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RS DesignSpark connects a world of curious minds from all walks of life and from around the world. Join our community for free at www.designspark.com

Our award-winning software includes DesignSpark Mechanical, DesignSpark PCB and DesignSpark Electrical. Model libraries, tech updates, inspiration and learning help fire up the ordinary and ignite the extraordinary. Our purpose is to educate, influence, promote and enable engineers to design responsibly, for a better world .

27/10/2026

How do you give a machine the ability not just to move, but to understand?

As AI continues to move from the cloud to the physical world, engineers are increasingly exploring Edge AI to power robotics, machine vision, and autonomous systems in real time.

This article looks at how NVIDIA Jetson™ developer kits are helping students, researchers, and engineers build intelligent machines that can see, understand, and act without relying on constant cloud connectivity.

Whether you're developing your first robot, building machine vision applications, or exploring autonomous systems, there's a Jetson™ platform designed to help turn ideas into reality.

Read more: https://weare.rs/3TaWRSP

26/10/2026

Is an HMI enough for your application, or do you need the broader visibility of a SCADA system?

Understanding the difference is key to designing automation architectures that are scalable, cost-effective, and fit for purpose. This practical guide explores how PLCs, HMIs and SCADA systems work together, where each sits within the automation stack, and when to use one over the other.

Read the article: 👇
https://weare.rs/4BpqVeD

25/10/2026

The future of AI isn't just in the cloud.

As Edge AI adoption grows, engineers are exploring new ways to run intelligent applications directly on hardware. This Arduino article takes a practical look at deploying local LLMs on the Arduino UNO Q, covering everything from model selection and optimisation to real-world embedded AI use cases.

A great read for anyone interested in AI, embedded systems and the next generation of connected devices.

Read more 👇
https://weare.rs/3UjFvDE

23/10/2026

The first few seconds of a motor's operation can have a significant impact on reliability, efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

A recent article on DesignSpark explores the fundamentals of motor starting, including inrush current, locked rotor current, starting torque, load inertia, thermal effects, and the challenges engineers face when selecting the right starting strategy.

The article also looks at how technologies such as soft starters and VFDs can help reduce electrical and mechanical stress, while highlighting the growing role of data-driven monitoring in predictive maintenance and asset management.

Whether you're working with pumps, conveyors, fans, or other industrial applications, understanding motor starting is essential for improving system performance and reliability.

Read the full article here: https://weare.rs/4zR0yNS

What factors have the biggest impact on your motor starting decisions: starting current, torque requirements, or mechanical system protection? Share your thoughts below.

22/10/2026

What makes DesignSpark different?

It's more than a platform. It's a community of engaged engineers actively looking for solutions, ideas and technologies that can help them innovate faster.

For our partners, that creates a unique opportunity to put leading products, technologies and expertise in front of the right audience, at the right time.

Hear one of our team share his favourite thing about DesignSpark in this short video 👇

19/10/2026

What makes a robot truly effective? It's not just the robot itself, it's what happens at the point of interaction.

As automation continues to evolve, end-of-arm tooling is becoming a critical factor in determining the success of robotics projects. From grippers and vacuum systems to intelligent sensing technologies, these solutions are helping manufacturers increase flexibility, productivity, and performance.

In our latest Ask The Expert interview, Festo shares its perspective on the future of robotic gripping, the challenges manufacturers face when selecting tooling, and the innovations shaping the next generation of automation.

Watch the full interview and discover how handling technology is driving smarter manufacturing.
👉https://weare.rs/4zxWrFi👈

17/10/2026

Facilities management teams are being asked to do more with less. From controlling costs and maintaining compliance to keeping operations running smoothly, the challenges continue to grow.

Our latest Facilities Management campaign explores practical ways to improve efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience and make smarter MRO procurement decisions. You'll also find expert insights, trusted products and solutions designed to support your maintenance goals.

Explore the Facilities Management page and discover strategies to help your team achieve more with every maintenance decision.

👉https://weare.rs/4ALhNk0👈

16/10/2026

Ever expanded a machine only to discover there's no spare I/O capacity left?

That's the real-world impact of PLC architecture.

The way a PLC's CPU, memory, I/O, power supply and communications are structured affects everything from system performance and troubleshooting to future scalability and downtime risk.

Our latest article explores:
✅ Core PLC components
✅ Scan cycles and real-time performance
✅ Compact vs modular vs distributed architectures
✅ Designing for growth, reliability, and connected factories

Read the full guide 👉 https://weare.rs/4dDG1TE

15/10/2026

The future of UK innovation depends on the decisions we make today.

In this TechRound interview, Mike Bray discusses the importance of skills, technology and support for the engineers shaping tomorrow's world.

Check it out 👉 https://weare.rs/3U1m0j9

14/10/2026

How can a panel indicator do more than simply signal a status?

In this Ask the Expert feature, Eaton's Reece Martin discusses the RMQ Advanced Indicator and how it's helping improve visibility, communication and decision-making in modern control panels.

From enhanced signalling to smarter functionality, discover how industrial environments can benefit from clearer, more intuitive status indication.

Watch the full interview 👇
https://weare.rs/4ymIt8m

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