The fluid power industry is ever evolving, and now more than ever there are numerous technologies and trends influencing future designs as well as use cases for hydraulics and pneumatics.
Electrification, automation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) are just some of the major trends impacting the sector and bringing about a number of opportunities as noted by respondents in Power & Motion’s Women in Fluid Power Q&A series.
In this second installment of the three-part series — conducted in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day — we asked women from the fluid power industry about some of the exciting technologies they have worked on and the trends they find most interesting.
Editor’s Note: Questions and responses have been edited for clarity.
Power & Motion: What is one of the more exciting projects you’ve gotten to work on so far in your career, and what excited you about it?
Sumaiyyah Nizam, Control Systems Engineer, Mobile Hydraulics, Bosch Rexroth: One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on so far in my career was developing an electronic self-leveling and autonomous return-to-dig function for customers. These features significantly enhance efficiency and ease of operation, allowing operators to focus on productivity while the system handles precision movements. The electronic self-leveling system improved load stability and precision, reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity. Meanwhile, the autonomous return-to-dig functionality streamlined repetitive tasks, allowing for smoother, faster cycles with minimal manual input. Seeing these innovations implemented in real-world applications and knowing they directly improved operational efficiency and user experience made this project incredibly rewarding. It was a great opportunity to push the boundaries of automation in fluid power systems and explore how intelligent controls can enhance machine performance.
What made this project even more exciting was working directly with customers to tune the controls in real time. Adjusting the performance to match their specific preferences was both a technical challenge and a rewarding experience. It required a deep understanding of control systems, machine behavior, and user expectations, making every tuning session a unique problem-solving opportunity. Seeing the final implementation deliver a smoother, more intuitive user experience was a great validation of the work put into it.
Elia Pepper, Applications Engineer, Bosch Rexroth: I generally focus on test and aerospace applications which is often a challenge due to the complex specifications and extensive documentation involved. To me, an exciting project comes when a customer needs our systems to rapidly adapt to a highly dynamic profile — something we don’t encounter every day. However, when I am able to provide the flow and pressure they need to meet that profile, and know my machine is working as I had planned in the field, it is both exciting and satisfying.
Jessica Horn, Product Manager, Bucher Hydraulics, Inc.: When I started, Bucher was launching its GPP PowerPack product line. This product line capitalizes on the best features of our global design and manufacturing capabilities. Since it’s a global product line, I have had the opportunity to work with our facilities worldwide. Working with counterparts in other parts of the world has been a great learning opportunity, working on a project of this scale and learning about different cultures. As a product manager, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of departments and people who are on a similar path to a common goal.
Karina Robinson, Vertical Head, Industrial Solutions Americas, ContiTech: It’s hard to pick a favorite but each one has a common theme. The ability to solve a customer’s problem and improve their current state is always exciting each time. Our projects have been widespread from helping factories improve their internal efficiencies with their own hydraulic assembly set up with our smart crimpers, to the recommendation of a more durable and longer lasting hydraulic hose with our extended life cover or by providing an OEM with a new technology solution such as traceability. Most recently, a large OEM had chosen to go with Continental for our overall agility to offer them a new solution with our factory-made assemblies, meeting their unique cleanliness specifications and adding the traceability tagging. The traceability tagging was one of the keys as it will help this OEM gain repeat orders from their customers quickly and easily. Gaining their trust in our products on their high performing equipment was extremely exciting along with having the ability to purchase this product for my own personal [use] and seeing our hoses in action.
Molli Butler, Product Application Engineering Leader, Motors & Gears, Danfoss Power Solutions: Some of the coolest projects I have worked on have been system optimizations where we notice a certain feature of machine movement or operation that is less than desirable, and we have been able to test and prove out alternative options to actually impact the performance of the vehicle. This can be anything from how responsive a steering system is, to how well a scissor lift holds on a hill before you set the brake. Understanding the impact of fluid dynamics and statics and seeing it have a real-world impact is incredibly rewarding!
