Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt and placing them in their packaging – was still performed manually, which introduced delays and other constraints. Cranswick commissioned CWM Automation to design and deliver a fully automated pick-and-place system, allowing those employees to take on more skilled tasks.

“Automating this stage of the process presented some complex challenges,” said Asa Arvidsson, regional vice president EMEA north region, Rockwell Automation. “The new system had to operate with remarkable precision and speed. With our strategic collaboration with autonox Robotics, we were able to support CWM Automation in making this possible.”

Powered by Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Kinetix VP low inertia servo motors controlled by an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5380 safety controller, the new end-of-line pick-and-place system accurately detects the presence and orientation of each sausage. It then uses an autonox Delta robot to pick up the sausage, properly align it and place it in the appropriate package – 240 times a minute.

“We’re very happy with the new pick-and-place system,” said Mark Lundgren, chief engineering manager at Cranswick Gourmet Sausage. “Thanks to Rockwell Automation and CWM Automation, we’re able to meet our production goals and deadlines in a way that is far more efficient and cost effective. Our labour productivity on the line is greatly increased and that means our staff not only have more skilled and comfortable jobs, they’re also often free to work on other production lines.”

“Cranswick had to have the new system up and running to meet their annual production target,” explained Mick Williams, managing director, CWM Automation, a Rockwell Automation Gold-Level OEM. “To achieve this, we worked closely with the Cranswick engineering team and the systems consultants at Rockwell Automation. It was a great cooperation, and together we met what was a very challenging deadline.”

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The new space will have an expanded office environment with a dedicated customer-facing area, designed to support collaboration and product demonstration. The office offers a notable increase in size and capacity, ensuring Beckhoff UK can accommodate its growing team as well as evolving customer requirements.

The office was designed to not only support everyday operations but also customer engagement. The upstairs space will offer a modern and comfortable working environment for Beckhoff employees. The ground floor will have several meeting rooms, making it suitable for different uses throughout the day. Larger spaces will be set up to encourage collaboration and the sharing of ideas.

A key part of the new office is the customer experience area, which will give visitors a hands-on understanding of Beckhoff’s automation solutions. This space will include a product display wall, a larger demonstration setup and several smaller modular demo units. These modular demo units are being designed to be flexible so they can be used both on-site and at external events.

As the customer experience area continues to develop, it will become an important part of how Beckhoff UK showcases its technology by offering a more interactive and practical experience for customers at every stage of their projects.

“Opening our new head office in Henley is an important milestone for Beckhoff UK,” said Stephen Hayes, managing director of Beckhoff. “The new office space allows us to better support our growing UK team while creating a more accessible environment for customers. It also follows the opening of several new offices for Beckhoff UK over the last few years, including facilities on Alderley Park, near Manchester, and the expansion of Huntingdon, Cambridge. Both of these sites act as training centres, allowing us to have more face-to-face time with our customers no matter where in the UK they are.”

The new site also includes upgraded onsite parking, making visits more convenient for customers and partners.

Overall, the opening of the new office in Henley marks a significant step forward for Beckhoff UK, underlining its ongoing commitment to innovation and stronger customer relationships.

Today, the focus is on connecting systems, processes and people to create greater visibility and support better decision making. Digital transformation is not about replacing everything. It is about investing in the right areas to improve operational performance.

By combining automation with technologies such as IoT, AI and real-time data monitoring, manufacturers can gain a clearer understanding of production performance, identify inefficiencies and respond more effectively to changing demands.

Connected factories are helping manufacturers improve quality, reduce bottlenecks, support sustainability objectives and make more informed decisions across the business. From production tracking and inventory management to quality control and forecasting, digital transformation is creating opportunities to improve performance at every stage of the manufacturing process.

In its latest blog, Innomech explores what digital transformation means in practice and why moving beyond traditional automation is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers looking to remain competitive.

Launched officially on 1 June, SIS-TA introduces a fully digital and transactional sales platform for smart industry components, strategically expands STEMMER IMAGING’s existing business model by complementing its established consultative approach with a scalable online sales channel focused on speed, simplicity, and direct availability.

