When Cees Fasteners founder Chris Petts met with a supplier of sub-assemblies to UK manufacturers, both parties were keen to explore the cost saving opportunities that one aspect of the Cees business could provide. But what neither party expected was for the figure saved to run into six figures on a single contract over four years.

With the digital transformation in full swing, the same applies to engineering. It's an excellent idea for experts in the field to network: worldwide. This is exactly what will be taking place at the Eplan Forum, a hybrid-format event taking place in Cologne in September, which will be focusing on topics including automated engineering, machine cabling, and integrating ERP and PDM systems.

This year, MachineBuilding.Live attendees will have the chance to see a Schneider Electric Cartesian Robot Golf Ball demonstration machine in action as it utilises integrated cameras and various cantilever axes to accurately throw and catch golf balls.

The rate of technological progress in the automation and control industry shows no sign of slowing. Easier access to information and increased demand is commoditising products that not long ago required specialist knowledge to specify. Commoditised products have a broader route to market. So where does this leave technical distribution? The experts at Teeside Industrial Controls (TIC) explain.

To ensure a safe and reliable energy supply for robots in EV battery production facilities, igus has developed the triflex R TRC - the first robot energy supply system with a dry cleanroom certificate from Fraunhofer IPA for ISO class 4-5.

At machine tool manufacturer Starrag, a state-of-the-art solution from Pilz provides safe entry and access management for maximum safety. The flexible solution meets all the requirements of the EU Machinery Regulation, which enters into force in 2027.

Pilz Automation Technology has restructured its training offer and streamlined its training website. As a result, users can access the practical and interactive training programme quicker and with more convenience than ever before.

Schaeffler has published its interim financial report for the first half of 2024. The Schaeffler Group's revenue for the first six months amounted to 8,276 million euros (prior year: 8,208 million euros). The 2.0 per cent constant-currency increase in revenue was primarily attributable to higher volumes at the Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division.

Farnell has assembled an elite group of industry leading suppliers to support a campaign to highlight the multiple advantages of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) solutions.

IKO Nippon Thompson is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, precision bearing products, established in 1959 in Japan, and has gained a world-class reputation as an innovative producer of motion rolling guide units used in the semiconductor industry and other sophisticated equipment.