Automation News has published Issue 2 for 2026, featuring exclusive interviews, industry analysis, and case studies examining whether the UK can convert its long history of technological innovation in the field of automation into wider industrial adoption.
The latest edition explores the legacy of Eric the Robot, Britain’s first robot, which captivated visitors to London’s Model Engineer Exhibition in 1928. Nearly a century later, however, although Britain remains a global leader in engineering innovation, it continues to lag behind many industrialised nations in deploying automation technologies at scale.
The issue explores the factors behind that challenge, including the structure of the UK’s manufacturing sector, where highly specialised small and medium-sized enterprises often face constraints on investment despite strong innovation capabilities.
At the same time, the magazine highlights reasons for optimism as artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation technologies become increasingly accessible to organisations of all sizes.
Among the edition’s features is an interview with Suraj Gajendra, Head of Physical AI Products and Software at Arm Holdings, who discusses how technologies originally developed for autonomous vehicles are helping to accelerate the development of humanoid robots.
The issue also profiles Ksenija Linda Esko of Comau, whose career journey from Latvia to the UK illustrates the international talent helping to drive manufacturing transformation and industrial AI adoption.
Elsewhere, readers can explore how Schneider Electric’s World Economic Forum-recognised Lighthouse factory in Normandy is using advanced digital technologies to modernise production and strengthen competitiveness, offering lessons for manufacturers across Europe.
The edition also examines the growing importance of energy efficiency as the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme enters its fourth phase, creating fresh incentives for manufacturers to adopt digitalisation and automation technologies.
Issue 2, 2026 of Automation News is now available to read below.