Responding to changing customer expectations

Industrial purchasing behaviour has fundamentally changed in recent years. Customers increasingly conduct product research, technology comparisons, and supplier evaluations digitally and independently. At the same time, expectations regarding transparent pricing, immediate availability, and direct ordering capabilities continue to rise.

SIS-TA was specifically created to address these market developments with a digital-first approach tailored to customers who require fast and efficient procurement processes for industrial automation products.

“The market is shifting from education to execution,” explains Mike Weccardt CEO, SIS- TA “Customers increasingly know exactly what they need and expect frictionless purchasing experiences with maximum transparency and speed.”

A transactional platform for industrial automation

The new online platform serves as the central customer interface, covering the complete purchasing process from product selection and availability checks to transparent pricing and direct ordering.

At launch, SIS-TA focuses on machine vision products including cameras, optics, lighting, and frame grabbers. Over time, the portfolio will expand to include additional smart industry technologies such as cobots, AMRs, industrial sensors, smart cameras, motion control solutions, industrial I/O, and PLC systems.

SIS-TA will provide AI-powered first- and second-level support to ensure fast and efficient customer assistance. For more complex projects, solutions, and applications, customers will have access to STEMMER IMAGING’s expert support organization and its highly specialised engineering teams.

Strategic expansion into new customer segments

SIS-TA is specifically designed to address customer groups that increasingly prioritize speed, price transparency, and simplified procurement processes. The platform enables STEMMER IMAGING to expand into new market segments while strengthening long-term customer relationships within the broader group ecosystem.

The operating model has been intentionally designed to remain lean, scalable, and highly automated, allowing rapid adaptation to changing market requirements and future portfolio expansion.

With SIS-TA, STEMMER IMAGING takes the next strategic step in industrial digitalisation – combining competitive products, digital sales models, and integrated services into a future- oriented smart industry platform.

When a production line comes back online, time matters and seconds count. N-Tron NT7000 is built to minimise downtime with fast boot that passes traffic in less than 7 seconds and N Ring redundancy with around 20 ms healing, helping operations return to service quickly after network faults.

Hardware based precision timing

As motion, robotics, and other time sensitive industrial applications become more common, deterministic timing is no longer optional. N-Tron NT7000 supports hardware based IEEE 1588 PTP for sub microsecond time synchronisation, moving timestamping into hardware to reduce variation versus software based implementations, supporting more consistent timing for demanding applications.

Deploy faster, replace easier, support smarter. N-Tron NT7000 is designed not just to perform but to simplify the day to day realities of industrial networking. N View 3 provides switch and topology discovery, network health monitoring, firmware management, and centralized IP addressing. A micro SD card in the switch supports configuration backup and restore, helping enable faster replacement and recovery. For EtherNet/IP environments, CIP messaging AOI and Faceplate help simplify controls integration.

A scalable platform for modern industrial networks

The N-Tron NT7000 is a platform designed to support a wide range of industrial architectures and installation needs. It is offered in multiple configurations and connectivity options – including copper and fixed fibre variants to fit common compact and complex industrial designs.

NT7000 is certified for rugged industrial applications that customers actually deploy in, including UL Ordinary and Hazardous locations as well as ATEX and IECEx certification in addition to IEEE 802.3 compliance and ODVA, marine, railway and rolling stock certifications. The switches are housed in rugged, DIN-mountable all-metal enclosures and offer high shock and vibration tolerance, along with surge protection, redundant power inputs and extreme operating temperatures.

“Industrial teams keep telling us they need performance they can trust – without added complexity. The N-Tron NT7000 is built for that reality: fast startup, rapid recovery, hardware-based precision timing, and tools that make it easier to deploy, maintain, and restore. It’s designed to keep critical operations running in the environments where uptime matters most,” said Barry Turner, N-Tron Product Manager.

On Stand 5-N054 at Fiere di Parma, 26-28 May, Trio will also present its complete Motion-First Automation solution, including the PC-MCAT-2 combined PC and motion controller, high-performance EtherCAT servo drives and motors, I/O systems, HMI and SCARA robots.

