Swiss Plastics Expo 2026 was for the third time an opportunity to present the Swiss Plastics Expo Award, this time in the public award category. In the vote of the event participants, the evolution from the inject 4.0 solution to inject AI was distinguished, which enabled the creation of ENGEL's first autonomous injection moulding cell. The awarded configuration shows how AI-based injection moulding can be implemented in industrial practice while meeting the requirements of the Swiss market, such as high quality standards, a shortage of skilled workers and a strong focus on innovation. The distinction awarded by the industry audience confirms the importance of automating injection moulding processes using digital tools and assistance systems based on process data.
Swiss Plastics Expo 2026 as a platform for innovation
From 20 to 22 January 2026, Swiss Plastics Expo in Lucerne brought together more than 3,800 professionals from the plastics industry. Around 200 exhibitors presented solutions for modern, resource-efficient and high-performance plastics processing, covering both efficient series production and innovative specialist applications. The organisers emphasise that the event was based on direct exchange of experience between participants and an extensive technical supporting programme.
Exhibition Director Sara Bussmann assessed this year's edition as proof of the industry's flexibility and innovative strength. She pointed to the importance of personal dialogue between professionals as a key element of the event's value for participants. A central part of the programme were two symposia, which over three days featured a total of 60 expert presentations addressing current challenges and technological trends.
The main focus was on issues related to artificial intelligence and sustainable development. In these areas, ENGEL presented its own solutions based on the use of AI algorithms for process optimisation in plastics processing. The company was also invited to deliver a keynote speech, in which it discussed the development directions of intelligent injection moulding production and the importance of autonomous work cells for quality stability and efficient use of resources.
Autonomous injection moulding cell as a response to labour shortages
At the trade fair, ENGEL presented the first autonomous injection moulding cell that uses digital assistance systems from the inject AI portfolio. The production line is based on an all-electric e-mac 80 injection moulding machine and is integrated with process data analysis systems. The intelligently networked control units autonomously monitor key process parameters, minimise material consumption, eliminate scrap and shorten setup times, including in situations where the operator does not have in-depth process knowledge.
This configuration of the injection moulding cell responds to the specific conditions of the Swiss market, where a high level of automation and quality consistency becomes a way to mitigate the effects of a shortage of skilled workers. The solution is intended to enable stable production with limited manual intervention, while maintaining the required quality parameters and material efficiency.
The industry audience appreciated the consistent development of the concept from inject 4.0 to inject AI by awarding ENGEL the Swiss Plastics Expo Award 2026 as the public award. The distinction went to a solution that combines technological aspects with tangible economic benefits. The award was accepted by Christopher Vitz, Managing Director of ENGEL Schweiz AG.
According to company representatives, the Swiss Plastics Expo Award confirms the adopted strategy of viewing Switzerland as a key market for implementing innovative applications. ENGEL emphasises the importance of combining technical expertise, short response times and a strong focus on the sector-specific needs of customers. The ENGEL Schweiz team sees the positive market response as confirmation of the chosen direction of development in the area of digital process optimisation.
inject AI as the next stage in intelligent injection moulding production
The inject AI solution is an extension of the inject 4.0 platform and comprises a set of digital tools for optimising injection moulding processes using artificial intelligence. The concept is based on combining many years of experience in injection moulding technology with analytical algorithms that create a production environment in which the machine, the process and quality control systems interact in a proactive way.
The system continuously analyses all relevant process data, detects deviations in real time and automatically applies corrective actions before nonconforming parts are produced. According to data presented by the company, material savings of up to 5 percent are possible while maintaining stable product quality and high process reliability, regardless of the operator's level of qualification or changing external factors.
In addition to automated corrective decisions, the system significantly reduces setup and ramp-up times, easing the workload for production staff. With every cycle, the system collects more data and, on this basis, refines operating parameters, increasing the precision of control and the efficiency of resource utilisation. In this way, inject AI sets the course towards an autonomous injection moulding cell, in which production is self-learning, optimised in terms of material and time consumption and focused on ensuring stable product quality.
According to the company, with inject AI ENGEL is developing the concept of intelligent, self-optimising injection moulding production that directly addresses the shortage of skilled labour, the need for sustainable resource management and the requirements related to quality consistency and process reliability.
Outstanding innovation: the ENGEL team presented the first autonomous injection moulding cell at Swiss Plastics Expo 2026. The solution reduces setup times, saves material and ensures consistently high quality, which was recognised by the professional audience.
