Features

Automation lets the good times roll

Mitsubishi Electric has supported Optimation, a machine builder specialist in the packaging and converting industries, in an automated till roll packing system upgrade project. The improved setup combines a MELSEC iQ-F PLC, MR-J4 servos as well as a GOT2000 series HMI, doubling the speed of operations while maximising availability and durability.

The key to successfully managing large IT environments with centralised monitoring

Managing the monitoring, resilience and complexity of a large IT environment can be a real challenge. Centralised monitoring can help to achieve this.

Riding the wave of tidal power

Comprising more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface, water plays a vital role in everything from cleaning and sanitation to processing food and drinking. It is also capable of supporting renewable energy generation, with hydropower and tidal power being underutilised in the UK. Here, Beth Ragdale, Product Manager at Beckhoff Automation UK, explains the role of automation technologies in improving tidal energy generation.

Industry 4.0 comes out of its Shell

Industry 4.0 is revolutionising manufacturing. Remarkable changes are taking place – often behind the scenes – to turn expectations into reality. Steve Sands, Head of Product Management at Festo, explains why the unassumingly named Asset Administration Shell is so crucial to delivering the Industry 4.0 vision.

More Features

Keeping smart security devices safe from harm(28/07/2021)

The smart home security segment continues to grow, with worldwide shipments of devices reaching 801.5 million units in 2020 – an increase of 4.5 percent over 2019 – and predicted to surpass 1.4 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 12.2 percent.
“It’s a race now”: Casting off the ‘Dirty, Dangerous & Dull’ with cobots(27/07/2021)

DPA’s Assistant Editor, Sophia Bell, talked to Mark Gray, UK Country Manager at Universal Robots, about how automation can help address the problem of labour shortages in the wake of Brexit and COVID-19, the key benefits of cobots, and the race to remain competitive on the world stage.
Zimmer Group’s gripper technology automates the cleaning of sterile glass vials(20/07/2021)

Modern automation technology has for some time now played a key role within the sensitive production areas of the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The standards for the components, robots and automation systems used within these sectors are some of the most stringent.
How to improve sustainability and energy consumption with robotics(20/07/2021)

In manufacturing, the adoption of robotics helps improve sustainability and energy consumption, thereby enhancing companies’ reputation while improving their competitiveness. Here Neil Ballinger, Head of EMEA at EU Automation, explains how robotics not only improves sustainability but also benefits businesses’ bottom line.
Smart monitoring and IIoT technologies improve onshore wind turbine uptime(20/07/2021)

Operators of onshore wind turbines are always looking to maximise power output and profitability. Therefore, any tool that can reduce turbine maintenance requirements and improve reliability is incredibly useful. To deliver these benefits, Altra Renewables has employed IIoT technology to provide smart monitoring of onshore wind turbine braking systems, which improves turbine reliability while simultaneously increasing uptime.