International rope technology in Madrid.
The OIPEEC Conference 2026 highlights the topics that occupied the international rope industry in the spring.
From March 17 to 20, 2026, experts from research, industry, and application met once again in Madrid to discuss current developments regarding wire and fiber ropes.
A few weeks later, it is worth taking a look at the key insights that remain relevant beyond the event itself.
International experts in exchange
For many years, the OIPEEC Conference has been one of the most important meeting points for the international rope industry. Engineers, scientists, manufacturers, and users utilize this platform to exchange experiences and discuss research findings.
Practical challenges were a key focus, alongside new approaches from research and development. This combination of theory and practice makes the conference particularly valuable.
Key Focus Areas of the OIPEEC Conference 2026
The focus was on presentations regarding the service life, load behavior, and modern testing methods for ropes. Particular emphasis was placed on non-destructive testing and the assessment of actual operating conditions.
In addition, digital solutions for condition monitoring were discussed. Automated data analysis and the use of AI in inspections also played an increasingly important role.
Wire ropes and fiber ropes were examined alike, resulting in a broad overview of current developments.
ROTEC represented with a technical presentation
ROTEC was also involved. Managing Director Sven Winter, President of OIPEEC since 2024, attended the event and helped shape parts of the program.
Together with Phil Malessa and Henrike Vorwerk, he presented the lecture “The Future of Rope Testing” during the session on non-destructive rope testing.
The focus here was on the ROPESYS FALCON—an optical rope inspection device newly developed by ROTEC—which can be synchronized with the ROPESYS MRT magnetic rope inspection device.
This makes available—for the first time—a compact, lightweight, battery-operated, combined rope inspection device that, in addition to magnetic rope testing, simultaneously provides high-resolution, full-circumference images of the rope.
Importance of exchange
The demands placed on modern cable systems are constantly increasing. At the same time, materials and testing methods continue to evolve. International exchange therefore remains important.
The OIPEEC Conference 2026 demonstrates that topics such as condition monitoring, data analysis, and modern testing methods will continue to be relevant to the industry.
Conclusion
The OIPEEC Conference 2026 provided a platform for the international exchange of knowledge in rope technology. Many of the topics extend well beyond the event itself, continuing to shape the development of ropes and testing methods.
ROTEC – we make ropes safe.
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