COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING: Contactless power and data transmission for wear-free connections MECHANICAL POWER TRANSMISSION: What it takes to create a custom gearbox SMART WAREHOUSES: Project puts a humanoid robot to work in a warehouse Drives&Controls AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING INSIDE JUNE 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com se S evi o dr v Ser -AS T CMM e af s la nction u or f f seru at ef f end xt ith e w lor ont Motion c ety ded y
INCREMENTAL EXPOSED LINEAR ENCODERS MS 14 | MS 15 Two versions. One commitment. n STABLE ACCURACY THROUGH ACTIVE ONLINE STABILIZATION n RELIABLE OPTICAL LIMIT FUNCTION n EASY REFERENCE MARK SELECTION n PLUG & PLAY INTEGRATION BASED ON INDUSTRY STANDARDS As one of the world's leading companies in the field of electronic linear and angle encoders RSF Elektronik offers an extensive portfolio which includes almost all designs which are essential in the market. Due to the required positioning accuracy for the realisation of many modern products high precision measuring devices are an important basis. RSF Elektronik provides encoder systems for the electronic industry, for general automation as well as precision metrology. RSF Elektronik are distributed in the UK & Ireland by HEIDENHAIN GB Ltd. T: 01444 247711 | E: sales@heidenhain.co.uk
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 system without 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 Group 2026 NEXT ISSUE The July/August issue of Drives & Controls will contain our annual Buyer’s Guide – the industry “bible” for motion control and power transmission engineers, telling you who makes and sells what in the automation and allied sectors. We will also be looking at developments in the transportation sector, sensors and encoders, and robotics and automated manufacturing, and celebrating our 40th anniversary. UPDATE 12 Comment 13 ABB Back to Basics 45 Gambica Column 46 New Products 48 Design Data and Multimedia 49 Products & Services IN DEPTH Follow us on X @DrivesnControls Drives Magazine Web site www.drivesncontrols.com Follow us on LinkedIn @ Drives & Controls Join us on Facebook Drives & Controls Drives& Controls REGULARS DfAmedia group 30 28 26 24 10 47 DRIVES & CONTROLS JUNE 2026 Vol 42 No 6 Editor Tony Sacks t: 01732 465367 e: tony@drives.co.uk Production Manager Sarah Blake t: 01233 770781 e: sarah.blake@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson t: 01732 370340 e: hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Financial Finance Department t: 01732 370340 e: accounts@dfamedia.co.uk ADVERTISING Sales Director and DFA Direct Damien Oxlee t: 01732 370342 m: 07951 103754 e: damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk Sales Manager Sara Gordon t: 01732 370341 m: 07505867211 e: sara.gordon@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 Reader/Circulation Enquiries Perception-MPS Ltd t: 01825 701520 e: cs@perception-sas.com HEAD OFFICE DFA Media Group 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t: 01732 370340 f: 01732 360034 e: info@dfamedia.co.uk www.drivesncontrols.com 5 News A round-up of the latest business and industry developments from around the world. 16 Technology Cutting-edge innovations in motion, power transmission, controls and related technologies. 24 Safety Muting can enable uninterrupted material flows in automated systems, but incorrect implementation of the technology can create safety gaps that require alternative approaches. In this article, we look at some of them. 26 Machine Building We are accustomed to using cabinets to house automation hardware. But is there another way of doing things? Automation that does away with the need for control cabinets is gaining attention, and offers potential benefits is some applications. 28 Motion Control Many of automation’s biggest challenges come not from component performance, but from how systems are put together. An expert explains how integrated platforms, where controls, drives and software work together, can reduce complexity and shorten development times. 30 Communications and Networking We report on a world-first demonstration that could lead to future high-speed 5G wireless links in factories. Plus how a high-power version of Power-overEthernet can deliver 100W to edge devices, and details of a contactless data and power transmission technology. 36 Mechanical Power Transmission How rack-and-pinion systems can offer a long-range alternative to ballscrew drives, plus we offer an insight into what it takes to design custom gearboxes and the advantages they can bring. Also, an expert suggests ways of building resilience into industrial machinery. 41 Smart Warehouses A new report explores how technology is reshaping the UK’s warehousing sector. It examines how automation can unlock significant economic gains, the obstacles that companies face in implementing it, and what they can do to overcome them. Plus, a report on a project in which Accenture, Vodafone and SAP have been piloting the use of humanoid robots in warehouses. 36 42 Average net circulation January to December 2024 Subscribe for your FREE copy now 20,514 16 45
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NEWS n 5 THE VAST MAJORITY (87%) of UK manufacturers now regard digital transformation as essential, with 48% identifying AI as the technology with the greatest impact. The figures come from Rockwell Automation’s 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, based on interviews with 1,500 manufacturing leaders in 16 countries – including around 200 from the UK. The report says that the UK has moved beyond early-stage adoption of digital technologies into a phase where digital investment must translate into operational performance. The manufacturers report that they are allocating an average of 27% of their operating budgets to industrial technologies, with 49% having already invested in AI, and 38% planning further investment in this area. Cost remains the biggest barrier to wider adoption of digital technologies, cited by 27% of UK manufacturers, www.drivesncontrols.com June 2026 followed closely by data security concerns (26%). More than a quarter (27%) of the manufacturers say they have deployed digital twins, and a further 47% are planning to invest in this technology. “UK manufacturers are moving beyond experimentation into a phase where