DAC February 2022

50 CONTENTS n Drives&Controls is a controlled circulation publication. If you live in the UK and want to subscribe phone 0333 577 0801 or fax 0845 604 2327. Alternatively for both UK and overseas subscriptions please subscribe online at www.drivesncontrols.com. If you have any enquiries regarding your subscription, please use these numbers. The content of this magazine, website and newsletters do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or publishers.The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or stored in a retrieval systemwithout the written consent of the publishers. Paid subscriptions UK: £110 per annum Europe: £145 per annum Rest of World: £180 per annum Printing: Warners Midlands PLC., PE10 9PH ISSN 0950 5490 Copyright: DFA Media Ltd 2022 NEXT ISSUE The March issue of Drives & Controls will contain a preview of the upcoming Drives & Controls Show. There will also be a report on applications in the food and beverage sector, coverage of the latest developments in bearings, belts and chains, plus a look at the world of building services and HVAC. UPDATE 14 Comment 15 ABB Back to Basics 44 Gambica Column 45 New Products 48 Design Data and Multimedia 49 Products & Services IN DEPTH Follow us onTwitter @DrivesnControls Drives MagazineWeb site www.drivesncontrols.com Drives ShowWeb site www.drives-expo.com Join us on Facebook Drives & Controls Drives & Controls REGULARS 31 20 6 47 46 DRIVES & CONTROLS FEBRUARY 2022 Vol 38 No 2 Editor Tony Sacks t: 01732 465367 e: tony@drives.co.uk Consultant Editor Andy Pye t: 07808 137312 e: andy.pye@dfamedia.co.uk Production Manager Sarah Blake t: 01233 770781 e: sarah.blake@dfamedia.co.uk Project Liaison Manager Emma Floyd t: 01732 370340 f: 01732 360034 e: emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk Financial Caren Brown t: 01732 370340 e: caren.brown@dfamedia.co.uk ADVERTISING Sales Director Damien Oxlee t: 01732 370342 f: 01732 360034 m: 07951 103754 e: damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk Sales Manager AndyWylie t: 01732 370341 f: 01732 360034 m: 07939 607855 e: andy.wylie@dfamedia.co.uk DFA Direct Ian Atkinson t: 01732 370340 f: 01732 360034 e: ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Italy Oliver & Diego Casiraghi e: info@casiraghi.info t: +39 031 261407 f: +39 031 261380 Managing Director Ryan Fuller t: 01732 370344 e: ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Chief Executive Officer Ian Atkinson t: 01732 370346 e: ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Reader/Circulation Enquiries Perception-MPS Ltd t: 01825 701520 e: cs@perception-sas.com HEAD OFFICE DFA Manufacturing Media Ltd 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t: 01732 370340 f: 01732 360034 e: info@dfamedia.co.uk www.drivesncontrols.com 36 5 News A round-up of the latest business and industry developments from around the world. 18 Technology Cutting-edge innovations in motion, power transmission, controls and related technologies. 26 Talking Industry The first Talking Industry online panel discussion of 2022 focussed on robotics and advanced automation. Are we seeing the first signs that the lag in investment in the UK compared to other nations is finally starting to turn? 28 Robotics and Automated Manufacturing In a special five-page feature we look at how robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies are being applied. We report on how automation is producing cricket balls more efficiently, how servomotors are helping Grolsch to fit its iconic bottle-tops, and how Fiat is using piggyback robots to test EV infotainment systems. 36 Sensors and Encoders How encoders are helping to scan priceless works of art to reveal previously hidden details and to help catalogue the works, and how the movie industry is using draw-wire sensors to achieve spectacular special effects. 40 Hazardous Areas, Oil and Gas To keep motors reliable and efficient, well-planned maintenance is essential, especially when operating in hazardous areas. An expert discusses the maintenance challenges of motors used in harsh environments. 42 Drives & Controls Show The 2022 Drives & Controls Show will take place at the NEC next month. The exhibitor floor space is now almost full and final plans are being drawn up for a stimulating series of seminars that will take place in two theatres on the show floor. We report. 45 40 42 44