The new application release includes:

• Object Detection – Vending Machine: An AI-powered object detection solution tailored for smart vending systems, enabling real-time recognition of products and interactions to optimise inventory.
• Emotion Recognition: A deep learning–based emotion detection system that analyses facial expressions to provide adaptive user experiences, personalised engagement, and human–machine feedback in vending environments.
• Facial Attribute Detection with Qualcomm: An application leveraging Qualcomm AI hardware acceleration to identify facial attributes, offering efficient, privacy-preserving analytics for embedded edge systems.
• Background Removal in Industrial Field: An advanced vision model for precise segmentation and background removal, enabling improved quality control, safety monitoring, and process automation.
• Audio Classification – Industrial Noise Environments: A robust sound classification application that distinguishes between different types of industrial noise, supporting preventive maintenance, anomaly detection, and acoustic monitoring in complex environments.
• Inception – Training Experience: A flexible training experience based on the Inception architecture, allowing users to experiment, retrain, and validate models in their preferred environment, and then deploy them on SECO hardware.

“Our goal is to make AI deployment at the edge as straightforward and reliable as possible,” says Fausto Di Segni, head of IoT and AI at SECO. “By combining a growing portfolio of validated applications with the Clea Framework and the resources of our Developer Centre, we help companies accelerate their AI journey from concept to production, while ensuring full compatibility with existing ecosystems.”

All SECO applications are validated for deployment across platforms from Intel, Qualcomm, NXP, AMD, Rockchip, and MediaTek, supported by enterprise-grade Long-Term Support for operational stability and seamless integration.

The new AI applications are now available on the SECO Application Hub, with technical details and documentation available through the SECO Developer Centre and the opportunity for a free trial of the Clea Framework.

www.seco.com

“Extreme temperatures, high humidity, explosion hazards, or constant vibration – none of thesepose a problem for the 1 kV frequency converters,” says Thomas Zirk-Gunnemann, CEO of AuCom Applied Motor Controls. “Whether in mining, the steel industry, the energy sector,water management, marine applications, or the chemical, oil, and gas industries – companies in these fields benefit from the strengths of the HM Series.”

Offering performance and precision, the HM Series covers a power range from 45 to 1250 W (31–750A, 1000–1300V). The energy-efficient NPC three-level topology achieves a frequency conversion efficiency of up to 98% while reducing harmonics. Available in 2- and 4-quadrant versions, the VFDs allow fast braking as well as regenerative feedback into the grid. The integrated Active Front End (AFE) ensures minimal grid disturbances.

The powerful vector control for synchronous and asynchronous motors – with or without encoder – enables precise control and high torque even at low rotational speeds, making it ideal for drives in conveyors, cranes, and winches.

The robust design of the HM Series, featuring laminated busbars and film capacitors, is also exceptionally compact, allowing installation in pressure-resistant and confined enclosures such as those used in mining. The CAN interface enables master-slave operation for multi-motor systems. In addition to the LED keypad, the optional touch

www.aucom.com

The Government's strategy aims to reduce high industrial energy costs and modernise infrastructure to boost the UK's industrial competitiveness. This aligns with IMI's snapshot poll which found that when asked about the biggest opportunity for improvement in their pneumatic or motion systems, 38% of businesses cited energy efficiency. This was followed by system reliability (29%) and maintenance predictability (24%).

And the importance of sustainability was highlighted when companies were asked what they thought are the most significant opportunities for growth or improvement in the engineering sector. To this end, over one in five (22%) companies identified advancing sustainability as a significant opportunity for growth.

However, while sustainability remains high on the agenda, tackling skills shortages was the strongest opportunity, cited by almost half of all respondents (44%). The other two most popular answers were optimising supply chains (24%) and managing rising costs (9%).

The research also found that when selecting a systems solutions manufacturer, engineering expertise is the most valued quality, cited by 65% of respondents. While customised solutions (25%) and training support (10%) were also noted as important factors.

Daniel Coetzee, vice president: growth, industrial automation for IMI, comments, “Our poll highlights the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions, engineering expertise, and strategies to address skills shortages in the industrial sector. However, against this backdrop it is encouraging to see that sustainability remains a priority for many businesses, with the majority of engineering companies recognising this as a business opportunity for them.”

To support the engineering sector, IMI has produced a suite of materials to help companies tackle the impact of energy use, including how to reduce energy bills through optimised compressed air system solutions, as well as improve productivity outcomes. 
 
www.norgren.com/en/services/energy-saving

Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) has revealed its SSRD (Super Speed Reluctance Motor) technology demonstrator for passenger car applications at a critical moment for the UK automotive industry. With it, the firm has also announced that it has secured a major seven-figure contract with a leading global tier one company, to develop SSRD motors for use in high volume passenger car applications.

