In an ideal world, every component in a machine or system would be specified by a knowledgeable engineer, in consultation with a product specialist, and installed exactly as intended. In reality, pressures on time and budget can result in design engineers sourcing safety components from online catalogues, only to realise too late that the product was a poor fit. Blake Shields of Tapeswitch explains how consultation at the outset can provide the best outcome.

Across motion control applications, encoders are a common choice to provide feedback over position, direction, and speed. A key aspect of their specification is the selection of an incremental or an absolute encoder type. This decision directly affects system performance, determining whether the controller can rely on relative motion tracking, or if immediate knowledge of absolute position is required. Gerard Bush, engineer at motion specialist INMOCO, explains.

In today's industrial landscape, precise, reliable and flexible automation solutions are key to competitiveness. Sensors play a central role here, providing the data on which all control and optimisation processes are based. However, traditional sensor technology is increasingly reaching its limits, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.

While IE5 is currently the official benchmark for motor efficiency, WEG has already set its sights on IE9. But wait - aren't we still working towards official classification of IE6? Marek Lukaszczyk from WEG explores what lies ahead for motor efficiency standards.

From small-scale food producers to tier-one automotive suppliers, a growing number of businesses are investing in robotics to boost efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, address labour shortages and enhance health and safety. Oliver Selby, Head of Sales, FANUC UK, highlights three key robotic trends for 2026 that are set to take industrial automation to the next level…

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.

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.

Web tension control is fundamental to applications such as printing, packaging, and textiles processing. To achieve a high-quality process, and maintain rapid throughput, precise control over the tension and speed of the material is vital. Gerard Bush, engineer at INMOCO, explains the common architecture of a web tension control application and highlights the crucial aspects required in its motion coordination.

When it comes to precise motion control and high torque transmission in minimal space, strain wave gear technology is the pinnacle. Darko Lukic, Head of Development Gears at maxon, explains the advantages that the technology provides for applications that demand precision.

Industrial machines are often built to operate reliably for decades. However, many of the electronic components used in them, PLCs, drives, HMIs, servo amplifiers and more, go through much shorter product lifecycles. When an automation manufacturer discontinues a product range, the challenge for machine builders and end users is keeping long-serving equipment running without interruption, as the experts at CJS Automation explain.