Trio’s new Motion-PLC controller has been designed to reduce the complexity and cost of machine build for stand-alone machines in applications such as gantries, packaging, and glue laying. The controller combines EtherCAT motion control for up to eight axes alongside machine logic thanks to a multi-tasking operating system that performs both tasks in parallel.

With flexible I/O expansion for 16 I/O slices – plus additional I/O with Trio’s I/O coupler – Motion-PLC achieves extensive device integration with an EtherCAT port and up to two Ethernet ports. The controller also offers protocol support for Modbus TCP, PROFINET IO, and Ethernet/IP.

Application development and device integration is managed through Trio’s license-free MotionPerfect software, and motion programming is achieved with common IEC languages.

The new controller is the latest development from Trio’s Motion-First Automation design approach that focusses on optimising a machine’s motion cycle within a complete automation solution. Central to Trio’s Motion-First Automation approach is the Motion-iX ‘motion engine’, based on more than 30 years’ development, that includes pre-programmed motion features ranging from simple point-to-point moves through to complex kinematics and robot control.

At SPS Italia, Trio will also present PC-MCAT-2, a control solution that integrates Windows applications alongside advanced motion performance. The controller runs Microsoft Windows 10 with a choice of Intel processors, and achieves high-speed EtherCAT motion coordination for up to 64 servo and robot axes.

In addition to Trio’s range of all-in-one controllers with integrated I/O, the automation brand will also display its Flex-6X and Flex-7 flexible machine controllers. These pocket-sized devices give freedom over functionality with a wide range of ‘click-in’ I/O slices, alongside high-performance motion control over EtherCAT for up to 80 axes.

As part of the complete Motion-First Automation solution, Trio will also display its range of servo drives and motors. The servo drives feature EtherCAT update rates as fast as 125µs, plus integrated safety features, but to simplify machine design and reduce cost-per-axis, intelligence remains within the controller. The drives are matched with low inertia servo motors to create a plug-and-play servo solution for rapid commissioning and reliable operation by machine users.

Trio’s Motion-First Automation solution on display at SPS Italia will also include I/O systems, a range of HMI displays, plus a SCARA robot application demo. Trio’s SCARA solution enhances performance, reliability, and speed of development, as just a single controller is required to manage a machine, robots, and servo motion axes.

“We’re excited to launch Motion-PLC at SPS Italia 2026 and show machine builders how the new controller can make development faster and simpler, while retaining Trio’s motion control performance, from a typical PLC environment,” says Trio Italy Manager, Mauro Lavatelli. “Presenting Trio’s complete Motion-First Automation solution, we will show machine builders how we can support their full automation requirements while optimising the motion performance of their machines.”

Tom Alexander, Trio Motion Technology’s President, says: “The Italy market is crucial to Trio as Italy is home to many of the world’s leading machine building OEMs, particularly in our core markets such as packaging and printing. Trio is at SPS Italia to show OEMs how we can support their ambitions with our Motion-First Automation solutions.”

The demand for ever more powerful machines and increasing regulatory requirements, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), are fundamentally changing the rules in the packaging industry. OEMs are under growing pressure to design packaging that is as small, material-efficient, and sustainable as possible – while maximising space utilisation and flexibility.

What appears to be purely a packaging issue has far-reaching implications for mechanical engineering: such profound changes in packaging require new machine designs. This presents an opportunity to make machines even more compact, flexible, and energy-efficient while ensuring the highest level of precision.

High-performance packaging machines

As a specialist in drive and automation technology, Lenze offers application-specific motion control solutions for the packaging machines of tomorrow. At Interpack 2026, Lenze will show how the combination of in-depth application expertise and powerful servo and drive technology enables precise, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solutions for every machine architecture – from sensorless control to drive solutions for the highest cycle rates.

Open interfaces, integrated safety, and end-to-end engineering also shorten development times, increase system availability, and ensure the flexibility that modern packaging machines demand.

Cost and energy efficiency

With its IE5/IE6 drive system, Lenze offers a decentralised solution with servo-like performance. In combination with the Lenze i650 motec frequency inverter, the Motor Drive System achieves IE5/IE6 energy efficiency classes and supports machine optimisation through sensorless positioning and integrated regenerative capability – helping OEMs process sustainable packaging materials more effectively.

