No fewer than 24 blog posts and a whole host of inspiring stories – we take you through this year’s most fascinating topics.
At the start of the year, the spotlight was on new momentum for intralogistics. Our blog post about Peer Robotics demonstrates just how flexible today’s material supply processes can be. The combination of a learning-capable autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and the item Suspended Conveyor System ensures components that are bulky or tend to get tangled up can be transported efficiently. A solution of this kind offers huge potential, particularly for the automotive and electronics industries.
Following on seamlessly from this was the topic of interoperability – a vital requirement for the smooth deployment of heterogeneous robot fleets. Solutions such as the SYNAOS Intralogistics Management Platform (IMP) control a variety of vehicles centrally and optimise logistics processes. When it comes to integrating mobile robots, our specially developed peripherals are ideal.
There has also been some remarkable progress in digital production planning. A new desktop version and the integrated item library are making Halocline VR software even more accessible. In conjunction with the item Engineeringtool, this creates an end-to-end digital workflow. Never before has the virtual planning of assembly processes and entire factory layouts been so simple.
Impressive commitment – students in action
We have once again been impressed by the projects of talented young people this year. At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), in a project fuelled by passion, the ROCKIT university group is working on a self-landing rocket complete with its very own engine, a test drone and continuous iterations to improve the control technology. The students are gaining valuable practical experience for their future careers in the process. Made from item aluminium profile technology, the modular test stand that the team is using for its tests on the “GOxilla” rocket engine is flexibly adaptable and can even be folded up to save space.
A multifunctional transport trolley made from aluminium profiles accompanies the Ecurie Aix team during all tests and competitions.
Although Ecurie Aix in Aachen is involved in a totally different discipline, this successful Formula Student team is also using our item Building Kit System. A multifunctional transport trolley made from aluminium profiles accompanies the team during all tests and competitions. Acting as a mobile command centre, it also offers space for objects such as tools, tyres and laptops. Both these projects provide impressive proof of how creativity and flexible design options can produce innovative solutions – in line with our “Add Your Dimension” motto.
Strong solutions for all kinds of processes
We have once again been reminded how many different branches of industry our solutions are used in. Considerations such as cleanroom compatibility, ESD safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) play a key role in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Although we are familiar with these considerations from other sectors, these two industries call for a particularly systematic approach to meeting such requirements. Similarly, stringent conditions apply in both semiconductor manufacturing and optical manufacturing.
At Siemens Energy in Berlin-Spandau, item components are used in over 2500 manufacturing fixtures.
The sheer diversity of the item Building Kit System offers the perfect answer. item Line X and Line XMS are key. Their excellent resistance to chemicals, minimal edge radii and smooth, unbroken outer surfaces make them ideal for cleanroom solutions. We also offer special components for aspects such as ESD safety. A visit to Siemens Energy in Berlin-Spandau, where item components are used in over 2500 manufacturing fixtures, underlines the scalability of the item building kit principle. These fixtures range from flexible work benches, mobile trolleys and robust racks to entire production lines.
A sustainable mindset takes centre stage
As the year drew to a close, the focus of the item blog turned to sustainability. An interview with our Sustainability Manager, Nicole Urbach, provides insight into how firmly established sustainability is at item. From 100 percent certified green electricity at all the company’s sites in Germany and the expansion of photovoltaic systems through to the ongoing electrification of the vehicle fleet – at item, sustainability means embracing an active sense of responsibility. The modularity of the item Building Kit System is a key advantage, too. The straightforward adaptation, extension and dismantling of constructions means it is possible to continue using components for decades.
At the end of their useful life, WFC profiles can be fully reprocessed, entirely in line with Cradle to Cradle® requirements.
A look at the new item WFC profiles underlines the company’s commitment to sustainability. They are made up of 75 percent wood fibres that are sourced as a waste product from the saw cutting industry and 25 percent recycled PE. Manufactured by NOVO‑TECH, the composite meets the most stringent material health requirements. At the end of their useful life, these profiles can be fully reprocessed, entirely in line with Cradle to Cradle® requirements. WFC profiles are equally impressive in everyday use. Lightweight yet robust, they are easy to build and fully compatible with the item Building Kit System.
We very much hope the item blog has once again provided you with valuable insights and inspiration. All that remains is to wish everyone an enjoyable festive period and a successful start to the new year. We’ll be taking a short break for Christmas, but we’ll be back in the new year, starting on 14 January 2026.
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