Smart Machines & Factories

Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has announced it has extended its optoNCDT ILR2250-100 range of non-contact laser distance sensors to include a version with IO-Link, a widely used industrial communications networking standard (IEC61131-9) for connecting digital sensors and actuators to industrial fieldbus or Ethernet networks.

Martin Thunman, co-founder and CEO of edge analytics platform Crosser, looks at the benefits of processing data at the edge rather than the cloud and how this data can be used to optimise production in manufacturing.

Alan Cunningham explains that cloud-based applications are enabling optimum use of existing data by providing opportunities for more resilient and flexible network management options.

Dr Robert Elliott Smith has been appointed as Digital Catapult’s new head of Artificial Intelligence.

Ultimaker launched its new print core CC with a wear-resistant hardened steel nozzle for its S-line 3D printers on July 22nd.

ADLINK Technology, a  leader in edge computing, has introduced its new Express-TL COM Express Type 6 module with Intel Core, Xeon W and Celeron 6000 processors and octa-core (8-core) performance.

Selecting appropriate product data in engineering is often time consuming. However,  EPLAN says its new Data Portal, with a new user interface and improved search algorithms, makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Baking the perfect loaf, and in large enough quantities, demands furnaces that accurately control the process from beginning to end. This was precisely the task faced by Mechatronics, a system integrator and official distributor of Delta Motion, Drive, Control, and Robotics products based in Bulgaria.

SICK has announced it has launched an ultra-compact and ultra-powerful all-in-one 2D vision sensor, the InspectorP611, which can be set up rapidly to conduct even in the tightest of machine spaces, or when mounted on robot arms.

Advantech, a leading supplier of industrial communication solutions, has announced it has released the EKI-2701MPI-5G PoE injector.

Moxa Europe and Robotron Datenbank-Software have announced their collaboration in the configuration and provision of IIoT platforms.

Responding to manufacturers’ end-of-line labour challenges including staff shortages, social distancing measures and self-isolation, OMRON UK  has announced it will debut its game changing cobot palletiser, the RB1200, at PPMA Show 2021.

Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), has announced it has added two new model variants of the KBox B-202-CFL industrial PC.

Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses what manufacturers can learn from the cutting edge technologies used in the venues of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, such as robotics, autonomous vehicles (AV), facial recognition systems and more.

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the launch of Geo SCADA as a Managed Service. A reported industry first, the OT orientated service will enable customers to share the responsibility of managing and maintaining their telemetry system with Schneider Electric.

According to a research report released by TrendForce in July, in the first half of 2021, DFI, specialising in smart manufacturing, smart healthcare, and intelligent transportation systems/infrastructures, ranked third in Taiwan’s Industrial Computers with a revenue of NT$5.28 billion (equivalent to 186.7 million U.S. dollars).

Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, has announced continued development in driving major advances across its Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Five brand new digital manufacturing research centres and projects to help supply chains become more productive are among recipients of £53 million of new government funding to drive the development of the latest digital manufacturing technologies, Investment Minister Lord Grimstone recently announced.

ifm electronic says its new ZZ1060 IO-Link master kit makes it easy to connect IO-Link sensors to a PC for parameterisation and data retrieval.

Disruptive Technologies has announced it is the manufacturer of the world's smallest wireless sensors. These IoT sensors are tiny, robust, low cost and scalable with a long battery lifetime. VARTA supplies the primary lithium coin cell CR1216, which enables the small size of the sensor through special battery assembly and low weight.

A collaborative robot or cobot is an automatic technology designed in a way that it can interact, assist, and work with and around humans. Safe collaboration with humans is the main property of these cobots that sets them apart from autonomous robots. Unlike autonomous robots, collaborative robots are capable of functioning in interactive ways with their human counterparts.

Four cutting-edge UK technology startups will now have the opportunity to develop minimum viable products (MVPs) to help industry titans digitise and improve their manufacturing processes, after being selected to go through to the final stage of Digital Catapult’s Made Smarter Technology Accelerator Programme.

In the wake of the pandemic, a new £20 million UK-wide initiative has been launched to tackle challenges faced by the UK’s manufacturing supply chains.


The continued confidence in future demand levels in the datacentre sector could be hampered by the challenges around the availability of power according to the latest independent industry survey, which captures the views of over 3000 senior datacentre professionals across Europe, including owners, operators, developers, consultants and end users.

Moxa has announced it is helping to expand renewable energy generation options with IIoT connectivity solution for floating solar plants.

