The Future of Pneumatics

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to change the face of the manufacturing world, many are questioning the future of pneumatics. We already have an inkling of how AI and machine learning are revolutionising traditional processes, from supply chain to product configuration. The IIoT enables a more advanced level of customisation, of precision engineering, and of quality management and risk assessment, with an integrated and programmable chain of activities from inception to conclusion. Add to this enhanced cloud connectivity, data analytics and decentralised edge computing, and we are already seeing a fundamental shift in design, build, operation and maintenance of industrial equipment and plant.

Statistics collected by the British Fluid Power Association show that sales of pneumatic equipment have actually increased to over £1.1 billion per annum over the past few years. Pneumatics manufacturers have played a considerable role in innovating and adapting systems to Industry 4.0, with industry leaders such as Festo and Camozzi introducing IIoT-compatible components to enhance the performance of their pneumatic actuators. Cost-efficient sensory and data processing tools are now forming an integral part of much fluid power equipment, from hoses, tubing and connectors to pneumatic drives, cylinders, filters and valves. Continuous position sensors, for instance, can determine the linear position of a pneumatic actuator's magnetic piston in its cylinder, with a contactless, high-resolution technology situated along the length of the sensor.