This guide offers engineers guidance on successfully integrating automation into manufacturing practices, enabling increased productivity, reduced downtime, improved worker safety, and lower operating costs.

EU Automation launches a campaign to recognize those who maintain a robust supply chain in the face of parts and materials shortages.

New products require new materials, and the rapid advancement and uptake in the electric vehicle (EV) and green energy industries means that demand for rare earth metals, for use in batteries and other components, is only set to increase.

Demand for industrial products has risen considerably over the past two decades — and with that, we’ve seen an increase in energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In fact, in 2020, the industrial sector accounted for 33 per cent of total U.S. energy consumption. As pressure to minimize consumption mounts, how can industry reduce its environmental impact? Here, Claudia Jarrett, US country manager at obsolete equipment supplier, EU Automation, suggests two changes that can make a big difference — variable speed drives (VSDs) and soft starters.

The digital universe is doubling in size every two years, growing from 4.4 trillion gigabytes in 2013 to 44 trillion in 2020. Enterprises have responsibility for around 85 per cent of the data held in this digital universe, according to the EMC Digital Universe with research and Analysis by IDC report.

With Christmas around the corner, it is time to focus on the world’s oldest warehouse. Automation is the key for ensuring presents are produced on time.

The United Nations has reported that almost half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 a day. On top of this, another billion people are considered living on less and are under the poverty line. Sustainable development, that is, development that helps solve the problems of today without compromising the needs of future generations, is an important part of decreasing the number of people living in poverty – and it is no small task.

The UN Climate Change conference is an opportunity to bring more power to the net-zero movement, aiming for the global economy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Does size really matter?

Today, customers are not content with standard products, but are looking for differentiated and personalized goods or services. Thanks to the new information technologies and innovative manufacturing processes, mass customization has become available in a multitude of sectors. In this article, Claudia Jarrett, US country manager at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses the main challenges of mass customization in manufacturing.