As global supply chains for rare earth elements are highly concentrated and the UK government's promised Critical Minerals Strategy remaining indefinitely delayed, AEM's demonstration proves that supply chain diversification is not just possible but can significantly boost vehicle performance.

The automotive industry's reliance on rare earth permanent magnet motors has created supply chain concentration that presents strategic challenges for the sector. With over 85% of global rare earth processing concentrated in a single region, manufacturers face potential vulnerabilities from supply disruptions, price volatility, and the natural challenges of highly concentrated supply chains.

AEM's SSRD technology demonstrator addresses these supply chain challenges entirely. Unlike traditional permanent magnet motors that require neodymium, dysprosium, and other elements from concentrated supply chains, the SSRD motor achieves industry-leading performance using only abundant materials available from diverse global sources. The passenger car demonstrator delivers remarkable specifications that match or exceed traditional permanent magnet alternatives. Market-leading performance with up to 30,000 rpm capability, combines with excellent figures on the WLTP drive cycle and superior efficiency in real life driving environments.

The technology's fully recyclable design eliminates permanent magnets entirely, combining simplified construction that enables cost-effective manufacturing with enhanced supply chain resilience. This represents a fundamental breakthrough that proves high-performance electric motors can achieve excellent results using diversified material sources.

"This technology demonstrator proves that British innovation can address one of the automotive industry's key supply chain challenges," said Dr James Widmer, CEO and co-founder of Advanced Electric Machines. "We're demonstrating a path to enhanced supply chain resilience while delivering superior performance outcomes for our customers."

The timing of AEM's demonstration addresses growing industry focus on supply chain diversification. Recent years have highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains, with manufacturers increasingly seeking alternatives that reduce concentration risk and provide greater flexibility in sourcing strategies.

The SSRD technology demonstrator arrives as policymakers work to finalise the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy. While government strategy development continues, AEM is providing tangible proof that British innovation can deliver immediate solutions to enhance supply chain resilience. The passenger car demonstrator represents a crucial milestone in proving the viability of alternative approaches to motor technology.

"We're proving that supply chain diversification is achievable today," emphasised Dr Widmer. "This demonstrator shows passenger car manufacturers that they can achieve superior performance while building more resilient and flexible supply chains."

Founded in 2017 as a spin-out from Newcastle University, AEM's innovations are protected by 46 international patents covering unique motor designs and manufacturing processes, positioning the company at the forefront of supply chain innovation for the global automotive sector.

advancedelectricmachines.com

ACROSS ITS 15 exhibition halls, SPS 2025 will welcome around 1150 companies from the automation industry to showcase advanced smart production solutions and their latest product ranges. Besides such international industry giants as Siemens, Beckhoff Automation, Phoenix Contact and Bosch Rexroth, a great many British companies, such as Analog Devices, Motortronics, and Mechan Controls will also be in attendance with their own exhibition booths.

Artificial intelligence in production technology will be a central theme of this year’s SPS. Industrial AI is being adopted by a wide range of industrial products and processes to support process engineering, control devices through various AI models, or as a component of smart tools for predictive maintenance, quality control, and adaptive production control. These technologies are fundamentally changing automation technology and opening up new potential for efficiency, flexibility, and resource conservation. As Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS, explains, “In many production environments, industrial AI is no longer a topic for the future, it is already a reality. At the SPS 2025, our exhibitors will be showing how AI is already being used in practice today and its potential for future automation applications.”

The twice-daily guided tours offered by SmartFactory Kaiserslautern offer practical insights into this. Guided by experts, the tours take in innovative companies in the hardware and software sector, highlighting the technical challenges currently being faced. According to Dr. Ingo Herbst, press spokesperson for SmartFactory Kaiserslautern, “The aim of our tours is to provide targeted insights into key technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and security in system architecture. A key priority for us is facilitating the transfer of technological expertise into industrial practice.”

The diverse solutions, specialist presentations, and live demonstrations also appeal to an international trade audience, including from the UK. In 2024, for example, the number of UK participants exceeded 460. The SPS helps visitors navigate the changing technological landscape and offers inspiration for driving innovation in their own companies.

In addition to the expansive exhibition area, the SPS 2025 will offer a diverse and future-oriented program of supporting events for trade visitors, industry experts, and young talent alike.

