As part of the Reutlingen Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (IHK) Zollernalb Innovation Days, AERO-LIFT hosted a specialized event in mid-July focusing on the future of mechanical engineering. Numerous representatives from various industries, companies, research organizations, and institutions gathered to discuss current developments and the implications of new European regulations.
The event focused on digitalization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity—areas that are increasingly shaping the mechanical engineering sector and will also come under greater regulatory scrutiny in the future. Presentations covered topics including the new EU Machinery Regulation, the AI Regulation, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), and the NIS2 Directive, as well as their implications for businesses.
Following opening remarks by Katja Haak, Managing Director of AERO-LIFT Vakuumtechnik GmbH, and Dr. Stefan Engelhard from the Reutlingen Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Dr. Elisabeth Musch from the Enterprise Europe Network Baden-Württemberg led the program. Wolfram Schäfer (iT Engineering Software Innovations GmbH) highlighted the opportunities that digitalization, artificial intelligence, and secure networking offer for the mechanical engineering industry. Wolfgang Edelmann (Pilz GmbH & Co. KG) explained the implications of the new European regulations for manufacturers and operators of machinery. Martin Lamm (BANSBACH GmbH) then highlighted why cyber resilience will be a decisive success factor in mechanical engineering in the future.
In addition to the technical presentations, the event primarily provided an opportunity for personal exchange. Guests from various industries took the opportunity to share experiences, make new contacts, and discuss solutions to the challenges of digital transformation in mechanical engineering. Despite the midsummer temperatures, numerous stimulating conversations took place and valuable insights were gained.
The event concluded with a tour of the AERO-LIFT showroom. There, guests gained insights into vacuum technology and were able to test various lifting devices for themselves. The hands-on demonstrations provided an opportunity to experience the functionality and potential applications of the solutions firsthand.
“Direct exchange between companies, researchers, and users is a key building block for innovation. We are therefore all the more pleased that we were able to host this event and welcome so many dedicated experts to AERO-LIFT,” summarized Katja Haak.
With this event, the Zollernalb Innovation Days once again underscored their importance as a platform for knowledge transfer, networking, and dialogue about the future of industry.
