Technology adoption should be purposeful: Fabian Habel of ifm electronic

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Technology adoption should be purposeful: Fabian Habel of ifm electronic

Technology adoption should be purposeful: Fabian Habel of ifm electronic

Interviews
Feb 27,25

In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Fabian Habel, Director - Global Business Development, Product Sales & Launch, ifm electronic, elaborated on emerging trends in machine tools industry and new growth opportunities in India.

Technology adoption should be purposeful: Fabian Habel of ifm electronic

At IMTEX 2025, with its theme of "Close to you!", ifm electronic gmbh (the Germany-based manufacturer of sensors and controls technology for various industries) showcased its latest innovations for the machine tool sector. In this interaction with Rakesh Rao, Fabian Habel, Director - Global Business Development, Product Sales & Launch, ifm electronic, elaborated on emerging trends and new growth opportunities in India.

How does ifm support the machine tool industry?

Our company has deep roots in the machine tool industry, particularly in Germany, where we gained extensive experience as an automotive supplier. The automotive sector demands precision and reliability, as machine tools play a crucial role in manufacturing critical components. Through this journey, we have mastered the art of delivering high-quality, problem-solving solutions rather than just selling products.

Our sensors and control systems are designed to help customers maintain seamless operations. Machine tools often remain in service for decades, requiring periodic revisions and updates. With advancements in industrialisation, we help customers transition from conventional measuring techniques—such as inductive and optical sensors—to intelligent solutions that enable cloud-based monitoring without altering existing machine setups.

Ultimately, our goal is to simplify technology adoption for our customers. If they can grow and innovate, so can we. Instead of chasing quick sales, we believe in building long-term partnerships based on trust, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Given that the Indian market is still evolving in terms of modernization, automation, and Industry 4.0 compliance, how do you perceive the opportunities here?

The opportunities in India are massive. The pace of growth here is extraordinary—what took developed countries 20-30 years to accomplish has been achieved in India within 10 years. The country's sheer size and industrial diversity make it a unique market. Some companies are still using traditional methods with high efficiency, while others have already embraced cloud-based automation and digitalization, surpassing what we offer today.

Our approach in India is to cater to a broad spectrum of customers. Whether they require conventional solutions or fully integrated Industry 4.0 systems, we ensure they have access to our full range of services—from basic measurement tools to cloud connectivity and data analysis. Rather than pushing automation for the sake of it, we prefer demonstrating its potential benefits. Many companies hesitate to invest in Industry 4.0 because they view it as a cost burden rather than a value-driven initiative. Our role is to change that perception by showing tangible benefits and facilitating a smooth transition.

Technology adoption should be purposeful. If a company collects vast amounts of data without a clear objective, it leads to unnecessary expenditures in data storage and analysis. Instead, businesses should define their goals first and then implement solutions that help achieve them. Industrial transformation is inevitable, and as AI and automation evolve, we must focus on making these technologies accessible and meaningful.

How is IFM maximising its presence at IMTEX 2025?

At IMTEX, we have structured our booth into distinct sections to cater to different customer needs. Machine tools involve multiple stages—material processing, cleaning, dry and wet areas—and we showcase proven solutions for each application. We prioritise quality, ensuring that every product we introduce has been thoroughly tested before hitting the market.

One of our key highlights is the IFM Mate, a worker assistance system that enhances manual assembly processes. It uses hand recognition technology to guide workers in picking the right components, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Unlike traditional "pick-to-light" systems that illuminate the correct part but do not verify whether it was picked, IFM Mate ensures precise execution. It also integrates camera systems to provide visual confirmation, making it a valuable tool for minimising mistakes on the shop floor.

This system is particularly beneficial in environments with frequent workforce changes, where new employees need quick onboarding. Instead of relying on complex manuals, they can follow intuitive, step-by-step guidance, ensuring accuracy and consistency in production.

What can we expect from IFM in the coming years?

The future is filled with exciting developments across our product portfolio. One key innovation is our latest vibration sensor, which simplifies predictive maintenance. Unlike conventional vibration sensors that require external analysis, our new model features built-in intelligence to detect anomalies and alert users in real-time. This streamlines the integration process and eliminates the need for costly third-party services.

Our approach is to minimise complexity while maximising value. Instead of overwhelming customers with excessive data, we provide actionable insights that help them maintain machine health proactively. The focus is on early anomaly detection rather than waiting for critical failures.

Additionally, we are integrating AI-driven capabilities into our vision systems, enabling advanced object tracking and process optimisation. These technologies will play a crucial role in enhancing manufacturing efficiency, ensuring quality control, and improving safety standards.

At IFM, we are committed to continuous innovation, working closely with our customers to anticipate future needs and develop solutions that empower them to succeed in an ever-evolving industrial landscape.