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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 November/December issue of Drives & Controls will contain our annual feature on machinery safety, as well as a look at what’s been happening in the world of controlgear and enclosures, and a report on recent developments in controllers, HMIs and software. UPDATE 14 Comment 15 ABB Back to Basics 45 Gambica column 46 New Products 48 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 38 33 28 26 5 48 DRIVES & CONTROLS OCTOBER 2026 Vol 42 No 9 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. 18 Technology Cutting-edge innovations in motion, power transmission, controls and related technologies. 26 AI in manufacturing As AI evolves, its capacity to innovate and optimise is making it a cornerstone of modern manufacturing practices. An expert identifies five key areas where AI is having a significant impact on manufacturers, and examines the applications, benefits and the challenges that they are having to navigate. 28 Machine-building We report on a smarter approach to simpler motion architectures, plus an industry insider argues that centralised control architectures are becoming increasingly attractive compared to using distributed controls with decentralised intelligent drives. We also look at the implications of the EU’s impending Machinery Regulation, and report on how an open Ethernet network is helping to produce egg cartons more efficiently. 33 Precision Engineering Two experts examine the many factors that influence the precision of motion control systems, including mechanical design, control-loop bandwidths, feedback resolution, thermal stability and environmental influences. Plus a look at how electronic pipetting is becoming more popular in laboratories, but designing such systems requires a careful consideration of the motors used to power them. 38 Water Leaks from water pipes is a costly and disruptive problem for utilities, but installing drives in the right places can take the pressure off pipework and help to conserve precious water resources. Plus a look at the vital role that pumps are playing in AMP8 – the UK water industry’s eighth five-year regulatory asset management period, which runs until 2030, and represents a £96-104bn investment by the water industry. 44 SPS Preview The SPS automation mega-show returns to its venue in Nuremberg, Germany, next month. It is expected to attract more than 1,100 exhibitors across its 15 halls. There will also be four presentation stages and several shared stands focusing on topics including Automation Meets IT and start-ups. 44 45 Average net circulation January to December 2025 Subscribe for your FREE copy now 27,126 18 46
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NEWS n 5 Siemens unveils a new generation of connected Sinamics G drives SIEMENS IS LAUNCHING a new generation of its Sinamics G drives family, which is evolving from individual drives towards connected motion technologies, designed to help machine-builders to master growing complexity and to cater for future developments. The portfolio, which will make its debut at the SPS exhibition in Germany next month, is claimed to simplify engineering. The next-generation Sinamics G drives include: the general-purpose Sinamics G200; the compact Sinamics G210C for targeted machine applications; the advanced Sinamics G210X aimed at for pump, fan and compressor applications; and the Sinamics G210 “allround” drive for continuous motion uses. The new drives offer scalable technologies for a variety of continuous motion applications and machine concepts. All will share a common engineering framework and allow greater standardisation and a consistent user experience. Safety, cybersecurity and digital capabilities will be built in to prepare users for future requirements, including the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Siemens says by the end of 2027 its entire automation portfolio will comply with the CRA . At SPS 2026, the company will also be showcasing its vision for “automating automation” based on industrial AI. The aim is to achieve AI-powered autonomous production for all industries. Siemens says that moving from hard-coded tasks to goaloriented workflows will empower industrial companies to automate tasks that they have not been able to automate before, accelerating innovation, increasing flexibility and productivity, and enabling more efficient use of their resources. Among the products to be launched at SPS are: n TIA Portal V21.1, a major update to Siemens’ automation engineering framework that, for the first time, decouples installed software from licensing. Users switching to the new version will no longer need time-consuming project upgrades. They will buy features, not versions. This new approach is said to simplify lifecycle management and to reduce engineering effort, while ensuring continuous access to software updates and security improvements. n Simatic AX Logic Control Engineering, the latest www.drivesncontrols.com October 2026 Two members of Siemens’ next-generation Sinamics G drives portfolio: the G210C (left); and the G210X for pump, fan and compressor applications SIEMENS’DRIVES FACTORY in Congleton, Cheshire, has recently manufactured its ten millionth Sinamics variable-speed drive. The site’s output has quadrupled from around 650 drives a day in 2006 to nearly 2,400 today, driven by investments in automation and AI. The plant employs around 500 people and Siemens sees it as a blueprint for how people and technology can drive productivity in modern manufacturing. It incorporates technologies to monitor equipment in real time, predict faults and streamline operations, helping to respond faster and keep production running smoothly. “Reaching ten million units is a fantastic achievement for our Congleton team and a reflection of the skill and dedication of our local workforce,” says the plant’s general manager, Rob Matthews. “We continue to evolve – pioneering new technologies and continuous upskilling of our team here helps us to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing,”he adds. Brian Holliday, CEO of Siemens UK and Ireland, describes the production of the ten millionth drive as “a remarkable achievement and a powerful example of what UK manufacturing can deliver when you invest consistently in both people and technology.” Congleton drives factory produces its 10 millionth VSD enhancement of Siemens’ Simatic AX engineering environment that offers software-defined automation for PLCs and motion control systems. Unlike traditional automation engineering, it uses software-based development techniques to reduce complexity, accelerate development and support IT-skilled automation engineers. n Simatic AX Motion Control Engineering, which allows technology objects to be engineered in Simatic AX for the first time, resulting in workflows in an IT-like environment. Complete projects, including motion control, can be managed using software development techniques. Documentbased configuration of technology objects provides PLCopen support and direct Git integration. Both of the new Simatic AX Engineering extensions use a textbased approach, helping to ensure structured project data and transparent processes. Also at SPS, Siemens will showcase several new uses for its AI-powered Eigen Engineering Agent, launched earlier this year, which performs tasks such as PLC coding, HMI visualisation and device configuration. The new uses include ECAD integration and standards-compliant project generation to support its automation framework. Siemens argues that as manufacturers face a shortage of skilled engineers, AI-assisted engineering will be a key to faster innovation, improved productivity and greater competitiveness.