digital technologies must deliver consistent operational outcomes,” says Rockwell’s UK managing director, Phil Hadfield. “The challenge is no longer access to technology, but the ability to embed it into production environments in a way that improves performance, resilience and competitiveness.” Cybersecurity has emerged as the leading AI application for UK manufacturers (cited by 48% of them), followed by quality control (42%), process optimisation and product design. Half of UK manufacturers report experiencing at least one cyberattack in the past year, despite 62% saying they have invested in cybersecurity technologies. Workforce factors are determining how quickly digital technologies can be adopted in the UK. Rising labour costs are cited as the top workforce challenge by 40% of manufacturers, followed by change management (36%). Rather than cutting jobs, they are focusing on reskilling and developing their workforces, with more than a third of employees now involved in training programmes designed to support digital roles. Almost half (44%) of UK organisations report adopting technologies that create more engaging roles for their staff, while 43% are introducing more flexible working. Three quarters (76%) of UK manufacturers now see AI skills as being critical to attracting the next generation of talent. The implementation of digital technologies is being constrained by the availability of data, with manufacturers reporting that they use less than half (45%) of the data they collect, suggesting a gap between data generation and decision-making. Operational data is most commonly being used to support process optimisation (36%), product quality monitoring (35%) and AI models (33%). Almost half (43%) of UK manufacturers report that they are already using elements of smart manufacturing technologies. A further 21% say they are already deploying these technologies at scale, while 15% are currently piloting them. The report suggests that UK manufacturing is entering a new phase of digital transformation. The foundations have been laid, investment established and adoption is widespread, it says. The next challenge is execution – turning digital capability into consistent, scalable performance in a complex landscape. Almost all UK manufacturers now regard digital transformation as ‘essential’ Hadfield: UK manufacturers are moving beyond experimentation FLORIAN SCHNEEBERGER Schneeberger, president of ABB’s Machine Automation division and CEO of B&R Industrial Automation, has been killed in a road accident in Salzburg, Austria. Schneeberger, 55, died when he was hit by a trolleybus that had left the road after the driver is thought to have suffered a stroke. Schneeberger joined ABB in 2022 as chief technology officer for B&R, and was appointed president of the machine automation division in November 2025. Earlier in his career, Schneeberger worked for Skidata and Philips Healthcare. In a statement, B&R said: “Florian was a valued colleague, friend and CEO. He led the Machine Automation Division with great dedication, technical passion, and expertise. “Those who knew Florian will remember him as an exceptional colleague, a trusted friend, and a deeply respected leader,” it added. “His visionary thinking, dedication and expertise drove a culture of innovation and strengthened our customer partnerships worldwide. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Florian embodied the values we hold dear – inspiring us to pursue excellence in both our work and our personal lives.” Earlier in his life, Schneeberger was an accomplished yachtsman who was a World Cup champion for four years running from 1993-96, European champion in 1996, and took fourth place at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. President of ABB Machine Automation dies in an accident Florian Schneeberger, 1971-2026
June 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 6 SIEMENS HAS APPOINTED Brian Holliday as CEO for the UK and Ireland, following the retirement of Carl Ennis after more than 25 years with the company. Holliday will lead Siemens’ strategy across the region, where the company employs 12,000 people and generated £4.6bn in 2025. Holliday has been with Siemens for more than 32 years. He will continue as managing director of Siemens Digital Industries, and build on more than 10 years as a member of the UK and Ireland leadership team. “Brian brings a deep understanding of our strategic priorities and our customers, as well as strong insight into the challenges facing industry as it digitalises,” says Matthias Rebellius, Siemens’ board member responsible for the UK and Ireland. “His experience with the Catapults and Made Smarter will also be a real asset.” “I’m honoured to take up this position at a time of significant change, where technology and talent can make a real difference,” says Holliday. “I've always been proud of our people and struck by the commitment and sense of purpose evident across our UK and Ireland organisation – thus I'm genuinely excited to lead this strong team.” Holliday has contributed to the UK’s innovation, skills and industrial policies through non-executive and committee roles, including the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Make UK and as co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission. Holliday’s predecessor, Carl Ennis, was with Siemens for more than two decades. He was CEO of UK&I for more than six years. p ABB is buying Specialtrasfo, the Italian manufacturer of medium-voltage transformers, which it plans to integrate into its Motion High Power division, adding specialised transformers to its existing motors and drives. Specialtrasfo’s products include custom-engineered converter and rectifier transformers. ABB says the acquisition will allow it to offer optimised powertrains and to respond quickly to customer needs. Details of the transaction have not been revealed. p The Industrial Automation group of the Swedish industrial conglomerate, Axel Johnson International, has bought the Cheshire automation company, Denca Controls, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition marks Industrial Automation’s entry into the automation sector and strengthens its Axel Johnson’s position in the UK market, where it already owns Acorn Industrial Services, AxFlow, FIN Maintenance and Flowfit, among others. Widnes-based Denca, founded by Alan Brennan and John