Automate 2026 in Chicago, June 22–25

SCHUNK is focusing on strategic partnerships to deploy intelligent automation faster in industrial applications. At Hannover Messe 2026, this has been evident in several partner projects. These projects showcased how physical AI, robotics, and smart factory solutions can be directly transferred to production environments.

Physical AI is making its way into industry. It enables robots and machines to perform tasks in the real world precisely and safely, taking automation to a new, adaptive level. This is made possible by the interaction of powerful, high-fidelity simulation and AI-driven robotics. At Hannover Messe, SCHUNK is showcasing—using the example of the GROW automation cell—how this approach can be transferred to manufacturing. The standardized, modular solution is designed to bring physical AI applications into day-to-day production in a repeatable, industrial-ready way.

At the German Robotics Conference 2026 in Cologne, SCHUNK and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) agreed to further expand their cooperation in the field of humanoid robotics. The cooperation aims to accelerate the transfer of technology to industry and advance the fine motor capabilities of humanoid robot hands for new automation applications.

SCHUNK’s 6-axis force/torque sensor FTS has been awarded first place in the "Robotics, Handling, and Assembly Technology" category of the "INDUSTRIAL Production Products of the Year 2026" competition. Through the readers' choice award, the trade magazine honors innovative solutions that provide new impetus for industrial production.