After lagging behind their international counterparts for many years, UK manufacturers are finally waking up to the benefits of automation, prompted in part by labour shortages as a result of Brexit and the pandemic. With the vacancy rate reaching a record high of 4.1 at the start of 2022, increasing numbers of firms are now looking to automate their more repetitive or mundane tasks, freeing up employees for more value-added roles. However, in the face of this shift towards automation, UK manufacturers to avoid falling into the trap of prioritising purchase price over total cost of ownership, says Shinichi Tanzawa

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Even smaller UK firms are turning to automation to help tackle skills and recruitment challenges. Robots can help keep the plastic processing sector moving, with minimal human intervention, says Nigel Flowers

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RESEARCHERS AT Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a new form of AI, which can adapt to perform its tasks in a changeable environment by observing human behaviour.

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Fully automatic wood parts inspection from Simon IBV, using IDS industrial cameras, has helped German brush manufacturer Lessman to further automate its production writes Silke v.Gemmingen

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To achieve dramatic improvements in productivity we need to speed up the adoption of industrial automation and robotics, argues a joint report from the MTC, IPRC and Loughborough University.

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At a time when the digital transformation of the intralogistics industry is accelerating, it is essential that maintenance keeps pace, as James Billam explains

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MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC has helped JK Machinery upgrade the design of an automated printing machine to deliver an enhanced, futureproof and cost-effective solution to its customers.

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The last year has seen demand for online deliveries has gone skyward, and retailers have had to adapt rapidly. As a result, automation is becoming fundamental to the warehousing and logistics industry, particularly for online retail products sold in volume

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Billy Sisk explains why digitally transformed businesses are best positioned to react to the challenges of coronavirus

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As we value more bespoke products in both commercial and industrial settings, how can manufacturers ensure they meet demand without compromising on efficiency, cost or quality? Jonathan Wilkins, director at industrial automation parts supplier EU Automation, explores how automation can help manufacturers improve mass customisation.

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Jon Condon, Rockwell Automation Country Director, Ireland, considers some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the industrial sector in Ireland.

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Beyond the recent media controversy, 5G has the potential to bring about a fundamental change in the way manufacturers operate. Here Jonathan Wilkins, director at industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains how 5G can benefit manufacturers.

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Tim Bednall, sales & marketing manager for Wood Automation & Control’s Systems Division, highlights the depth of expertise and talent that UK manufacturers can draw upon to ease the path to automation and, in turn, greater productivity.

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Successfully applying a level of smart manufacturing will bring greater efficiencies and flexibility to any given production process and is a significant step toward ‘futureproofing’ a production enterprise, explains Chris Evans, marketing & operations group manager, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Automation Systems Division.

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Whilst the principles of selective laser hardening are not new, advances in laser technology have made the process more practical for a wider range of applications and an efficient and cost effective method of heat treating ferrous metals. TLM Laser’s director Andy Toms, explains more and looks at the increased efficiency that, he says, results when high powered diode lasers are combined with a mobile laser hardening robot system

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Science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury once said, ‘Living at risk is jumping off a cliff and building your wings on the way down.’ Though this is an inspiring thought, it's unlikely that construction or even cognitive thought would be at the forefront of someone’s mind when faced with a precipice. Sometimes we need a push to tip us over the edge. Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation explores the top three tipping points in the realisation of Industry 4.0.

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In common with most industrial processes, bringing an element of automation to packaging activities can be of great benefit - today's automated packaging equipment is capable of working with various designs and multiple sizes, optimising the packing of small, large, and fragile products in a speedy manner, eliminating human error and helping to ensure zero variation in the packaging process. Charlotte Stonestreet reports

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Although behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, the UK food industry has shown an increased interest in robots over the last 12 months. John Rainer, regional sales manager FANUC UK comments

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New Eiger freezer door installed as business heats up at leading meat packaging company...

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Standard machine elements - suppliers of handwheels, crank handles, lobe knobs, grip knobs, wing knobs, handles, tubular handles, adjustable handles, levers, oil caps, plugs, rotary controls, oil level indicators, filler breathers, levelling feet...

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FLIR Thermal Studio is a thermal image analysis and reporting software designed to manage large sets of thermal images and videos.

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