The topic of measurement, secure access to measurement data, secure storage of measurement data as well as the visualisation and analysis of such data poses ever-increasing challenges.

ABB has announced its 6-axis IRB 1300 industrial robot includes new protection elements that enable it to be used in tough industrial applications and contamination-free production processes, opening new opportunities for increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced cycle times in a variety of industries including electronics assembly, automotive and metals fabrication, amongst others.

The golden batch describes the perfect production batch, against which all others are benchmarked. With efficiency and productivity front of mind for most manufacturers currently, how can industry get closer to achieving golden batches? George Walker explains how operations management systems can help.

Connectivity across the entire production workflow is a major goal of industrial digitalisation. However according to WFL  Millturn Technologies,  the greatest challenge lies in combining technological expertise from two different disciplines: IT and industrial production.

Johan Jonzon looks at how low code platforms can alleviate the IT bottleneck.

A machine builder specialist in the packaging and converting industries, Optimation, has been supported by Mitsubishi Electric in an automated till roll packing system upgrade project.

The launch of technology manufacturer Beckhoff Automation’s Solution Provider programme aims to couple end users with trusted, competent partners. The programme will help to deliver best-in-class solutions by combining innovative and creative products and knowledge.

Rockwell Automation, a leading company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has announced a partnership with Kezzler, a cloud-based product digitisation and traceability platform, to help manufacturers capture the journey of their products from raw material sources to point-of-sale or beyond using cloud-based supply chain solutions that focus on product traceability.

Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, explains the fundamentals of hyperautomation.

ABB has announced it will acquire ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI), a leading global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer with a broad portfolio across all major applications enabled by the company’s software suite.

The new Tork productivity guide provides five steps to using “kaizen” for a sustainable competitive advantage

Optimal Industrial Technologies, a leader in Process Analytical Technology (PAT), has announced it has released version 5.5 of synTQ, its total quality management solution.

As industrial automation systems become increasingly technical and data-driven, the need for automation equipment suppliers and system integrators to work more closely together has increased exponentially.

A new report from Nozomi Networks Labs finds cyber threats growing at an alarming rate in the first half of 2021.

Etienne Hilgen explains why the right choice of telemetry unit, software, SCADA and simulation systems will be crucial to maintaining this infrastructure.

Building on the success of its first ever open house in 2019 and its debut virtual offering in 2020, FANUC UK has announced it will host an automation event in November this year.

Steve Richmond* explains some of the key advantages of using a cloud-based system versus an on-premise system to help you in finding an efficient and reliable EAM solution.

By Dan Rossek, regional marketing manager at Omron: Data can elevate the maintenance function from being a quick fix to keep production lines running, to being a vital tool for enterprise success. Omron explains how to raise your maintenance strategy to this level by accessing and repurposing data that already exists.

Tripwire, a leading global provider of security and compliance solutions for enterprises and industrial organisations, has announced the results of a new research report that evaluated cloud security practices across enterprise environments in 2021.

Building decision-makers list budget constraints and buy-in from senior leadership as the two biggest barriers to their adoption of smart technologies, according to a new research report from Johnson Controls.

Fraunhofer IMS and Arduino have announced the release of AIfES, a standalone, high-efficiency, AI framework completely programmed in C, which allows innovators to train and run machine learning algorithms even on the smallest microcontrollers.

Research from Ubisense finds 40% of global manufacturers don’t know how to get started with IoT, a 9% rise on 2020 levels

Deep learning software specialist Intellegens has announced it has enhanced its solution for Additive Manufacturing (AM) with the launch of a new Alchemite AM Package.

Getting to grips with robotic automation is now said to be even easier with the launch of ABB’s Virtual Assistance support service. The service uses a virtual platform to provide fast access to expert support to help solve technical queries and issues face to face, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

smartLink HW-DP from Softing Industrial Automation provides controller-independent access to PROFIBUS DP networks. Besides HART IP and FDT, data for optimising processes can now also be made available via an OPC UA interface. In addition, the new smartLink DTM enables FDT/DTM parameter setting for HART devices.

The demand for robot-based automation of pick-and-place applications in logistics, warehousing, commissioning or packaging is high. If the objects to be processed vary greatly in shape, size, colour or position, either complex teach-in procedures are required – or the challenge is solved with intelligent image processing software.

45 Million of 5G Small Cells Will be Installed by 2031 forecasts IDTechEx

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has announced it has introduced the first in a new series of iCoupler digital isolators that offer a total bandwidth of 10 Gigabits per second.

