As 2025 draws to a close, Stephan Pottel, Industry Director, Manufacturing, EMEA at Zebra Technologies, shares some predictions for the year ahead, highlighting advances in AI/ML and edge intelligence, sustainability and supply chain transparency.

Available with full application support from Mclennan in the UK, JVL's new generation MAC series integrated servomotors are available in seven model options for DC or direct-on-line AC operation in 60 mm2 and 80 mm2 frame sizes.

igus is expanding its range of readycable assemblies for moving applications. New to the portfolio are cables with connectors for systems from Keyence, one of the world's leading manufacturers of automation and quality assurance solutions.

Westermo announces the launch of the Ibex-1520 and Ibex-3520 Wi-Fi 7 access points, designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed, secure and reliable connectivity in rail environments, combining next-generation technology with rugged reliability and advanced security features.

Phoenix Contact says its new M17 PRO hybrid connector in accordance with the IEC 61076-2-117 standard is the new benchmark in terms of compatibility and flexibility.

ROLEC's handCASE (IP 66/IP 67) handheld enclosures for machine control, robotics and defence electronics can now be specified with a choice of lids and battery options.

The scanCONTROL 3010-200 laser profile scanners from Micro-Epsilon enable robots to precisely detect and handle flexible cables in real-time. Software synchronises the data from the sensors with the movement of the robot for precise positioning of the cables on the cable harness, providing an efficient and economical application solution.

When machines communicate with each other, robots perform precise movements or wind turbines feed electricity into the grid, it is often powerful connections in the background that make everything possible - such as EPIC connectors from LAPP.

As automation becomes increasingly software-driven, engineering teams are looking to the IT department for guidance. One methodology in particular, DevOps, is beginning to shape how automation systems are developed and maintained, as Beth Ragdale, software business manager at automation and control specialist Beckhoff UK, explains.

A new direct-controlled seat valve from WEBER-HYDRAULIK enables storage-free, load-tight holding functions in dynamic linear units without an additional control pressure supply and offers significant advantages over classic, pilot-controlled solutions, particularly in stationary and servo hydraulics.