Book excerpt: This book reports on cutting-edge research and technical achievements in the field of hydraulic drives. The chapters, selected from contributions presented at the International Scientific-Technical Conference on Hydraulic and Pneumatic Drives and Controls, NSHP 2023, held on October 11-13, 2023, in Piechowice, Poland, cover a wide range of topics such as theoretical advances in fluid technology, work machines in mining, construction, marine and manufacturing industry, and practical issues relating to the application and operation of hydraulic drives. Further topics include: safety and environmental issues associated with the use of machines with hydraulic drive, designing test stands with hydraulic and pneumatic components, advancing control of hydraulic systems, analyzing vibration issues, application of renewable energy sources, and new materials in the design of hydraulic components. Special emphasis is given to new solutions for hydraulic components and systems as well as to the identification of phenomena and processes occurring during the operation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.