Following a year of pandemic disruption, the focus on AI and Industry 4.0 has resumed, accelerating the race to shorten production times, reduce costs and improve quality. With European food factories seeking practical data technologies and machines to facilitate smarter decision making and increase efficiency, Fortress Technology has launched its new suite of connectivity software to streamline data collection procedures.

Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, has announced the results of a global survey of Industry 4.0 manufacturing stakeholders driving advancements in robotics, complex machines and device or control systems.

Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a state-of-the-art new centre that can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector to grow and prepare for the future – has announced a programme of free summer online events to help SMEs learn about the benefits of robotic technologies.

FANUC UK has announced Polestar Interactive as the first strategic network and systems integration partner for its Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform, FIELD (FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive) system.

Comau is pleased to announce that it has successfully released its Comau Next Generation Programming Platform, a protocol that implements the Uniform Robotics Data Interface (URDI) communications standard to simplify robot programming.

Akselos and Lamprell have announced the results of an EU-backed wind foundation design project, proving that predictive digital twin technology can reduce the steel weight and associated costs of offshore wind jacket foundations by up to 30 per cent.

The National Robotarium is to develop made-to-measure 3D laser beams which has the potential to transform the capabilities of UK manufacturing.

There’s still a lot of deep learning and artificial neural networking to undertake before the latest generation of injection moulding machines can fully predict and react autonomously to a given production situation.

Matt Lundberg* takes a look at how to reduce overheads and downtime with OT to IT convergence.

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is preparing industrial Ethernet to support tomorrow’s industrial communications needs by providing innovative, highly beneficial features. Companies are well aware of this potential, and a lot is happening to fully realise the TSN-driven Connected Industries of the Future.

Siemens has collaborated with Oracle, a global strategic cloud provider, on a high-performance processing solution that will help energy suppliers to better manage the substantial data processing demands that will come with market wide Half Hourly Settlement (HHS).

The Automated Guided Vehicle OL1200S from Grenzebach allows easier, quicker, and safer transportation of long goods carriers thanks to its omnidirectional drive and smart sensors.

Eurotech, a leading supplier of hardware and software components to develop and deploy edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, has announced its Multi-service IoT Edge Gateway, ReliaGATE 10-14 and Everyware Software Framework have been PSA Certified Level 1. This independent IoT security certification offers customers and partners standards-based compliance and will help organizations overcome barriers to global IoT adoption.

3DPRINTUK works with a wide range of industrial companies across many sectors. This includes automotive companies, where the company’s expertise with polymer powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing is often focused on functional prototypes of complex parts, as well as for final production parts.

Festo has developed an award-winning online catalogue that provides designers with a time-saving tool kit and prepares the way for the creation of an Asset Administration Shell, or Digital Twin, for their machines.

Panasonic Factory Solutions, a division of Panasonic Industry Europe, and SMD-Tec, a leading technical distributor for high-tech capital goods for the production of electronic products in BeNeLux with more than ten years of experience in the markets, announce their future collaboration.

The demand for comprehensive security measures to protect OT networks is growing as smart Manufacturing continues to merge the worlds of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). David Bean* looks at the fundamental aspects that need to be considered, including suitable system level design, risk management, system intrusion detection and automation platform vulnerability management.

Coventry-based precision engineering business, Harris RCS, has taken delivery of its first two industrial robots to reap the benefits of factory automation. The Automata Eva machines will drive the manufacturer’s digital transformation, automating more mundane tasks which will allow staff to develop new skillsets to support the company’s future growth.

Project Dignity is the first UK winner of Samsung Electronics’ Solve for Tomorrow competition, a global initiative delivered in partnership with Digital Catapult that challenges young people to use technology in creative ways to help improve their community and positively impact their surroundings.

Becky Wallis, Finsight Supervisor at energy and transportation expert Finning UK & Ireland, discusses the potential for telematics in gensets to help generator operators improve fleet performance and avoid downtime by receiving near real-time information on their machinery.

AT & T turned off its 2G network in 2017 which caused San Francisco’s buses and trains to disappear from its NextMuni system map, which passengers use to check the location of vehicles and arrival times. This resulted in fierce pressure from the public to upgrade its monitoring devices. Andy Conway explains why industrial businesses could soon face a similar issue.

Because of meeting delivery promises for online shoppers, an increasing number of SME warehouse operators and e-commerce retailers are using automated intralogistics technology. Paul Freeman* reports.