n NEWS October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 6 Schneider Electric buys PTC for $22.6bn p Vinci Energies has acquired CDD Automation Solutions, the Peterboroughbased systems integrator that focuses on the food and feed industry. CCD will enhance services offered by Vinci Energies in the UK & Ireland through its Actemium brand. Terms of the transaction have not been revealed. CDD, founded in 1981 and part of the Bühler Group since 1991, offers bespoke control systems. It has 32 employees. p Yorkshire-based Total Automated Solutions (TAS) has launched a robotics proof-of-concept rental service, allowing manufacturers to evaluate automation systems in their plants before making a full investment. It says that the rental model addresses a major barrier to robotic adoption: uncertainty over whether proposed systems will deliver the required improvements in productivity, quality, safety and costs. Manufacturers rent a system for a trial period – typically 2-6 months. It can be installed at their facility or in a workshop. TAS engineers assess the process, configure and program the robot, and integrate grippers, guards and safety systems. www.tasweb.uk p Delta has opened a 600m² Automation & Robotics Centre in Stuttgart, Germany, to serve as a customer experience, demonstration and collaboration hub, giving customers, partners and integrators the opportunity to explore Delta's robotics and automation technologies. Through live demonstrations and applications, visitors can experience how Delta's systems can help to boost productivity and flexibility, and accelerate smart manufacturing. p Nidec Drives has expanded its manufacturing capacity in Spain to produce its DFS (Drive Freestanding) range, bringing high-power drives closer to customers in Southern Europe. The move will help to cut lead times, strengthen supply flexibility, and provide greater access to tested, factoryconfigured drive systems. p Siemens has formed a partnership with the German-based B2B platform, Sparepartsnow that will make automation products refurbished by Siemens available across Europe. The products are restored to their original technical specifications and performance characteristics. The agreement initially covers a limited portfolio of products, such as drives, controls and HMIs, but there are plans to expand both the product range and regional availability. p After three years of falling turnover, Europe’s machine vision industry will grow by 3% this year, according to its trade body, VDMA Machine Vision. It admits, however, that “economic conditions remain challenging”, with growth opportunities mainly coming from North America and Asia. Although demand for components such as cameras, sensors and optics is growing, revenues from the systems segment fell by 6% in 2025. AI is a key driver, opening up new vision applications. NEWS BRIEFS SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IS BUYING the US industrial software giant PTC in a deal that values PTC at around $22.6bn. The acquisition will triple Schneider’s total addressable market in industrial software, including in discrete and hybrid manufacturing. Software will now represent around 24% of its business. “The acquisition of PTC represents an important step forward in our ambition to lead the new era of energy and industrial intelligence,” says Schneider’s CEO, Olivier Blum. “Together, we are creating the industry’s most complete software and AI powerhouse and highest-quality portfolio bridging the physical and digital worlds. PTC is a global leader in industrial product design, engineering and data management, with more than 30,000 customers globally. Its CAD (computer-aided design), PLM (product lifecycle management), ALM (application lifecycle management) and SLM (service lifecycle management) products help customers to design complex physical products and manage product and engineering data across the entire lifecycle. In 2025, PTC generated revenues of €2.4bn and these are predicted to grow by around 10% a year in the period to 2029. PTC has particular strengths in discrete and hybrid manufacturing. Schneider says that PTC complements its industrial AI data foundation, which will be further enhanced by its planned acquisition of Cognite, adding critical product and engineering data to its existing foundation of process and energy data. The transaction also extends Schneider’s asset lifecycle platform upstream into product design and engineering, creating an end-to-end industrial software and intelligence platform. Schneider argues that the combined businesses will: n Create a leading, scaled, open and interoperable industrial software and AI franchise and create one of the largest industrial software portfolios, boosting software and services revenues to around 24% of the group’s revenues. It will have more than 15,000 software employees and more than 50,000 software customers. PTC also plugs a gap in Schneider’s product lifecycle and industrial software portfolio, while preserving an open-by-design approach. n Bridge the physical and digital worlds from design and build, to operate and maintain n Establish a unified digital thread across products and machines, and processes and energy systems, accelerating energy and industrial intelligence. n Expand Schneider’s total addressable market in industrial software by about three times, while avoiding concentrations in vertical markets. Commenting on the planned acquisition, Matthieu Kulezak, a senior analyst with Interact Analysis, says: “Acquiring PTC gives Schneider a shortcut into product engineering, extending its reach beyond plant operations and energy management into the decisions manufacturers make when designing products. Combined with Aveva and the proposed Cognite acquisition, PTC could help Schneider connect engineering and operational data, putting it in a stronger position to compete with Siemens across the industrial lifecycle.” The deal is expected to close by the third quarter of 2027. Schneider says that acquiring PTC will create “the industry’s most complete software and AI powerhouse”
