As advanced product inspection technology takes centre stage, food manufacturers are rethinking how they harness the full potential of their workforce. Kati Hope, Global Account Manager at Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection looks at how to balance people and production technology to achieve maximum production efficiency.

Motion Control and Drives specialist MOONS' Industries has introduced a new generation of AC Pulsed Stepper Drivers, the SRXAC Series. Efficiency, ease-of-use and reliability are among the key requirements for many of today's motion control applications and the SRXAC series are an excellent example of MOONS' commitment in developing drives and motors which help enhance productivity, whilst maintaining exceptional quality.

250 years ago, American inventor Oliver Evans laid the foundation for mass production with the first fully automated flour mill, powered by water and mostly made of wood. While technology has advanced significantly, success in automation still looks the same today as it did in Evans' time, says Tom Cash at automation parts supplier Foxmere, who explains the integration of technology for quality assurance.

With the final implementation deadline for the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA 204) set for January 2026, organisations have a significant opportunity to align compliance with the global industry move to 2D barcodes at the point-of-sale. By integrating these two initiatives, not only will brands stand to streamline changes and avoid additional interruption, but they can extend the benefits of traceability beyond mere compliance, as Adem Kulauzovic, Director of Automation at Domino Printing Sciences, explores.

Efficient weight controls and checkweighing systems on bakery production lines are integral to meeting consumer expectations. To ensure compliance with net weight regulations, processors need to identify under or overweight packages. Daniel Shail, Applications Engineer at Fortress Technology Europe explains why this is so imperative.

Beckhoff has introduced TcRobot, a generic software library providing robot functionality to PLC users. It simplifies integration of any robotic arm into the Beckhoff ecosystem by providing a common set of functionalities to PLC developers which decreases integration time of new robotic arms.

The proven MACX Analog signal conditioner family with intrinsically safe explosion protection and functional safety from Phoenix Contact has been extended to include a number of product versions and has undergone a technological upgrade. The products can easily be combined with the 6.2 mm signal conditioners and measuring transducers from the MINI Analog Pro series.

Apex Dynamics has launched its new high-performance MG/MGK and MGH/MGHK series planetary gearboxes. Both ranges have been specifically designed for enhanced axial and radial loads, with easy installation and adjustment for rack and pinion applications.

binder has launched an M8 12-pin circular connector. This product complements the existing M8 series and sets new standards for applications in industrial sensor technology, measurement and control, technology, in camera technology and robotics.

Staubli's Simon Jenkins looks at how comprehensive training, combined with tailored application support, can help mitigate the current skills shortages which threaten to slow the introduction of the technologies which are essential to achieve the productivity levels needed to support growth.