The UK lags behind the rest of the world on automation. In sectors where adhesive dispensing is a routine part of assembly, that gap represents a real competitive disadvantage. Here, Matt Baseley, Head of Sales at adhesives and dispensing systems supplier Intertronics, examines ten reasons for investing in automation.

Mouser Electronics has expanded its industrial automation portfolio with the addition of nine new manufacturers in the first two quarters of this year, strengthening its lineup of solutions supporting modern industrial systems.

Digi International has announced global availability of the Digi ConnectCore 95 SMARC system-on-module (SOM) Development Kit. Among the first to deliver a SMARC module as part of a complete, ready-to-deploy solution rather than as bare hardware, Digi ConnectCore 95 SMARC goes beyond hardware by including security, lifecycle management and cloud services.

Kollmorgen has expanded its Essentials portfolio with the launch of an 8-axis variant of its PCMM2G programmable motion controller. The development coincides with the release of a new high-voltage servo drive with support for 240–480 VAC up to 4 kW. The products are distributed in the UK by INMOCO and the expansion of the Essentials portfolio is designed to support a broader range of applications and motion control requirements.

New technology naturally attracts attention in the automation sector, and sensor innovation continues to drive improvements in machine performance, efficiency and reliability. Swiss sensor manufacturer Contrinex has remained at the forefront of sensing technology for more than 50 years. However, as Mark Weymouth of UK representative PLUS Automation points out, achieving the best automation solution is not always about selecting the newest technology. In many cases, significant performance gains and cost savings can be achieved by choosing the most appropriate sensor technology for the application.

ABB’s LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor (VSM) platform delivers the benefits of an IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency motor and variable speed drive (VSD) technology in a single, compact, plug-and-play solution. Michele Maggi, R&D Engineer Product Development at ABB, explains that VSMs, now available from 1.1 to 30 kW, enable a wide range of industrial customers to minimise their energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

With PTCB TM, Phoenix Contact is launching a new generation of thermal-magnetic circuit-breakers onto the market. With a width of just 8 mm, alignable current monitoring, and the capability of direct bridging to the Clipline complete system, the product family ensures high efficiency and transparency in the control cabinet and is suitable for demanding industrial applications.

Norstat now offers the ReeR Safety SAFEREADY family of Light Curtains. These new light curtains are designed to meet the most advanced needs of modern industrial automation.

WEG has launched the W22 Prime, the next generation of its W22 induction motor range. Designed to deliver IE4 and IE5 efficiency levels without the need for an inverter, the W22 Prime combines the proven robustness of traditional induction technology with significantly enhanced energy performance.

ABB is the world's first manufacturer to offer an IE6 Hyper‑Efficiency motor certified to ATEX and IECEx requirements for use in hazardous areas. The new IE6 Increased safety motor, based on ABB's magnet- and rare earth- free synchronous reluctance (SynRM) technology, offers up to 60 percent lower energy losses than the IE3 induction motors commonly used in Zones 1 and 2.