n NEWS October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 TWO INDUSTRIAL GROUPS that spent years arguing for opposing approaches to SinglePair Ethernet (SPE), have decided to merge to form a new body that will represent more than 130 manufacturing and technology companies around the world. They say the merger launches “a revolutionary era in industrial automation”. For more than five years, the two previous groups – the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance and SPE Industrial Partner Network – disagreed over the specifications for a technology designed to transmit industrial data over a single twisted pair of wires, for industrial communications, automation and IIoT applications. But a year ago, the groups decided to work together on a single technology that would save space and costs for both cables and connectors, and simplify industrial automation installations. They said they would coordinate their activities to accelerate the uptake of SPE. Now, they are merging their organisations to form the Single Pair Ethernet Association. They describe this as “a bold decision, approved unanimously by the leadership of both networks”. They plan to consolidate their expertise, activities and memberships under the new identity, to build momentum and accelerate the development, standardisation and global market adoption and implementation of SPE. Single Pair Ethernet streamlines Ethernet connections by transmitting data at high speeds over long distances through a single twisted pair of wires, instead of the traditional two or four pairs. It can save weight, space and costs. The new SPE Association aims to boost global visibility of SPE-enabled industrial automation and to support an industry, user and research forum, allowing a close alignment of technical content, market activities and international initiatives. Members of the two earlier groups have been integrated into the new association. https://singlepairethernet.com/en Rival industry groups merge to form single SPE body NORTHERN IRELAND’S £97m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has been opened officially in Belfast. The Centre, which has been operating since April 2026, is predicted to create up to 1,500 jobs across Northern Ireland, contribute £1.3bn to the economy, and support the training of 300 apprentices by 2050. AMIC has been designed in response to the needs of Northern Ireland’s burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector. In its first six months, the Centre has provided businesses from Northern Ireland and beyond with access to cutting-edge facilities, engineering expertise and collaboration opportunities. The £97m investment includes around £78m from the UK Government, £10m from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, £8m from Queen’s University Belfast, and £1.3m from Ulster University. The Centre is part of a £230m innovation programme, led by Queen’s and supported by the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal. AMIC’s team will help businesses to explore and adopt technologies that may not otherwise be available to them inhouse, and to address future technologies, skills and sustainability issues. The businesses and industry partners will help to shape the Centre’s capabilities. AMIC engineers are already deploying technologies including robots, automation, advanced materials, digital twins, AI, metrology and machining to help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Among the initiatives already underway is the £9.5m Project 4Ward, which focuses on advancing welding automation in partnership with Hyster-Yale, Terex, 4DNI, Nugent Trailers and Datum Tool Design, with support from Invest NI. Alongside automation, the Factory of the Future team is also tackling other issues – from energy efficiency, to circularity and the use of resources. Speaking at the opening of the Centre, Northern Ireland minister Sarah Owen said: “AMIC is a beacon for innovation which reinforces Northern Ireland’s reputation as an ideal hub for global investment and is key to an exciting future for manufacturing in Northern Ireland. This world-class centre bridges the gap between groundbreaking academic research and real-world commercial application, bringing together Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and industry partners under one roof. John Irwin, chair of AMIC’s industry board, added: “AMIC’s strength is the partnership it supports between industry and academia, providing a world-class research facility, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, staffed with highly experienced people, and critically, shaped by real manufacturing needs. It provides capabilities that were previously not readily available in Northern Ireland, enabling companies to test and validate innovations before investing, reducing risk, accelerating growth, and strengthening the competitiveness of Northern Ireland manufacturers. AMIC has listened and is now delivering.” Belfast’s £97m ‘factory of the future’ opens its doors to industry Belfast’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is predicted to add £1.3bn to the Northern Ireland economy