Live on stage

A total of four stages in Halls 1, 3, 3C, and 6 offer an opportunity for discussion, knowledge sharing, and inspiration. A particular highlight will be the Technology Stage powered by VDMA/ZVEI in Hall 3, which is organised by the two leading industry associations. In addition to Industrial AI, its focus will be on current developments, trends, and challenges in automation – from digital transformation to sustainable production. 

In Hall 6, three shared booths combine expertise and creative inspiration:

- Automation meets IT: At this booth, visitors can dive into digitalisation, cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0 topics. Here, the world of traditional automation merges with that of cutting-edge IT

- International Start-up Area: At this hotspot for innovation and networking, start-ups from around the world will present fresh ideas and disruptive technologies

- young INNOVATORS: This shared booth, which is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), offers young, innovative German companies an opportunity to present their developments to a broad trade audience.

Nurturing talent

With the SPS Makeathon and the Young Talents Day, the event also has a clear focus on nurturing young talent. Aimed at school pupils, students, apprentices, and young professionals, the Makeathon, which will run on all three days of the exhibition, gives participants, working in interdisciplinary teams, 2.5 hours in which to develop their own prototypes live on site and in direct exchange with companies. The format is being supported by ITQ, New Automation, NürnbergMesse, as well as dedicated sponsors from among the exhibitors. 

sps.mesago.com

Signed by both parties at the Defence & Security Equipment International event in London in September, the MOU encourages shared and mutual collaboration, with the ultimate aim to minimise time to production for new Rolls-Royce technology, while reducing cost and risk within an increasingly complex engineering, manufacturing and operational environment.

Rolls-Royce Submarines currently employs more than 5000 people and designs, manufactures and provides in-service support to the pressurised water reactors that power every boat in the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Siemens’ trusted software and hardware from the Siemens Xcelerator open business innovation platform helps companies transform processes – accelerating innovation, improving productivity and enhancing efficiency.

This collaboration with Siemens will support Rolls-Royce Submarines in delivering UK sovereign defence requirements more effectively, enabling a more knowledgeable, productive, secure and agile operation.

Both parties will benefit from the sharing of best practice across the digital landscape, with the ultimate aim being to enhance skills across engineering, manufacturing, research & development, training and reactor operation and maintenance, using digital technology as an enabler.

Rolls-Royce is currently supporting the existing Astute and Dreadnought boat build programmes through the delivery of reactor plant and associated components. It also provides frontline support across the world for reactor plant equipment from its Operations Centre in Derby and supports the submarines when in the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard and the naval bases at Devonport and Faslane. In addition, there are technical specialists working in offices in Glasgow and Cardiff, with a unique test facility operating in Thurso, Scotland.

www.rolls-royce.com

Vanguard is the dedicated commercial brand of Briggs & Stratton, offering not only innovative petrol engines but also advanced battery system solutions that meet the needs of OEMs.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Mobotic develops and supplies compact, modular and high-performance drive systems and components for mobile robots. Serving customers across industries including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, security, healthcare and heavy-load transport, Mobotic is recognised for its innovative MoboDrive product family, which powers a wider variety of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and mobile machinery. 

“By utilising Vanguard batteries, we upgrade our solutions with the power, flexibility, and operational efficiency needed to maximize both performance and reliability.” said Gregor Modrijan (pictured), CEO of Mobotic. “Our clients consistently highlight the value of integrated, plug-and-play systems, which streamline production and maintenance alike. Equally important is the compact and space-efficient design, making Vanguard batteries the ideal choice for mobile robotic applications where every centimeter and every minute of uptime truly matters.”

The technology partnership combines Mobotic’s proven expertise in mobile robotics with Vanguard’s decades of experience in commercial power solutions. Together, they provide reliable, future-ready systems for customers all over EMEA and the world.

Sjoerd van de Velde, managing director of Briggs & Stratton EMEA said: “Our Vanguard technology partner network is designed to give OEMs the expert support they need to accelerate the electrification of their products. We are delighted to welcome Mobotic into the Vanguard community. The specialist’s expertise in mobile robotics, combined with its commitment to innovation and industry leading products, makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand the network into new industries.”

Modrijan added: “Our collaboration allows us to deliver complete, high-performance products for mobile robotics. With Briggs & Stratton, we have a reliable and trusted partner – one that not only delivers consistent project support but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the market landscape and our specific operational needs.”

www.vanguardpower.com

Enabled by the DMG simulator’s realistic feedback and highly accurate correlation to real vehicle performance, engineers and test drivers can exploit a virtual environment more powerful than ever before, to explore vehicle characteristics and develop engineering solutions.

