Abstract: A shock-absorbing device is intended to be mounted on a spindle headstock of a machine tool. The spindle headstock includes a motor driven spindle unit connected to an upright by a support. The shock-absorbing device comprises a yieldable structure connected on one side to the spindle unit and on the other side to the support, and is adapted to yield upon an accidental collision of the spindle headstock against a workpiece. A collision sensor or is associated with the yieldable structure for detecting the yielding thereof resulting from an accidental collision of the spindle headstock with a workpiece, and for transmitting in response thereto a signal to a machine tool control unit.

Abstract: The machining center has a base, a frame and at least a machine tool mounted onto the frame, at least a tool magazine associated with the machine tool for changing the tool and a workpiece gripping and supporting member. The machining center comprises a movable vertical member adapted to support from the top the workpiece gripping and supporting member. The movable vertical member is adapted to position the workpiece gripping and supporting member in a first operative position in which the workpiece is automatically loaded onto or unloaded from the workpiece gripping and supporting member of the machining center and in a second operative position in which the workpiece is machined by the machine tool of the machining center.