Digitalization & Industry 4.0 - vdma.eu

The topic of Manufacturing-X is now of interest to many of our member companies. We receive many questions, which we have compiled and answered here.

The economic situation in mechanical and plant engineering is characterized by caution, cost pressure, and uncertainty. Software is now becoming a concrete tool for stability and competitiveness.

As part of the "Software Engineering" lecture series, a short survey was conducted among participants in February 2026 to obtain an up-to-date picture of the current mood.

How AI is advancing mechanical engineering: Specific examples show how intelligent data analysis increases quality, speeds up processes and opens up new efficiency potential.

umati will once again be represented at the Hannover Messe in 2026 - this year with a particularly strong international focus.

For affected member companies, a wide range of free aids are available for checking whether they are affected, registering and implementing the NIS-2 Directive.

How can generative AI create real value in industrial environments? Festo and Zeta Alpha share how a focused collaboration turned a proof of concept into a productive solution - and what startups and corporates can learn from it. An interview.

Production technologies are crucial for the future of Germany as an industrial location. The government's high-tech agenda is pointing in the right direction, but joint industrial research is increasingly bleeding out.

On May 7, 2026, ECLASS, GS1 Germany, interop4X (FVA), Prostep ivip and VDMA Machine Information Interoperability invite you to the 3rd Interoperability Summit - this time hosted by T-Systems in Bonn.

In keeping with tradition, VDMA North, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, and Messe Stuttgart jointly organized the NORTEC Workshop in 2026, where current issues in production were examined and discussed.

The industry-related X projects are already delivering concrete, usable results and helping to set up data-based, digital business models. The Manufacturing-X forum will provide information about opportunities and possibilities at the VDMA's main stand.

The Profibus & Profinet International organizations officially published the MTP Specification 2.0 in early 2026, marking a significant step towards interoperable and flexible modular automation.

The world is in a race for technological standards. With its "China Standards 2035" strategy, China is pursuing the goal of establishing its own standards globally.

In an interview with the VDMA, Dr. Ozan Yesilyurt from TRUMPF talks about the importance of interoperability for mechanical engineering, the economic benefits of OPC UA and the umati initiative.

VDMA Software and Digitalization will once again be represented with a joint stand in Hall 15, D36 and, together with its sub-exhibitors, will show how modern software solutions are digitally transforming mechanical and plant engineering.

Real-time data access is the backbone of digital agriculture. For this to succeed, the platform concept is crucial.

Are you planning a visit to the Hannover Messe? Then we have good news for you: As a special service, the VDMA is providing you with free admission tickets - exclusively for our members and partners.

Impact on mechanical and plant engineering in conjunction with electrical automation

The development team of the VDA 5050 communication interface presents its release candidate for the upcoming version 3.0 of the interface. The public now has the opportunity to comment until February 6, 2026.

Mechanical engineering is gaining speed and precision with artificial intelligence. This innovative strength is also reflected in the theses submitted by graduates for the "Digitalization in Mechanical Engineering" prize for young talent.

ADCO-RED Guidance provides clarity on the term "internet-connected radio equipment"

2026 represents a turning point for the industrial data economy. Funded X projects will be completed this year and proven application scenarios will be available. Companies need to take action now.

The Industrial Security working group makes the complete Supply Chain Security document series freely available

The VDMA Industrial Security working group publishes the updated supplier self-assessment.

As of August 1, 2025, new mandatory cybersecurity requirements apply to radio equipment when being placed on the EU internal market. Guidance on "internet-connected radio equipment" published

Recommended action for supplier self-disclosure Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

In an increasingly networked and data-driven industrial landscape, interoperability has long been more than just a technical detail - it is a key strategic competence.

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will bring significant changes for most machine and plant manufacturers as early as 2026. What do you need to consider when preparing for the upcoming deadlines for your own products and components?

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) affects many products and components in mechanical engineering. The regulation will take effect as early as 2026 and many companies are not yet prepared for it.

In an interview with the VDMA, David Tobon from Huawei explains why interoperability is becoming a strategic imperative for the industry and what key role OPC UA plays as a semantic foundation.

OPC UA Companion Specifications for battery cell production are currently being developed as part of the ENLARGE research project.

The aim of the joint project is to digitally describe, network and optimize fluid power components and systems over their entire life cycle - based on the Asset Administration Shell as a digital fluid power twin.

Unlike traditional data analysis, causal AI goes beyond simply recognizing patterns and reveals actual cause-and-effect relationships

The CRA fundamentally changes the security requirements in mechanical engineering. What obligations will manufacturers now face and how should companies prepare for them? However, the CRA is not just a regulation, but above all an opportunity.

As part of the "Industrial Metaverse" information day, a short survey on the topic was conducted on 19.11.25 to obtain a current picture of the mood in companies.

The world's leading industrial trade fair will open its doors from 20 to 24 April 2026. VDMA Software and Digitalisation is once again offering its member companies the opportunity to present themselves at a joint stand.

A lack of trust is a problem for a flourishing data economy. This article describes the role that data trust models play in this context and when they can be a useful addition to data rooms.

The mechanical and plant engineering industry is increasingly confronted with complex digital EU requirements.

Circular economy as an opportunity: CIRCO workshops support companies in becoming more resilient through circular product design and new business models.

At the same time as the Digital Omnibus, the EU Commission has also published the non-binding model contractual terms on data access and data use under the Data Act. Below we provide information on the structure and use of the templates.

Update! The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) entered into force on december 11th 2024. The VDMA has compiled a new version of the FAQ document to provide support and non-binding guidance to its members.

10.12.2025 - The "SiMon" 2025 security monitor was conducted jointly by VDMA, Messe Essen and VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH.

80% of companies consider AI to be of considerable strategic importance for internal processes, products and services, 43% already use AI solutions, 53% expect an increase in turnover of up to 5% in the next 3 years.

As part of the online event "Generative AI in industry - potential meets practice", a survey was conducted among the participants on 25.11.25 to obtain an up-to-date picture of the current mood.

Every 6 months the International Vision Standardisation Community meets to discuss machine vision standards.

The ARC Industry Leadership Forum is one of the most important industry gatherings for industrial leaders worldwide.

China unveils its 2025–2030 blueprint to digitize the machinery industry: Accelerating smart factories, intelligent equipment, and AI-driven services. What this means for mechanical engineering.

The EU Commission presented its plans for the Digital Omnibus on November 19, 2025. This contains proposals to simplify digital regulation. In this article, we take a look at the changes to the Data Act and the General Data Protection Regulation.

Some may already have heard of the 10²³ FLOP rule for classifying AI as “General Purpose AI”, but how does this actually work? Here we provide answers.

SPS 2025 has once again shown that efficient networking of supply and value chains is essential in order to sustainably strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of German industry - also in an international context.