While real-world dynamic testing remains essential, engineers can now ‘close the loop’ on development challenges with greater speed and efficiency, feeding insights from physical testing back into an exceptionally accurate digital model that is experienced through the simulator’s ultra-low latency and high motion bandwidth. Akin to a Formula 1-style investigative process, the ability to replicate scenarios experienced by test drivers during real-world testing gives even greater visibility of the exact data behind why a car performs, behaves and drives a certain way – and with this a more detailed understanding of the DNA that defines the visceral experience of driving a McLaren.

Dynisma’s latest DMG simulation technology enables a higher level of insight throughout development stages, from CFD simulations to wind tunnel testing, aero mapping, simulator trials, and real-world validation. As an example, moment-by-moment readouts of downforce and aerodynamic performance in any given scenario are critical to bridging the gap between wind tunnel insight and real-world assessment, unlocking a deeper understanding of how suspension and aero systems interact.

The first car to benefit from the use of a simulator as advanced as the DMG is the McLaren W1; the high-downforce, low-drag, active aerodynamic technologies and suspension settings and control systems having been finalised as part of a combined simulator validation and aerodynamic development programme.

The deployment of DMG technology in developing and validating the McLaren W1’s active aerodynamics and suspension served as compelling proof of concept and paves the way for deeper integration of virtual development into future vehicle programmes.  

“The accuracy and representativeness of the Dynisma Motion Simulator allows us to extract a new level of detail and data from virtual development activity. We can explore a wider range of dynamic possibilities and behaviours in a virtual environment. The fidelity of road texture and ride inputs is so precise that we can simulate standard road conditions at lower speeds, alongside high-load scenarios on test tracks or race circuits, with remarkable realism," commented Emmanuele Raveglia, chief vehicle programme officer at McLaren Automotive.

cars.mclaren.com

M3P3 brings together over 22 technical communities for two days of insight, debate and collaboration. Delegates will hear from experts and policymakers on industrial strategy, AI, circular economy, critical minerals, infrastructure and the skills pipeline.

A key highlight is the Industrial Strategy panel, part of the Changemakers in Conversation plenaries. The session will explore the UK Government’s Invest 2035 strategy, focused on long-term growth across eight high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences. Speakers include Rt Hon Charles Hendry HonFIMMM, Visiting Professor at University of Edinburgh; Dr Cathryn Hickey, CEO of AMRICC; and Jon Bolton FIMMM, Chair of the Materials Processing Institute. They will discuss how the materials community can be recognised and supported, and where focus is needed to deliver sector growth.

Other highlights include four Changemakers in Conversation plenaries, twelve interactive Topical Knowledge Exchange Sessions, IOM3 Training Academy taster workshops, satellite conferences on timber, bio-based polymers and materials for fission and fusion net zero, and a dedicated student and early careers programme.

Keynote speakers include Ed Conway HonFIMMM, Economics Editor at Sky News; Mary Creagh CBE MP, Minister for Nature; Sarah Mukherjee MBE, CEO of ISEP; and David Knowles FREng CEng CSci FIMMM, CEO of Henry Royce Institute.

Dr Colin Church, CEnv FIMMM, CEO of IOM3, said: "M3P3 is about more than technical discussion. It is about shaping the UK’s industrial future. By bringing together our community, we are creating a space where people can connect, collaborate and influence what comes next."

M3P3 is open to all, with one-day and two-day passes available. Delegates can connect, share ideas and explore the developments shaping the sector.

iom3.org

Lucy Hart from Caroline Haslett Primary School in Milton Keynes and Tracey Ellicott of East Wemyss Primary School and Nursery in Fife were joint winners in the primary school category. Dewi Thomas of YGG Bro Edern in Cardiff, and Clare Doherty from St. Mary’s College, Derry, were both awarded the secondary school prize. 

Their schools receive £12,000 over three years to support their STEM engagement projects, and the teachers, who typically run all these STEM activities pro bono and in their own time, receive an individual award.

It is the first year that the Clark Prize has been jointly awarded to two teachers per category of school, and the first time that schools in all four devolved countries of the United Kingdom are represented.

Every year the unique prize, organised by the ERA Foundation and named after former foundation Executive Secretary, the late Dr David Clark, rewards the contributions of teachers working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) engagement, who do exemplary work to link school children with engineering experiences and activities. David Clark sadly passed away in September and was a devoted servant of ERA Foundation, and Warwick Manufacturing Group.

