Issue No. 286
23rd September 2026 |
SMEs push back on AI over energy use and resource concerns
Only three in 10 UK small business owners (31%) say they are using AI to support their enterprises - with 27% saying they either have no plans to use it, and a further 21% saying they don’t regard AI as relevant to their business, according to new research from Novuna Business Finance. Of the majority of enterprises that have not embraced AI technology, sustainability issues emerged as a major concern - with 22% of small business owners worried about the energy and natural resources used by AI. Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance said: "It is predicted that AI use will lead to the equivalent of more than half of the UK's total water usage in 2027, while electricity consumption by AI-driven data centres is set to triple to about 3% of global demand by 2030. Technology remains important to UK small businesses, but our research suggests many business owners feel it has to be balanced with wider environmental and social considerations."
With best regards
Mark Simms, Editor
editor@machinebuilding.net
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Just 3 weeks to go for MachineBuilding.Live and FoodManufacturing.Live - Check out the expert industry panel sessions!
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The hidden cost of inefficient machine control
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Machine hardware upgrades can make a difference in improving productivity, but often the greatest gains don't come from replacing physical components, they come from improving how machines are controlled, explains Beth Ragdale, product manager at ...
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Precision fluid control enhances Heineken SmartDispense system
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The factory floor is the new margin battleground
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Drive technology and automation are no longer purely technical matters. In a market where energy, labour and expertise are becoming increasingly scarce, the operational foundation increasingly determines whether industrial companies can protect their ...
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Machine Guard Safety Products: Safety Relays
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Since 1972, Mechan Controls has been designing and manufacturing safety relays with innovative products, and for the past 54 years has continued its innovation with the new arrivals of the SRL3, SRL5, and SRL5. This makes Mechan Controls one of ...
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Efficient material flow in the production of tissue paper
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In a Eurovast plant in Pescia (Italy), the VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system from Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient material flow in production, reduces maintenance and increases reliability.
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Multiprotocol IO-Link master for scalable automation
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ifm has introduced the AL1602, a multiprotocol-capable IO-Link master from the AutomationLine range. Designed for decentralised use directly in the field, the new device combines flexible I/O configuration, high output current, and robust IP67 ...
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New roller conveyor combines modular design with intelligent control
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The new RBF 2000 from mk Technology Group provides machine builders and system integrators with a flexible roller conveyor solution for the transportation, buffering and handling of containers, boxes and trays.
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Your strong partner for machine building
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Machine building is a global and highly dynamic market. The competition that providers face is tough. It is important to meet customers' requirements and develop a range of products and services that allows machine builders to remain competitive for ...
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The Hunger Games: On Stage production runs on STOBER
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STOBER UK has worked alongside Leeds-based, Smart-Axis, to size, select and supply a variety of different STOBER servo gearboxes to fit into space-restricted areas under audience seating blocks for the global phenomenon, The Hunger Games: On Stage ...
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Fork sensor transforms labelling processes
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The full MachineBuilding.Live and FoodManufacturing.Live workshop and panel schedule - plan your day now!
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With the full programme confirmed for MachineBuilding.Live and FoodManufacturing.Live, here's exactly what to expect on 14th October:
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