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Five Industry leaders forecast future technologies and trends.
As the electrical manufacturing industry gathers at CWIEME Berlin, many industry leaders agree that the next decade will be defined not by a single breakthrough but by multiple transformative technologies. From artificial intelligence revolutionising manufacturing processes to breakthrough materials reshaping motor design, the industry stands at the edge of unprecedented change.
Mladen Banovic, transformer expert and founder of Transformers Magazine, sees artificial intelligence and machine learning as the continuation of a decades-long journey rather than a sudden disruption. "We've been pioneering this area for decades, but its impact is accelerating," he explains. Digital technologies are already transforming manufacturing processes, predictive maintenance and quality control across the industry.
But Banovic's vision extends beyond software. He's particularly excited about amorphous core materials, which promise to gain significant market traction due to their superior energy efficiency. Looking ahead, he identifies solid-state transformers as potentially "truly disruptive" – a technology that could fundamentally alter how electrical systems are designed and operated.
Dr. Prof. Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management offers a broader perspective on autonomy's impact. While robotaxis are already operating in San Francisco and Chinese cities, Bratzel sees autonomous driving as a transformative force that will reshape entire industries, not just transportation.
"The current big players are going to have to adapt, or risk being left behind," he warns. This technological shift represents more than incremental improvement – it's a fundamental reimagining of how vehicles, infrastructure and energy systems interact.
John Morehead, consultant and CWIEME Board Member, identifies a historical limitation that's finally being addressed: the motor industry's traditional reliance on basic materials like steel and copper. "Motor manufacturers themselves just didn't have the R&D budgets to do much in terms of exploring new materials," he observes.
This is changing dramatically. New magnetic materials, soft magnetic composites, advanced alloys and materials specifically designed for 3D manufacturing are poised to revolutionise motor performance, durability, efficiency and lifecycle management. The implications extend far beyond incremental improvements – these materials could enable entirely new approaches to motor design and manufacturing.
Ales Bertuzzi, Transformer Process Consultant and CWIEME Board Member, frames the technological evolution as an environmental necessity. His enthusiasm for green and renewable technologies, combined with the rise of e-mobility, reflects an industry-wide recognition that sustainability isn't just an option – it's an imperative.
"There's a clear shift away from traditional practices in the oil and gas industry, and after decades of recognising the need for change, we're finally seeing real progress," Bertuzzi notes. Battery technology and green energy production are advancing rapidly, creating new demands for energy infrastructure that can keep pace with expanding e-mobility and public transportation.
Bertuzzi's vision extends to the ultimate energy solution: nuclear fusion. "If we achieve it, fusion could be the most impactful technology of all, and it feels like we're getting closer." While fusion remains on the horizon, his inclusion of small-scale nuclear reactors in the near-term energy mix demonstrates the industry's pragmatic approach to decarbonization.
Perhaps the most surprising insight comes from Marcel Hilgers, Vice President at thyssenkrupp, who challenges the assumption that technology alone will drive transformation. While acknowledging the importance of reducing energy losses in electrical steel, Hilgers believes the real game-changer will be fundamentally human: "The biggest driver of our industry in the coming years won't be technological, it will be collaboration and learning how to grow – together – along the value chain."
Hilger’s perspective highlights three critical pillars for the industry's future: collaboration, decarbonisation and resilience. It's a reminder that even in an age of rapid technological advancement, the ability to work together across traditional boundaries may be the most valuable innovation of all.
These industry leaders paint a picture of transformation that is both exciting and demanding. Success in the next decade will require not just technological innovation, but the wisdom to integrate these advances thoughtfully.
It’s clear that the next decade will be defined by those who can successfully navigate these transformative forces while maintaining focus on building a more efficient, sustainable and connected world.
Join the future of electrical manufacturing at CWIEME Berlin. Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the discussions that will define the next decade. Register now to be part of CWIEME Berlin 2026.
Manufacturing an AI revolution
Mladen Banovic, transformer expert and founder of Transformers Magazine, sees artificial intelligence and machine learning as the continuation of a decades-long journey rather than a sudden disruption. "We've been pioneering this area for decades, but its impact is accelerating," he explains. Digital technologies are already transforming manufacturing processes, predictive maintenance and quality control across the industry.
But Banovic's vision extends beyond software. He's particularly excited about amorphous core materials, which promise to gain significant market traction due to their superior energy efficiency. Looking ahead, he identifies solid-state transformers as potentially "truly disruptive" – a technology that could fundamentally alter how electrical systems are designed and operated.
Driving autonomous systems
Dr. Prof. Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management offers a broader perspective on autonomy's impact. While robotaxis are already operating in San Francisco and Chinese cities, Bratzel sees autonomous driving as a transformative force that will reshape entire industries, not just transportation.
"The current big players are going to have to adapt, or risk being left behind," he warns. This technological shift represents more than incremental improvement – it's a fundamental reimagining of how vehicles, infrastructure and energy systems interact.
Rethinking design with new materials
John Morehead, consultant and CWIEME Board Member, identifies a historical limitation that's finally being addressed: the motor industry's traditional reliance on basic materials like steel and copper. "Motor manufacturers themselves just didn't have the R&D budgets to do much in terms of exploring new materials," he observes.
This is changing dramatically. New magnetic materials, soft magnetic composites, advanced alloys and materials specifically designed for 3D manufacturing are poised to revolutionise motor performance, durability, efficiency and lifecycle management. The implications extend far beyond incremental improvements – these materials could enable entirely new approaches to motor design and manufacturing.
A need for green energy
Ales Bertuzzi, Transformer Process Consultant and CWIEME Board Member, frames the technological evolution as an environmental necessity. His enthusiasm for green and renewable technologies, combined with the rise of e-mobility, reflects an industry-wide recognition that sustainability isn't just an option – it's an imperative.
"There's a clear shift away from traditional practices in the oil and gas industry, and after decades of recognising the need for change, we're finally seeing real progress," Bertuzzi notes. Battery technology and green energy production are advancing rapidly, creating new demands for energy infrastructure that can keep pace with expanding e-mobility and public transportation.
Bertuzzi's vision extends to the ultimate energy solution: nuclear fusion. "If we achieve it, fusion could be the most impactful technology of all, and it feels like we're getting closer." While fusion remains on the horizon, his inclusion of small-scale nuclear reactors in the near-term energy mix demonstrates the industry's pragmatic approach to decarbonization.
Innovate collaboration
Perhaps the most surprising insight comes from Marcel Hilgers, Vice President at thyssenkrupp, who challenges the assumption that technology alone will drive transformation. While acknowledging the importance of reducing energy losses in electrical steel, Hilgers believes the real game-changer will be fundamentally human: "The biggest driver of our industry in the coming years won't be technological, it will be collaboration and learning how to grow – together – along the value chain."
Hilger’s perspective highlights three critical pillars for the industry's future: collaboration, decarbonisation and resilience. It's a reminder that even in an age of rapid technological advancement, the ability to work together across traditional boundaries may be the most valuable innovation of all.
These industry leaders paint a picture of transformation that is both exciting and demanding. Success in the next decade will require not just technological innovation, but the wisdom to integrate these advances thoughtfully.
It’s clear that the next decade will be defined by those who can successfully navigate these transformative forces while maintaining focus on building a more efficient, sustainable and connected world.
Join the future of electrical manufacturing at CWIEME Berlin. Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the discussions that will define the next decade. Register now to be part of CWIEME Berlin 2026.
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