David Strain, technical director at Technidrive, examines the motor and drive technologies underpinning commercial food production and explains how these technologies give manufacturers tighter control across production lines.

The UK lags behind the rest of the world on automation. In sectors where adhesive dispensing is a routine part of assembly, that gap represents a real competitive disadvantage. Here, Matt Baseley, Head of Sales at adhesives and dispensing systems supplier Intertronics, examines ten reasons for investing in automation.

New technology naturally attracts attention in the automation sector, and sensor innovation continues to drive improvements in machine performance, efficiency and reliability. Swiss sensor manufacturer Contrinex has remained at the forefront of sensing technology for more than 50 years. However, as Mark Weymouth of UK representative PLUS Automation points out, achieving the best automation solution is not always about selecting the newest technology. In many cases, significant performance gains and cost savings can be achieved by choosing the most appropriate sensor technology for the application.

ABB’s LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor (VSM) platform delivers the benefits of an IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency motor and variable speed drive (VSD) technology in a single, compact, plug-and-play solution. Michele Maggi, R&D Engineer Product Development at ABB, explains that VSMs, now available from 1.1 to 30 kW, enable a wide range of industrial customers to minimise their energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

When machine builders talk about the benefits of cabinet-free automation, the conversation usually focuses on faster installation and simplified maintenance. What often goes unnoticed is a commercial advantage that starts well before a machine even reaches the factory floor: shipping costs. In a logistics environment increasingly shaped by volumetric pricing models, machine footprint is becoming just as important as machine weight. Here Neil March, MX Product Specialist at Beckhoff, explains how this shift makes control architecture a surprisingly relevant cost driver.

Ben Lloyd, Product Manager at Festo, argues that invisible engineering effort is becoming an unsustainable cost in modern automation systems. So what can be done to avoid this hidden 'integration tax'?

Access hardware success is built around customer commitment, agility and product innovation. In this conversation with Alex Picarelli, Commercial Director at Southco Manufacturing, he reveals all.

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.

Industry standards for interoperability give the option to selectively upgrade automation systems, providing efficiency and reliability benefits at lower cost and with less risk, as Darren Hodson (pictured), Managing Director at WAGO UK and Ireland, explains.

With more than 60% of UK manufacturers increasing investment in automation, end-of-line packaging systems are evolving far beyond traditional throughput-focused machinery as manufacturers look to improve productivity, operational resilience and flexibility within increasingly complex production environments. Andrew Yates, Managing Director at Endoline Automation, explains.