FEATURE Sensors & Industry 4.0 THE ACCELERATION OF THE DIGITAL AGE
Here, Bob Clark, Managing Director - Cutting Tools, Machining & MCA, at Rubix UK, explores how automation is reshaping the industry, what it means for businesses navigating the shift, and how the right technology can drive lasting advantage
T
he manufacturing and logistics sectors are undergoing a fundamental transformation. Faced with rising costs, tighter margins and unpredictable supply
chains, businesses are rethinking how they work. And at the heart of this transformation is smart, scalable automation. Once a forward-looking ambition, automation is now business-critical. It’s not just about streamlining operations - it’s about staying competitive in an environment where speed, precision and adaptability are everything. Across warehouses and production lines, change is in full motion. Traditional systems are being replaced by connected, intelligent technologies that unlock new levels of performance. Robotic systems are streamlining repetitive tasks. Real-time analytics is improving forecasting and decision-making. Modular control platforms are introducing agility into even the most complex production setups. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Manufacturing Industry Outlook, businesses are prioritising targeted investment in digital infrastructure to address workforce and supply chain pressures. The message is clear: transformation is now essential to staying competitive. With the right automation in place, organisations can grow with agility, improve quality standards, reduce operational costs and build more resilient operations.
Recent years have exposed just how vulnerable supply chains and production systems can be. operational strength. By reducing reliance on manual input, businesses can achieve more consistent output, increase quality standards and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime. In production environments where there’s high variation in product types but smaller batch sizes, adaptable robotics and modular automation data-driven systems provide real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, helping to extend equipment life and prevent costly disruptions. Automation also supports better traceability,
regulatory compliance and quality assurance, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace and food manufacturing. These
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increasingly complex global markets. Automation doesn’t diminish the value of skilled workers - it supports them. When repetitive tasks are handled by smart systems, people have more time to apply their knowledge where it’s most needed, whether that’s solving practical challenges, improving day-to-day operations, or helping things run more smoothly on the ground. This is where expert support becomes essential. Rubix partners with industrial businesses to identify optimisation opportunities and implement smart technologies such as linear motion systems, robotics and PLC programming. These tools improve movements in automated processes, streamline reducing downtime, and drive consistent output by automating repetitive tasks.
Rubix’s automated vending machine solutions access to essential tools and parts securely and inventory levels, and trigger automatic replenishment when stock is low, minimising waste, improving accountability, and ensuring critical components manual stock checks, cut down on tool shortages, and
automation control panels, sensor integration, and condition monitoring systems. These solutions are such as real-time system performance monitoring or predictive maintenance. By continuously tracking performance and conditions, these systems help identify potential failures before they happen. Looking further ahead, automation has the potential to become increasingly intelligent, autonomous and integrated into broader Industry 4.0 strategies. Cloud platforms, real-time data systems and machine learning will drive new performance benchmarks and open the door to smarter, data-led operations.
Rubix
solution.rubix.com/service/automation Your Global Automation Partner Smart Factory Solutions Smart Factory Solutions
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* More than 20,000 sensors.
* Factory Automation. * Process Automation. * Hazardous Areas. * Harsh Environments. * Measurement & Inspection. * LED Lighting. * Vision Systems. * Machine Safety. * Vehicle Detection. * Flow & Temperature.
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Automation | September 2025 17 Data from legacy Machines
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