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed millimetre-sized robots that can be controlled using magnetic fields to perform highly manoeuvrable and dexterous manipulations. This could pave the way to possible future applications in biomedicine and manufacturing

Researchers at Newcastle University Business School are to look at how small businesses have understood and complied with government regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new solid state second-harmonic generation (SHG) device converts infrared radiation into blue light. This work may lead to a practical daily-use deep ultraviolet light source for sterilization and disinfection, while being safe and practical.

Ultimaker, a leader in professional 3D printing, has announced that Final Aim, a hands-on technology firm in Japan has utilised the Ultimaker S3 to rapidly design the first autonomous delivery robot in use for Singapore.

CEVA, a leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies, has unveiled RivieraWaves UWB, a power-efficient ultra-wideband (UWB) turnkey MAC and PHY platform intellectual property (IP) compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4z standard and in accordance with the FiRa consortium specifications.

Hannover Messe will return in 2022 between the 25th – 29th April as a physical event, following a two year absence. It will run in parallel with a range of digital services for exhibitors and visitors. Digitalisation and decarbonisation of industry will be the key themes at next year’s show.

FutureOn, a global software company and digital twin pioneer, has announced it has partnered with the cloud-based well planning company, Oliasoft, to launch a new software offering designed to disrupt business as usual across the oil and gas industry, and revolutionise subsea planning.

Individuals and enterprises are recognized for successfully envisioning, planning, and executing the digital transformation of their offerings and organizations.

Edge analytics software is increasingly popular with manufacturers and makes equipment data more accessible to decision makers. But could it help manufacturers seize Industry 4.0's promise of revolutionizing industry? Rubble Master, a mobile crushing and screening equipment manufacturer, put this question to the test when it sought to do more with its equipment data. It turned to edge analytics expert Crosser to help bring its crushing and screening into the digital realm.

How can Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) edge analytics improve manufacturing efficiency? Johan Jonzon explains the important role of edge analytics in Industry 4.0.

Following the G7 summit hosted in Cornwall and the new Spaceport being built, the South West Business Council, including Lord Robin Teverson and the Earl of Devon, are promoting the South West as an innovation powerhouse.

For future pump applications, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS says it can supply a wide selection of decentralised drive technology that can be individually adapted to any required application and can be flexibly integrated into the system environment.

With companies focusing on semi rather than fully automated intralogistics models, it is important to consider the role of the workforce in this new, collaborative environment. From skills to safety, Jon Divers considers the creation of a smart workforce and the evolving skillset for the material handling and logistics engineers of tomorrow.

Digitalisation, films made of recycled material and the increasing use of robots - mechanical engineering companies in the packaging sector have to face continuous changes. BEUMER expert Jörg Spiekermann reports.

AVEVA, a leader in industrial software driving digital transformation and sustainability, has announced it has formed a new alliance with Wood, a consulting and engineering company, to accelerate digital transformation of industries such as power, energy, chemicals and mining with the launch of a new solution called Connected Build, a key part of Wood’s Digital Twin offering .

In the past forty years, technology has greatly changed the way we live and do business. Especially in the latter half of that period, the Internet and the Internet of Smart Things have completely changed the appearance of global industries.

Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff UK, explains how food engineers can get started with digitalisation.

Additive Manufacturing and industrial 3D printing processes are booming, changing the way manufacturers work and invent. Rapid changes on the manufacturing side, means rapid changes in the work environment, and businesses must work to keep up and ensure the work environment related to new technologies like Selective Laser Sintering is safe.

The 750,000th industrial robot has been produced by automation technology manufacturer Fanuc. At present, the company produces around 8000 industrial robots every month at its factories in Japan, although monthly capacity is available up to 11,000 units. The company will deliver its 750,000th robot to a European customer.

Thomas Burke, global strategic advisor at CLPA, looks at the most promising network technologies and innovations as well as how they are revolutionising industrial communications.

Smart sensor technology from ABB is providing remote condition monitoring on critical motors at a new carbon capture plant in the UK, thereby reducing the number of man-hours required on site.

Palletising is a simple, repetitive task that lends itself perfectly to robotic automation and a new kit from RARUK Automation is said to make the transition both simple and quick.

Nissan has successfully integrated 3D printing into its production process at its Barcelona factory, which could see it roll out the technology to create parts and prototypes at other sites, including the UK.

Swedish-based hearing protection pioneers, Sordin, has announced a new partnership with a global player in critical communications technology, Cardo Crew, in a move that will combine high-end hearing protectors with cutting edge communications.

