The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) is now a reality - but for industry to benefit fully, all edge devices need autonomous operation and advanced cybersecurity, including the I/O modules that handle streams of data, as Ursula Barr, Offer Manager for PAC and Software, Schneider Electric, explains.

Significant improvements in measurement speed and accuracy of non-contact colour measurement sensors have led to their increased use in many different production processes, including surface finishing applications, says Glenn Wedgbrow, Business Development Manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.

Sayali Shinde, Design Engineer at Portescap, discusses the technology behind inductive sensors.

From assembly lines to food processing facilities, worker safety is always a top priority. Companies are constantly working to protect employees from hazards, but when equipment is outdated or modifications are needed, safety improvements can appear to come with a high price. But as the experts at Fortress Safety explain, enhancing safety doesn't always require expensive modifications.

In food and beverage, the stakes are especially high; a single point of delay can undo the efficiencies achieved everywhere else. Here, Beth Ragdale, software business manager at Beckhoff UK, explains why tackling bottlenecks requires a rethink of traditional production lines, moving beyond purely mechanical fixes to embrace flexible, software-driven solutions.

Andrew Ritchie, technical sales manager at dairy systems integrator Technidrive, explains why manual overrides in three-phase systems are an essential safeguard for the dairy sector.

As the drink manufacturing and bottling industries evolve with growing demand for speed, hygiene, and precision, equipment manufacturers are under increasing pressure to deliver streamlined, efficient, and intelligent solutions, as the experts at Regal Rexnord explain.

Machine builders supplying customers in the European Union will already be aware of the Machinery Directive. Its replacement, the Machine Regulation, comes into force in January 2027 and introduces requirements relating to cybersecurity. However, there is another new piece of European legislation that already has implications for machine builders and system integrators, as Derek Coulson, compliance specialist at Hold Tech Files explains.

From energy-efficient low-friction materials to simplified standardisation strategies, Regal Rexnord's packaging solutions help reduce cost and environmental impact at every stage of the beverage packaging process.