EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Global Search for Hidden Manufacturing Talent

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing have opened the 2026 ‘Future Skills Challenge’, a global online competition that asks gamers and sim racers to test the data-led instincts that advanced manufacturing now runs on. Competitors must race against the clock through 10 questions that test their speed, analysis, strategy and problem-solving under pressure. No engineering qualifications or experience is required. 

Prizes for the winning contestants include a Fanatec sim rig, a trip to the Red Bull Technology Campus and a tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing factory, as well as a range of merchandise and prizes. Entries are  open worldwide until 21 October 2026. The competition will culminate in The Future Skills Forum at MK-7, an invitation-only summit at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, UK, on 17 November 2026.  

More information www.tinyurl.com/342cpmhk 

ITC Set to Launch New Catalogue and Website  

ITC, a UK supplier of cutting tools, will introduce a new product catalogue and website on 28 September. Both have been updated to give customers easier access to ITC’s product range and the technical information needed to select the right tooling for their applications. The launch follows ITC becoming part of Harvey Performance Company through its acquisition of ATA and reflects the company’s continued investment in the ITC brand and its UK customer base. The new ITC website adds new features and functionality to improve how customers search for tooling and access product and technical information.  

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk 

FANUC ‘Automation for All’ Technology Showcase

Back for 2026, this November will see automation expert FANUC open the doors to its UK headquarters to demonstrate how automation is now accessible for every manufacturing business, large or small. Taking place on 3-4 November in Ansty Park, Coventry, the free-to-attend FANUC open house will highlight simple, scalable robotic solutions to help manufacturers of all sizes tackle key industry challenges 

Combining expert guidance with practical solutions, this year’s open house will deliver expert-led seminars, panel debates, industry discussions and case studies. In addition, an exhibition running throughout the event will showcase the latest robotic technology from FANUC and more than 30 partners and suppliers. Following the event, FANUC’s Coventry HQ will also host the annual BARA Conference, taking place on 5 November. 

More information www.tinyurl.com/2s449zn6 

New AIRPlan 

Atlas Copco Compressors has launched AIRPlan in the UK, a new service that gives customers access to a managed compressed air and gas solution without the high upfront investment costs associated with purchasing equipment outright. AIRPlan has been developed for businesses that need to invest in their utility room, but have limited CAPEX available or do not want to own and manage compressed air assets directly. At a time when investment budgets are under scrutiny, AIRPlan gives manufacturers a more flexible route to reliable, energy-efficient compressed air and gas supply. 

More information www.hubs.li/Q04wv3zC0 

Humanoid Partnership

Schaeffler, a Germany-headquartered motion technology company, has agreed a strategic technology partnership in the field of humanoid robotics with Swiss company Hexagon Robotics. The co-operation centres on the development and supply of high-precision strain wave and planetary gear actuators from Schaeffler’s actuator platform. Schaeffler is ultimately planning to deploy at least 1000 humanoid robots from Hexagon Robotics in its global production system within the next seven years. The goal is to automate production processes and boost production efficiency. 

More information www.schaeffler.com