In a world where the focus is often on technological innovation and product quality, one crucial factor in choosing a supplier is often overlooked: service. Customers, both existing and potential, are not just looking for the best machine, but for a partner that will support their needs in the long term.

The lack of qualified staff is one of the biggest challenges facing the metalworking industry in Europe and worldwide. Studies such as those by the ifo Institute and the EY SME Barometer 2025 show that there is a shortage of qualified personnel, particularly in welding, with significant consequences for productivity and competitiveness.

Humanoid robots are no longer science fiction. While companies such as Boston Dynamics, Hanson Robotics, Universal Robots, Apptronik, Agility Robotics, and Figure.AI continue to drive technological progress, car manufacturers like Tesla, Toyota, and BMW are also entering this market now. They either develop their own robotic solutions or prominently showcase humanoid robots in their production facilities.

Carrosserie Vincent, the historic entity of the Vincent Group, employs 193 people at its site in Étoile-sur-Rhône (26). Specializing in bodywork for HGVs (heavy goods vehicles), light vehicles, buses, and coaches, it also designs equipment for the environment and transport.

Bystronic makes a strong impression with the launch of the ByTube Star 330, its latest 3D fiber laser tube cutting machine. Designed to maximize productivity and flexibility, it stands out as the most versatile solution on the market for the automatic machining of tubes and open sections across a diameter range from 19 to 305 mm — without requiring equipment changes.

Sustainability and resource efficiency are key topics that companies grapple with daily. Beyond profitability, the carbon footprint of their production processes and the components they manufacture is becoming increasingly important.

Declining sales in the automotive sector mean that car manufacturers are unable to utilise their factories to their full capacity and are therefore also holding back investments, such as the purchase of press lines. The installed production capacities worldwide allow for the production of some 130 million vehicles, but last year only 90 million vehicles left the sheds. In Europe and North and South America, production has not yet recovered to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels; only in Asia is it now higher.

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the linchpin for innovation, driving efficiency, precision, and sustainability across industries. AI offers unprecedented possibilities, transforming every stage of production. At its core, AI excels at processing enormous amounts of data in real time, enabling systems to adapt, learn, and optimize processes with minimal human intervention.

The sheet metal industry is undergoing significant change, driven by evolving technologies and market demands. Decades of tradition have shaped our industry, but the demands of today’s world require a new approach—one that prioritizes speed, precision, and adaptability. I see both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The industry needs to embrace innovation, to empower users to thrive in a landscape defined by constant change.