In light of the recent news about the planned acquisition of ABB's robotics unit by SoftBank, Samantha Mou, a Senior Analyst for industrial robotics at market intelligence firm Interact Analysis notes that the other 'Big 4' robotics vendors may now accelerate their activities in the AI robotics space.

The British Compressed Society (BCAS) has developed the UK's first, independent performance verification programme for 50 Hz rotary compressors in the European market.

ABB has signed an agreement to divest its Robotics division to SoftBank Group for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion, and so will not pursue its earlier intention to spin-off the business as a separately listed company. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and further customary closing conditions and is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026.

WEG will exhibit at FoodManufacturing.Live 2025, co-located with MachineBuilding.Live, presenting its latest PLC, geared motor range and variable speed drive (VSD) technologies, each designed to improve efficiency and ensure exceptional performance across food, beverage and industrial automation applications.

October 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Low Voltage Variable Speed Drive (LV VSD), which was used in a commercial application for the first time at a sawmill in Finland, in 1975. It was developed in the 1970s by Stromberg, a predecessor to ABB.

With a host of new formats and content offerings, next year's Hannover Messe will offer exhibiting companies a diversity of opportunities and options for participation. The goal is to facilitate even more targeted networking between exhibitors and visitors, encouraging productive exchange on innovations, technologies, and industrial trends.

Micro drive system supplier Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS) is returning to MachineBuilding.Live to showcase the latest motion solutions from FAULHABER. This includes the new 1218 SXR and 1228 SXR DC motors and 22 and 32GPT HT gearheads.

Yamaha Robotics Factory Automation section has successfully helped a customer drive up productivity and quality by changing the way electronic assemblies are transferred between production processes.

As a result of their popularity at the 2024 event, the number of Action Areas at MachineBuilding.Live 2025 has been increased. On these special stands, leading experts from across the machine building and factory automation spectrum will be providing live demonstrations of their latest technologies and innovations. Many of them will be making their UK debut at this event.

CKF Systems is pleased to announce the new appointment of Declan Walker as Head of Automation.