Beckhoff has announced the extension of MX-System, a completely new, holistic concept which aims to eliminate control cabinets, with two pneumatic modules. While the basic concept aims to replace control cabinet wiring with a baseplate that allows a wide range of electronic modules to be automatically interconnected via standardized interfaces, the two new pneumatic modules – MO2414 for Festo and MO2424 for SMC respectively and with the standard MX-System interface for the respective valve type – expand the functional scope of the MS-System. 

All classic control cabinet functions are covered and pneumatic valves from Festo and SMC can now also be integrated directly with the help of two new modules. The MX-System modules (contained in metal housing) can simply be plugged in and screwed onto the baseplate to create a housing unit that is waterproof and dustproof, meaning that it can be used directly on the machine or system without any additional protective housing. The MX System's current range of functions already covers all typical control cabinet activities, i.e., reading in electrical sensor signals, controlling many types of actuators or motors across power classes, generating a multitude of voltages, and power distribution. With two new modules, pneumatic valves from Festo and SMC can now also be integrated directly into the MX-System as a function. 

The two socket modules – MO2414 for Festo and MO2424 for SMC – come with the standard MX-System interface. The air supply for up to two Festo VUVG or SMC JSY3000 valves (with up to 500 l/min flow rate, depending on the manufacturer) can be connected to it. These can be mounted directly on the modules, and different variants such as 3/2-, 5/2-, or 5/3-way valves can also be combined with each other. While the MX-System socket module provides the valve air supply and the control signals, the outgoing hoses are connected directly to the respective valve. 

The new MO2414 and MO2424 pneumatic modules expand the functional scope of the MX-System and consolidate its integrated approach to automating machines and plants. The basic idea of setting up the control cabinet as a distributed system and mounting the control system for actuators and sensors close by is now also an option for pneumatics. This is a particularly appropriate solution when there are only a few pneumatic functions on a machine part: the MX-System assembly offers an extremely simple way to control them. In addition, the MX-System allows valve terminals to be controlled with a wide variety of interfaces. Furthermore, the advantages of simplified project planning and component reduction can now also be applied for pneumatics. Plus, no additional installation space is needed on the machine for the valves. Another advantage is that the Beckhoff Service App, which was developed specifically for the MX-System, now also minimises maintenance work for the pneumatics. 

In a landmark development, Uber Freight, in collaboration with Aurora, has announced that fully autonomous lorries (trucks) have been completing return journeys between Dallas, Texas and Houston, Texas (approximately 386km) since April.

These driverless Class 8 trucks are transporting live, commercial freight with no human intervention behind the wheel. This event marks a significant moment as Uber Freight becomes the first logistics platform to offer shippers access to this technology on public roads.

The company shared that the haulage sector has long grappled with issues such as high driver turnover and underutilised assets. Autonomous trucking aims to ease these pressures while providing tangible benefits for shippers, carriers and consumers.

Uber Freight’s autonomous vehicle (AV) carriers have achieved notable results to date:

• Over 500,000 supervised autonomous miles covered on public roads while carrying freight over the past four years.
• The company has moved freight for more than 20 shippers across various industries.
• Goods delivered include everyday essentials such as pet food, paper products, beverages, appliances and packaging materials.

Lior Ron, Founder & CEO, Uber Freight, said, “This milestone is a clear example of what can be achieved when innovation meets logistics leadership. Working with Aurora, we are shaping a future where autonomous lorries enhance the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. This is the kind of value that shippers across the industry are seeking – and why we are dedicated to building a more intelligent and resilient freight network.”

Uber Freight started its journey in autonomous trucking in 2021 with strategic alliances to commercialise AV technology. The integration of the Aurora Driver into the Uber Freight platform has resulted in a seamless end-to-end solution where booking, tracking and load adjustments are managed digitally and efficiently.

This deep integration positions Uber Freight as the first and only logistics network to fully synchronise with autonomous lorries, ensuring freight is matched to suitable routes with minimal human involvement.

With nearly USD 20 billion in freight under management (FUM) and a substantial logistics network, Uber Freight claimed it is well-placed to scale the commercialisation of autonomous lorries. Their leadership in this area extends beyond technology to encompass collaboration and trust-building with shippers, carriers, and partners.

Through initiatives such as the Premier Autonomy Programme, which offers early access to over one billion of Aurora’s driverless miles to Uber Freight carriers through 2030, the company is enabling carriers of all sizes to improve their operations through autonomous technology.

Looking ahead, preparations are underway to support Aurora’s expansion of driverless operations to El Paso and Phoenix by end-2025, opening up new routes and opportunities for the sector.

Leading insurance technology firm RenewBuy makes strategic foray into automotive loan segment with RB Wheelz brand.

The RB Wheelz brand will provide a full suite of automotive loan products — including new vehicle financing, balance transfers and top-up loans — all accessible through RenewBuy’s upgraded digital platform. The integration is designed to offer consumers a seamless experience by combining financing and insurance under one digital roof.

The company estimates that the automotive financing market is expanding at a CAGR of 15–16 percent, which makes it an attractive opportunity for digital-first players like RenewBuy.