Talbot in 1995, employs more than 100 people serving sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and automotive. p US-based Esco Technologies is buying the UK test and measurement manufacturer, the Megger Group, from its Swiss owner, the investment group TBG, for $2.35bn. Esco plans to combine Megger with its US electrical diagnostics business, Doble Engineering. The combined organisation’s products and services will include test equipment for motors, batteries, cables, circuit breakers, relays and transformers, as well as on-line monitoring systems, and data analytics for electrical utilities. The deal is expected to close in 6–9 months. p The Taiwanese electronics and wiring harness producer Pan-International Industrial – part of the Foxconn group – is investing €35.5m in the Belgian axial-flux motor developer, Magnax, giving it a controlling 52% stake. For Magnax, the deal marks a transition from being an engineering developer to an industrial-scale supplier capable of volume production. For Pan-International, it will launch a transformation aimed at making it a leader in the humanoid robot component market, with the aim of winning a 5% market share by 2030. p The world’s largest ballscrew-maker and third-largest bearings manufacturer, Japan’s NSK, has teamed up with the management consultancy Accenture to “re-invent” itself through AI and digital technology, with the aim of boosting growth and enhancing its value. NSK will use digital capabilities to optimise its operations and expand its investment capacity. It will undertake a “fundamental overhaul” of its operations, expanding automation and reallocating resources to areas that will drive growth and strengthen competitiveness. NEWS BRIEFS n NEWS Siemens appoints Holliday as CEO for UK and Ireland Holliday: technology and talent can make a real difference STEWART MILLER HAS RESIGNED AS CEO of The National Robotarium in Scotland following a row with leaders at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) who he accused of “turning their back on an opportunity to bring £7.5m of investment into the Scottish robotic economy”. The row centres on the University’s decision not to apply for Innovate UK grant funding for the Robotarium to become one of the network of government-funded Robotic Adoption Hubs which are due to start operating across the UK later this year. The deadline to apply for the funding was 15 April. In a LinkedIn post, Miller said that failing to apply for the funding, the Heriot-Watt leaders had “undermined all of my efforts over five years to establish and grow The National Robotarium to the position of respect and prominence it now has in the UK and in Europe. “I had been instrumental in gaining support from UK government for the robotics hub initiative and had positioned The National Robotarium to lead an extremely strong bid on behalf of Scotland, with support from Scottish stakeholders and industry partners,” he added. “For this to be discarded at the eleventh hour was the final straw in a sequence of events over the past six months that have made it clear that HWU no longer respected or valued my contribution as CEO of The National Robotarium.” The robotics hubs, expected to cost around £52m over four years, were first announced in June 2025 by the government in its Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan – part of its Modern Industrial Strategy. The hubs will be run by universities, businesses, or public sector organisations, and each hub will receive at least £2m per year for four years. Innovate UK has been running a competition to decide who will run the hubs. Miller was CEO of the £22.4m Robotarium since it opened in 2022. The 40,000ft2 facility is the UK’s largest and most advanced r&d facility for robotics and AI. In a statement, Heriot-Watt University said that it did not agree with Miller’s “characterisation” of recent events. “Decisions regarding funding applications and strategic priorities are taken following careful consideration to ensure alignment with requirements and compliance with funding regulations,” it added. Robotarium CEO quits in row over grant
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n NEWS THE PETERBOROUGH-BASED robotics and automation specialist, OAL, has secured a £5m innovation loan from Innovate UK to deploy more than 1,000 robotic systems in the food manufacturing industry by 2030, to tackle labour shortages. The five-year programme will support the commercial rollout of fenceless robotics designed to operate safely alongside people on production lines without traditional caging. The project will support the creation of more than 100 new roles across engineering, software development, systems integration and sales at OAL. The company will also launch an apprenticeship programme to help develop future automation engineers and technicians. The UK food manufacturing sector employs more than 430,000 people, with many roles involving repetitive manual handling tasks for which manufacturers are increasingly struggling to recruit and retain staff. It is estimated that manufacturers are trying to fill more than 100,000 vacancies. Despite these pressures, food factories are far less automated than many other industries, in part because traditional industrial robots are too large, complex or difficult to integrate into existing production environments. OAL’s fenceless robots can be retrofitted to production lines without major changes to factory layouts. By automating repetitive tasks such as pick-and-place handling and palletising, manufacturers can boost efficiency, accuracy and safety, while allowing operators to focus on higher value work. “Labour remains one of the biggest structural challenges in food manufacturing, yet traditional automation is often too large or inflexible to adapt to changing demands – be they consumer- or retailer-led,” explains OAL’s managing director, Jake Norman. “Fenceless robotics addresses this head on. We can rapidly deploy robots into space-constrained environments to automate pick-and-place and palletising tasks. This transformational technology gives manufacturers a real competitive advantage and reduces their exposure to labour shortages.” “In industries like food processing, robotics and automation can increase productivity by filling vacancies rather than replacing jobs,” adds Innovate UK’s innovation lead, Jonathan Walker. “The