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UNIVERSAL ROBOTS (UR) HAS ANNOUNCED the seventh generation of its collaborative robot platform, designed to make the most demanding tasks and set-ups easier. Redesigned from its controller to its teach pendant and tool flange, the Gen 7 robot platform is AI-ready outof-the-box, offering users software tools and connectivity to take AI from the lab into industrial operations. “The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated,”says Jean-Pierre Hathout, president of UR’s parent, the Teradyne Robotics Group. “Built on what we have learned from over 20 years of cobot innovation and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide, Gen 7 is an end-to-end redesign of our platform that reduces integration friction and dramatically expands application capabilities. It will enable our customers and partners to deploy advanced AI-powered applications confidently in real-world operations.” Key elements of the new platform include: n New g-Series robot arms with an AI-ready tool flange There are three new arms – UR10g1750, UR17g-1300 and UR18g-950 – named after their payload (in kg) and reach (in mm). The new flange allows vision and sensing for AI models to run in real time, delivering data, power and safety directly to the flange. This simplifies cabling and makes it easier to connect cameras and highbandwidth sensors, which are critical to advanced automation and physical AI. Built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and RTDE (Real-Time Data Exchange) give the robots a sense of touch for physical AI applications. n CB7 Core controller Promising 40% more computing power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous controllers, the new device enables multi-network connections to PLCs, HMIs, IPCs and vision systems, reducing the need for external switches. It is available as a standalone box or for integration into cabinets. n PolyScope X software This brings modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functions and cybersecurity compliance to Gen 7. With open APIs and ROS2 communications, PolyScope X allows programmers to build and deploy edge-AI applications using IPCs and external AI processing. With additional software, they can access functions such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA or logic programs. n The TP7 Core teach pendant The new pendant is more than 20% lighter than the previous generation, has multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, and an HD display, as well as a virtual joystick. n SP7 Smart Panel tool flange interface This offers a faster way to teach and program at the tool flange. By letting operators work at the point of the task, the Smart Panel cuts set-up and programming times. n Safety and cybersecurity Gen 7's safety functions provide a PLd, Category 3 (ISO 138491) certified architecture. All g-Series robots are TÜV-certified to ISO 10218-1 and UL 1740. Gen 7’s open architecture allows suppliers of physical AI, vision and gripping systems to build applications based on UR’s hardware and software. More than 20 partners – including Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt – have already demonstrated support for the new platform. “Universal Robots and Inbolt share the conviction that automation should be simple to deploy and simple to live with,”says Inbolt CEO, Rudy Cohen. “With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, Inbolt’s vision now runs natively on the UR controller itself. No external vision PC, no extra cabling. Manufacturers get parts localised without jigs or fixtures, and reach production in hours, not weeks.” UR unveils next-gen platform for automation and physical AI ABB’s Machine Automation division (B&R) has appointed Christian Strahberger as its president, following the death of Florian Schneeberger in an accident earlier this year. Strahberger joins from Danfoss, where he held a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as CTO and head of semiconductor manufacturing at Semikron Danfoss. He brings 25 years of industrial experience including roles at Singulus Technologies, Schottel and Voith. Pulsiv, the UK power electronics specialist, has appointed Tim Joyce as CEO and board member, following the departure of Darrel Kingham. Joyce joined Pulsiv six months ago as chief financial officer. He was previously an advisor to early-stage companies and had twice invested in the business, which is transitioning from technology development to the commercialisation of its patented space-saving, high-efficiency ACDC power conversion technology. The new Smart Panel tool flange interface offers a faster way to teach and program cobots EVENTS n NEWS October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 10 AGV Expo 2026 22-24 October, 2026 Piacenzo, Italy Described as Europe’s first tradeshow dedicated to AGVs (automated guided vehicles), AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and automated logistics technologies, AGV Expo has been created in response to the rapid growth of automation across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and will bring together vehicle manufacturers, technology suppliers, software developers and systems integrators, as well as end-users. https://agvexpo.it/en Advanced Engineering 4–5 November, 2026 NEC, Birmingham More than 9,000 engineers and 400 exhibitors are expected to attend the event that