Hydraulic pumps at the heart of any hydraulic system on a machine, but maintenance can be a challenge as they are often in inaccessible locations. A rise in pump temperature can be an indication of problems, and thermal imaging can thus play a key role in detecting faults early, as Teledyne FLIR product manager Darrell Taylor explains.

Advancements in automation technology and the desire for smarter machines are resulting in a revolutionary leap forward. AI, IoT and sustainability goals are shaping industrial processes. To address the changing automation technology landscape, Murrelektronik has developed Vario-X.

Two primary types of torque limiters widely used in the industry are friction-fit and positive-fit (or mechanical) torque limiters. Understanding the differences in their working principles, advantages and limitations can help businesses select the best solution for their specific needs. The experts at Lenze Selection offer their guidance.

In an age of growing connectivity, the choice between wired and wireless communication can be the deciding factor in the performance and efficiency of a system. Here, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at Swindon Silicon Systems, offers his advice on optimal sensor communication, no matter the environment.

As the colder, wetter weather drifts in, it's ever-more important to keep valuable electrical equipment living outside protected from the elements, as the experts at Rittal explain.

Gerard Bush, engineer at motion specialist INMOCO, discusses motion system specification for gantry-based applications.

Mike Bacon, internal technical applications engineer at Matara UK, looks at the common mistakes made by customers in relation to ball screws for linear motion applications, from poor product choice, through to incorrect installation and maintenance practices.

The miniaturisation of power transmissions enables design engineers to create dynamic solutions that improve accuracy and efficiency while offering practical benefits in terms of footprint and ergonomic design. Selecting a gearhead to integrate with your motor at the point of specification is a cost-effective and reliable method of adapting a miniature motor for a specific application, as the experts at Portescap explain.

In applications ranging from robotics to medical implants, demands on the precision drive system market continue to include closer control and more compact designs. This trend is increasing the emphasis on the concept development stage. maxon UK and Ireland's Managing Director, William Mason, explains how engineering support in the drive system market has developed - and where it's going.

Sensors play a key role in the use of robots in industrial processes. They enable robots to perceive their surroundings, position themselves accurately and carry out work steps precisely. Using different products and measuring principles, sensor technologies can be integrated into numerous robotics applications, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.