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How large language models can boost industrial automation

ChatGPT demonstrates the potential impact that large language models could have on the way people interact with machines. According to Boston Consulting Group, generative AI will surely bring about a boost in productivity from people and machines working together; and there is no place where people and machines interact more than in industrial automation segments. Aurelien Le Sant, Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric explains further

BCAS appoints Steven Rohan as new President

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Steven Rohan as its new president.

Industrial networking experts discuss trends in network connectivity

The recent Talking Industry panel discussion, sponsored by the Drives & Controls Exhibition, delved into the intricacies of network connectivity in the industrial sector. The discussion, which featured seasoned experts David Bradley-Foley, Managing Director of HMS Networks, UK and Ireland, and John Browett, General Manager of CC-Link Partner Association Europe, highlighted several key trends shaping the landscape of industrial communications

Major European provider of industrial liquid bulk products and gases joins EEMUA

Rubis Terminal has become the latest company to join EEMUA, the international membership body for companies that own and operate industrial facilities or that are significant purchasers or users of engineering equipment and materials.

Leeds Manufacturing Festival 2024: expanded programme of events addresses recruitment and future skills challenges

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival returns this month with an extended, year-round programme of events highlighting career opportunities for young people in the region’s manufacturing sector.

Celebrating 45 years

January 2024 was Electro-Wind’s 45th Anniversary. Whilst the first generation started and developed the business for 20 years, the next generation, the current Directors, have been committed to leading the company’s growth for the last 25 years.

ESG efforts recognised by Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

OMRON has announced it has been listed within the top 97% among peer sector companies on the globally recognised Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World*1), an SRI (socially responsible investment*2) stock price index.

Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2024

Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, will hold this year’s National Manufacturing Conference, in London on Tuesday 27 February 2024. The flagship annual event at the QEII Conference Centre, Westminster will once again bring together leading politicians, senior industrialists, and manufacturing innovators against a challenging landscape of high energy prices, supply chain pressures and an uncertain economic climate.

Digital Catapult launches Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator to propel hydrogen technology into UK's industrial landscape

Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, has announced five pioneering UK businesses chosen for a new Hydrogen Sensor Accelerator Programme.

Special Chambers of Commerce event

Visku, a supply chain consulting and warehouse solutions provider, has announced it hosted a special event for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) at its Wellingborough HQ on 24th January where Jonathan Reynolds, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade, set out Labour’s plan for small businesses.

Four NI companies prepare to lead the way in Smart Manufacturing

Four Northern Ireland manufacturing companies are preparing to transform their production operations and improve their output, after graduating from the latest Digital Catapult Smart Nano NI Accelerator Programme. Following the completion of the programme, it is hoped that by adopting new digital solutions these four companies will further accelerate smart manufacturing in Northern Ireland.

Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech return for 2024 showcase

Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech, alongside Drives & Controls, will be taking place at the NEC on June 5th and 6th as part of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024. Readers of Plant & Works Engineering will find much of interest among the new technology and educational content both in these 2 events  and in the adjoined Smart Factory Expo, Maintec and Design Engineering Expo events. PWE takes a closer look at what visitors can expect.

New MTA President's Charity

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) traditionally support two charities during the year and for the first time, the President’s Charity has been chosen as the Children’s Hospital Charity, supporting Sheffield Children's Hospital to provide world-class care to children from all over the world.

Pump maintenance – ignore it at your peril

Regular pump system maintenance is essential to prevent significant cost and reputational issues. Thomas Marks, General Manager at the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) looks at several issues that poor pump maintenance can lead to and outlines some of the key steps that can be taken to minimise the chance of them emerging.

Atlas Copco Group launches new identity

Atlas Copco Group has launched a new identity, including a new Group logo, a new visual identity, and a new Group message: Technology that transforms the future.

Made Smarter-backed Spice Kitchen targets £2m sales and new jobs with tech investment

A manufacturer of spice products says it is forecast to double productivity and sales to £2m and create new jobs after investing in data and systems technologies, with the support of Made Smarter.