Visitors will also experience how machine architecture can be adapted flexibly and how high dynamics, precise motion, and reduced hardware effort can be optimally combined for modern packaging machines with demanding motion profiles.

Inline robotics without cycle interruptions

Another highlight at the booth is a delta robot demonstrating highly precise pick-and-place processes on two rotating tables – without having to stop them. Through rotary tracking, products are picked up and placed synchronously, eliminating unnecessary cycle times and maximising efficiency.

This is made possible by Lenze’s “Feasible Application Software Toolbox.” Known as “Lenze FAST,” this modular software toolkit enables machines to be implemented faster, in a more structured way, and with significantly less programming effort. The Lenze FAST Robotics Template used in the delta robot significantly reduces engineering effort by parameterising robotics instead of programming them. Users benefit from short cycle times, increased line performance, and a scalable system solution that ensures the highest level of process reliability.

Easily realise modular packaging machines

A real eye-catcher at the booth is the Lenze Jonglator: The high-performance motion control system demonstrates how powerful servo inverters handle complex motion requirements while remaining more compact than purely mechanical motion solutions. Thanks to Lenze’s open architecture, modular machines can be planned and implemented much more easily.

Consistent functions and interfaces across controllers, HMIs, and I/Os enable seamless integration. This means motion, logic, and HMI functions are executed reliably and in parallel, even at high cycle rates and with increasing machine complexity.

Mpac tray former live at the booth

Under the motto “Motion enabled by Lenze,” Lenze demonstrates on a machine from customer Mpac how machine solution expertise creates real added value: the high-performance tray former processes up to 200 trays per minute and is therefore ideally designed for demanding production environments.

A rotary infeed concept replaces conventional pusher systems and ensures stable, continuous operation at high speeds. Reliable synchronisation and Lenze’s dynamic drive technology ensure this performance over the long term. As a result, Mpac’s tray erector is an ideal example of sophisticated packaging solutions and demonstrates how the complete Lenze portfolio delivers high speeds, precision, and consistent drive performance in demanding packaging processes.

Another advantage of the system is that it replaces conventional plastic trays with environmentally friendly cardboard containers. This supports the industry’s transition toward more sustainable, plastic-free packaging solutions.

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At the same time, Delta ensures robust protection for customers across a wide range of industries, from machinery and food and beverage to logistics, with robust, industry-leading cybersecurity.

Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director Industrial Automation Business Group EMEA, stated: “Delta’s industrial automation solutions have a proven track record of delivering measurable competitive advantage in fast moving, dynamic market sectors. They enable customers with the agility to adapt efficiently to shifting market demands, economic pressures, and emerging growth opportunities. At the same time, their advanced security features ensure operational continuity, safeguarding manufacturers and supply chain operations against an increasingly complex threat landscape.”

At Hannover Messe, Delta showcased real-world applications of its solutions, including:

Delta 3D ToF Smart Camera: Enables accurate 3D data acquisition and reliable object detection for industrial automation. Utilizing Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology, it captures high-speed 3D information at up to 60 fps, delivering precise depth and position data. Through point cloud processing, the system provides accurate object coordinates, enabling seamless integration with robotic arms for efficient and precise pick-and-place applications. A live demonstration with a SCARA robot at the exhibition will showcase how the solution enhances accuracy and efficiency in automated operations.

Delta Collaborative Robot Solutions: Delta will showcase collaborative robot applications that demonstrate flexible and efficient automation within connected production and material flow environments. Its advanced palletizing system, powered by the DC16 collaborative robot, delivers seamless end-of-line automation. With a 16 kg payload, extended reach, and high precision, the DC16 enables efficient handling of boxes and materials in palletising tasks Integrated with Delta’s ecosystem of components, including vacuum grippers and linear axes, the system forms a fully synchronized, plug-and-play setup that can be deployed quickly without complex programming. Built-in Reflex Safety, collaborative functionality, and a robust IP66 design ensure safe human-robot interaction and reliable operation in demanding industrial environments.

