Building small energy savings into sustainability win for data centres
1 day agoAs digital infrastructure expands to support AI, cloud computing and continuous connectivity, sustainability is becoming a defining challenge for data centre operators. Electrically actuated valves represent a meaningful opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact, as Greg Wainhouse, Burkert's Regional Business Development Manager for Industrial Water, North Europe, explains.
Packaging automation is no longer just about speed
1 day agoWith more than 60% of UK manufacturers increasing investment in automation, end-of-line packaging systems are evolving far beyond traditional throughput-focused machinery as manufacturers look to improve productivity, operational resilience and flexibility within increasingly complex production environments. Andrew Yates, Managing Director at Endoline Automation, explains.
Turn your motors into strategic intelligence: reduce risk, cut costs, and predict failure before it happens
4 days agoElectric motors can now act as their own sensors, using built-in data to monitor performance and spot issues early, says the experts at maxon. This removes the need for extra hardware, simplifies systems, and helps teams prevent downtime, reduce costs, and improve reliability through smarter, predictive maintenance.
Grid congestion forces machine builders to rethink energy use
4 days agoGrid congestion is becoming a practical constraint for industrial investment and machine design, particularly in the UK, where long waiting times for new connections and structural capacity limits are already affecting production plans, for machine builders, Lenze argues that this means a shift in priorities.
RS DesignSpark announces Arduino UNO Q Community Challenge winner
5 days agoRS Group has announced the winner of RS DesignSpark's Prove it: Arduino UNO Q Community Challenge as Biaou David Barthelemy Kochoni. He has scooped the $5,000 prize for his innovative project, Smart Water Guardian AI, which addresses an issue affecting communities worldwide - access to safe water.
Laser triangulation sensors measure the thickness of metal wheel rims
4 days agoIn the production of metal wheels using the flow-forming process, it is necessary to check the thickness distribution on the round body after each deformation step. This helps to comply with the target dimensions, ensuring high product quality and cost-effectiveness. For this measurement task, the manufacturer uses optoNCDT laser triangulation sensors from Micro-Epsilon.
OSSD safety switches from Mechan Controls
5 days agoThe O-Type range from Mechan Controls combines over 50 years of design experience with the latest in machine guard safety technology. Perfect for applications where guard-locking is not required, these switches deliver long life, high reliability, and advanced diagnostics.
Surge protection for the busbar with integrated voltage pick-off
14 days agoThe new FLT-SEC-ZP2-…-SV combined lightning current and surge arrester from Phoenix Contact is said to set new standards in the protection of meter panels. The low overall width of the surge protection leaves plenty of space for the other components mounted on the busbar.
Rockwell Automation expands EtherNet/IP In-cabinet solution
22 days agoRockwell Automation has announced new capabilities of its EtherNet/IP In-cabinet Solution, expanding support for additional motor control and protection devices. The update enables manufacturers to connect more components inside the control panel, simplify wiring and gain deeper diagnostic insight, without redesigning their existing architecture.
The perfect option is almost never available
12 days agoThe best available option. That's not the same as perfect. The best available option is always available. Perfect almost never is. Here, Peter Swanson, Executive Chair and Founder of adhesives specialist Intertronics, explains why perfect should never be the enemy of good when selecting an adhesive for your application.
Cam screws with clamping lever for switching workpieces swiftly
19 days agoThe new cam screws with clamping lever from norelem are an ideal choice when it comes to clamping without tools, for instance in assembly and laser areas that require frequent workpiece changes. Simply flick the lever, and your workpiece is clamped.
Industrial Technology Magazine - Spring 2026
Cover Story
2 Meet the Festo Virtual Assistant: built for engineers, driven by AI.
Industrial update
8 Sentiment is mixed over the Industrial Strategy
10 Simplifying motor, drive, and PLC selection for any application
12 Smart position control for aircraft hanger doors
14 The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542: What changes?
16 Are primers essential or can they be avoided?
18 A preventative standard rather than a last resort
20 Adhesives streamline production for UK composite panel manufacturer
22 The small spring that solves big bearing problems
24 Arc flash: a hidden danger in switchgear panels
26 Why fire protection enclosures are essential in data centres
Machine building
29 How to select an electric linear actuator for speed
30 Building better machines
32 The emergence of Europe’s next industrial revolution
34 Keeping full control
36 Extra services help make the most of components
38 Why ISO standards matter in the real world
40 Reducing downtime risks and total cost of ownership
42 Why high-stress automation needs innovative cable design
44 Buying a robot is not a strategy