In the final quarter of FY25, RenewBuy disbursed nearly INR 1 billion in automotive loans. Looking ahead, the company aims to onboard approximately 10,000 customers and scale its loan disbursement to INR 15 billion in FY2026. The initial rollout will focus on four-wheelers and fleet vehicles.

Indraneel Chatterjee, Co-Founder, RenewBuy, said, “Having served consumers in the insurance space for nearly a decade, we are now expanding our footprint in the financial services ecosystem. We’re leveraging our technology and a 150,000 strong advisor network to bring loan services to consumers across metros and smaller towns. Over 75 percent of buyers in Tier II and III cities are opting for vehicle financing — a high-potential segment we aim to empower with accessible, seamless, and digital solutions.”

RenewBuy’s upgraded platform now includes a dedicated loan feature, supported by partnerships with 18 leading banks and NBFCs.

Elektrobit, a wholly owned independent subsidiary of Continental, has announced a strategic partnership with Metoak, a Chinese provider of intelligent driving solutions, to accelerate the development and adoption of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The collaboration integrates Elektrobit’s EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications – an open-source operating system compliant with automotive safety standards – with Metoak’s high-performance chips and driving algorithms. The first mass production project, now in its initial phase, focuses on stereoscopic vision and multi-sensor fusion technologies for next-generation ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) controllers. Mass production is expected by early 2026.

The project marks the first integration of open-source systems with domestic chips in China’s intelligent driving sector. Elektrobit brings its global software expertise, while Metoak contributes its stereoscopic vision technology, aiming to deliver secure, cost-effective, and updateable SDV solutions for Chinese automakers.

The partnership centres around two areas:

EB corbos Linux for Safety Applications – The world’s first open-source, high-performance computing OS to meet ISO 26262 ASIL B and IEC 61508 SIL 2 safety standards. Its customisability and compliance with the UNECE R155 cybersecurity regulation make it a competitive choice for automakers. Metoak has successfully adapted the OS to its chips, reducing supply chain risks and offering a flexible solution for local manufacturers.

AUTOSAR Software and Autonomous Driving – The partners will co-develop ASIL D-certified Classic AUTOSAR software to optimise real-time communication and safety. They also plan to work on Level 3 autonomous driving algorithms and build a local ecosystem to support the ‘domestic chips + open-source system’ model.

Yaojie Lu, CEO of Metoak, said: “Partnering with Elektrobit combines the flexibility of EB corbos Linux with our stereo vision and AI technology, enabling cost-efficient and precise perception solutions.”

Maria Anhalt, CEO of Elektrobit, added: “The success of SDVs depends on openness and collaboration. We’re proud to see the industry’s first open-source safety-compliant OS entering mass production alongside Metoak.”

The partnership sets the stage for scalable, safety-certified SDV innovations in China and beyond.

Axiscades Technologies, a leading technology and engineering solutions provider, has appointed Anurag Sharma as CEO of add-solution, a Germany-based subsidiary of Axiscades specialising in wiring harness design & testing for aerospace, automotive and industrial sectors.

The German company focuses on specialised drone development and thermal management offering for Axiscades group in Europe.

Alfonso Martinez, CEO and MD, Axiscades, said, “We are excited to welcome Anurag to our leadership team. He embodies the rare blend of technical expertise and executional foresight that defines Axiscades’ ambition. The future of engineering value is being created: at the intersection of electrification, AI-driven industrial transformation and semiconductor-led innovation and he brings these talents to the table. Anurag’s track record in scaling engineering businesses gives add-solution the exact leverage needed to dominate the software-defined era. His work in EDS and cross-border industrialisation aligns with our strategy to embed deeper into European OEMs’ R&D cycles. In Europe, the sector contributes 4 percent to the GDP and is home to several leading premium car manufacturers, making it a highly attractive market. As part of our restructuring, Axiscades is doubling down on aerospace, defence and engineering services powered by Electronics, Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence (ESAI).”

“add-solution plays a central role in this vision, bringing software-led scale and agility to these high-priority verticals. We're building a leadership team that doesn’t just respond to industry shifts it shapes them,” he added.

Sharma is an alumnus of IIT Roorkee and comes with over three decades of experience across product development, sales & business development, P&L management and successful execution of large-scale engineering programs.

He began his career with L&T and has held several senior roles across Siemens Technology, Segula Technologies, Altran India, Ansys India and Altair Engineering.

Anurag Sharma, said, “Axiscades is at an inflection point where product innovation in the domain of electronics, semiconductor and digital engineering are converging to create long-term value. The EDS (Electrical Distribution Systems) industry is undergoing a major transformation, with embedded electronic systems and 3D designs taking centre stage. As OEMs increasingly shift towards software-defined vehicles and electrification, the demand for highly specialised, domain-driven engineering services is set to rise. I am thrilled to contribute to this vision and bring together add solution’s deep expertise in EDS and component testing to give Axiscades a unique edge. The goal is to deepen global partnerships and build differentiated capabilities by delivering smarter, faster, and more integrated solutions across the value chain.”