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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