With challenges to traditional agricultural approaches continuing, including a reduced workforce, the sector will increasingly rely on robotics and automation. This shift is raising the dependence on motion systems, based around DC motor technology, to power these new agricultural systems. maxon's Martin Leahy explains.

At Hannover Messe 2024, Siemens unveiled the first generative AI product tailored for engineering in an industrial environment, called the Siemens Industrial Copilot. Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how the shift from theory to practical application of generative AI-powered tools will benefit engineers.

PLCs can survive for over 20 years. But although the component parts of a PLC, such as central processing units (CPUs) and power supply units (PSUs), boast long lifespans, components such as input/output (I/O) modules and communication modules are not so robust. Tom Cash, director of automation parts supplier Foxmere, explains how engineers can ensure PLCs last for their expected duration.

With Make UK revealing that we've dropped out of the top 10 manufacturing nations for the first time (down to 12th), our position is vulnerable unless we significantly increase our level of automation. Oliver Selby, Head of Sales for FANUC UK, outlines six key design considerations for seamless automation integration.

Across process applications, maintenance teams are in a constant battle to maintain operational productivity and minimise downtime. Although maintenance team resources are often stretched, implementing data-driven diagnostics can enhance their capabilities, as Burkert Industry Manager, Greg Wainhouse, explains.

As advanced product inspection technology takes centre stage, food manufacturers are rethinking how they harness the full potential of their workforce. Kati Hope, Global Account Manager at Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection looks at how to balance people and production technology to achieve maximum production efficiency.

250 years ago, American inventor Oliver Evans laid the foundation for mass production with the first fully automated flour mill, powered by water and mostly made of wood. While technology has advanced significantly, success in automation still looks the same today as it did in Evans' time, says Tom Cash at automation parts supplier Foxmere, who explains the integration of technology for quality assurance.

With the final implementation deadline for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA 204) set for January 2026, organisations have a significant opportunity to align compliance with the global industry move to 2D barcodes at the point-of-sale. By integrating these two initiatives, not only will brands stand to streamline changes and avoid additional interruption, but they can extend the benefits of traceability beyond mere compliance, as Adem Kulauzovic, Director of Automation at Domino Printing Sciences, explores.

Efficient weight controls and checkweighing systems on bakery production lines are integral to meeting consumer expectations. To ensure compliance with net weight regulations, processors need to identify under or overweight packages. Daniel Shail, Applications Engineer at Fortress Technology Europe explains why this is so imperative.

Staubli's Simon Jenkins looks at how comprehensive training, combined with tailored application support, can help mitigate the current skills shortages which threaten to slow the introduction of the technologies which are essential to achieve the productivity levels needed to support growth.