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Duke Control Systems Blog

Industrial Automation
Insights & Technical Guides

Practical insights, technical guides and industry thinking from the Duke Control Systems engineering team — covering PLC programming, robot programming, virtual commissioning and industrial automation for UK manufacturers.

Latest Articles

From the Duke Engineering Team

Virtual Commissioning
Virtual Commissioning

Virtual Commissioning Explained: Cut On-Site Startup Time by 80%

Testing your automation system in simulation before installation, how it works, when to use it, and what to ask your integrator.

May 2026 · 7 min read
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Cobots vs Traditional Robots
Robotics & Automation

Cobots vs Traditional Robots: Which Is Right for Your Production Line?

A practical guide to understanding the difference between cobots and traditional robots, and which is right for your facility.

April 2026 · 7 min read
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How to Choose an Automation Integrator
Buyer's Guide

How to Choose an Automation Integrator: UK Buyer's Guide

What to look for, what to ask, and what the warning signs look like before you commit to an integrator.

April 2026 · 9 min read
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Modernise Legacy Control Systems: Safe Obsolete PLC Upgrades
PLC Control Systems

Modernise Legacy Control Systems: Safe Obsolete PLC Upgrades

Ageing PLCs pose real risk to production reliability. How to approach a legacy upgrade safely with minimal disruption.

April 2025 · 6 min read
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Palletising Robots in the FMCG Sector
FMCG Automation

Palletising Robots in the FMCG Sector

How palletising robots improve throughput, safety and flexibility for fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers.

March 2025 · 6 min read
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Global Robot Density 2025: Top Countries vs the UK
Industry Insight

Global Robot Density 2025: Top Countries vs the UK

South Korea leads with 1,220 robots per 10,000 workers. Where does the UK rank and what does it mean for manufacturers?

March 2025 · 5 min read
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Why Your Robot Feels More Like a Liability Than an Asset
Robot Programming

Why Your Robot Feels More Like a Liability Than an Asset

Unplanned stops, safety trips and missed cycle times — is your robot a bottleneck? Here's how to fix it.

March 2025 · 6 min read
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UK Automotive Industry Post-Brexit: EV Shift & Future Outlook 2026
Automotive

UK Automotive Industry Post-Brexit: EV Shift & Future Outlook 2026

From Daimler to gigafactories — how automation is helping UK plants stay competitive in the EV era.

February 2025 · 7 min read
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Reviving Legacy PLCs: Upgrade Obsolete Controls Without Downtime
PLC Control Systems

Reviving Legacy PLCs: Upgrade Obsolete Controls Without Downtime

Over 50% of UK factory controls are over 12 years old. Proven strategies for upgrading without halting production.

February 2025 · 7 min read
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2026 UK Labour Crisis: Why Factories Need Robots & Automation Now
Industry Insight

2026 UK Labour Crisis: Why Factories Need Robots & Automation Now

49,000 manufacturing vacancies and rising. How automation is helping UK factories close the gap.

February 2025 · 6 min read
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Industry 4.0 Reality: The 80/20 Rule for UK Manufacturers
Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 Reality: The 80/20 Rule for UK Manufacturers

Forget million-pound MES platforms. How to deliver 80% of Industry 4.0 gains from 20% of targeted improvements.

January 2025 · 6 min read
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Unlock Hidden Capacity: The Value of a Free Production Line Review
Production Optimisation

Unlock Hidden Capacity: The Value of a Free Production Line Review

Independent expert eyes often spot inefficiencies that daily operators miss — and what results clients have achieved.

January 2025 · 5 min read
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Palletising Robots: Fast ROI for Any End-of-Line
Robotic Palletising

Palletising Robots: Fast ROI for Any End-of-Line

25–35% labour savings and ROI within 18 months — integrating with your existing line without expensive rebuilds.

January 2025 · 6 min read
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