Tracey Ellicott has been the STEM lead at East Wemyss Primary School since 2014. 

She set up a STEM-based collaborative learning environment for pupils to experience working with materials, “Tinkertots” sessions that offer STEM activities to pre-school children with their parents and has delivered a programme of family STEM workshops. In 2018 the school won the Rolls-Royce Science Prize and used the prize money to invest in resources to support the school’s mission, including a 3D printer, Lego robotics kits (Mindstorms, Education and Spike), 22 iPads and K’Nex engineering sets.

“I have been working co-operatively with teachers to build their confidence and develop their STEM capital, while training classes to use the space safely and productively,” says Tracey. “I delivered a further series of STEM Family Workshops across early, middle and upper stages to whet the children’s appetite for STEM-related activities and learning. During British Science Week in March, our Primary 7 and Primary 2 classes led a whole-school STEM event, for which the older children achieved their Young STEM Leader Level 3 Award.” 

Tracey is a Primary Science Cluster Champion with SSERC, the STEM resource provider in Scotland.

Lucy Hart of Caroline Haslett Primary School has established two after school clubs that use “Educademy” resources to vivify STEM learning. Lucy champions diversity in STEM, and her work led to the school being recognised as an iBelong Champion in December 2024, a scheme to encourage girls to study computer science.

Last year she entered Key Stage 2 learners at her school into the Bebras Challenge, a global competition focused on computational thinking. The children achieved 17% above the national average in computational thinking. At this year’s British Computer Society BBN Prize Award, Lucy took a team of learners to Cranfield University to compete in a national competition, where the Year 6 girls secured first place for their innovative Online Safety Coding project, showcasing their coding ability.

Lucy has also encouraged children to enter the Primary Engineer competition, ‘If You Were an Engineer, What Would You Do?’. 

Stellar secondary schoolteachers

Dewi Thomas founded Engineering and Technology as a subject at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg (YGG) Bro Edern, Cardiff, in 2012 and now leads a dynamic and inclusive STEM culture that is helping students in a socio-economically deprived area. Dewi’s roll call of achievements and awards is remarkable, where his students have achieved national and international recognition in several prestigious UK STEM competitions, including winning the Big Bang UK Young Engineer of the Year, the Engineering Education Scheme Wales Sixth Form Pupil of the Year, and consecutive UK and World Finalist positions in the F1 in Schools competition. 

Bro Edern students have also earned multiple Arkwright Scholarships, IPO Prizes (including patent filings), and numerous placements in the TDI Challenge, Teen Tech Awards, and WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) Innovation Awards, nine of which were won in the past three years. Dewi’s department runs an extracurricular programme that includes LEGO League, CyberFirst Girls, and STEM Racing.

A spokesperson for the school said: “As a WJEC Engineering Design A-Level team leader and moderator, and a contributor to the Made-for-Wales Engineering Design Qualification, [Dewi] has helped raise standards and share best practices across Wales. His….  mentorship has guided students to top universities including Imperial College London, UCL, and Loughborough, as well as apprenticeships with elite organisations including Williams F1 Academy.”

Clare Doherty from St. Mary’s College, Derry has introduced two highly successful Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) events to promote STEM, entrepreneurship and innovation to pupils of all ages. Her award-winning annual Engineers Week event attracts more than 1,000 students from local secondary and primary schools. 

Presenting the awards, Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng, said the award committee were pleased that Clare’s work was influencing people far beyond her own school. “Clare’s leadership in Technology, Design & Engineering is now regarded as the blueprint for all similar departments within Foyle Learning Community, a group of 13 post-primary schools in Northern Ireland – and as a centre of excellence for student examination achievement throughout Northern Ireland.” 

Clare is also responsible for initiating the first TeachMeetTD in Ireland, where STEM teachers come together to share good practice in a supportive environment. She runs an annual Entrepreneurship Week, that is affiliated to Global Entrepreneurship Week UK.  Since 2012 students have seen presentations by over 60 entrepreneurs, including panellists on RTE Dragons Den.

“The winning teachers of this year’s Clark Prize are outstanding; it is quite overwhelming to see the amount of work they devote to connecting engineering and manufacturing with school pupils,” says Andrew Everett, executive secretary of ERA Foundation. “Their biographies speak for themselves. The Clark Prize will continue to identify and reward hard-working STEM teachers and schools, and we know there are many more out there.”

Sixteen teachers in total have received the Clark Prize since 2016.

www.erafoundation.org