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Dear reader,
Flexibility – this term applies to all aspects of life and business,
as indicated by more than 14 million search results in Google; it is
also a common theme throughout this magazine. The cover image
shows how flexibility in the animal kingdom is an advantage
during the growth phase. Examples like this are a source of
inspiration for scientists. They learn from them and then apply
this knowledge to technical disciplines. Architects are also
inspired by nature when they want to create flexible objects and
the materials to support them. Take bamboo, for example, which
is extremely flexible yet incredibly strong, see on page 4.
Flexibility also is a highly relevant theme for industry trends and
reacting quickly to market demands. See page 10 to read about
work we’ve been doing with Horizon Instruments and Warwick
Manufacturing Group to prepare for critical change in the
automotive sector to make the commercial production of battery
modules feasible for electric vehicles.
The manufacturing and engineering industries are on the cusp of
the fourth industrial revolution. Only the most agile
organisations will thrive, while those with one foot in the past
will be left behind. To be successful, leaders and managers must
put in place new strategic thinking to exploit business
opportunities and respond to threats. But what are the potential
implications of Industry 4.0 for those who must implement
change on the ground? See page 20 where Neil Lewin,
Consultant for Festo Training & Consulting explores this topic.
As for flexibility and automation, the Bionic Learning Network
has used nature to develop a number of objects that have found
their way into the world of automation. The research that is
being carried out into the superconductor-magnet combination
focuses on the world of automation. Developments such as the
SupraShaker can be tilted in any direction and, despite its
shaking motion, prevents vibration from being transferred to the
entire system. Flexibility is equally important in industry.
Flexible and modular automation concepts from Festo help to
enhance competitiveness. Flexibility makes it possible to have
batch sizes as small as one with virtually no retooling times.
Find out more about the many flexible options on offer to you
and your business in this issue.
Eliza Rawlings
Discovering spaces
Eliza Rawlings,
General Manager, Festo GB