will also include talks by more than 200 speakers. The organisers say it is where engineers, manufacturers, technology developers and supply chain specialists come together to understand what is changing, what is emerging and what demands their attention. For the first time it will be co-located with the UK Metals Expo. The show is doubling its Enabling Innovation zone from 10 to 20 SMEs and start-ups. www.advancedengineeringuk.com Manufacturing Educators Summit 9 November, 2026 MTC, Coventry A one-day summit for those interested in developing manufacturing skills, advancing STEM education, and raising the profile of manufacturing careers, offering practical insights into emerging technologies, innovations in industry, and the skills needed for the UK’s future manufacturing workforce. www.mtcevents.co.uk SPS (Smart Production Solutions) 2026 24–26 November, 2026 Nuremberg, Germany More than 1,000 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from Germany and around the world are expected to take part in the three-day industrial automation megashow that is spread across 15 exhibition halls. The event spans the spectrum of smart and digital automation – from simple sensors to intelligent systems, from what is feasible today to a vision of a digitalised industrial world of tomorrow. https://sps.mesago.com/nuernberg/en/expo Manufacturing Technology 2Day 19 January, 2027 MTC, Coventry An annual event designed to enable UK-based advanced manufacturers to showcase their latest products and technologies, and to meet potential collaborators, clients and suppliers. Alongside an exhibition of advanced manufacturing technologies, the event will include a series of presentations and seminars. www.mtcevents.co.uk
IMO has announced that its Jaguar NXG Variable Speed Drive range has received approval from Elta UK for use with selected Smokevent Axial Fan applications, extending the range of tested drive options available for smoke control, ventilation and life-safety systems. The approval provides system designers, panel builders, contractors and specifiers with additional confidence when selecting a variable speed drive for compatible Elta UK fan installations. In smoke control applications, verified product compatibility is critical because system performance depends on the coordinated operation of every component under demanding emergency conditions. Elta UK holds UKCA Certificate of Constancy of Performance No. 0086 CPR 750823 in respect of BS EN 12101-3:2015, the standard covering powered smoke and heat control ventilators. The certificate applies to Elta UK powered smoke and heat control ventilator products, including Smokevent Axial Fans, with fire-resistance classifications available across F200, F300 and F400 configurations, depending on the specific fan model and application requirements. The Jaguar NXG is IMO’s latestgeneration variable speed drive. It has been developed to support compact installation, flexible motor control and straightforward commissioning across modern fan, HVAC and automation systems. Its inclusion within Elta UK’s approved drive options gives project teams a current, space-efficient solution for applications where compatibility, reliability and compliance-led design are essential. Variable speed drives are a vital contribution to ventilation and smoke control system design. By regulating motor speed and output, a drive can help engineers manage airflow, optimise normal operating efficiency and simplify control strategies. However, life-safety applications require more than standard motor-control functionality. The selected fan and drive combination must be suitable for the intended duty and supported by the relevant testing, approval and system documentation. The Jaguar NXG approval builds on a long established relationship between IMO and Elta UK. Previous approvals have covered IMO’s SD1, HD2 and HD2IP Variable Speed Drive ranges. Adding Jaguar NXG broadens the choice available to customers and enables designers to select an inverter drive that best matches the installation environment, control requirements and panel configuration. For building-services engineers and contractors, the approval will also support a more streamlined specification and procurement process. Using a tested and approved combination reduces uncertainty during design reviews, panel manufacture, commissioning and project handover, while helping to maintain a clear compliance trail. For project teams, the expanded approval portfolio offers greater flexibility when standardising control equipment across multiple ventilation duties. The Jaguar NXG sits alongside IMO’s established drive ranges, allowing engineers to balance enclosure, footprint and control needs without moving outside of an approved product family. This continuity can simplify training, spare-parts planning and longterm maintenance across buildingservices installations, upgrades and refurbishment programmes. The IMO Jaguar NXG range is supported by technical expertise and industryleading warranties, providing an additional level of assurance for customers working across smoke control, HVAC, ventilation and wider fan-control projects. ADVERTORIAL IMO Precision Controls | +44 (0)1707 414 444 | sales@imopc.com | www.imopc.com IMO Jaguar NXG Variable Speed Drives Approved by Elta UK Further information about the IMO Jaguar NXG Variable Speed Drive range and its use with selected Elta UK Smokevent Axial Fans is available at imopc.com or by scanning the QR code. Customers can contact the sales team by emailing sales@imopc.com.
