It’s show time

Welcome to the latest issue of Industrial Plant & Equipment, a very special issue because as well as our usual mix of informative articles and innovative technology, it includes our annual maintenance supplement with an in-depth preview of Maintec - the reliability event. 

5G is almost here but security concerns persist

5G was one of the headline themes at this year’s Hannover Messe in Germany, the industrial trade fair which took place from the 1st to 5th April, which featured a large-scale 5G testbed where network equipment providers demonstrated the kinds of functionality that the new mobile standard will be able to deliver.  

Focus on fit testing

When specifying Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) which includes Respiratory Protective Devices (RPD) it is important to consider the role of Fit2Fit and the needs of the user in addition to the performance characteristics of the RPE says the BSIF.

Challenges & opportunities lie ahead

Hello and welcome to the first issue of IP&E for 2019 and my first as Editor.

Time to speed up adoption of IIoT?

As Irish manufacturing growth slows – a survey released by IHS Markit showed that the rise in output, employment growth and new-order growth all slowed in December – maximising manufacturing efficiency by exploiting the latest techniques and technologies is more important than ever.

CE is no guarantee

CE markings are no guarantee of safety, according to Neil Hewitt, divisional director, Quality and Technical Standard at Arco. Here, he discusses the potential risks for your business

Millions wasted due to R&D blind spot, according to new research

More than 8 in 10 engineering and building firms could be eligible for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief on new products and services, but only 39% of them have ever claimed, according to specialist tax relief firm Catax. Here, the company explains more 

Should robots be taxed?

There has been talk in some quarters about a potential tax on automation and robotics, Here, Nigel Smith, managing director of Toshiba Machine partner, TM Robotics, explains why he believes slowing down the machine economy would lead to a productivity disaster. 

AI vs human involvement

Heiko Luckhaupt, industry sector marketing manager of RS Components, looks at AI and considers the benefits it will offer in light of an ever-changing modern workforce

Shining the spotlight on high-tech, automated systems in support of Industrial Strategy

The formation of the Food & Drink Sector Council, as part of the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, has been welcomed by automation specialists and according to Endoline Machinery, it will underpin a positive change for the UK’s manufacturing outlook.