OT Cybersecurity Conference report. - The second rendition of the annual ISA Ireland Section OT Cybersecurity Conference in Mullingar comes to a close once again, following and building on last year’s success and in the midst of a cold snap. The NIS2 Directive is pre-eminent in our speakers, sponsors and attendees minds and this year’s conference was put together with a focus on the directive; specifically how our attendees may learn from both our speakers and sponsors as to how they can craft their approach to alignment with the directive, and frameworks which can assist them in this effort, such as the ISA/IEC-62443 standard. (Brian Hennessy, ISA Ireland Section Committee - Cyber|Ireland)
Quality inspection sensors. -
SmartRay has added a new model to its innovative ECCO X series, giving users a choice of laser wavelengths. Their new ECCO X 100 combines fast, high-resolution inspection with maximum mounting flexibility, to meet the highest customer demands.
Powering the future of solar. - Fluke Corporation has released new survey findings highlighting key challenges for the solar industry on its path to a net-zero future. The survey identifies improving panel efficiency, transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance, and adopting smart technologies as top priorities. Crucially, data emerges as the driving force behind innovation and operational efficiency, offering solutions to these pressing challenges.
Optical Jack Sockets. - >Cliff Electronics have extended their popular range of optical jack sockets, widely used in communication systems where fibre-optic connectivity provides increased immunity to noise. These products enhance the company's reputation in the optical market, providing more solutions for customers.
Why should dew point sensors have a fast response? -
Humidity is the enemy of battery manufacturers, so its measurement and control is extremely important – not just for the plant's energy efficiency, but also for the quality and yield of batteries, affecting issues such as range in EVs. One of Vaisala's experts Antti Viitanen explains why a fast response time is so important for dew point sensors.
Touch display. -
The new Powertip 4.3" TFT Touch Display is now available from Inelco Hunter. This is aimed at applications where a bright, compact display with a full viewing angle is required.
Cybersecurity initiative commended. -
An initiative by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to identify and address key security practices for enhancing the quality and safety of software products, particularly across industries has been commended by TrustInSoft (TIS).
Peieter de Koning (L), is Chief Information Officer on Endress+Hauser's Executive Board, while Oliver Blum who takes over as Oliver Blum takes over the management of the group-wide IT service provider.
Ethernet switches for network infrastructures. -
The new LMP-0702G-SFP-24-T-V2 environmentally-hardened, Light Layer 3 managed Ethernet switch has been launched by Antaira Technologies. Engineered to withstand harsh locations, this versatile and rugged switch provides both copper and fiber Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to help future-proof the networking of industrial operations.
Energy trends 2025. - As global energy demands rises alongside the challenges of climate change, the need for a resilient and sustainable energy system has never been more urgent, according to GridBeyond’s latest white paper "Energy trends 2025 – The rise of the demand side." Now in its sixth edition, the report offers an in depth analysis of the energy systems in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and Japan highlighting their shared challenges like aging infrastructure, rising energy demand, and the need for innovation.
What Industry 4.0 Means to Automation Professionals - Automation has been at the forefront of nearly every country, enterprise, individual, educational curriculum and society. There can hardly be any intellectual discussion, business forum or program in today’s world where automation does not take center stage. We work, live, breathe, follow and preach automation in today’s application programming interface (API) economy and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI)-obsessed world, which is leading us to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). (InTech Plus)
Generative AI to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability. -
Building on its long-standing collaboration with Microsoft, ABB has launched ABB Ability™ Genix Copilot, a generative AI solution that helps energy, utilities and other industries improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability by contextualising vast amounts of data and providing actionable insights in an intuitive manner.
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Instrument redesign for maintenance, process monitoring and servicing. - The new generation of the Omniport 40 by E+E Elektronik is a tried-and-tested hand-held measuring device. The device is characterised by a wide range of measurement options with up to seven measured variables, maximum convenience and high efficiency. The Omniport 40 is particularly suitable for applications in the areas of maintenance, process monitoring or servicing. Coupled with an integrated oil database, extensive data logging functions and user-friendly and flexible operation, the Omniport 40 is the ideal companion for demanding applications in the field or during maintenance work.
Towards unravelling of the universe. -
Analyzer to evaluate 1.6 Tbps transmission system of radio telescope.
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has selected the Anritsu 400G Tester and Optical Spectrum Analyzer MS9740B for the evaluation of a new data transmission system (DTS) for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) located in Chile. The Network Master Pro MT1040A of the 400G Tester was used to evaluate the DTS communication function with 1.6 Tbps data transmission.
