Pneumatic automation plays a role on the roof tops of Clippard. Over time, pigeons become unruffled by the presence of a motionless plastic owl. By automating several owls throughout the area to pop up out of 8” PVC pipes, the pigeon problem has flown away.

More companies discover pneumatics

Manufacturers are finding that automation need not necessarily involve a lot of complicated I/O or computers. "Adding an air cylinder to a simple $25 arbor press can make pressing, clamping, and holding into hands-free operations," says Jim Ruthemeyer, a manufacturing engineering manager at OPW Div., Dover Corp., in Cincinnati.

We've all seen the unfortunate results on the evening news when fire engulfs a tanker truck or refueling station. While there are safety regulations in place, anything that can be done to make fuel transfer more hazard-free is always a welcome addition.