UK-based industrial consortium commences field trials for low-cost, sustainable inspection in hazardous environments using robotics for non-destructive testing system. 

A wider range of solutions that bring long-reach Ethernet connectivity from the edge to the cloud and enable real-time configurability, lower energy consumption, and increased asset use have been launched by Analog Devices through the expansion of its ADI Chronous Industrial Ethernet portfolio. Smart Machines & Factories reports.

Red Lion’s Secure Remote Access Platform, in partnership with MB connect line, is now available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and France.

According to “Accelerating the 5G Industrial Revolution: State of 5G and edge in industrial operations” report released recently by the Capgemini Research Institute, industrial 5G adoption is still at the ideation and planning stages, with only 30% of industrial organisations having moved to the pilot stage or beyond. This means there is a huge window of opportunity for telcos and those industrial organisations that are yet to make a move.

Leading automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is the official “Series and Innovation Partner” to the racing series and will bring the steer-by-wire technology, Space Drive, to the starting grid in three DTM cars from different German car makers: in the Audi R8 LMS GT3 driven by Schaeffler brand ambassador Sophia Flörsch, in Gary Paffett’s Mercedes-AMG and in Timo Glock’s BMW M6 GT3.

Manufacturers purchase new metrology equipment for a variety of reasons — to improve product quality, increase throughput or reduce operator intervention. Often it is because they believe new machines are necessary to remain competitive. However, simply installing new equipment is not enough. Here Mike John, managing director of industrial metrology specialist The Sempre Group, argues why the industry should shift its focus from equipment to the intended outcome.

With increased competition, often on a global scale, manufacturers may need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand. This carries with it an implicit reduction in batch sizes and has seen the rise of ‘high-mix, low-volume’ production. Cobots can enable manufacturers to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches.

The software company CoreTechnologie and the 3D printer manufacturer Photocentric have entered into a partnership for process optimisation in 3D printing.

Since the government pledged four years ago that all homes would possess a smart meter, the national rollout scheme, troubled with issues since the very beginning, has roundly failed.

Skybox Security, a leader in security posture management, has announced new vulnerability prioritisation capabilities with prescriptive remediation analysis.

Is Industry 4.0 being driven by metrology or metrology developments being driven by Industry 4.0? Dr Peter J. de Groot and Michael Schmidt take a look at metrology’s place in the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Siemens is planning to increase the number of women in engineering with the aim of achieving gender parity in its Early Careers recruitment.

Is it a realistic goal for manufacturers to aspire to a ‘lights out factory’ which essentially means manufacturing without humans? Dan Rossek comments.

SICK has announced it has developed its next-generation SLG-2 light grids to combine higher levels of optical performance with smart sensor capability in an ultra-slim housing.

Smart Manufacturing Integrates Machine Vision and Industrial Robots
Many people cannot imagine a day without using cotton swabs. Behind such a small product, there is
extensive know-how from production to packaging. Since the unit price is relatively low, the investment in
time and resources is highly sensitive. To optimize results, the cotton swabs must be quickly placed into a
package in order. This is a challenge for traditional manufacturers that mainly rely on manual labor.
Yet another challenge, is that there is an ever increasing shortage of manpower in the manufacturing
industry. To enhance productivity and maintain a consistent product quality, many manufacturers adopt
automated equipment and processes. On top of that, smart manufacturing is becoming an unstoppable
trend. To prepare for this new era, building highly automated production lines has become a necessary move
for the future.

Automation has always been considered as a key element for profitable, sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing, but there is a misconception that only big manufacturers may have the financial and technical resources to implement it. At the same time, those who do implement it often find themselves stuck in a transition phase where they see no substantial benefits. Here Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, offers some tips for small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) on the most cost-effective technologies to boost their productivity and efficiency.

Encouraging diversity, inclusion and family balance in STEM and the engineering community, is the aim of the MTC’s Tilly Shilling Initiative series of seven webinars, run in conjunction with Oxfordshire Advanced Skills.

Cobots can enable effective high-mix, low-volume production for manufacturers who need to differentiate themselves by tailoring products more closely to customer demand. With increased competition, manufacturers need to effectively meet individual customer requirements with greater product variety in smaller batches. Chris Evans reports.

Creaform, a leader in automated and portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, has announced  the release of the latest version of its VXelements platform. Several new features as well as existing features enhancements were developed to provide significative improvements.  The company says whether in VXscan, VXinspect, VXmodel, or VXscan-R, experts and beginners alike will discover exciting, new, and improved tools that will make their work much easier, faster, and profitable.