Shading control. - An advanced portfolio of KNX-based Blind/Roller Shutter Actuators has been announced for ABB's smart building and home automation solutions, as part of its façade control portfolio. The latest additions to the range will enable seamless integration into a KNX system for reliable, automated control of blinds and shutters, as well as provide enhanced security and energy-saving features to enable more sustainable buildings.
Android and Linux-based Smart TFT displays. -
Review Display Systems (RDS) have announced a new range of Android and Linux-based smart displays from a leading supplier of advanced display solutions, DWIN. The innovative display modules have been designed to aid and assist embedded system development and provide engineers with easy-to-use tools to create user-friendly, interactive graphical user interfaces for industrial, security, healthcare and retail applications
Industrial computer - built for the elements. -
Embedded systems face unique and often rigorous demands. This is especially common in environments that are rife with airborne contaminants like dust, debris, and moisture and where maintaining optimal temperature control is difficult. In such settings, the limitations of conventional computing systems may have a severe impact on the reliability of their performance if they aren’t properly protected. To remedy this, industrial devices like the Neousys Nuvo-9650AWP from from Impulse Embedded. are built with robust protection for their delicate components against harmful external contaminants and temperature fluctuations.
Memory & storage excellence recognised. -
Taiwan Excellence Award for three major memory and storage solutions.
The 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award has ben achieved by Innodisk for three of its innovative products. The award recognizes the company's strengths in product innovation, R&D, and quality control. The three award-winning products are the CXL Memory Module, DDR5 Air/Immersive Dual Cooling Memory, and E1.S 4TS2-P SSD.
Electro Rent has appointed Alan Mayer as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).
Powering remote devices with PoE. -
A range of networking devices are required in the successful operation of remote sites. For organisations with highly distributed assets, remote monitoring devices reduce unnecessary maintenance cycles by addressing equipment issues before they become critical. IoT sensors at the remote site collect data on process performance, machine health, energy consumption, environmental conditions, and other valuable data. Connected equipment can be diagnosed and problems remediated remotely, saving the enterprise valuable time and travel expenses. (Henry Martel,Antaira Technologies).
Specialist in enclosure climate control strengthens its position in China. - STEGO is converting its former sales office in Nanjing, a major economic hub in China, into an independent subsidiary with its own office organisation and warehouse. This transformation will ensure the consistent availability of STEGO products in the important Chinese market and enables invoicing in the local currency, Renminbi (Yuan), simplifying billing and transaction processes.
Bluesky: an opportunity or another social media frivolity? - >The benefits of being on Twitter (or ‘X”, as nobody calls it) for small- and medium-sized B2B companies have always been debatable, although there are many examples of the effort paying off, whether it’s in branding, news dissemination or customer support. It’s probable though that for most smaller companies, it’s not been a critical promotional channel. (BMON Blog)
Clamping screw with power amplifier. - The heart of the JAKOB SC power clamping screws is their unique inner workings: a specially developed wedge clamping system. This system serves as a powerful amplifier and enables extremely high clamping forces with low tightening torques. The simple, manual operation guarantees the highest operational reliability.
PI's 2024 Innovation Awards winners. - For more than 20 years, P.I. Process Instrumentation’s annual Innovation Awards program has recognized the latest solutions in process instrumentation.The program accepts nominations from companies that would like to submit their technology breakthroughs in process instrumentation.
Support for climate protection. - Endress+Hauser has achieved a further milestone in sustainability: The Science Based Targets initiative has validated the Group’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. Both the near-term target for 2034 and the net-zero target for 2050 are therefore in harmony with the 1.5-degree Celsius path of the Paris Climate Agreement and correspond with current scientific findings.
Source measurement unit. - The AQ2300 series high-performance, high-speed SMU (Source Measure Unit) has been released by Yokogawa Test & Measurement in the European market. It addresses various density needs for semiconductor/communication devices and offers high-quality pulse generation alongside high-precision voltage/current generation and measurements. Its inherent productivity and expandability characteristics means that the 2-channel SMU module also saves time and space when performing the typically complex measurement functions essential for semiconductor devices.
