At the end of 2024, the new version of ISO 13855 on the positioning of protective devices on machines was published. The revised version contains amendments and additions to reflect the developments of recent years and the current state of the art. Markus Erdorf, Senior Safety Consultant at Leuze, explains what we need to know about the updated standard.

Rather than isolated technology swaps, the growth in the use of ultra-low voltage motors and drives signals a broader transformation across the motion control industry. As we look ahead, structural market trends and technical advancements are converging, setting the stage for new growth, as Clara Sipes, market analyst at Interact Analysis explains.

In a highly litigated and tightly regulated industry like medical device manufacturing, where processes demand strict validation, is full integration of machine learning into production truly feasible? Several specialists from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag expand on where AI and ML can be usefully applied and why, for process validations in particular, there is still much deep learning to be done.

Shifting consumer expectations mean food manufacturers must adapt not only their formulations, but their equipment too. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains why the smallest components, like industrial bearings, are playing a bigger role in food safety and compliance.

Modern control panels and industrial PCs offer a vast array of configurations, designed to support everything from pick-and-place robots to pharmaceutical filling lines. But what happens when a project pushes beyond even the most adaptable catalogue? Here, Mark Richards, UK sales manager for Beckhoff Automation, explains why custom control panels are becoming increasingly popular.

As the countdown to October's MachineBuilding.Live begins, it is timely to explore some of the themes that are impacting on manufacturing - and thus pertinent to machine builders. Here, we look at the impact of five key areas: artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, robotics, predictive maintenance and safety.

ABB is continuing to expand its integrated motor-drive offering by introducing new products that reach new markets and enable a broader range of applications. The latest development is LV Titanium, a 2-for-1 platform that makes specification and installation of a speed-controlled motor fast and simple. Daniel Eberli (pictured), Business Line Manager, IEC Low Voltage Motors at ABB, explains how these Variable Speed Motors (VSMs) will help customers significantly reduce their energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and cut operational costs.

The increase in scale and complexity of ASRS present a range of technical and operational challenges when selecting and integrating the right interlocking solutions, as the experts at Fortress Safety explain.

Today's machine control solutions demand enhanced flexibility, scalability and a wealth of diagnostic capabilities previously unheard of in industrial safety control systems. The experts at EUCHNER explain how this need is driving a shift towards networked fieldbus-connected safety systems.

By adjusting the pressure settings and using smart scheduling with their compressors, businesses can easily improve energy efficiency, as the experts at Atlas Copco explain.