NEWS n www.drivesncontrols.com October 2026 13 NIDEC DRIVES HAS LAUNCHED what it claims is the smallest 11kW (15hp) microdrive on the market. It adds that the new top-of-the-range frame size for the Commander S V2 family of AC drives provides more power in less space, allows faster commissioning, and reduces total cost of ownership. It will allow users to standardise on one platform across the power range from 0.18–11kW (0.25-15hp). “At Nidec Drives, we focus on creating practical solutions that help customers improve performance while reducing complexity,” says Nidec president, Laurent Babaud. “The expansion of Commander S reflects that commitment. Customers can now access higher power ratings, while benefiting from the same ease of installation, reliability and efficiency they trust today. It is another example of how we engineer solutions to solve operational challenges and deliver long-term value.” The new drive is aimed at simple applications that need plug-and-play control convenience out of the box – such as fans, pumps, compressors conveyors and mixers. “Customers consistently tell us they want greater capability without additional complexity,” says Nidec Drives’ product manager, Roxana Suteu. “By extending Commander S to 11kW, we’re enabling users to standardise on a single platform across more applications, while benefiting from one of the smallest drive footprints available in this power range. The result is a solution that saves space, simplifies commissioning, and helps reduce installation and lifecycle costs.” A free app, called Marshal, allows users to commission, monitor and perform diagnostics on the drive, and to contact technical support directly from a smartphone. The app, which communicates with the drive using NFC (near field communications), acts as a “drive expert” in the field, enabling set-ups in as little as 60 seconds, and supporting fast cloning and real-time diagnostics. The app, available for Android and iOS, simplifies commissioning to just four settings, making set-ups faster, easier and more reliable. The new drive mounts on DIN rails using a click-on/off mechanism and can be mounted side-by-side in tight spaces. Laser-marked terminals and angled access points simplify wiring and installation, saving time. A conformal coating protects the drive against moisture, dust and corrosion, ensuring longterm performance, backed by a five-year warranty. Built-in functions include intelligent fan control, Modbus RTU, and a C1 EMC filter. www.controltechniques.com Nidec launches ‘the smallest 11kW drive on the market’ Nidec says that its new 11kW microdrive (on the right, without its cover) will help users to customers to optimise panel space and simplify installations. Stainle ess. Stainless steel shaft coupling Since1981 Shaft Couplings Torque Limiters pharmaceutical industries. Hy for the food, medical and w.enemac.eu sales@enemac.de 1070 Tel. +49 6022 7 ygienic. Safe. Clean. T 7 www
ROBOTS’ROLES CHANGE AS SALES SOAR The latest analysis of the global industrial robot industry by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reveals that it going from strength to strength, but increasingly dominated by China. In the past five years, the number of robots installed around the world has doubled to more than five million – with China now accounting for 59% of the total installed base. Last year, around 600,000 new machines were added to the world’s fleet of industrial robots – 11% increase on 2024. More than half of these (354,000) were in China – a 20% rise on the previous year’s figure. What’s more, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly turning to homegrown suppliers. More than half (55%) of the new robots installed in China last year came from domestic manufacturers, whose installations totalled 195,000 in 2025 – a 15% rise. The IFR believes that the Chinese market is far from saturation, and expects sales to grow by an average of 5–10% a year in the period to 2029. The figures from Europe are less impressive. Germany is still the world’s fifthlargest robot market, and by far the largest in Europe, accounting for 41% of all of the robots in use in the EU. But German sales fell by 8% last year, to fewer than 25,000. The automotive industry is still Germany’s biggest buyer of industrial robots, but its share shrank to 23% last year (a 17% decline). The number of new installations in Italy, Europe’s second-largest market, fell by 11% to around 7,800. France is in third place with almost 4,500 new robots (an 8% decline since 2024), ahead of Spain with on 4,300 (a 15% decrease). The UK does not get a mention. On the other side of the Atlantic, things look rosier with the US overtaking Japan to become the world’s second-biggest user of industrial robots. The US installed 38,400 robots in 2025 – 12% more than the previous year, and exceeding Japan’s 36,200 new installations in 2025 (a 19% drop from 2024). End-uses for robots are changing too, with automotive applications becoming a smaller part of the market. In 2015, the automotive sector was the biggest buyer of robots, accounting for 38% of all robots sold that year. By last year, its share had shrunk to 23% – even though the number of robots bought by the sector actually grew from 97,533 to 138,429 over this period. Cobots (collaborative robots) still represent a fairly small share of the total industrial robot market, dipping from 11.5% in 2024 to 11% in 2025. The number of cobots sold rose from 62,136 in 2024 to 66,240 last year. Although nearly 7,000 humanoid robots were sold worldwide in 2025, the IFR says we are still at the stage where humanoids are moving from the lab to pilot projects. They face major challenges in terms of safety and reliability, a shortage of training data, and a lack of a viable business case. The Federation has identified 174 humanoid robot manufacturers worldwide – more than half of them in China – indicating the investments being made in this sector. The IFR expects the global demand for robots to continue to grow and predicts that the number of new installations will rise by 9% to 655,000 in 2026, and reach 806,000 by 2029. It seems unlikely that the UK will contribute much to those figures. Tony Sacks, Editor n COMMENT Opt ed co m close timize your torqu ooling machine ass r e moto s e m b ly w i th o ur G W EA W Water pip ASY INS solution. leakage-free Guaranteed GHTNESS e ce. WATER TI rfa leakage free pes Plug-and-Play inter N STALLATIO emoves the need T R MACHINE COS on controlle and hig ers cated to moti is 100% dedi dmotor. ETEL for special casting aroun gh-end motion system products Our w ology. o direct drive techn provides a portfolio to meet yo ide range of linear and torque m ur needs. motors, position and ETEL Torque Motors ar HEIDENHA buted in the UK by re distri b T: 01444 2477 • AIN GB Limited sales@heidenhain.co.uk • 711 www.etel.ch
