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Control panels are the heart of industrial automation, housing critical components such as PLCs, HMIs, relays, contactors, drives and power distribution equipment. When a control panel fails or malfunctions, production comes to a halt. Troubleshooting control panels is therefore an essential skill for engineers, electricians and maintenance teams. Common issues in control panels Power supply problems • Blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers or failed power supplies are among t

Industrial robots have become essential to modern manufacturing, from automotive plants to food factories, driving efficiency, quality, and resilience. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, offer a flexible, accessible option for businesses of all sizes. Together, they are redefining automation, with global installations reaching 553,000 units in 2023 (International Federation of Robotics). Boosting Efficiency and Output Industrial robots excel in speed and endurance, operat

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, scaling production efficiently is one of the biggest challenges. Growing demand, tighter delivery schedules and rising quality expectations mean that traditional manual production methods often cannot keep pace. This is where automation, from robotics and PLCs to SCADA systems and digital twins, becomes transformative. Automation does not simply replace manual labour; it enables businesses to expand capacity, improve consistency

In industrial automation, motors are the workhorses that power conveyors, pumps, fans, compressors and countless other machines. However, it is the drives, also known as variable frequency drives (VFDs), variable speed drives (VSDs) or inverters, that transform motors into efficient, controllable and intelligent assets. The importance of drives in motor control cannot be overstated, as they improve performance, save energy, enhance safety and extend equipment life. What are D

The next generation of UK automation companies is transforming how factories operate, combining robotics, digitalisation and intelligent control systems. These emerging firms are agile, innovative and focused on delivering smarter, more efficient manufacturing solutions that meet the demands of Industry 4.0. Geku Automation (Kent) Geku is evolving from a traditional robot integrator into a forward-thinking automation company. It delivers turnkey robotic cells using Cartesian,

Cybersecurity in industrial automation has shifted from a technical detail to a strategic priority. With increasing connectivity, smart factories, and Industry 4.0 adoption, production systems face growing cyber threats. The EU’s NIS 2 Directive and the IEC-62443 standards, particularly IEC-62443-4-2 and IEC-62443-2-4, are shaping how manufacturers, integrators, and suppliers secure industrial control systems (ICS). NIS 2: A Robust Legal Framework The Network and Information

Bristol’s harbour has been central to the city’s identity for centuries. Once a thriving maritime hub for trade and shipbuilding, it...

Britain has a long and proud history of manufacturing, from the pioneering days of the Industrial Revolution to today’s advanced, high-tech production facilities. While global competition has intensified over recent decades, the UK remains one of the world’s leading manufacturing nations. For companies looking to invest, expand or innovate, Britain continues to offer a unique and attractive environment for manufacturing. One of the strongest advantages is the country’s skille

In an era where digitalisation, cloud connectivity and smart devices dominate the conversation, it is easy to assume that the traditional...

With the rise of low-cost computing platforms such as the Raspberry Pi, many engineers and hobbyists have explored their potential in automation projects. At first glance, a Raspberry Pi can seem like an attractive option: it is inexpensive, versatile, and supported by a vast open-source community. However, when it comes to industrial automation, the programmable logic controller (PLC) continues to outperform and outlast alternatives such as the Raspberry Pi. The first and mo

The Siemens S120 servo drive is part of the SINAMICS range of motion control products, designed to provide reliable and flexible drive...

Digital twin technology is now within reach for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not just large corporations. By creating...

In modern engineering, design software is central to how projects are planned, documented and delivered. Among the many tools available, EPLAN has established itself as a leader. From electrical schematics to full-scale control panel design, EPLAN provides the functionality and flexibility that designers need to work efficiently and accurately. A Comprehensive Engineering Platform EPLAN is more than just drawing software. It is a fully integrated engineering platform that sup

Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are pivotal in modern industrial automation. In UK manufacturing, where efficiency, productivity, and...

Industrial automation continues to evolve rapidly, driven by new technologies, shifting global supply chains and increasing demands for...

In modern industry, machinery is the backbone of production. When equipment is maintained properly and control systems are kept up to date, it operates reliably, supports consistent output and reduces the risk of costly stoppages. By focusing on preventative measures and smart upgrades, businesses can avoid machinery breakdowns and extend the working life of their assets. Regular Mechanical Maintenance Every machine relies on its moving parts. Bearings, couplings, belts and g

Unplanned downtime, when production unexpectedly halts, is one of the most damaging threats facing UK manufacturers. The financial...

The power of a PLC does not just come from its hardware, the programming environment defines how engineers design, test and maintain...

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) has been the backbone of industrial automation for decades. While newer technologies...

Compact controllers have evolved well beyond simple relay replacement. Today, mid-tier PLCs pack high-performance CPUs, motion control,...