An increased focus on automation brings with it a need to deliver control signals and transfer data, so the role of cables and connectors, not to mention associated cable management systems is vital. And you'll find plenty to see and discuss at MachineBuilding.South on 8 July at Sandown Park.

In less than a year, the new EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 (MR) supersedes the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (MD) on 20th January 2027. Machine builders must be prepared, including manufacturers of series machines already in production. There is no transition period - the change will, in effect, be overnight. While some machine builders will only need to revise their paperwork, others may have to go much further, as Derek Coulson, compliance specialist at Hold Tech Files, explains.

Inovance has established a new UK business, with an office in Manchester and the appointment of Dominic Bowker as General Manager - UK & Ireland. The global industrial automation specialist's new office in the North-West of England provides technical sales and support services to industry across the UK and Ireland.

The new speed starter in the Contactron series from Phoenix Contact is suitable for motors up to 7.5 kW and offers flexible speed control as well as high safety standards (SIL 3/PLe). Installation is quick and easy thanks to intuitive operation and simple wiring.

Patented UV sensor technology from Contrinex is proving to be remarkably effective in the demanding environment of automated packaging, offering high reliability and operational benefits for packaging and bottling lines.

Rockwell Automation has announced that Cranswick, one of Britain's leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics.

An industrial robot with a gripper handles rims of different sizes and weights in a paint line. Eisenmann had previously relied on pneumatic drive technology. However, it proved uneconomical and only allowed limited control. This is why this mechanical engineering company trusts technology from drive specialist STOBER.

Kistler is presenting electromechanical joining systems that transmit measurement data wirelessly via advanced telemetry - for even more accurate results and precise process monitoring.

igus will be at Machine Building South on Stand 104, where it will present its comprehensive range of high-performance polymer solutions designed for modern machine building and automation.

With modern machines required to operate at ever greater speeds, and with higher levels of precision, with easier set-up and configuration, and with reduced levels of energy usage, the role of drives and controls becomes ever more important. And you'll be able to see a host of products and talk to numerous suppliers at MachineBuilding.South.