ABB has announced it has built on a long-term relationship with JSW Steel, a leading Indian steel company, by integrating its digital solution ABB Ability Smart Melt Shop into a wider expansion at Dolvi Works plant in Maharashtra state.

Siemens and BioNTech intend to expand their strategic cooperation in order to intensify collaboration for the rapid expansion and creation of production capacity for the Covid-19 vaccine.

A new high-tech lab to speed up the development of 5G communication kit has been launched by Digital Catapult who has joined forces with Ofcom to help boost network security and resilience.

Samotics, a leading provider of AI-driven industrial analytics for asset performance management, has announced it has been selected for a 12-month trial by United Utilities Group PLC, one of the UK’s largest water and wastewater companies, to improve the reliability and efficiency of its operations.

A team at the University of Wolverhampton is creating an innovative new platform to help financial organisations and banks to add security, trust and explainability to their Artificial Intelligence (AI) based decisions.

ADLINK Technology, a leader in edge computing, has announced it has launched the cPCI-A3525 series CompactPCI Serial processor blade in single-slot (4HP) form factor.

EAM provider Ultimo is joining forces with physical asset management company Optimal, in a move that the companies say will help customers in asset-intensive industries benefit from stronger maintenance strategies

Smart Machines & Factories spoke to Nikhil Dixit* to explore the potential benefits of using super-duplex stainless steel in additive manufacturing (AM).

Comau says it exhibited a vast portfolio of smart manufacturing solutions at the Automatica Sprint digital trade event, held online from June 22nd to 24th.

In the lead up to UN climate summit COP26, The Royal Society is partnering with not-for-profit organisation Primary Engineer- and their new project STATWARS - to help primary and secondary pupils across the UK develop their data skills and investigate climate change.

For manufacturing companies looking to revolutionise their responsiveness to customer spare parts demand, 3D printing opens up compelling opportunities.

BCA reports it is harnessing the power of robotic process automation (RPA) to streamline back office activity, drive quality and improve customer service.

3D safety systems are a good option for reliably monitoring danger zones. They present a safe alternative, even in harsh environments where e.g. sparks, dirt and dust occur. They are therefore also a solution for applications where previously optical sensors were unable to provide a reliable answer 

The FLIR A500f and A700f Advanced Smart Sensor ruggedised thermal cameras feature high-temperature detection for extreme environments paired with on-camera analytics and alarm capabilities – said to be ideal for industrial early fire detection or outdoor condition monitoring applications.

Replique, a Mannheim based venture of the BASF business incubator Chemovator, announces a partnership with Miele, a German premium home appliance manufacturer. Under the terms of the partnership, Replique receives the exclusive right to produce and ship high-quality 3D printed accessories from Miele using its decentralized production network. Miele can now launch new products with Replique's 3D printing platform. Thanks to the capability for digital storage and on-demand production, Miele is granted the flexibility to provide customers new accessories quickly and cost-efficiently from a batch size of just one. With Replique’s end-to-end solution, Miele benefits from an easy process integration that connects existing ordering and e-commerce solutions, automatic order processing and expert knowledge in industrial grade 3D printing.

HMS Networks has announced it has launched a new IR-based Intesis AC interface that enables integration of any Air Conditioning unit, regardless of brand, into Modbus or BACnet Building Automation Systems.

Made Smarter has surpassed a major milestone of funding 200 technology projects to help manufacturers boost productivity and growth using digital tools.

Using robots to make offshore infrastructure inspection and repair safer is moving a step closer following the injection of £2.5 million of further funding from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI).

Comau partnerss with Heidelberg University to study new application areas for wearable robotics within industrial environmemnts.

The energy markets are now much more than an obscure and speculative playground for a few specialised traders. The European legal framework is developing towards more free trade and the attitude of professionals and consumers towards markets is also changing.

Stratus Technologies, a leader in simplified, protected, autonomous Edge Computing platforms, has announced that Schneider Electric has released EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre architectures standardised on Stratus Edge Computing platforms to accelerate the move of traditional data centre capabilities to the factory floor.

Leading machine builders estimate that 20% of their revenue will come from digital services in 5 years. What’s your vision and plan?

The 2021 “Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Robotics & Automation” (IERA) has been awrded to PixelPaint technology of ABB. Two high-precision robots make car painting faster, more sustainable and flexible – helping manufacturers to efficiently respond to individual demands. Two-tone and customised designs are applied in one pass. The technology eliminates overspray benefitting the environment.

