Rohitashwa Pant, Chief Digital Officer at ANDRITZ Schuler, believes that investment in digitalisation is particularly appropriate in a difficult economic environment

Digitalisation has been somewhat quiet recently. In Germany, the term made headlines because the new federal government created a separate ministry for it; before, the Ministry of Transport was responsible for it (for whatever reason). Now one could make fun of fax machines, which are still part of the basic equipment in many administrations. But what is the actual situation in mechanical engineering?

In the hallways of your company, the rhythm of production echoes like a heartbeat. Here, where sheet metal becomes components, and components become products, the game is no longer played on a single machine—it’s played across the entire system. And in this game, the rules are changing fast.

As the field of robotics continues to evolve, the role of robots in sheet metal manufacturing shifts from isolated automation to fully integrated, intelligent ecosystems. When integrated into a unified manufacturing strategy, these solutions enhance productivity, flexibility and efficiency. Manufacturers can unlock their full potential and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic industrial context by collaborating with partners who can deliver end-to-end solutions.

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.