Dr. Elvira Rakova, Direktin Ltd.: I have had the privilege of working on numerous exciting projects. Some of the highlights include research in soft robotics, conducting lumped parameter simulations in pneumatics, and, most notably, developing a completely new software platform for engineers and suppliers. This software is particularly exciting because it simplifies complex calculations and enables engineers to design more efficient pneumatic systems. It bridges the gap between research and industry, making technology more accessible and user-friendly. Knowing that my work is helping engineers optimize their projects and improve energy efficiency is incredibly rewarding.
Cindy Cookson, VP and GM of Fluid Power, Americas, Gates: I’ve been fortunate to work on numerous full-spectrum product developments in the fluid power industry, but one of the most exciting projects was the creation of the Gates MXG product line. This technology leverages cutting-edge materials science and advanced manufacturing processes to produce a hose that is lighter, more compact, and highly flexible while delivering top-tier performance. What made this project particularly exciting was seeing MXG evolve from concept to commercialization, knowing it not only solves complex application challenges but also has a positive ESG (environmental, social and governance) impact. With more efficient manufacturing, reduced energy consumption in its applications, and minimized landfill impact at the end of its lifecycle, MXG is a true example of how engineering innovation can drive both performance and ESG benefits.
Rachel Hunter, Project Engineer, E-Controls, Husco: I am involved in the development of our new high-pressure cartridge products, which is a new space for Husco. Our team is constantly working to make the product as best as it can be and finding new ways to innovate.
Kellsi Ellis, Product and Applications Engineering Team Lead, Moog Inc.: E60 motion was the first full scale new product development project that I got to work on as a product engineer. Being a part of the initial design and assembly process firsthand was great experience for me, and it was also eye opening to be able to see just how much work went into designing/prototyping/fabricating a product from start to finish. I also enjoy cross functional teamwork tremendously, so it was exciting to be on this project and work alongside other engineers and functions to see the product through to market. Additionally, it was great to be a part of something that has been so impactful to Moog.
Michelle Gladysz, Product Line Manager – MFB Valves, Moog Inc.: Early in my career I was responsible for design of the flexible hydraulic lines in an aircraft installation around the engine. It may not sound that exciting to design tubing, but it certainly taught me a lot about all the requirements that need to be considered. I also got to test it for fire-proofness under a 2,000-degree flame — that’s not an experience one easily forgets as a young engineer! In the Industrial portion of my career I have mainly been working with sustaining and legacy products so no new, exciting design projects come to mind, but for me some of the troubleshooting projects have been really fun. It’s never good if there is a failure during test of one of your products, but working through the problem solving with a team to figure out a root cause and fix is very satisfying.
The thing that I find most exciting about the products I work on today is the breadth and criticality of the applications our products are installed onto. Moog’s valves which I work on are installed in undersea robotics, power generation turbines, automotive vibration testing equipment, injection molding machinery, sawmills, and so many more. I love learning about all these varied applications and how hydraulics is solving their problems.
Shari Burton, Regional Sales Manager, Tolomatic: One of the most exciting projects I worked on early in my career was designing a power unit for assembling fire hydrants. It stands out to me, maybe because I was new to the industry, but also because it was a unique challenge. The project involved pressing the top of the hydrant onto the body while meeting the customer's strict requirement for minimal noise. We not only achieved their goal but exceeded expectations — leading to a significant follow-up order. That success was a defining moment for me, reinforcing my passion for problem-solving in fluid power applications.
Power & Motion: What technologies or trends taking place in the fluid power industry right now do you find most interesting, or hope to see progress further in the coming years?
Sumaiyyah Nizam, Bosch Rexroth: The rapid transformation from purely mechanical and hydraulic systems to a multidisciplinary field where electronics, automation, and AI-driven control converge to create smarter, more efficient solutions is what excites me the most. The integration of autonomous functionalities is revolutionizing the industry, and I’m looking forward to the milestone of fully autonomous machinery. Synergy between sensor integration, intelligent control systems, and artificial intelligence is not just enhancing performance but redefining what’s possible in fluid power technology.
Electrification is another key area of interest, as industries increasingly move toward electric and hybrid hydraulic systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. This trend not only enhances sustainability but also opens new possibilities for system design and control. I’d love to see continued progress in these areas, especially in how digitalization, automation, and electrification work together to optimize system performance and reliability.
