Automate kicks off today, where a range of industrial automation and robotics technologies will be exhibited. This show always offers a great overview of where the industrial automation sector is at currently and where it is headed. There’s also usually a lot of great fluid power technology on display as well because hydraulics and pneumatics remain integral to these systems.  

During my recent discussion with Emerson’s Georges Mankarious, he noted that pneumatics continue to play an important role in automation systems. And in fact, he is seeing a greater interest in hybrid systems that make use of both pneumatic and electric actuation technologies as people want to understand how they can leverage both technologies to maximize the performance of their machines.

What trends are you seeing in the industrial automation space? How are you seeing hydraulic, pneumatic and electric technologies being utilized? Are you attending Automate this week – if so, what technologies and trends are you looking forward to seeing? Feel free to email me at [email protected] to let me know your thoughts.

Sara Jensen, Editor, Power & Motion