Packaging Valley Discusses AI and Software in Packaging Machinery Manufacturing
The 2026 Packaging Machinery Day focused on generative AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Six companies explored these topics in greater depth during hands-on workshops.
Software and artificial intelligence are transforming the development of packaging machines and, as a result, the roles of engineers. At the 2026 Packaging Valley Packaging Machine Day held at Murrelektronik in Oppenweiler, representatives from the fields of mechanical engineering, automation, and software development discussed the implications for engineering and production.
One focus was on generative AI in software development. Among other topics, the discussion centered on how tasks are shifting as AI increasingly takes over programming work. According to the speakers, this means that system architecture, requirements definition, systems engineering, and quality assurance are gaining in importance. At the same time, it was emphasized that AI tools still require specialized knowledge and clearly defined processes. Other presentations addressed cybersecurity and the use of AI in Operational Technology (OT). According to the speakers, security requirements should be incorporated into development and engineering processes from the outset, rather than being integrated into machines only after the fact.
Workshops led by six companies—Bosch Rexroth, B&R, Codesys, Hilscher, ISG, and Murrelektronik—provided practical insights. These sessions discussed specific applications and experiences from development and automation. AI-based assistance systems and agent-based engineering were also topics of discussion. Among other things, the discussion centered on the question of what tasks engineers will take on in the future as software development processes become more automated.
A key finding of the event was that AI is not changing mechanical engineering solely through new software tools. Rather, the importance of collaboration between mechanical engineering, automation, and software development is growing. The organizer, Packaging Valley, sees particular potential for new machine concepts and more efficient development processes at these interfaces.