Remanufacturing bearings: How to yield economic and environmental benefits

Chris Johnson, Managing Director at bearing relubrication specialist SMB Bearings, explores how the remanufacturing process can yield economic and environmental benefits

Designing an energy-efficient compressed air system

With energy accounting for a significant proportion of the cost of ownership of a compressed air system, operators will want to ensure their equipment is optimised for best performance. Vanda Jones, Executive Director at the British Compressed Air Society discusses the importance of good compressed air system design in helping to mitigate for rising energy costs.

Industrial servicing tackles throwaway culture by focusing on circular economics

Circular economics is going to be a key focus for global businesses in 2024, according to the President of ABB Electrification Service, Stuart Thompson.

Talking Industry: Developments in robotics and automation

Held on 14 November, the last Talking Industry of 2023 revisited one of its most popular topics of robotics and automation, chaired Andy Pye.

Industry 4.0 on-premise data intelligence platform launched

SICK has launched an Industry 4.0 on-premise data intelligence platform that enables manufacturing and logistics organisations to optimise their operating performance. SICK Field Analytics can be quickly and easily set up to provide meaningful, application-specific condition monitoring and process insights, independently of an organisation’s existing machinery and systems.

Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony recognises pupils’ innovation

School pupils, university students and engineers travelled to London this week for the highly prestigious Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal Award Ceremony to receive recognition for their work in creating a Prototype based on a school pupils engineering idea.

West Cumbria well-placed for growth

Businesses, industry, academia and communities in West Cumbria are reported to be well-placed to work together to maximise a wealth of opportunities.

Southern Manufacturing is back!

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2024 will open its doors again from 6-8 February. PWE takes a closer look at the forthcoming show.

Oil free compressed air: Factors to consider

Avoiding process contamination is a necessity for any hygienic application using compressors – ranging from the food and beverage sector, to pharmaceuticals to sensitive electronic environments. Claudia Vignelli, Product Manager Plant Air Centrifugal Compressors Ingersoll Rand, explores the variety of factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate oil-free compressed air technology.

Sustainable approach allows Remembrance poppy to be automatically assembled faster and more efficiently

Rockwell Automation has announced that its automation technology sits at the heart of new machines that assemble the Royal British Legion’s new plastic-free poppy.

Optimising control valve specification

Greg Wainhouse, Industry Account Manager for Water Applications at Bürkert, explains the importance of reviewing input data for control valve specification

ABB’s Amina Hamidi wins Industry Personality of the Year in Instrumentation Excellence Awards

Amina Hamidi, Managing Director of ABB’s Instrumentation Business Line within the Measurement & Analytics Division, was named Industry Personality of the Year at this year’s Instrumentation Excellence Awards. The award was presented at a ceremony in London organised by Instrumentation Monthly publisher Datateam Business Media.

Is your cooling system ready for winter?

Dave Palmer, General Manager for the UK at ICS Cool Energy asks: Is your cooling system ready for winter?

Advanced Engineering introduces new sustainability practices

Advanced Engineering Exhibition is taking significant steps to make this year’s show more sustainable, which is taking place between November 1 to 2 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Made Smarter-backed manufacturers deliver £242m economic boost for North West

A pioneering programme helping North West manufacturers invest in industrial digital technology is forecast to create more than 1,550 new jobs and boost the region’s economy by £242m, new figures reveal.

New coils increase solenoid valve energy efficiency by 80%

New coil technology for solenoid valves can increase energy efficiency by up to 80%. Bürkert’s Kick and Drop valve coils save significant cost by reducing energy use and extending service life. The increased efficiency also optimises environmental sustainability. With a low maximum operating temperature, the coils enhance safety and remove the potential of electrical overheating. The 3-in-1 design, covering various voltage inputs, also streamlines inventory management.