conditions are generally unpleasant for people to work in due to temperature, hygiene requirements and repetitive tasks but well suited to a properly designed robot. It is great to see UK companies innovating in this space and I’m pleased that Innovate UK are able to support.” OAL (originally Olympus Automation) was founded in 1993 by Harry Norman and remains a family business. In 2016, it entered the robotics market, taking on demanding applications in the food manufacturing sector, from robotic cooking to automated powder weighing. It has now automated more than 2,000 production lines in factories across the UK and Europe. Its customers include Domino’s Pizza, Solina and the Agrana Group. More recently, OAL has expanded into endof-line automation, including palletising robots, pick-and-place systems and fenceless robotic applications. This allows manufacturers to automate repetitive manual tasks while maintaining production performance. June 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 OAL wins £5m to deploy 1,000 fence-free robot systems in UK food sector Andy Armstrong has been appointed managing director of Fanuc UK and Fanuc Ireland, succeeding Tom Bouchier, who will now focus on his role as Fanuc’s cluster coordinator for Northern Europe. Armstrong has more than 40 years’ experience in engineering and sales, and spent the past two years as vice-MD for Fanuc in the UK and Ireland. He was previously with Krauss Maffei for 18 years before joining Fanuc in 2014 as a sales manager. In 2021, he was appointed head of European sales for Roboshot – a position he held while working as vice-MD. Kelly Becker has been named president of Schneider Electric’s North America operations, with effect from 1 July, 2026. For the past five years, she has been responsible for Schneider’s UK, Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands zone. Becker brings more than 25 years of management and leadership experience to her new role. She joined Schneider in 2011 as director of strategy and business development for North America, following a career at Danaher and TAC, where she held product management and other roles. OAL MD Jake Norman: traditional automation is often too large or inflexible EVENTS Smart Manufacturing Week 2026 3–4 June, 2026 NEC, Birmingham Smart Manufacturing Week (SMW), described as the UK’s biggest festival of advanced manufacturing and engineering, will have a fresh look and new features for 2026. It includes Drives & Controls, Smart Factory Expo, Maintec, Design & Engineering Expo, the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit and The Manufacturer Top 100 Awards. New attractions for 2026 include fighting robots, extra showfloor theatres, and Future Stage – a window into the future of industry. www.smartmanufacturingweek.com Sensor+Test 2026 9–11 June, 2026 Nuremberg, Germany The international trade show for sensor and measurement technologies provides a stage for innovations, technical discussions and networking. The organisers expect more than 300 exhibitors to attend, showcasing products from sensor technologies to AI systems. The fair offers smaller and younger companies, in particular, the opportunity to present themselves on a limited budget. www.sensor-test.de/en Robotics and automation: Powering your future 16-17 June, 2026 MTC, Coventry This two-day event will have the following themes: Productivity Through Automation; Building a Resilient Robotics Ecosystem; and Accelerating AI-Enabled Automation Adoption. It is aimed at everyone interested in robotics and automation, from start-ups to large multinationals, and from researchers to users. https://web-eur.cvent.com/ event/e77fe0c0-19b4-4acc-b9691ea144ee405b/summary Hillhead 2026 23-25 June, 2026 Hillhead Quarry, Buxton, Derbyshire The UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling equipment exhibition takes place every two years in a working Derbyshire quarry. It includes live demonstrations of quarrying equipment. Across its three days, the show is expected to attract around 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors. Hillhead 2026 is on course to be the largest event in the show’s 44-year history. www.hillhead.com PPMA Show 2026 22-24 September, 2026 NEC, Birmingham The UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event is expected to attract more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands. The show will be the first that Automate UK has organised since it launched its Apprenticeship Cluster programme designed to address skills shortages in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The show will offer advice and support to organisations on how to bridge the skills gap. www.ppmashow.co.uk
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n NEWS June 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 10 SCHAEFFLER HAS SIGNED an agreement with the UK robotics and AI developer, Humanoid, to supply it with a “seven-digit” number of actuators for the joints of its wheeled humanoid robots in the period to 2031. The figure suggests that London-based Humanoid expects to sell at least 50,000 of its robots over the coming five years – assuming there are around 20 actuators per robot. Schaeffler will become Humanoid’s “preferred” actuator supplier covering “more than 50%” of its needs – so the actual number of robots that Humanoid expects to sell could be much higher. Humanoid’s founder and CEO, Artem Sokolov, said recently that the company has pre-orders for around 34,000 robots, with deliveries planned for the coming three years. These orders could generate about $2.4bn in annual recurring revenue. He also revealed that that he is targeting an IPO (initial public offering) for the business, probably in the US, in 2029 or 2030. Meanwhile, Schaeffler’s CEO, Klaus Rosenfeld, told Reuters recently that he expects to secure orders worth “hundreds of millions euros” from the humanoid robotics industry by 2030. The company’s products – including actuators, bearings and strainwave gears – represent about half of the component costs of a humanoid robot, and Schaeffler expects to capture about 10% of this market by 2030. It is already working with around 45 humanoid robot manufacturers globally, discussing orders and jointly developing products. Schaeffler’s phased supply-and-deployment agreement with Humanoid also covers plans to deploy “a four-digit number” of Humanoid’s