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www.cpi-worldwide.com CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 2 | 2026 3EDITORIALAt the beginning of 2026, press releases about the use of humanoid robots in the manufacture of construction machinery were coming thick and fast. There was talk of a Chinese construction machinery manufacturer who, according to the press releases, could produce an entire excavator in 6 minutes, a mobile crane in 18 minutes, and a concrete pump in only 27 minutes.Looking at these figures alone, this is undoubtedly impressive and technically incredibly fast. But how meaningful is it in the long term? How many of these machines are actually needed? And what happens when they are no longer needed?Will they also be dismantled in just a few minutes and carefully sorted into reusable and recyclable components and raw materials?At the moment, the trend of fantastic records is only moving in the direction of new machines. However, it is also important to consider the end of the service life of these machines, because only then can there be a truly functioning cycle.The pure pursuit of production records is unrealistic. We must not be paralyzed by awe, but must take the time to question the meaning of the figures in a realistic way. Technically impressive, they will probably still be %u2013 but we will lose our fear of them. The sensible use of robotics %u2013 including in precast plants %u2013 offers tremendous improvements in terms of accuracy, reproducibility, quality, and much more. However, in reality, the operating speed of these plants often depends on completely different factors, such as the quantity of raw materials or component deliveries, the options for transporting the precast elements, and, last but not least: their sale, because the maximum theoretical production capacity is of no use at all if there is no one to buy the precast elements in these quantities and install them in their projects on time.Developments in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics promise exciting times ahead. It is particularly important to keep a close eye on these developments so as not to lose touch. And that%u2019s exactly where reading our trade journal, with its numerous current and interesting articles, can help you!Faster and faster, better and better, but still not always more meaningful...?Dr.-Ing. Holger Karutz