How AI is Changing the Plastic Industry in Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its high-tech industry. The Swiss Plastics Expo in Lucerne, happening from January 20 to 22, 2026, is a big deal. It's a chance for companies to show off their latest tech. One company, ENGEL, is bringing some cool AI stuff to the show. ENGEL is focusing on how AI can help make plastic production better. They call it "inject AI. " This tech is all about making machines smarter. It can help with things like quality control and reducing waste. This is important because Switzerland has high labor costs and a shortage of skilled workers. The company's CTO, Gerhard Dimmler, says that AI can make machines easier to use. It can also help with things like tracking and making sure products are consistent. This is especially important in industries like medical technology, where quality is super important.One of the coolest things ENGEL is showing off is an autonomous injection-molding cell. This machine can pretty much run itself. The operator just tells it what kind of product they want, and the machine figures out how to make it. This can help save time and money, and it's also better for the environment. ENGEL is really focusing on the Swiss market with this tech. They think it can help Swiss companies stay competitive in a global market. It can also help them meet their sustainability goals. If you're interested in seeing this tech in action, you can visit ENGEL at the Swiss Plastics Expo. They'll be in Hall 1, Stand A 1001.