wheeled machines in Schaeffler’s manufacturing plants around the world by 2032. The initial deployment phase, running from December 2026 to June 2027, will take place at two Schaeffler sites in Germany. The agreement is based on a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model under which Humanoid will supply Schaeffler-Humanoid deal could deliver more than 50,000 robots in five years THE ITALIAN INDUSTRIAL automation and robotics specialist Comau has signed a collaboration agreement with Omron Robotics aimed at accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced industrial automation systems by manufacturers worldwide. The collaboration will focus on high-growth sectors such as electronics, semiconductors and industrial intralogistics – markets are seeing strong demand for flexible, easily deployable automation. Comau’s partnership with Omron will combine the two companies’ complementary robotics, control and software technologies to deliver flexible, scalable automation systems. Omron and Comau say that their partnership is a response to growing demands for scalable and adaptable automation systems that integrate into existing production lines as well as nextgeneration manufacturing environments. “Omron is an ideal partner, sharing our vision of open innovation and customercentric value creation,” says Comau CEO, Pietro Gorlier. By combining Comau’s robotics expertise with Omron’s complementary technologies and software capabilities, we enable the delivery of solutions that are easier to deploy, highly adaptable, and future-ready.” “We are bringing together two complementary portfolios,”adds Omron Robotics’CEO, Olivier Welker. “By aligning our expertise in robotics, applications, advanced control and intelligent automation technologies, we can help manufacturers respond faster to changing market demands.” Comau has also announced a collaboration with the global technology giant Aptiv to explore next-generation intelligent automation systems. They will evaluate joint developments in areas such as robotics, autonomous systems, and automated warehouse and logistics systems. Comau and Aptiv (which grew out of GM’s Delphi Automotive Systems) want to develop technologies for safer, smarter, and more cost-effective automation. The collaboration will combine Aptiv’s portfolio, including its Wind River edge platforms and Pulse sensor and interconnect systems, with Comau’s expertise in robotics, and automation. Schaeffler with robotic systems and related services for end-to-end deployment and operation, including connections to fleet management software, maintenance and performance management. Humanoid, founded by Sokolov in 2024, aims to become the world’s leading supplier of general-purpose industrial humanoid robotics within two years. It currently employs more than 200 engineers, researchers and innovators at its London headquarters and at offices in Boston and Vancouver. “Together with Schaeffler, one of our key industrial partners, we are taking an important step toward making humanoid robotics part of global manufacturing operations,” says Sokolov. “We have already seen strong results from our proof-of-concept together, and now we are taking the next step to staged deployment. Moving into real-world operations is where the true value of humanoid robots is proven.” Schaeffler intends to deploy more than 1,000 of Humanoid’s robots in its plants worldwide by 2032 Comau collaborates with Omron and Aptiv on advanced automation
NEWS n THE UK HAS A “SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY” to lead the next wave of robotics innovation and deployment, according to a new report published by techUK, the organisation that champions the UK technology sector and helps to drive digital transformation. Recent analysis by the Governmentfunded Robotics Growth Partnership suggests that widespread adoption of robotics and smart machines could add up to £150bn in GVA (gross value added) to the UK economy over the next decade, as well as significant gains in productivity, job creation and international competitiveness. The techUK report, called Seizing the Robotics Opportunity, highlights how breakthroughs in AI, sensing technologies, computing power and advanced materials are converging to create increasingly capable, connected and autonomous robots. It adds that these are already beginning to reshape sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure, improving productivity and unlocking new business models. The report says the UK must act now if it is to take advantage of its strengths across these technologies and to turn this momentum into long-term growth. Recent examples of UK robotics successes include the Oxford-based autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa, which recently raised £77.2m in Series D funding. The investment will help Oxa to commercialise its technologies which automate repetitive industrial driving tasks. In its report, techUK highlights the opportunity to expand the use of robotics technologies – particularly among SMEs, where adoption remains at an early stage. With the right support, it says, businesses can increasingly deploy proven, off-the-shelf technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness. The report argues that the key challenge is not innovation, but adoption. Many UK businesses, particularly SMEs, have yet to deploy robotics technologies. Accelerating adoption will be critical to improving productivity and ensuring the UK captures the full value of its strengths in robotics research, AI and innovation. “The UK must double down on its areas of leadership and leverage these to support innovators, accelerate deployment and empower our most successful companies to scale and export,” says techUK’s head of emerging technology and innovation, Rory Daniels. “This report – put into practice through techUK’s new robotics programme – will equip industry and government with the tools and understanding necessary to achieve this mission.” https://www.techuk.org Robotics and smart machines could add £150bn to UK economy in 10 years Oxa has raised £77m of backing for its physical AI and robotics transport technologies The future is intelligent. Let Arrow guide you there. See what’s possible at Arrow.com Designing machines to see and move. THAT’S SMART. Building the vision for fully integrated and automated factories? THAT’S INTELLIGENT.
