When an obsolete component or  automation part breaks, manufacturers might struggle to find a replacement. This is especially true in highly regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals or food processing, where alternative replacements are not an option and the exact same part has to be sourced.

There is rarely, if ever, a one-size-fits-all approach to manufacturing. It is important that site managers know what considerations to make when choosing an industrial robot to automate their processes. In this article, Jonathan Wilkins, Director of EU Automation, discusses what manufacturers should consider when choosing what type of robot to invest in.

In the film Minority Report, the foreknowledge of three psychics is used to predict crimes and apprehend the future offenders, stopping the crimes before they occur. Predictive maintenance strategies are not too dissimilar to this, in that they stop problems before they arise, saving both time and money for the company.

Antonio Gaudi revolutionised how people understand architecture. The significance of his work is not only in representing nature with entirely original structures and ceramic mosaics, it is also in the example he set for future artists. Similarly, figures in Industry 4.0 are examples of both what is possible today and what will inspire the robotics engineers of tomorrow.

Predictive maintenance can be a great source of added value for businesses, and UK manufacturers have been quick to realise its potential. According to a recent report by Accountancy UK, more than eight out of ten British companies have already implemented a predictive maintenance programme in their facilities, and the market for this sector is expected to grow by as much as 40% by 2022.

The Rusmoloko Farms, in the Russian district of Ramensky, is equipping its dairy cows with virtual reality (VR) goggles, showing the animals green, sunny meadows in an effort to boost their mood and increase milk production. At the moment, VR for cows is just an isolated experiment, but there are other technologies that are rapidly gaining traction in the agricultural industry.  Here, Neil Ballinger, Head of EMEA Sales at automation parts s...

What do you do with your old smartphone when you no longer need it? Chances are, you keep it. According to a survey conducted by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), 45% of UK households have two to five unused electronic devices at home. Neil Ballinger, Head of EMEA Sales at EU Automation, discusses smartphones and the circular economy.

We all appreciate that personal touch, whether it is a thoughtful gift, unique customer experience or made-to-measure clothing. As we value more bespoke products in both commercial and industrial settings, how can manufacturers ensure they meet demand without compromising on efficiency, cost or quality? Jonathan Wilkins, Director at EU Automation, explores how automation can help manufacturers improve mass customisation.

After her mother took away her devices, a teen girl went viral after allegedly tweeting from her fridge. The reason this was so entertaining is because it’s unexpected - you don’t typically associate fridges with communication, just as you don’t with legacy equipment. Jonathan Wilkins, Director of EU Automation, discusses the issues and solutions surrounding retrofitting legacy equipment with smart technology.

According to Apple, the large green spaces, wellness centre and 805,000 square-feet of solar panels at its second campus makes it the best office in the world. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete industrial parts supplier, EU Automation, explains how large businesses can benefit from renewable energy. Apple Campus Two, also known as the Spaceship, generates all of the energy required to power the 175-acre campus with renew...

Please type the words you see in the image. At some point we have all completed a captcha to prove we are human when online. So, when a robot successfully completed the test, we were left asking, are our computers secure? Here, Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director at obsolete parts supplier, EU Automation, explains how machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) impacts cyber security.

In the 1993 science fiction film, Jurassic Park, visitors could take a tour in an autonomous Ford Explorer that used tracks on the ground to navigate. This was a good prediction of future technological advancements, but the autonomous vehicles of today are far more advanced than the Jurassic Explorer. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director of EU Automation, explains how autonomous vehicles are beginning to transform the manufacturing industry.

According to Statista, there were 453 million connected wearable devices worldwide in 2018, a figure that is predicted to increase to 593 million this year. While, the market is currently dominated by smart watches, you may be surprised at the benefits wearables can bring to a manufacturing facility. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director of EU Automation explains how wearables could transform your factory.

Loud speaker and subwoofer manufacturer, Paradigm Electronics has implemented robots to assist with product polishing. Humans collaborate with the robots but no longer perform the entire time consuming and laborious task themselves. In fact, most jobs have been altered in some way by the introduction of Industry 4.0. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director of EU Automation, explains how job roles are changing with Industry 4.0.

In the 1960s, Rolls Royce pioneered the concept of power by the hour – a pay per use system for its engines. Instead of purchasing the product upfront, the customer was offered a performance based contract. This helped align the incentives of the manufacturer and operator - reliability, reduced expenditure and accurate cost prediction. Author: Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director, EU Automation

Do you remember ABB’s dual armed robot, YuMi? In September 2017, it made history by becoming the first robot to conduct an orchestra. YuMi conducted three pieces at the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli and Maria Luigia Borsi. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director at EU Automation, discusses his top considerations when purchasing a robot.

Without sensors, the world would be very different. Kettles sense when water is boiled, burglar alarms sense movement and vehicles sense the speed at which they’re moving. However, they’re not just important for everyday life. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director at EU Automation, discusses how sensors have transformed the way industrial plants maintain their equipment.

There are a variety of ways industrial plants can maximise the energy efficiency of their equipment. Here, Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director of obsolete industrial automation parts supplier EU Automation, explains how.

When Google Glass was first released to the public, it did not receive the expected response and the technology was deemed a failure. However, the technology did not disappear altogether, as the new and improved Google Glass is changing the factory floor. Here Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director, EU Automation, explains how everyday smart technology can impact industry.

In summer, most of us look forward to longer days, holidaying abroad and eating endless amounts of ice cream without feeling guilty. However, spare a thought for plant managers, who fill with dread when the temperature gage begins to increase. Jonathan Wilkins, Marketing Director at obsolete industrial parts supplier EU Automation, explains how plant managers can keep electrical enclosures running efficiently during the summer months.