Automation can enhance jobs, making them safer and quicker for humans. Nevertheless, reaping these benefits means closing a wide automation skills gap, explains Stephen Hayes, managing director at automation specialist Beckhoff UK.

Southco's new AC-50 Squeeze Handle Actuator features a dual cable pull system, enabling greater freedom in actuator positioning and secure multi-point latching on larger panels. This gives end users an ergonomic operating experience without compromising security.

Patrick Faulkner, lead engineer at Accu, looks at why understanding surface roughness is essential for manufacturers and engineers - not only to ensure functionality but also to optimise the longevity and reliability of the final product.

Delta announces the launch of its MSI motor series in the EMEA region. Designed as a high-efficiency PM reluctance motor, the MSI series combines compactness, energy savings and integration capabilities to fan and pump applications.

TTI IP&E - Europe is now stocking FN3287 and FN3288 series compact EMC/RFI filters for inverter and power drive systems in robotics, machinery and machine tool applications. The filters are manufactured by Schaffner, which has recently become part of TE Connectivity.

Apex Dynamics has launched its latest product range and this time it is the company's first ever series of couplings. The Zero Backlash Precision Couplings for shaft-to-shaft connections come in elastomer and disc variants, with a wide variety of input and output configurations.

A challenge in automated assembly systems is ensuring the protection and safety of the operators without compromising high product throughput or quality. Assembly benches provide many manufacturing businesses with flexible and efficient processes, but they can be challenging to implement with robust automation and machine safety solutions, as the experts at PLUS Automation explain.

Southco has introduced a next-generation 4D Captive Screw, featuring a self-aligning knob and increased tolerance.

Procter Machine Safety has updated its ever-popular guide to machine safety and guarding standards. The 14th edition is an essential free download for anyone with an interest in machine safety, including designers, specifiers, production engineers, health and safety managers, and maintenance managers.

With IndustrialPI, Pilz is introducing an open, modular industrial PC. It has freely available open source software and offers numerous input and output modules. As a result, the industrial PC can be used as a gateway in Industrial Internet environments (IIOT) or as a Soft PLC in the widest range of applications.