HIDDEN HOPE FOR UK MANUFACTURING We are used to hearing stories of doom and gloom about the state of UK manufacturing, and its future. But a new analysis by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics reveals that the UK manufacturing sector has achieved sustained growth in both output and productivity over the past five years, despite a shrinking workforce and historically high levels of inflation. FourJaw’s analysis of the world’s 20 largest manufacturing economies found that the UK’s output in 2025 was 6% above 2020 levels, after taking inflation into account, outpacing others such as the US (+4%) and Japan (+2%). Germany experienced a 6% decline over this period. Since 2020, UK manufacturers have also achieved a 10% boost in productivity (output per worker), with a 3% rise in the past 12 months alone. Among the major manufacturing economies, only South Korea (+34%), Spain (+14%), and India (+13%) have seen bigger productivity rises over the past five years. Despite a 4% reduction in the number of people working in UK factories, output has continued to rise, suggesting an increased adoption of automation, robotics and data analytics. The UK’s output of £253k per worker in 2025 was bettered only by the US (£449k) and France (£339k). FourJaw – a spinout from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – has also been delving into ONS data and found that the UK’s manufacturing output rose by 1.4% (£2.2bn) over the past year, reaching £159.4bn in the first quarter of 2026. However, inflation dampened these gains, with productivity falling by 1% after adjusting for price increases. There are 50,000 fewer people working in UK manufacturing than a year ago. The analyst has also been digging deeper into the performance of various UK sectors and found that the past year’s growth was led by a 12.1% (£929m) yearon-year increase in the aerospace sector. Food production rose by 2.7% (£701m), and computer, electronic and electrical products by 3.4% (£358m). But the value of automotive manufacturing dropped by 3.3% (£715m). “The narrative of decline in UK manufacturing should be put to bed,” says FourJaw CEO, Chris Iveson. “Yes, there are challenges, and yes, the number of manufacturers in the UK has declined over the years, but our analysis shows the sector has rebounded post-pandemic and is quietly outperforming many of its peers in output and productivity gains. “Given the global economy, it’s fair to say that the current operating environment is tough for many manufacturers,” he adds. “On the flip side, we can see there is renewed innovation happening in the UK, with a focus on efficiency and a commitment to overcoming challenges by updating production practices and adopting new productivity-boosting technologies.” Of course, these figures and trends could be eclipsed by the effects of the Middle East war, with soaring energy prices forcing manufacturers to focus even more on efficiency and productivity if they are to remain profitable. Tony Sacks, Editor n COMMENT Kno e ow mor Uptime d LeineLin Ear Do deliver reliability in hars nde’s 800 Series encode . more rn less. h e • Increa • Plan m • Predic give you c Wireless ase returns maintenance es ct failur e complete insight—befor diagnostics and conditio o eland Sales UK & Ir +44 1444 247711 sales@ //w @heidenhain.co.uk https:/ www.leinelinde.com
Drives&Controls & BACK TO BASICS n SPONSORED BY Cavitation: one of pumps’ biggest enemies Cavitation is a troublesome issue in pumping systems, and can seriously affect performance and lifespan. However, modern drives can detect and prevent the phenomenon without needing any extra equipment, as ABB’s water framework manager, Kirk Brandon, explains. Cavitation can be bad news for any pump system. It occurs when a pump impeller creates a vacuum on the suction side (inlet) of the pump. If the vacuum becomes too large, or if the pressure is too low, the water starts to boil and transforms from a liquid to steam. When these steam bubbles reach areas of high pressure, they collapse back into a liquid state, generating a shockwave. While each individual shockwave may be relatively small, when they occur in large numbers over a prolonged period, they can erode impellers and damage the rest of the pump system. Cavitation also causes vibrations, which can affect pump performance adversely. The effects of cavitation can take time to manifest themselves. Rather than destroying equipment immediately, cavitation chips away gradually over the course of months or years, sometimes completely undetected. It can cut a pump’s lifetime in half, and in extreme cases damage it even faster. This increases maintenance costs and can require frequent replacement of pump systems. Cavitation is often a result of poor pump system design. It can be prevented by reducing the temperature of the fluid or pump, decreasing the number of elbows and valves in the pipework, reducing the length of the pipework, or increasing its diameter. However, for equipment already in place, or in applications where space or layout present a challenge, making significant alterations to a system’s design can be difficult. In these cases, drives offer the most cost-effective method of controlling cavitation in existing systems, allowing it to be detected and prevented in real-time. For example, ABB’s anti-cavitation software uses patented algorithms to look for patterns in the motor and drive operating data, and reduces the pump speed automatically to reduce the risk of cavitation occurring. Because the drive measures directly from the motor shaft, any potential flow issues can be detected immediately, with zero latency, and without the need for extra sensors, controllers or interfaces. For pump systems that already incorporate drives, this represents an easy and costeffective remedy for cavitation that needs no additional equipment. For more information, search for “ABB cavitation”. Short Lead Time Full Factory Support ory Support Great Style, Price & Function e, Price & Function Front Sheet Customisation Available sales@lamonde.com | www.lamonde.com +44 (0)20 3026 2670 vice pert Ad Quality Products: Ex ure & Support Arm Systems HMI Enclosur ort Arm Lamonde Automation Limited
New servo drive combines motion control and extended safety features in one compact unit Building on the trusted technology in the Festo CMMT-AS servo drive range, the CMMT-AS-S3 addresses the needs of modern engineering by combining motion control and safety in a single, compact unit. The new servo drive is particularly suited to demanding functional safety applications in assembly and handling technology. The CMMT-AS-S3 delivers the power and precision Festo customers expect for motion control, but with extended and integrated safety features. We’ve packaged everything into a compact servo drive that requires no additional wiring or modules, delivering space and cost savings and reducing complexity - all this while meeting the highest standards of functional safety. The CMMT-AS-S3 servo drive range offers advanced safety and performance in applications from 300 W to 12 kW. Ben Lloyd, Product Manager for Electric Automation at Festo, introduces the new CMMT-AS-MP-S3 servo drive, designed to simplify the implementation of high-level functional safety in automated machinery. Enabling users to achieve up to PLe, SIL3, Category 3 & 4 safety levels, the new servo drive features Safe Torque Off (STO), Safe Brake Control (SBC), Safe Stop 1 and 2 (SS1 and SS2) and Safe Operating Stop (SOS), as well as Safe Maximum Speed (SMS), and Safely Limited Speed (SLS). The CMMT-AS-S3 can be used to achieve functional safety in linear or rotational motion applications in conjunction with all Festo mechanics. Software engineers benefit from seamless integration with the Festo overall pneumatic and electric automation portfolio with multiprotocol support for common Ethernet-based fieldbuses, such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/ IP™, PROFINET and ModbusTCP with safety features available using Safe I/O or PROFIsafe fieldbus. CMMT-AS Servo drives Extended safety