Elia Pepper, Bosch Rexroth: One exciting trend in fluid power right now is the integration of smart technology into hydraulic systems. The use of sensors and advanced control systems is enabling real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and even predictive maintenance. This makes systems not only more efficient but also much safer and easier to manage.
Jessica Horn, Bucher Hydraulics: Electrification — as technologies develop and machines are designed and built to be ‘smarter,’ I’m excited to see where this will take us as an industry and how it will benefit us as a planet and its people.
Karina Robinson, ContiTech: There are many exciting trends today taking place in the fluid power industry from an electrification and hybrid-hydraulic systems viewpoint along with the overall design of lighter weight and more compact systems for improved fuel efficiencies; both resulting in an overall more sustainable solution. Based on this, I hope to see even more sustainable solutions progress in the coming years to ultimately provide further performance improvement and overall enhancement of service life to reduce downtown and hose replacement frequency. Hydraulic systems will remain essential in applications where their strengths cannot be replaced but I anticipate a continued progression in a more sustainable manor.
I have also enjoyed witnessing the evolution of our smart crimpers to enhance the overall efficiency, quality and safety of a hydraulic hose assembly utilizing our CrimpCloud Technology. CrimpCloud is a software that connects equipment and people [in] real time to allow for a consistent, high quality hose assembly in their operations for each crimp. Taking this a step further, we also offer traceability alongside as a key feature which provides a unique hose identification tag to the hose assembly. This tag allows our customers to track both assembly and operations-related information. Using our identification system and traceability, downtime can be avoided due to ease of assembly identification for quick replacement without any guess work.
Molli Butler, Danfoss: There is definitely a trend towards lower noise, operator ergonomics, and fleet management/predictive maintenance. It's exciting to see all of these trends growing in the industry as we are prioritizing our health and wellness as well as the sustainability of our equipment.
Dr. Elvira Rakova, Direktin: One of the most exciting trends in the fluid power industry right now is the emergence of collaborative platforms. These platforms, along with simplified software solutions, are transforming the way businesses operate, from designing systems to selling components. The future of the industry lies in making complex engineering processes more efficient and user-friendly. By leveraging digitalization and automation, we can create smarter, more energy-efficient systems that will redefine the way fluid power technology is used.
Cindy Cookson, Gates: We’ve been hearing about AI for some time now and it is already having a huge impact on our world. However, powering AI requires massive computing infrastructure, placing unprecedented demands on data centers. As I continue to learn more about these challenges, I love putting on my engineer hat to better understand what the various users value. In my role at Gates I sit at the forefront of developing innovative fluid power solutions that optimize cooling systems, enhance reliability, and improve overall efficiency. As AI continues to grow, the need for high-performance, sustainable cooling technologies will only increase and I look forward to bringing new technologies to the table that support this unprecedented growth.
Rachel Hunter, Husco: The move towards electrification in hydraulic systems and controls opens a lot of doors for new innovation. Husco is working on exciting new projects in these spaces and I look forward to seeing how the market evolves.
Kellsi Ellis, Moog: I am interested in seeing the Micro servo valve used more in industrial fields. I am admittedly biased on this though, however there is a lot of unrealized potential for this product in industrial markets, and it is amazing that there is so much capability built into such a small, yet efficient package.
Michelle Gladysz, Moog: I find it exciting and interesting how hydraulic technology continues to [find] new ways to stay relevant in a word of electrification. Since I started in hydraulics 20+ years ago, people were telling me it was a dying field, however there continue to be applications where the power and control achievable through hydraulics cannot be met in other methods. For example, the power to size ratio for the hybrid systems we are developing at Moog allows more conventional systems to be upgraded to all electric, but still with the power of hydraulics.
Shari Burton, Tolomatic: I find the shift toward electric solutions in the fluid power industry incredibly exciting. More companies are making the transition, and for good reason — electric options offer greater reliability, improved repeatability, and significantly lower noise levels. Plus, they eliminate the mess often associated with traditional hydraulic systems. As this technology continues to evolve, I look forward to seeing even more advancements that enhance efficiency and performance across the industry.
