries reduce the reality gap – ABB Robotics expands Robotstudio with Nvidia Omniverse technologies. The aim is to train robots more realistically in digital twins and transfer industrial applications […]