Contact Festo Ltd www.festo.co.uk Tel: 0800 626 422 Email: info.gb@festo.com Festo Automation Suite (FAS) The free PC-based Festo Automation Suite software makes commissioning your drive package easy. From the mechanics to the controller, you work with just one program and always have all the information and tools to hand. • Only five steps to get a drive system up and running • Greatly simplified integration into the control program • Customisable through devicespecific plug-ins and add-ons • Integrated controller programming • Access to device information and instructions directly from the software FAS saves time and clicks. The basic functions of all Festo components are already integrated, parameterisation, programming and maintenance have been combined in one program and the software visualises machine topologies in a way that is easy to understand. Download free today. www.festo.com/fas Standard safety parameters can be set without using software, but programming the CMMT-AS-S3 via the free of charge Festo Automation Suite (FAS) saves time and offers guidance at every stage. An intuitive graphical interface makes it simple to achieve safety setup, validation, commissioning, programming, diagnostics, and firmware updates. FAS saves commissioning time by offering realistic preset values and guided validation of safety functions. It also supports I/O and fieldbus configuration and the ability to generate validation reports. For further information, visit: www.festo.com/cmmt-as Ben Lloyd, Product Manager for Electric Automation at Festo
SICK HAS ANNOUNCED a real-time localisation system (RTLS) that determines the exact position of industrial assets such as vehicles, workpieces and materials in a factory, thus giving visibility, security and traceability to operators. Based on an ultrawideband (UWB) technology, Coriva has been designed to localise, track and manage assets in real-time. The system comprises mobile UWB tags (CorivaTags), a permanently installed infrastructure (CorivaSat) and software (CorivaEngine), which calculates the positions of the mobile assets. This position data can be forwarded via standardised interfaces to an omlox hub. Omlox is the world's first open standard for industrial localisation systems, and was developed by PI (Profibus International). The Coriva software can operate locally or in the cloud. Technologies such as RFID, GNSS, WPAN or Lidar can be integrated via a CorivaHub, which can also be used with other Sick technologies, such as its IdentGate system for identifying parcels and pallets in logistics environments, and its Aldis RFID automated load detect system. Another recent Sick development, the Sentio IIoT platform, brings these digital technologies together in a single IIoT platform, allowing users to integrate Sick software and hardware into their operations and control them all via one platform. They can run and access analytics, logistics and security data, connecting devices and business intelligence in a scalable platform that can be used for all projects. Sick says it now has a wide portfolio of integrated digital technologies designed to reduce errors, enhance safety, improve flow, increase visibility, and boost the security of logistics operations. “We are going beyond sensors and hardware to capture and harness more of the digital opportunities and data they provide,” explains Christophe Hien, Sick’s digital solutions leader for South West Europe. “Our digital solutions enable companies to embark upon, or enhance, their digitalisation journey, with Sentio bringing it all together in a single IIoT platform.” Real-time localisation system tracks and manages assets in factories n TECHNOLOGY June 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 16 ABB CLAIMS TO BE THE first motor manufacturer to be offering an IE6 “hyper-efficiency” motor certified to Atex and IECEx for use in hazardous areas. The new IE6 Increased safety motor, based on ABB’s magnet- and rare-earth-free synchronous reluctance (SynRM) technology, promises up to 60% lower energy losses than IE3 induction motors in hazardous area Zones 1 and 2. This will allow users to boost energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions in industries where gas, vapour or dust might be present – such as chemicals, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. The IE6 SynRM Increased safety motors are certified for use with VSDs to offer accurate control and high efficiency across their whole speed range, even at partial loads. ABB says this makes them ideal upgrades for IE3 induction motors for pump, fan and compressor applications. Over a typical 20-year service life, the energy savings from switching from a 110kW IE3 motor to IE6 would be €87,520 (£76,000) – based on a 110kW motor operating for 8,760 hours/year at a 75% average load, on energy costing €0.20/kWh (17p/kWh). This will result in an eight-month payback period with 157,540kg of CO2 emissions avoided – equivalent to around 37 petrol-powered cars operating for a year. “In its Energy Efficiency report 2025, the IEA highlights the pressing need to make sustainable technology available as an affordable choice,” says ABB IEC LV Motors’ president, Stefan Floeck. “With the world’s first IE6 hyper-efficiency SynRM motor for hazardous areas, we now have the ideal solution for customers who must drive down their operating expenses while meeting stringent sustainability targets.” The new IE6 SynRM increased safety motors cover ratings from 110kW, with IE5 versions available for up to 90kW. As well as offering increased reliability and reduced maintenance, the SynRM technology makes installations more cost-effective, according to ABB. In Zone 1, the operating temperatures of increased safety SynRM ‘First’ magnet-free IE6 hazardous areas motor can pay for itself in eight months motors can allow their use where a flameproof motor with a special enclosure would normally be needed. Furthermore, in Zone 2, the improved loadability of SynRM motors enables more power from the same size as an equivalent induction motor. This could enable a smaller, lower-cost motor to perform the same duty. https://drivesncontrols.news/xbl9c5yu ABB’s IE6 SynRM motor for hazardous areas cuts energy losses by up to 60% compared to IE3 machines Sick’s real-time localisation system locates, tracks and manages assets in real time.
