Manufacturing logistics and procurement – March 2026
Robot hands so sensitive they can grab a potato chip
A new type of robotic hand developed at the University of Texas at Austin demonstrates such sensitive touch that it can grasp objects as fragile as a potato chip or a raspberry without crushing them. The technology, called Fragile Object Grasping with Tactile Sensing (FORTE), combines advanced tactile sensing with soft robotics. The breakthrough could improve robot performance in for example health care and manufacturing.
Globalisation is increasing
Globalisation remains at a historically high level - despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and unprecedented uncertainty about future trade policies. This is one of the key findings of the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 (30.7 MB and good to note: released 10 March 2026) by DHL and New York University's Stern School of Business. Based on more than 9 million data points tracking international flows of trade, capital, information, and people, the report offers a comprehensive view of globalisation and logistics.
Advancing sustainable supply chains with reusable packaging
A study led by MSU addresses ways to advance sustainable supply chains with reusable packaging. The approach constructs an initial static routing plan for delivering full packages and picking up empty ones whose requests were placed the day before operations start, while dynamically inserting new pickup requests as they arise during the day. This approach mirrors real-world practices used by carriers such as UPS and Amazon, balancing computational tractability with operational realism. The study (4 MB) is published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives 36.
US manufacturing sector at historic inflection point: who will be the winners?
Research by PwC on the US manufacturing sector reveals that the vital $16-trillion sector sits at a historic inflection point. Just ahead is a decisive shift in how value is created, how work gets done, and how leading companies turn technology into advantage. Accelerating automation, AI, and ecosystems will define the winners—and leave others playing catch-up.
These are the 11 top female professionals in robotics for the year 2026
Success stories from the Americas, Asia and Europe show how women contribute to the development of next-generation robotic systems. To give women in the industry more visibility and acknowledgment, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) awarded 11 women shaping the future of robotics in 2026.
The status of implementing AI in packaging equipment
PMMI has issued a White Paper on the implementation of AI in packaging equipment. It includes 14 in-depth interviews with industry experts working across the packaging industry value chain, including AI software solution providers, automation vendors, packaging machine OEMs, system integrators, end users (CPGs), and investment bankers. Case studies were created in collaboration with participating companies to showcase how AI is currently being implemented in the industry. You can download the White Paper after filling in your details.
NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411