Drives&Controls & BACK TO BASICS n SPONSORED BY How much functionality does your application really need? Modern drives offer an increasingly sophisticated range of capabilities, from advanced control and communications, through to integrated safety, condition monitoring and cloud connections. While these can be essential in more demanding applications, not every application requires the same level of functionality, as ABB’s Matthew Hallas explains. In most cases, choosing the right drive for an application will generally come down to matching the capabilities of the drive to the demands of the application. This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often I encounter drives that are overspecified for what they are actually required to do within the context of a machine. There are, of course, applications where advanced drive functions are essential, delivering genuine value through improvements to efficiency, safety, maintainability and performance. However, on some occasions enhanced functionality can introduce cost and complexity with no significant gain or return for the wider application. Choosing the bare minimum in terms of functionality clearly isn’t the answer either. Machine-builders are already working to thin margins, and over-specifying functionality that simply isn’t needed eats into those margins. But under-specifying can be similarly problematic, potentially compromising performance, control, safety and flexibility, or forcing costly machine redesigns late in the development cycle. The starting point should be the application – what needs to be controlled and what doesn’t, what motor technologies need to be supported, and how the motors will operate. Identifying essential communications and safety functions is important, as is the environmental conditions in which the machine will typically be used. Drive selection should not therefore start with a feature list. It should start with an understanding of the machine and its requirements, building outwards from there. The right drive is not always going to be the one with the most functionality, nor the one with the least. Rather, it is a drive that provides the fundamental capabilities required to deliver performance, without adding unnecessary complexity. For machine-builders, starting with the application helps to ensure that drive selection supports not only the machine’s performance in actual operation, but also makes space for other considerations such as design, footprint, ease-of-use and maintainability. The goal is not to minimise functionality, but ensure that the functionality included has a purpose and adds genuine value. For more information about ABB’s ACS180 machinery drive, search for “ABB ACS180”.
AI-powered start and stop optimisation True thermal motor modelling Stores up to 1,600 events/fault records No external overload relay required Compact design from just 45mm wide Full I t electronic motor overload protection as standard 2 Advanced diagnostics and fault analysis Fast commissioning and simplified maintenance Fire Mode Single & three-phase motors NFC connectivity coming in 2027 VMX-AGILITY PLUS Intelligent Soft Starting Reimagined Industrial operations continue to face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, maximise uptime and reduce maintenance costs, all while working within tighter budgets and increasingly constrained panel space. As motor-driven systems remain at the heart of critical processes across manufacturing, water and wastewater, mining, HVAC and infrastructure, choosing the right motor control technology has never been more important. Built on more than four decades of motor control innovation and supported by over two million installations worldwide, VMXAGILITY PLUS combines AI-powered start and stop control, integrated motor protection and advanced diagnostics in one of the industry's most compact soft starter platforms. Designed for today's demands and tomorrow's opportunities, VMX-AGILITY PLUS delivers intelligent diagnostics, integrated communications and futureready connectivity, helping engineers achieve more from every installation. More Than a Soft Starter For many users, a soft starter has traditionally been viewed as a device that simply reduces inrush current and mechanical stress during motor starting. VMX-AGILITY PLUS redefines that expectation. The platform has been developed to do far more than control motor starting, providing intelligent protection, operational insight and advanced diagnostics throughout the life of the application. With advanced control algorithms, integrated communications and real-time monitoring, VMX-AGILITY PLUS gives operators greater visibility of their motors while helping reduce maintenance intervention and improve system reliability. AI-Powered Starting and Stopping A key innovation within VMX-AGILITY PLUS is its AI-powered start and stop technology. Rather than relying on fixed parameters alone, the soft starter continuously analyses motor behaviour and application characteristics, automatically optimising starting and stopping profiles to deliver smooth, repeatable performance. By intelligently adapting to real-world load conditions, VMX-AGILITY PLUS helps reduce commissioning time, minimises manual parameter adjustments and delivers consistent performance across a wide range of applications. This intelligent approach helps reduce mechanical shock, minimise process disruption and simplify commissioning, particularly in applications where operating conditions may change over time. The result is improved equipment protection, enhanced process stability and faster deployment with less manual adjustment. Full Motor Protection Built In One of the most significant advantages of VMX-AGILITY PLUS is its comprehensive integrated motor protection. Unlike many competitive soft starters that require a separate overload relay, VMXAGILITY PLUS delivers full electronic I t motor overload protection as standard. 