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n TECHNOLOGY June 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 18 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HAS LAUNCHED a nextgeneration motor management system designed to reduce equipment failures, cut energy costs and extend the lives of assets in demanding industrial environments. The TeSys Tera system combines protection, control and monitoring functions in a single modular device, suitable for either retrofits or new installations. By combining connectivity with predictive maintenance, TeSys Tera is claimed to cut unplanned motor downtime by up to 80%. Its reduced reliance on PLC programming is said to make diagnostics twice as fast. It supports up to 32 digital inputs. The system monitors key parameters continuously, including current, voltage, power and power factor, delivering real-time data to automation systems. Analogue I/O capabilities allow the system to be integrated with sensors to detect abnormal conditions, supporting predictive maintenance, and preventing failures without needing extra hardware. “Industrial operators are under pressure from ageing equipment, workforce shortages and rising uptime demands,”explains Marta Asack, Schneider’s senior vice-president for power products. “TeSys Tera provides the insight and flexibility needed to anticipate issues, maintain reliability and improve energy efficiency across industrial applications. It’s designed to help customers stay ahead of emerging challenges – and it demonstrates how Schneider Electric is shaping the future of industrial motor management.” The system’s key capabilities include: n Load shedding and auto-restart to keep pumps and blowers running during power disruptions, and to reduce manual intervention n Predictive diagnostics with pre-fault alarms, trip logging and trend analysis to identify overheating, imbalance, electrical faults and mechanical degradation, before outages occur n On-board programming using Schneider’s SoMove software, which reduces reliance on PLC programming, simplifying technician training n Motor-level energy monitoring of active and reactive power, consumption and power factor, giving operators data to target inefficiencies in motor-driven processes – often the largest contributor to electricity costs n Multi-protocol connectivity – including EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, Profibus DP and Profinet – allowing integration with Scada and DCS environments. The Tesys Tera system supersedes Schneider’s earlier TeSys T platform, which it plans to discontinue in third quarter of 2026 . www.se.com/uk/en/work/products/ product-launch/tesys-tera p EtherCat has passed the 100million-node milestone, with more than 105m nodes now installed – 16.9 million of which were added in 2025. The figures, released by the EtherCat Technology Group (ETG), are based on reports from chip-makers and are said to be “conservative” – multiprotocol chips are only counted proportionally, FPGA implementations account for just 10% of the total, and modular I/O modules are not included. The figures are said to reflect the actual EtherCat market and to avoid overestimates. ETG predicts accelerating growth for its protocol, driven by the increasing importance of cybersecurity and new applications in robotics, manufacturing and intralogistics. p At the recent Hannover Messe, Beckhoff demonstrated how large language models can influence real motion sequences via standard interfaces. It showed an Atro industrial robot being programmed and controlled using voice commands via its TwinCat CoAgent for Operations. The control system was acting as an intelligent agent translating speech into machine commands, orchestrating path planning, and performing diagnostics. The exhibit was intended to how easy collaboration between humans and machines will be in the future, allowing users who are not programming specialists to perform complex automation tasks. p Siemens has entered into a strategic partnership with Xometry, a global marketplace connecting buyers and suppliers of custom manufacturing. The partnership will allow Siemens to embed pricing, manufacturability, sourcing and lifecycle intelligence into digital design threads in its Xcelerator platform. Siemens is also investing around $50m in Xometry, underscoring its belief that AI-powered intelligence will define the next generation of industrial software. p A German cybersecurity company Onekey has developed a digital twin technology that performs automated scans to monitor firmware around the clock in control systems, IoT devices and other applications. Its system reanalyses the firmware daily to ensure continuous security throughout its lifecycle. If new vulnerabilities arise, the constantly updated database and enhanced detection capabilities alert users to developments that could compromise a product’s security. Such monitoring is a critical element of the Cyber Resilience Act, with manufacturers of digital products having to monitor security risks throughout the lives of their products. TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS Motor management system cuts downtime by up to 80% The modular motor-monitoring system delivers predictive diagnostics, energy monitoring and connectivity BECKHOFF HAS UNVEILED a Web-based engineering tool for planning its controlcabinet-free automation systems. The MXSystem Designer tool can be used to configure actuators, I/O modules, drives and power supplies in a structured manner and to evaluate key aspects of the electrical system design at the planning stage. It is designed to be used with Beckhoff’s MX-System technology, which redefines machine automation architectures by avoiding the need for traditional control cabinets. The tool will help machine-builders to model and validate the electrification of modular systems – from energy supplies to peripherals. Beckhoff emphasises that the tool is not a conventional product configurator. It is not designed to help choose components, but to facilitate structured planning of a machine’s electrical architecture. It first defines actuators, motors and sensors, based on the machine function. It uses this to define drive module, I/O module, and communications interface needs. After this, the tool determines how these functions are distributed to baseplates and how the energy supply is structured. Rather than designing a control cabinet, the tool plans a machine’s electrification system, from its energy supply and I/O levels, to peripherals. A key element in the planning process is the structured cable layout. The software helps to choose suitable pre-assembled cables. It takes cable lengths, electrical properties, and topological relationships within the machine into account, as early as the concept phase. In addition to structural planning, the tool can carry out automatic checks of key aspects of the electrical system design, at the planning stage. For more on cabinet-free automation, see page 26 Web tool helps to plan cabinet-free automation systems
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