Industry plans to invest in efficiency, and Amazon and SKF aim to 're-invent' reliability

One of the items in this newsletter reports on an international survey by ABB which has found that almost two thirds of industrial companies around the world are planning to invest in technologies such as high-efficiency motors and variable-speed drives to cut their energy costs and to help them move towards net-zero emissions. This could turn out to be a golden age for these technologies, and their wider adoption will only be hastened by the recent surges in energy prices - provided that their suppliers can overcome supply chain problems.

Below you will find links to some of the news items that we have posted recently on our Web site. Tony Sacks, Editor

Global survey reveals industry plans to invest in efficiency Almost two thirds (65%) of industrial companies around the world are planning to upgrade the efficiency of their equipment to best-in-class technologies such as high-efficiency motors and variable-speed drives as they attempt to move towards net-zero emissions, according to a new survey carried out ... More...

Manchester centre will design AI-enhanced robots The University of Manchester has launched a centre of excellence which will design next-generation robots, supported by AI (artificial intelligence) technologies. The Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI will pull together experts and projects from different disciplines to work on robotic technolo .. More...

Get a Fresh perspective - ABB Energy Snapshot Turn the hidden potential in your motor applications into real energy savings with ABB's free, no obligation Energy Snapshot.

The Energy Snapshot begins with an on-site assessment of your facility, lasting no more than half a day. During the visit, we will identify up to five motor-driven assets that offer the greatest opportunities to cut energy costs in the shortest possible time.

Following the assessment, a comprehensive report is then produced setting out recommended courses of action, containing all the information you need to build a compelling business case for investment in energy efficient motor and variable speed drive (VSD) technologies. Website

Micro-PLCs optimise smart machine design and programming Rockwell Automation has announced a pair of micro-PLCs that, it claims, will allow machine-builders to design and program machines more efficiently. As well as releasing the Allen-Bradley Micro850 and Micro870 2080-Lx0E controllers, Rockwell has also updated its Connected Components Workbench softw ...More...

SKF and Amazon join forces to ‘re-invent’ machine reliability SKF and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a collaboration to “re-invent” the field of industrial machine reliability and predictive maintenance. They plan to deliver an easy-to-use and easy-to-scale condition-monitoring and analysis package that will make the ability to collect and analyse d ... More...

Compact modular distribution blocks with lateral Push-in connection The new PTVFIX distribution blocks from Phoenix Contact are a combination of the PTFIX distribution block system and the PTV series with vertical conductor connection. The lateral Push-in connection features great advantages, in particular where space is limited. The small size and the modular compatibility of the distribution block system is also an advantage. The right mounting option is available for all applications. The range of versions include base blocks without a pre-assembled mounting option, as well as with horizontal and vertical mounting options for the NS35 DIN rail, and adhesive versions.

The new PTVFIX product program includes distribution blocks with 6, 12, and 18 connections, each 2.5 mm2. As an option, they are also available with a 6 mm2 feed-in contact.

This means that the distribution blocks are an alternative to the terminal blocks with lateral screw connection that are used in applications throughout the world. The marking on these blocks is also clearer and easier to read. With the Push-in connection, the conductors are contacted immediately and without tools. The special contact spring allows easy insertion and guarantees a high level of contact quality. Website

On-line market links buyers and sellers of industrial spares A British start-up is helping companies to sell items from their stock of surplus spares to others who are looking for particular components. The Web-based business, called Machine Compare Marketplace, is operating globally to link sellers and buyers of surplus stock including industrial controls, .. More...

Timken buys Spinea to boost robotics and automation portfolio The US bearings and power transmission manufacturer The Timken Company is buying the Slovakian company Spinea, which manufactures cycloidal reduction gears and actuators aimed at precision automation and robotics applications. Details of the transaction have not been released. Privately owned and o ...More...

StepSERVO? Smart: All-in-one linear actuators with integrated closed loop motor and drive, motion controls and comms' AMP Inc. has released a new line of linear actuators based on its StepSERVO? integrated motors as all-in-one linear positioning solutions including closed-loop motor and drive, motion controls and comms. Available from Mclennan, AMP's European distribution partner, the new StepSERVO Smart actuators feature NEMA 11 to 23 frame motors configured with ball or lead screw mechanics in a choice of moving carriage or pushrod models. Website

Open-source OS is a low-cost alternative to Windows for IPCs Beckhoff is offering a new operating system for some of its industrial PCs as a lower-cost alternative to full Microsoft Windows packages. For many years, the company has used Windows CE as the basic operating system for its IPCs. However, Microsoft has ended mainstream support for this OS and pl ... More...

Amazon makes creating digital twins ‘faster and easier’ Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a service that, it says, will make it faster and easier for anyone to create digital twins of real-world systems such as factories, industrial equipment and production lines. Digital twins are virtual representations of physical systems that use real-world da ... More...

Meet the innovators who are driving the electric revolution at PEMD 2022 PEMD 2022 is your chance to meet leading names in power electronics, machines and drives from across the world. Keynote speakers include senior representatives from NASA, National Grid, Crossrail, Scottish Power, BorgWarner, ZF, McLaren Applied Technologies and more!

Plus new facilitated networking formats to help you meet new partners and collaborators, career-building sessions, including navigating IP and better ways to get published, panel discussions including component shortages and green design, and collaborative workshops for industry and academia to exchange ideas.

Be part of the community who are driving the electric revolution! Join us in Newcastle or online on 21-23 June. Website