Delta Multi-Drive MX300 Series: Delta introduces its new Compact Multi-Drive MX300 Series, designed to deliver greater flexibility and space efficiency in modern production environments. Featuring a modular multi-axis architecture, the system allows users to configure drive setups according to specific application requirements. Its compact, parallel mounting design optimizes cabinet space, simplifies installation and commissioning, and enables easy system integration. By reducing complexity in wiring and system configuration, the MX300 Series helps streamline machine design and supports more efficient and scalable production operations.

Cyber Security: Delta’s comprehensive cybersecurity solutions have been designed specifically for industrial machinery manufacturers. Beyond ensuring EU CRA compliance and delivering products built with a “Security-by-Design” philosophy, three specialised services are offered to protect Delta’s customers’ machines and businesses: Cybersecurity Assessment, including vulnerability, fuzz, and penetration testing; Compliance Assessment, where customers are guided through Machinery Regulation, EU Cyber Resilience Act and IEC 62443 requirements; and Delta’s Security Concept Design service, where Delta works side by side with its customers to define the technical requirements that best fit their needs. Delta’s mission is simple; to help manufacturers build cyber-resilient machines, achieve regulatory confidence, and ensure operational continuity in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.

On stand 18-640 in Hall 18, visitors will experience the latest developments in collaborative robots, industrial automation cells, digital engineering tools and lifecycle service and support offerings for metals fabrication applications.

“Demand for automation in metal fabrication is accelerating, especially for welding applications where 29 percent of manufacturers have identified automation as a major priority to help them meet a shortfall in skilled manual workers,” said Alan Conn, Managing Director at ABB Robotics UK & Ireland. “This trend reflects a growing need for the industry to embrace robotic automation to improve productivity and address ongoing skilled labour shortages.”

Exhibits will include examples of ABB’s OmniVance collaborative Arc Welding and Machine Tending application cells. The arc welding cell will show how welding operations can be automated quickly and easily using a collaborative robot. Designed for high-mix, low-volume production environments, the cell enables operators to program welding sequences in minutes using an intuitive Easy Teach Device, reducing programming time and making robotic welding accessible even to first-time users.

The collaborative machine tending solution will demonstrate how cobots can automate repetitive loading and unloading tasks. Based on standardized hardware and intuitive interfaces, the cell simulates a typical machine tending process, enabling operators to manage production through a simple teach-and-run approach.

Alongside the OmniVance cells will be ABB Robotics’ FlexLoader FP800 high-performance robotic cell, highlighting how manufacturers can automate complex material handling tasks while maintaining flexibility and high productivity. Using advanced 3D vision technology, the cell demonstrates a semi-structured bin picking application, showing robots identifying and picking randomly oriented components.

The stand will also showcase ABB Robotics’ digital capabilities, with demonstrations of RobotStudio, the industry-leading offline simulation and programming software tool. RobotStudio enables manufacturers to design, program and optimise robotic systems in a virtual environment before deployment, reducing commissioning time and improving production efficiency.

Supplementing these demonstrations will be a focus on ABB Robotics’ Modernisation Services showing how ABB Robotics can help manufacturers to combine robotics, digital engineering tools and lifecycle services, including upgrades and optimisation, to build smarter, more flexible factories and remain competitive in an increasingly automated manufacturing landscape.

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Successful deployment requires precise motor control, fast responsiveness, and reliable operation under harsh conditions, with minimal wiring to reduce failure points.

Brainboxes’ BB-400 Edge Controller addresses these challenges with its rugged industrial design, local sensor processing, and Node-RED integration for fast-decision-making and warehouse management system communication. Engineers can extend capabilities with Brainboxes’ Remote IO modules, seamlessly connecting lifts, safety gates, and sensors to provide full remote visibility and control.

Together, the BB-400 and Remote IO devices turn autonomous robots into intelligent collaborators. They respond to real-time inputs, coordinate with other equipment, and streamline workflows to reduce downtime and improve efficiency. Scalable and easy to integrate, Brainboxes solutions enable warehouses to evolve into connected, data-driven ecosystems.