The future of pneumatics

Ask any pneumatics manufacturer what the future of pneumatics will be and they will tell you the same thing right now: smart pneumatics. Pneumatic cylinders and various other pneumatic components are being made more intelligent with a proliferation of sensors that provide invaluable data insights that can be used to make real-time, automated improvements using machine learning and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

WHAT EXACTLY IS INDUSTRY 4.0?

Every industrial revolution represents a leap forward in productivity compared to the last. Just look at how things have progressed from the water and steam-fuelled mechanisation of the first industrial revolution to the second’s mass production lines powered by electricity, and the third industrial revolution’s adoption of computerised automation. So is the current Industry 4.0 quite as monumental? It will be.

The advancements of Industry 4.0 seem subtle compared to those that have come before. A steam engine is more tangible than networks of interconnected computers dispassionately crunching data and leveraging machine learning and the IIoT to create smart factories that need minimal human decision-making. But make no mistake, this quiet revolution is creating leaner, more efficient manufacturing processes.

THE EMERGENCE OF SMART PNEUMATICS

The latest trend amid the current industrial revolution is smart pneumatics. Now, with affordable sensors and data processing technology at their disposal, pneumatics manufacturers are helping end users to gather valuable process data from a whole host of pneumatic equipment, from pneumatic cylinders to valves, pneumatic drives and even tubing.

So what does this mean for manufacturing? It all comes back to that word again: efficiency.

Let’s take compressed air as an obvious example. It is widely accepted that the average factory will lose as much as 35% of compressed air every year because of leaks. That amounts to a staggering amount of energy loss, unplanned downtime and ultimately costs. However, the tide is turning thanks to IIoT technology. Data captured from pneumatic equipment is now enabling operators to detect and mediate leaks in real-time.

PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY GAINS

At API UK, we have always embraced new technology to develop the most efficient and functional pneumatic equipment for our customers. The emergence of smart pneumatics shows us the future direction of the pneumatics industry. New performance and productivity gains can be eked out by harnessing the data captured from a wide range of hitherto “unintelligent” pneumatic equipment.

These are exciting times for the pneumatics industry. Here at API UK, we look forward to working closely with our customers to support their transition towards smarter, more efficient plants and processes. In the meantime, our extensive selection of pneumatic cylinders provides market leading efficiency and reliability – with or without smart sensors and the IIoT! Browse our complete range of pneumatic cylinders today.

To discuss your pneumatic cylinder requirements, speak with one of our technical experts today. As experienced pneumatic cylinder manufacturers, we can help you understand the full range of options available to you and guide you towards the best system solution for your application. Call us today on 01782 206 995, email [email protected] or complete our contact form.