Strengthens technology transfer for humanoid robotics

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

Schunk and the DLR harbour the joint aim of translating research results more quickly into robust, industry-ready solutions. DLR’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics offers extensive experience in developing robotic solutions and has already been working with Schunk for around 20 years. With the expanded co-operation, both sides build on this success and combine their technological expertise.

DLR technology is set to be implemented in Schunk’s new modular humanoid robot hands and further developed for industrial applications. The move will enable the targeted enhancement of human-like dexterity, especially fine motor manipulation skills, for demanding automation tasks.

“We’re focusing on strong partnerships to unlock opportunities in robotics and consistently translate them into real-world applications, with speed and focus,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “Bringing together our decades of mechanical expertise with cutting-edge robotics research and new AI technologies unlocks enormous innovation potential.”

The German Robotics Conference, organised by the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) brings together leading representatives from politics, academia, industry and start-ups to strengthen the link between research, innovation and technology transfer. On site, Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, got an impression of the current state of robotics and, among other things, exchanged views with Schunk on the role that collaboration and openness to technology play in strengthening Germany’s innovation capacity in robotics and AI.

More information www.schunk.com

Raising precision and efficiency in medical part production

A new workpiece clamping system that secures four components at a time for machining, intended primarily for the economical manufacture of medical components such as bone nails and other small-diameter orthopaedic implants, has been introduced by the German company Simon Nann GmbH. It is available to manufacturers in the UK and Ireland through sole sales agent Gewefa UK.

Equipped with four draw-back collets that are opened and closed by a single clamping/unclamping screw, the adaptable 349E offers a robust holding force and high accuracy for retaining sensitive components during demanding machining processes. The clamping fixture has been engineered to withstand exacting conditions and is suited to complex applications where the highest standards of repeatability and quality are imperative. 

By integrating the Erowa pallet system, the fixture is optimised for automated environments, allowing rapid workpiece changeovers via a zero-point clamping system to boost production efficiency. The standard interface is suitable for use in metal and plastic machining centres as well as in measuring stations, ensuring concentricity is maintained between the production and metrology departments. 

Likewise, the in-situ components can visit other stations, either manually or automatically, for additional operations like welding, assembly and laser marking before release from their collets. Straightforward integration into existing manufacturing systems helps to reduce set-up times.

In an industry where choosing the correct work-holding arrangement is a strategic decision affecting long-term cost-efficiency and stability, Nann’s expertise provides the robustness and precision required for reliable production. The 349E fixture addresses manufacturing difficulties, including material biocompatibility issues and complex component geometries, by offering a stable, user-friendly platform that minimises downtime and increases production output. 

More information www.gewefa.co.uk

Hainbuch milestone: 75 years of work-holding technology

When Wilhelm Hainbuch laid the foundation for his company on 1 March 1951 with a lathe and an idea, no one could have guessed it would one day become a global manufacturer of work-holding technology. 75 years later, Hainbuch stands for inventive spirit, down-to-earth attitude and the determination to do things better than before – shaped by people who not only develop technology but live it with passion.

It became clear early on that Hainbuch is not about copying what already exists, but about creating something new. The small company received a decisive boost in the 1970s from Gerhard Rall, son-in-law of the company founder and long-standing managing director. With passion, spirit and a firm belief in his own ideas, he developed the Spanntop chuck in 1977, an innovation that caught on worldwide and transformed Hainbuch from a small business to a major manufacturer of work-holding technology.

“We would rather fail with an innovation than succeed with a copy.” This credo continues to shape the company today. It explains why Hainbuch has repeatedly set technological standards: from intelligent clamping devices with sensor technology to ultra-light carbon clamping devices and solutions for automated and networked production.

The fact that strength in innovation is not just history but also a living reality is underlined by the company’s recent award of the TOP 100 seal.

Despite its international presence with around 800 employees worldwide, Hainbuch remains a family business. Now in its third generation of owner management, the company offers short decision-making processes and a culture that embodies responsibility, trust and long-term thinking. Many employees have been with the company for decades, working passionately every day to turn technology into a real advantage for customers.

More information www.hainbuch.com

Leader Chuck offered cornucopia of opportunities at MACH

At last month’s MACH 2026 exhibition in Birmingham, Leader Chuck International showcased a broad spectrum of equipment and ancillaries aimed at improving machine shop productivity and efficiency. Drawing on extensive application knowledge, the company’s team demonstrated a range of solutions designed to reduce set-up times, increase accuracy and enhance process reliability.

From Hainbuch, the centroteX quick-change system (pictured) attracted attention for its ability to reduce clamping changeover times while maintaining accuracy of ≤0.003 mm without the need for alignment. Meanwhile, the HPCHO KPS polygonal modular tool-holding system demonstrates high rigidity and precision within 2 microns, alongside reduced set-up times for turning centres and turn-mill machines. Its trilobed design ensures effective torque transmission and automatic centring.

Lehmann’s compact CNC rotary tables provide efficient use of machine envelopes with their rapid indexing and high torque for demanding applications. Complementing this technology, the Lexair Tri-Grip collet maximises loading capacity with a compact, three-in-one design that simplifies installation and improves consistency.

The Llambrich drill chuck programme was also on the stand, including the medical-grade INOX range, as was the Maprox E-Chuck and Clamp-Fix systems for precise metrology and assembly applications. The Mate Precision Dyno range, developed to overcome limitations identified in zero-point systems, improves repeatability and set-up efficiency.

Additional solutions included NGT driven tool holders, OMIL gripping systems, Orange Vice work holding, and Piranha Clamp’s high-pressure coolant delivery system. RotoRi jaw boring rings and Walmag magnetic work-holding solutions further underlined the breadth of the portfolio.

“Across the stand, the focus was on helping manufacturers achieve faster set-ups, greater flexibility and improved process control,” said managing director Mark Jones.

More information www.leaderchuck.com

Walter integrates SERI clamping systems into its portfolio

Machining expert Walter is integrating SERI’s high-performance clamping fixtures into its range of services. The move means that, for the first time, Walter is able to offer its customers a complete machining process from a single source, right from the clamping system and machining strategy to tooling, project set up, management and services.


With the integration of SERI clamping fixtures and related services into the Walter portfolio, Walter now provides a total solution for individual machining challenges. For manufacturing companies, this means they can design the entire machining process and manage procurement with just one partner. They also receive support with set up and start up in production.

Walter’s process experts deliver a machining solution in which all components are harmonised to achieve optimal results in the process. It eliminates the need to co-ordinate with multiple partners, enables faster implementation of changes, and ensures that status reports are available in a consolidated format at any time.

The optimally co-ordinated tools and clamping fixtures not only ensure a smooth start to production but also support long-term productivity. Thanks to SERI’s years of experience, Walter supplies machine-ready fixtures that have already undergone extensive testing in advance. They are designed for easy maintenance, based on standard hydraulic components, and feature easily replaceable wear parts.

SERI clamping fixtures stem from over three decades of expertise in mechanical engineering, machining and project management. Established in 1988 as an independent company in Portugal, SERI specialises in clamping systems for manufacturing components used by the automotive and aerospace sectors. These predominantly include chassis, e-mobility and combustion engine parts. SERI has been part of Walter AG since 2022.

More information www.bit.ly/4tP9rnP