Industrial AI will not deliver if it is treated as a goal rather than a tool
The accelerating shift toward industrial AI promises efficiency, agility, and sustainability gains. Still, manufacturers must move beyond the buzzwords and focus on customer value, domain expertise, and a disciplined innovation process to realise its full potential. The manufacturing sector is no stranger to complexity, yet the volatility of today’s operating environment is pushing even the […]
How AI is transforming manufacturing for the future
AI is changing how manufacturers operate, from streamlining processes to enhancing efficiency and decision-making. Mark Venables explores the key opportunities, challenges, and future trends that are shaping the role of AI in manufacturing. The rapid advancement of AI technology is reshaping the manufacturing industry, creating new opportunities to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. […]
5G and edge computing drive the future of manufacturing
5G and edge computing transform manufacturing by enabling real-time decision-making, predictive maintenance, and intelligent automation. This shift is revolutionising operational efficiency and setting a new standard for connected industrial environments. Manufacturers are on the cusp of a radical shift as 5G and edge computing move from promising technologies to critical enablers of real-time production, supply […]
The truth about AI in manufacturing is messier than you think
Executives are under pressure to deploy AI, but many efforts stall before they start. Successful AI adoption is not about algorithms but the foundations of data, infrastructure, and people. The current wave of AI adoption in manufacturing comes with high expectations. The possibilities appear limitless, from predictive maintenance and autonomous supply chains to AI-generated reports […]
Citizen developers provide boost to digital innovation
Citizen development transforms manufacturing by empowering non-technical employees to build and deploy applications, driving agility and accelerating digital transformation. As Mark Venables explains, by embracing this model, businesses can optimise processes, reduce IT dependency, and boost competitiveness. As the demand for digital transformation accelerates, companies are turning to an emerging model known as citizen development […]
Predictive is not enough to survive supply chain shocks
Manufacturers need more than insight to compete; they need foresight. Predictive and generative AI are fusing with granular data, agentic interfaces and unified infrastructure to turn static plans into living, breathing operations. For decades, forecasting in manufacturing has been built around compromise. The traditional approach to demand planning relied on aggregating data into manageable blocks, […]
AI and analytics fuel next-generations maintenance
Predictive maintenance is transforming manufacturing by harnessing AI and data analytics to pre-empt equipment failures, streamline operations, and drive strategic decision-making. Mark Venables explores how companies like McLaren Racing are using predictive insights to gain a competitive edge while addressing the challenges of data integration, security, and upskilling. Predictive maintenance is redefining manufacturing, offering a […]
Greencore and QA redefine food manufacturing through data-driven transformation
UK food manufacturer Greencore has embarked on a bold initiative to integrate data-driven decision-making at every level of its operations. In partnership with QA, a UK tech training provider, the company has launched a bespoke Data Academy designed to embed data literacy across its workforce, aligning with its five-year strategic vision. The initiative comes at […]
Data sovereignty moves from compliance burden to strategic advantage
More than half of UK organisations now recognise data sovereignty as a crucial element of their data strategy, with customer trust emerging as a key driver alongside regulatory compliance. Research from OVHcloud, based on a survey of 500 IT decision makers in large organisations, highlights a shift in attitudes towards data sovereignty, positioning it as […]
Automation is transforming manufacturing but is industry keeping up
A quiet but profound shift is underway in manufacturing. As companies struggle to balance efficiency, quality, and workforce shortages, automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The latest example comes from a fire detection device manufacturer that has adopted a robotic workcell to boost productivity and quality control, highlighting a broader trend reshaping […]
Enterprises struggle to close the gap on responsible AI adoption
A new report by HCLTech and MIT Technology Review Insights has uncovered a stark reality for businesses attempting to integrate responsible AI into their operations. While 87% of senior business leaders recognise responsible AI as essential, 85% admit they are ill-prepared to implement it. This disconnect highlights the urgent need for organisations to move beyond […]
The advent of AI is reshaping manufacturing operations
The manufacturing industry has long been defined by technological advancement. From the mechanisation of labour to the automation of production lines, staying ahead has required continuous innovation. But while the sector has historically focused on physical upgrades, a quieter revolution is taking place in the administrative backbone of manufacturing, one that could determine which businesses […]
Small manufacturers receive funding boost to accelerate digital transformation
A new wave of funding aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturers embrace digital transformation, as the UK government expands support for businesses looking to integrate cutting-edge technology. Made Smarter Adoption North West, a pioneering programme designed to help SME manufacturers adopt digital tools, has secured an additional £230,000 in funding from the Department for […]
Raising the bar for safety in battery manufacturing
A major UK battery manufacturer has reinforced its commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence as it looks to scale its business in an increasingly competitive global market. Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), based in Peterlee, has achieved ISO 45001 certification, a globally recognised standard for occupational health and safety management. The milestone reflects a broader […]
AI is changing the way robots see and work in warehouses
The evolution of artificial intelligence is reshaping how robots perceive and interact with their surroundings in warehouses, helping businesses improve efficiency while redefining human-machine collaboration. Advances in AI and machine learning are transforming robotic perception, enabling autonomous systems to adapt to complex and unpredictable environments with greater precision. Warehouse robotics has long focused on automation […]
Mobile robots to reshape industries as adoption surges
The rise of mobile robotics is set to transform industries far beyond warehousing and logistics, as advancements in automation drive efficiency gains across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and last-mile delivery. Forecasts indicate that shipments of mobile robots will increase fivefold by 2030, reaching 2.8 million units annually, according to technology intelligence firm ABI Research. The […]
Driving OEM growth in the digital age
Rockwell Automation is setting a new course for growth in EMEA, led by newly appointed President Gustavo Zecharies. Mark Venables caught up with him at Rockwell Automation Fair in Anaheim to discuss how he aims to revitalise the OEM segment and guide the region through an era of digital transformation with a focus on agility, […]
Rockwell Automation Fair: Five takeaways shaping the future of manufacturing
The Rockwell Automation Fair in Anaheim was more than just an exhibition of technological prowess; it was a statement of intent for the future of manufacturing. Here are five key takeaways from the event that encapsulate the present trajectory of industrial automation and the broader vision for reshaping manufacturing as we know it. 1 – […]
How cooperation drives sustainable water management in California
As Southern California faces increasing water scarcity, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) demonstrates how collaboration and advanced technology can secure a sustainable water future. Mark Venables discovers how IEUA is setting a new standard for regional water management through innovative projects and strategic partnerships. The 50th anniversary of the film Chinatown in June 2024 […]
The transformative power of AI in manufacturing
AI is reshaping manufacturing, bringing new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. At Rockwell Automation Fair, industry leaders Blake Moret and Rev Lebaredian discussed how their collaboration transforms automation and empowers people through cutting-edge technologies. Rockwell Automation Fair in Anaheim brought together two leading minds in industrial technology: Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, […]
Revolutionising automation through software, AI, and beyond
Rockwell Automation is transforming manufacturing through AI-driven design tools, software-defined automation, and virtual commissioning technologies. Mark Venables explains how these innovations enhance efficiency, collaboration, and productivity while reducing complexities and integration challenges in automation development. From AI-driven design tools to software-defined automation, the latest innovations are shaping the future of manufacturing and industrial operations. These […]
