As the global manufacturing and components industry underwent structural adjustments in 2025, 2026 will mark a pivotal year for “moving from components to systems,” “from mechanical drives to smart/electric drives,” and “from traditional market segments to new application scenarios.” For the drive, control, fluid-system and related components industry, the change is not just technological — it is about value-chain repositioning, business-model evolution and market-boundary expansion.
In automotive transmission control systems, research shows global market size is expected to grow from approx. USD 36.3 billion in 2018 to USD 58.6 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of around 6.3%.
In fluid transfer systems, the global market is projected to grow to USD 6.77 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of about 14% from 2025.
Across hydraulics, transmission and fluid-system segments, new-material and smart-system applications are accelerating.
Thus, 2026 will be characterized by incremental growth, technological leap and service-model transition for component suppliers.
a. Deepening Intelligence & Electrification
Into 2026, smart manufacturing and electrification remain the main themes:
Hybrid/electric systems emerge as a bridge from traditional architectures, especially in off-highway and heavy-equipment markets.
Drive/control components will embed more sensing, connectivity and diagnostics — “smart parts” replace “dumb parts.”
For fluid systems and related components (connectors, clamps, fixings), the emphasis shifts to “dynamic monitoring,” “remote service,” “modular pre-assembled” capability.
b. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Become Standard
National/regional decarbonization policies and manufacturing-green transition will further strengthen in 2026.
In drive/ fluid systems, lightweighting, high-efficiency motors, low-friction transmissions, eco-seals/lubricants become baseline requirements.
Suppliers must focus on product life-cycle, environmental compliance and supply-chain greening to meet OEMs’ green demands.
c. System-Orientation & Service-Model Restructuring
Component manufacturers are shifting from “part production” toward “module/sub-system” and “system + service” delivery.
Application boundaries expand into logistics, warehousing, smart equipment, energy sectors.
For connectors, clamps, pipeline fixings etc., this means higher performance, monitoring capability, faster installation, modularization.
Asia-Pacific continues leading: Especially China, India, Southeast Asia remain strong growth regions in drive/fluid systems.
Logistics & intralogistics system become new blue ocean: Warehouse automation, conveying systems, sorting robots increase demand for connectors, fixings, hydraulic systems.
High-end equipment & alternate application segments accelerate: Wind-power equipment, oil & gas, new-energy vehicles, robots demand higher-spec drive/fluid connection components.
Dual-track of export & localization: Chinese suppliers serve domestic upgrading demand and leverage exhibitions/co-operation to “go out” in 2026.
Service & life-cycle market expands: Installation, maintenance, monitoring, system upgrades become higher-value revenue streams.
Product upgrade: Develop next-gen connectors/clamps with high‐pressure rating (e.g., 15k–60k psi), corrosion resistance, lightweight modular design.
System integration capability: Build “pipeline + connector + clamp + monitoring module” pre-assembled kit to shorten on-site installation and elevate service value.
Smart enablement: Consider embedding sensors (temperature, pressure, vibration), data interface or condition-monitoring in connectors/fixings.
Green manufacturing process: Optimize materials (316L → Duplex/superalloy), processing steps and inspection flow to reduce carbon footprint and enhance efficiency.
Market expansion strategy: Target logistics, warehousing, automation equipment, new-energy domains; strengthen overseas exhibitions, cross-border cooperation and local support.
Service extension: Shift from purely product sales toward installation, maintenance, monitoring, lifecycle-service model and build “product + service” revenue model.
Looking ahead to 2026, the drive, control and fluid-system industry stands at a structural transformation point. Intelligence, electrification, sustainability and system-orientation will deeply reshape the component supply-chain competition. For intermediary manufacturers such as connectors, clamps and fixed-fixtures, capturing opportunities in technological upgrade, system empowerment and service expansion will determine market leadership in the next cycle.
The future is near — how well you prepare dictates who will secure the advantage in the emerging landscape.
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