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AI Can Give You an Answer. But Can It Engineer an Automation System?

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses find information, solve problems and make decisions. Within manufacturing, AI can help engineers research components, analyse information, generate documentation and explore potential solutions... Read more

What Is PLC I/O? Understanding the Communication Behind Every Automated Machine

When people think about industrial automation, they often picture robots, conveyors or sophisticated machine vision systems. However, behind every successful automated process is something much less visible, but just as... Read more

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Why Every SP Automation Project Is Thoroughly Tested Before Delivery

When investing in a bespoke automation system, confidence is everything. Whether your project involves a robotic assembly cell, machine vision inspection system, special purpose machine or a fully integrated production... Read more

How Long Does It Take to Design a Special Purpose Machine in the UK?

For manufacturers investing in bespoke automation, one of the most important early questions is: how long does it take to design a special-purpose machine in the UK? At SP Automation... Read more

Design for Automation (DfA): How Better Product Design Leads to More Successful Automation Projects

When designing a product, one of the most important questions designers should ask is: How will these parts be made, and ultimately, if the longer-term goal is automation, how will... Read more

Planning a Successful Automation Project: Key Questions Every Manufacturer Should Ask

Investing in automation is a significant decision for any manufacturer. Whether you're looking to increase production capacity, improve quality or reduce manual handling, a successful automation project starts long before... Read more

How Much Does It Cost to Design a Special Purpose Machine in the UK?

For manufacturers considering bespoke automation, cost is always a central consideration. While much of the discussion typically focuses on the total cost of a machine, a more specific and often... Read more

The Benefits of Machine Vision Automation in Manufacturing

There are many benefits of machine vision in automation and it is now widely recognised as a key technology in modern manufacturing. Machine vision inspection plays a critical role in... Read more

What is a Robot and how does it work?

What Is a Robot and How Does It Work? A robot is commonly defined as “a machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable... Read more

Industrial Automation Solutions for UK Manufacturers

Introduction Industrial automation solutions enable manufacturers to increase productivity, reduce labour dependency and improve product quality through the use of robotics, control systems and intelligent machinery. These industrial automation systems... Read more