Moxa has announced it has added the SDS-3016 Series to its Red Dot award-winning product family. The new addition includes Gigabit uplink, eight additional ports, and an easy-to-configure Industrial Automation (IA)-profile that allows automation engineers to quickly process the increasing amounts of data within the smart manufacturing industry.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has set up the Global Lighthouse Network — a group of 69 factories that form a shining example of superior technology integration and optimised processes.  With the fourth industrial revolution well underway, facilities other than Lighthouse factories must also invest in equipment that can bring them up to speed. Here, Stewart Goulding, managing director at precision drive system supplier, Electro Mechanical Systems Ltd, explores how powerful and high precision micromotors can advance automated equipment.

Christian Bergdahl, product marketing manager at HMS Industrial Networks, a member of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), explains why the technology is a gamechanger and how the company is getting ready to launch its first TSN compatible products.

Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation explains how to achieve intelligent automation by combining process automation with artificial intelligence.

The Scalance MUM856-1 – the first industrial 5G router from Siemens – is available now. The device connects local industrial applications to public 5G, 4G (LTE), and 3G (UMTS) mobile wireless networks. The router can be used to remotely monitor and service plants, machines, control elements, and other industrial devices via a public 5G network – flexibly and with high data rates. Demand for this type of solution is growing in industry. In addition, the device can be integrated into private 5G networks. The Scalance MUM856-1 therefore supports future-oriented applications such as mobile robots in manufacturing, autonomous vehicles in logistics or augmented reality applications for service technicians. Thanks to a robust IP65 housing, the router can also be used outside the control cabinet, for example under harsh conditions in production or in outdoor facilities in the water industry.

Whenever "Big Data" is mentioned, most people think of social media or the analysis of customer behaviour in online commerce. However, strategic data analysis is also gaining momentum in the production environment.

 In a new report on the warehouse automation service market, research company Interact Analysis has revealed that soaring growth in the warehouse automation equipment market is causing parallel growth in the market for service contracts – worth $4.3bn in 2020 and projected to grow to $8.7bn by 2025.

Big data is transforming a variety of sectors, ushering them into the era of Industry 4.0. However, having access to raw data and knowing what to do with it are at completely different ends of the digitalisation spectrum.

Companies who have had the ability to diversify their product offerings over the last twelve months have reaped the benefits by having a serious competiive advantage, but why are so many manufacturers struggling to adapt? Martyn Williams explains.

Greg Wainhouse, field segment manager for Water at Bürkert explains how to optimise process control integration.

Barry Weller, Solutions Marketing Manager – OEM at Mitsubishi Electric, looks at how to identify what type of robot best suits your application and how to integrate it.

Jon Divers, customer service director, Jungheinrich UK considers the creation of a smart workforce and the evolving skillset for the material handling and logistics engineers of tomorrow.

Optima Automation has announcd it has recently completed a comprehensive system to assemble blood collection tubes, including the dosing of additives.

ABB has announced it has launched a new condition monitoring digital service and says it is tailor-made for predictive maintenance of conveyor belts

As the economies reopen from the pandemic, Asia, Europe and America adjust their robotics research funding programs (R&D). What are the targets of the officially driven government programs today? This has been researched by the International Federations of Robotics and published in the 2021 update paper of “World Robotics R&D Programs”.

Paessler AG, an IT monitoring specialist, has announced a partnership with Rhebo to provide joint customers with all-round monitoring of their IT and OT environments.

SME manufacturers, supported by Made Smarter in their drive to digitalise, are up-skilling over 1800 workers to create the teams of tomorrow.Smart Machines & Factories reports.

Innovative automation projects for manufacturers 

Robot Shuttles are not Robotaxis, Explains IDTechEx

The time to market for automation system design and development has reportedly decreased by up to 80% for a control technology specialist following the introduction of a comprehensive electrical system design package.

Tork, an Essity brand, is launching a new guide to “kaizen” that aims to help businesses implement a culture of continuous improvement. Kaizen is the Japanese management theory which advocates that all employees be engaged in the improvement of a business. It offers important learnings for industries looking to increase productivity and is further supported by a new study among machine operators.

Everyone’s talking about Industry 4.0 nowadays. It’s a hot topic for society, politics and the economy. But what about digitisation in metal-working companies? What does it mean for joining technology with its various welding processes? What is the impact of digital networking on systems and components and how do companies stand to benefit? The focus here is on cost effectiveness and competitiveness.