Global companies among University’s 2023 ‘AI-for-good’ accelerator programme

An African agricultural business which helps the continent’s farmers increase crop yields is among the 13 cohort companies announced for this year’s University of Edinburgh AI Accelerator (AIA). The programme has selected a group of emerging companies from Scotland, the UK and other parts of the globe which are focused on using ‘AI (artificial intelligence) for good.’

Why engineers should be at the heart of capex decisions

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers

UK Construction Week Birmingham shines spotlight on the Midlands

With just a month to go until the doors open, UK Construction Week Birmingham will feature a dedicated focus to the sector on its very doorstep - the West Midlands.

Prioritising energy performance when designing a compressed air system

Cliff Warne, BCAS Executive Director explores the importance of compressed air system design to ensure energy performance is optimised, highlighting the various options available to calculate the annual running cost of an air compressor, while also advising on how best to design an energy-saving system

Thermal Oxidisers: Efficient odour abatement

Etienne Fourie, Technical Sales Manager at Babcock Wanson, explains the use of Thermal Oxidisers in the food industry

Making industrial furnaces more energy-efficient

With industrial furnaces being one of the biggest energy consumers, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are investing in research and development to create more energy-efficient solutions. Chris Johnson* explains why high-temperature bearings will be crucial in making industrial furnaces more energy-efficient

Ultrasonic sensor is a versatile all-rounder

SICK has announced it has added the UC40, a powerful and compact cube sensor, to its market-leading family of ultrasonic sensors. The company says the SICK UC40 sets the standard for wide-ranging ultrasonic detection duties up to 5m. Equipped with push-lock mounting and IO-Link, it can be quickly integrated in machinery, on conveyors and on automated mobile vehicles.

Ambitious 2030 global growth strategy

RSK, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, says it will nearly quadruple its turnover from this year’s £1.2 billion to more than £5 billion in 2030, doubling its family of environmental and engineering businesses from 200 and 400.

Entry deadline fast approaching

Time is running out to prepare and submit nominations for the 2023 AEMT Awards Programme. With the final entry date set as 5pm on Friday 8 September, the AEMT again looks forward to recognising and rewarding business and professional excellence across the electrical and mechanical repair sector.

Managed Security Services for operational environments

Schneider Electric, has announced it has launched a Managed Security Services (MSS) offering to help customers in operational technology (OT) environments address the increased cyber risk associated with the demand for remote access and connectivity technologies.

New partnership announced

RARUK Automation has announced a new partnership with Vention and says t The new deal will enable RARUK Automation to offer Vention’s high-quality, custom framework solutions for robots to UK customers.

Major multi-million-dollar manufacturing contract

ASG Tooling has announced a recent major contract award win with Airbus. The company says the contract, worth $2.4 million, solidifies its position as a trusted partner in the aerospace industry and highlights its expertise in providing innovative solutions for complex transport container requirements for both land and sea.

MTA appoints a new Acting President.

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), the voice of the UK’s engineering-based manufacturing sector, has appointed a new Acting President.

Applus UK joins EEMUA as Associate

Applus UK is the newest member of EEMUA’s Associate Scheme. The company’s Tank Inspection Team falls within scope of the Associate status.

AEMT announces new President

At its recent AGM, the Association for Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) announced the appointment of James Stevens as its new honorary President, taking over the position from outgoing President, Central Group Director Shaun Sutton.

Young engineers get tooled up

Electromechanical repair specialist, Fletcher Moorland, has announced it has launched an initiative to support the younger generation entering engineering, design, and manufacturing careers.

TI Live delivers successful learning experience

The inaugural Talking Industry Live conference took place at the MTC on 25 April. Moving from its on-line format to a physical version, the event started with a keynote session dedicated to a case study in digital transformation, followed by three themed discussions. Chair Andy Pye takes a look back over the day.

Future Lab to return to UKCW Birmingham

Robotics, sustainability and productivity will all be highlighted in Future Lab at UKCW Birmingham this October - a showcase of technology, disruptors and change-makers who are at the leading edge of innovation in the industry.