2 This reduces component count, simplifies panel design and minimises installation costs while providing a more integrated solution for protecting critical assets. Additional protective functions include phase loss detection, thermal, low-current, shear pin, and advanced fault diagnostics, helping prevent damage before issues become costly failures. For system designers and panel builders, fewer components mean lower costs, reduced wiring complexity and improved reliability. Compact Design. Powerful Capability. Modern control panels are under constant pressure to accommodate more functionality in less space. VMX-AGILITY PLUS has been engineered with this challenge in mind, delivering a compact footprint from just 45mm wide without compromising capability. The compact design enables OEMs, panel builders and end users to maximise valuable enclosure space while reducing overall panel size and cost. Despite its compact dimensions, users benefit from advanced motor control functionality including Modbus RTU communications, comprehensive diagnostics, event logging and intuitive commissioning tools. COVER STORY i23 smart application suite
"VMX-AGILITY PLUS represents a significant milestone for Motortronics and our vision for the future of intelligent motor control. By combining AI-powered technology, integrated protection and future-ready connectivity, we are delivering a platform that not only meets the challenges of today's industry but provides a foundation for the innovations of tomorrow. This is just one of many exciting developments in our roadmap as we continue to push the boundaries of motor control technology." Kirsten King Managing Director, Motortronics Built for the Real World Unplanned downtime can have a significant impact on productivity, maintenance costs and operational performance. Whether operating a wastewater pumping station, conveyor system, compressor, fan or industrial process line, maintenance teams need fast access to meaningful diagnostic information. VMX-AGILITY PLUS provides detailed performance monitoring and stores up to 1,600 events, allowing engineers to quickly identify faults, analyse historical operating conditions and support predictive maintenance strategies. The intuitive OLED display delivers clear operational data and status information, helping users commission, monitor and troubleshoot systems with confidence. Future-Ready Connectivity Industrial automation is evolving rapidly, and connected devices are becoming an essential part of asset management strategies. To support this transition, Motortronics is continuing to enhance the VMX-AGILITY PLUS platform with the introduction of NFC connectivity planned for next year. This capability will enable faster access to device information, simplified configuration and enhanced service support, providing another step towards smarter, more connected motor control systems. By combining today's requirements with tomorrow's technologies, VMX-AGILITY PLUS provides investment protection for users seeking long-term value. Engineered by Motortronics Since pioneering digital electronic motor control technology, Motortronics has established a reputation for delivering reliable, application-focused solutions to customers around the world. With more than two million installations globally, the company continues to support industries that depend on reliable motor control, energy efficiency and operational resilience. VMX-AGILITY PLUS represents the latest evolution of that expertise, bringing together intelligent control, integrated protection, advanced diagnostics and future-ready connectivity in a single platform. VMX-SYNERGY PLUS Intelligent Energy Optimisation VMX-SYNERGY PLUS combines advanced soft starting with Motortronics' proprietary iERS (Intelligent Energy Recovery System) technology. By continuously optimising motor operating conditions, it helps reduce energy consumption in suitable fixedspeed applications while delivering comprehensive motor protection, diagnostics and communications. iERS continuously monitors the load in real time and intelligently adjusts the voltage and current supplied. The result is lower energy consumption whenever your motor is lightly loaded - without comprimising on performance. VMX-SYNERGY PLUS has a built-in real time kWH meter Beyond Soft Starting While VMX-AGILITY PLUS, VMX-SYNERGY PLUS and VMX S.A.F.E. PLUS are the latest additions to the Motortronics portfolio, they sit alongside a range of innovative motor control, protection and energy optimisation solutions designed to improve reliability, efficiency and safety. Past. Present. Future. One constant remains: Motortronics’ commitment to delivering intelligent motor control solutions that keep industry moving Motortronics UK first introduced digital electronic control of electric motors in 1979, helping to pioneer modern soft start technology VMX-S.A.F.E. PLUS Safer Access for Electricians Developed around the principle of Safer Access For Electricians, VMX S.A.F.E. PLUS helps improve safety during maintenance activities through integrated isolation and advanced motor protection. Featuring touchscreen diagnostics, digital metering and true thermal motor modelling, it delivers a safer, smarter approach to lowvoltage motor control. The future is built on smart, efficient motor control, combining proven engineering with innovative new technologies Motortronics at SPS Visitors to SPS, Nuremberg can explore VMX-AGILITY PLUS, VMX-SYNERGY PLUS and VMX S.A.F.E. PLUS, showcasing Motortronics' commitment to innovation in intelligent motor control, energy optimisation and electrical safety. 24.11.26 - 26.11.26 SPS Expo 2026 Nuremberg Messe Hall 3A, Stand 151 motortronics-uk.co.uk info@motortronics-uk.co.uk +44 1752 894554
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