COMMENT October 2020


Automation Ode to resilience


L


Cover supplied by Analog Devices, more on pages 8-10


Automation is a media partner of the following industry organisations:


British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) - www.bara.org.uk


ockdowns are kicking off yet again! The most prevalent reaction is one of despair. But, although the hospitality industry is being shut down, and our personal ‘freedoms’ are curtailed once more this year, I’m glad to write it is not all doom and gloom.


UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) - www.ukiva.org


GAMBICA - www.gambica.org.uk


Automation is sent free of charge to individuals who meet the publisher’s strict terms of control. To continue to receive your copy please register online at www.automationmagazine.co.uk


Annual subscription rates: UK - £103.00, Overseas - £137.00


For circulation enquiries contact: Curwood CMS Ltd. Tel: 01580 883844 Email: datateam@c-cms.com


ISSN 1472-1244


Total Average Net Circulation for 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2018 was 10,705


© 2019 Datateam Business Media Ltd 15A London Road,


Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY Tel: 01622 687031 www.datateam.co.uk


Registered in England No. 1771113


Our industry is showing some positive signs, with continued production, investments, new products and innovations, and an even-faster adoption of technologies than before Covid-19 struck. Here are just a few examples from the many out there: • TDK-Lambda is investing £11.5m in its manufacturing facility in Ilfracombe, UK, to increase production capacity by 50% over three years. • Precision OT, a provider of optical transceivers and related components, is expanding its presence in Europe with plans for further EMEA growth. • GKN Wheels hits new manufacturing targets at Telford, UK. Its entire production line has been completely re-built, with new rim lines, robotic weld cells and a state-of-the-art finishing plant. • Charlie Walker, a director of third-party logistics and online fulfillment specialist, Walker Logistics, says that the UK logistics industry is well prepared to deal with the consequences of another UK-wide lockdown. And this is exactly it: the first wave of the virus was a shock, and took us all by surprise. But, we – the employees, manufacturers, suppliers, facilitators, the industry – have learned from it, and have shown great resilience and willpower to keep things moving. Those who can work from home were sent home, and those who must be present at the workplace – the factory floor, for example – have been given the additional space and cleaning facilities to shield themselves from viral harm. Embracing technology kept us efficient. “The Telford team has endured some obstacles and challenges,” said Mike Smith, Plant Director at GKN Wheels. “[But] Despite the recent business challenges presented by Covid-19, the team has remained focused and fully committed to delivering the project, while at the same time re-configuring the plant to enable social distancing to allow us to get back up and running to full production, ensuring business continuity for our customers.”


Now, this is not an invitation to stand up and clap to the industry, but, seeing how things are shaping up, maybe just acknowledging these small successes will be nice!


Svetlana Josifovska, Editor


Editor Svetlana Josifovska Tel: 01732 883392


SJosifovska@datateam.co.uk


The statements and opinions expressed in connectingindustry/Automation magazine are not those of the editor or Datateam Business Media Ltd unless described as such.


Publication Manager Aamir Rashid Tel: 01622 699188 arashid@datateam.co.uk


SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: @automationmag


automationmagazine.co.uk


automationmagazine.co.uk Smarter solutions for industrial efficiency





Low cost compact level and pressure sensors


NEXT ISSUE


Topics in the November 2020 edition include:


• Automated Warehousing • Sensors & Sensing Systems • Coding, Marking & Labelling


Industry Focus: • Food & Beverage • Oil & Gas


Special Supplement: • AI & VR


Business Director Louise Tiller


Tel: 01622 699104 ltiller@datateam.co.uk


Artwork Editor Claire Noe


LinkedIn: Automation Magazine Automation | October 2020 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46