New servo drive technology completes Beckhoff portfolio supporting smaller, modular plant designs 

The UK’s leading manufacturing and engineering event returns for its 12th year, reuniting the supply chain to learn, network, discover and innovate, forging the future across multiple sectors.

Supporting safe and sustainable energy operations through increasing predictability in safety, production time and quality, are at the forefront of a new collaborative agreement, announced recently by global engineering and technology consultancy, Vysus Group.

Some of the world’s biggest companies are coming up with cutting-edge technology such as automated warehousing solutions to streamline all sorts of tasks, from picking and packing to greeting visitors. In this article, Neil Balligner, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, showcases three examples of futuristic, highly automated projects that could inspire the manufacturers of today.

Automation specialist calls on UK manufacturers to strengthen efficiency in their operations 

Arrow’s new services accelerate time-to-production for complex designs with large software element

Vaisala, a  leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, has announced it has introduced an easy-to-install wireless carbon dioxide measurement solution to simplify incubator monitoring and enable cost savings for customers.

Half of manufacturers now have their sights set on digital transformation initiatives to enhance their operational performance as business begin to rebound from COVID-19, according to research from InfinityQS.

IQ Motion Control designs and delivers high performance motor modules for robotic and industrial applications. The company says its proprietary technology was born out of the University of Pennsylvania’s robotics lab and combines unique hardware designs with innovative calibration and control software to achieve high end motor performance at an affordable cost.

CEVA, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEVA), a leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies, has announced that Sequans Communications, a leading provider of 5G/4G chips and modules for IoT, has licensed the PentaG 5G New Radio (NR) IP to power its upcoming 5G platform.

Sony Europe has announced its IMX500 image sensors with AI processing functionality are at the core of three smart city trials being run by Envision in the municipality of Rome. These are intended to cut the city’s transport-related pollution and accidents at pedestrian crossings.

The need to keep automotive production lines running at their optimum performance requires that the machinery and equipment used in those lines should be doing the same. Smart Machines & Factories looks at at how condition-based maintenance can help make sure that those robots most in need of attention on a factory floor receive the care they need to keep them in good working order.

Unlike many of our European counterparts, the UK has been slow to automate. But a perfect storm of Brexit and Covid-19 is set to fast-track our robotics revolution. Here, David Jahn, director of Brillopak, explains how 2021 is poised to become the year that robotic arms finally replace human hands at food manufacturing sites’ end of line packing operations…

David Bean looks at the fundamental aspects that need to be considered, including suitable system level design, risk management, system intrusion detection and automation platform vulnerability management.

The EPSRC UK Robotics & Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS Network) has announced the inaugural programme for the UK Festival of Robotics – a brand new 7-day celebration set to boost public engagement in robotics and intelligent systems.

Industrial metrology supplier The Sempre Group has partnered with advanced metrology solutions provider DWFritz Automation.

Senseye, a leading industry AI driven asset health management company, has announced the availability of Senseye PdM in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Senseye customers can now take advantage of the trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management.

Wireless strain bridge measurement doesn’t have to be an expensive undertaking 

The new moneo starter kit from ifm electronic reportedly provides everything needed for users to start exploring and enjoying the benefits of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape for the industrial robot market is undergoing significant change. Automotive is a key sector for the industrial robotics industry due to its size and the high level of automation in the industry.

A pilot project that will enable a digital transformation of monitoring of critical electrical systems at the Gina Krog platform in the North Sea, has begun through the collaboration between ABB and Equinor.

In the words of American author and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, “complexity is the enemy of execution”.

The future potential of process control systems - By Matt Hale, international sales & marketing director, HRS Heat Exchangers

As the digital transformation of industry continues to advance, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) could become a must-have for the factories of the future. While this technology offers advanced capabilities able to enhance production, it is not a standalone solution. In fact, TSN is part of the Ethernet standards and still needs upper-level protocols to support industrial automation applications effectively. So what will be the future relationship between TSN and these higher level protocols?

Asite, a leading digital transformation platform, has launched a new report examining the foundations required to build and implement a valuable digital twin.

The companies will manufacture a new and advanced welding robot vehicle for shipyards

Knowing the health of your important assets is critical to achieving production and business goals. Gary Ingram, sales manager for reliability solutions at Emerson, explains how edge analytics devices are helping to simplify the implementation of online monitoring systems.

 Lubrication-free tribo-polymer iglidur I8-ESD enables the cost-effective manufacture of durable special parts with no minimum order quantity