Machine Building

Guidelines for ethical robot design

In The Matrix, a lack of robot ethics leads to the destruction of the human race, with robots enslaving humans in a simulated reality. Despite it being a prolific cinematic theme, robot ethics has not been discussed much in industry until now. However, the most recent technological advancements in the field have led to the introduction of a new UK standard for robot designers. Leroy Spence, head of sales development at EU Automation, explains the new standard and the impact on industry.

1st November 2016

Being smart about smart meters

"Who's left this TV on again?" You can almost hear the cries of dads all around the country as they realise their home smart meter is showing a spike in energy consumption. It's not just dads either. Energy companies are currently promoting smart meters as a way for consumers to reduce their energy costs. But did you know these can also be used in industry? However, as Steve Hughes, managing director of power quality specialist REO UK explains, they must be used effectively.

31st October 2016

Meeting systems integration challenges of pharma manufacturing

The convergence of several key trends is placing new demands on pharmaceutical automation systems. That's why it is essential to have the right partner at your side.

27th October 2016

Choosing the right touchscreen

Touchscreen technology has come a long way since it was first used in 1966 in a radar screen used by the Royal Radar Establishment (RRE) for air traffic control. Despite it being bulky, slow, imprecise and very expensive, it was in use until the 1990s. Since then, consumers have come to expect quick and responsive touchscreens, which are increasingly used in industrial environments. Here, Noel Sheppard, director of Distec Ltd, explains how companies can choose between projected capacitance (PCAP) and resistive touchscreen technologies.

26th October 2016

Lifting is going wireless

New wireless control technologies are being adopted by manufacturers and users of cranes and other lifting equipment. Tony Ingham of Sensor Technology Ltd explains the advantages and looks at how the field is developing.

25th October 2016

Retrofit your way to Industry 4.0

The English language has the phrase: "˜you can't have your cake and eat it too'. Put simply, this phrase means that you can't have it both ways. However, it is possible to retrofit while migrating to Industry 4.0. As industrial plant managers struggle with aging infrastructure and strict regulations, they're looking for cost-effective ways to upgrade. With industry trends such as Industry 4.0 on the rise, many engineers may consider retrofitting a step backwards. In reality, system retrofits can contribute to improved communication and optimised production, resulting in a cost and energy efficient factory where you can eat as much cake as you like. Here Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of EU Automation, discusses issues to consider when retrofitting in your migration to Industry 4.0.

25th October 2016

The truth about data integrity in pharma

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long emphasised the importance of reliable data in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Despite this clear recommendation, recent FDA reports have highlighted an increase in data integrity violations during several recent current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) inspections. Here, Lee Sullivan, Regional Manager at HMI/SCADA software expert COPA-DATA UK, explores three data integrity pitfalls to which pharmaceutical manufacturers are most vulnerable.

25th October 2016

Protection from cyberattacks without compromising machine safety

This article from Pilz discusses how production machinery can be protected from cyberattacks without compromising safety.

24th October 2016

Safe speed monitoring - standards and ways to implement it

Dr Martin Kidman, a Safety Specialist at Sick UK, discusses safe speed monitoring, the requirements in the relevant machinery safety standards, and ways to implement safe speed monitoring.

21st October 2016

The five golden rules of PLC specification

With so many choices and configurations available to the user, how should you go about selecting the correct controller for your application? Mitsubishi Electric product manager Hugh Tasker offers his five golden rules for PLC specification.

18th October 2016