Core architecture strategies for IT/OT network integration. -
Taking a holistic approach toward integration of IT and OT networks allows access and security requirements to be met and scaled as additional needs arise over time. The operational technology (OT) network is the backbone of a manufacturing facility, serving either as the data highway leading to efficiency and quality gains and therefore supporting a manufacturer’s competitive advantage, or as a perpetual pending target for continually evolving cyberattacks. (Control Engineering)
Seamless data interoperability for machines. -
Siemens and Eplan are to make engineering and production processes for customers in machine and line building more efficient. This will be achieved by both companies significantly expanding data interoperability between their offerings. The automated interaction between Siemens’ Teamcenter X® software, TIA Portal, Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel makes engineering information available right on Eplan and vice-versa.
Higher voltage motor. -
The Editron EM-PMI375 690-volt electric motor has been launched by Danfoss Power Solutions. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI375 functions as both a motor and a generator. It is designed to work with the Editron EC-C1700B inverter, offering a system solution for 690-V AC and 1,050-V DC applications such as winches, cranes, marine vessels, and mining and material handling machinery.
Simple natural gas analysis in custody transfer etc. - The Rosemount™ 470XA Gas Chromatograph, just released by Emerson, is designed to simplify natural gas analysis in custody transfer and other process applications.
Connectors for bulkhead applications -
Amphenol franchised distributor Inelco Hunter is pleased to confirm immediate availability of the Sine Systems’ ARB Series™ Connectors.They are IP68 and IP69K rated (in mated condition), with heavy-duty, rectangular, thermoplastic, environmentally sealed housings.
Among best in sustainable growth. - Vaisala has been recognized in the 2025 edition of TIME's "World’s Best Companies* – Sustainable Growth" study. The study, conducted by TIME Magazine in collaboration with Statista, globally identifies companies that have shown outstanding performance in sustainable growth. This high global ranking underscores Vaisala’s dedication to being both profitable and good for the planet. Vaisala has been ranked 38th in the study.
Robotics power production and logistics efficiency. -
An agreement for a state-of-the-art installation of 10 atlas pallet shuttles, 3 elevators and 4 escala bin shuttles at Knorr-Bremse’s plant in Lisieux (F) has been announced bu Movu Robotics. Delta+ Consulting facilitated this project in close collaboration with Knorr-Bremse and Movu Robotics, underscoring the commitment to innovation and operational excellence shared by all partners involved. The project's go-live for the installation is scheduled for early 2026.
Safety Symposium to mark the 25years in Benelux. -
HIMA Group celebrated 25 years of HIMA’s presence in the Benelux market at the Functional Safety Symposium 2024, held on November 28 in Dordrecht. More than 150 attendees explored the latest solutions for the digitalisation of functional safety.
How to Approach the Risks of IoT Technology. -
NIST offers manufacturers an array of cybersecurity information related to Internet of Things technologies—from device selection and implementation guidance to outlines on what capabilities IoT devices should feature. (Automation World)
Samhain
2024 November
High performance power analyser. -
The WT1800R series high performance power analyser, released by Yokogawa, boosts the efficiency of complex power measurements for new energy applications. It combines high and low current input elements, supported by a power supply for current sensor, to verify the efficiency and power consumption of a wide range of applications.
Object detection. - The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze emits the maximum light power from a very small surface. The new light source technology can be used to finely position stacker cranes, among other things, using diffuse reflection sensors.
Eighty per cent emission reduction achieved. - Continuing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, ABB's Mexican production site for load centres and safety switches in Saltillo (MX) has reduced emissions by 80 percent in the past two years.
Micro vacuum pump. -
The new MPXS series from COVAL offers one of the most compact intelligent vacuum pumps on the market, without compromising on the technologies that characterise the French brand. COVAL's aim is to provide manufacturers with an even more efficient tool for handling non-porous parts at high speeds on robots or automated systems.
Single pair Ethernet connector standard approved. - The IEC 63171-7 ED2 standard, initiated by the PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO), defines a new connector face for future Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors. Rosenberger is committed to supporting the development and implementation of the new industry standard. The company is already working intensively on connector solutions with the new interface and is actively engaged in the standardization process.
High speed connectivity. - An uptake in reliable, durable, high-speed interconnects over the next 12-to-18 months as the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and cloud solutions intensifies across every sector, including data centers, automotive, consumer electronics and medical technology is predicted by Molex. Increased collaboration among electronics product designers, manufacturing engineers and supply chain specialists also will be needed to address ever-increasing requirements for innovations in thermal and power management, material science, and battery technology, among other pressing priorities.
Gas flow measurement computer connectivity. - The SFC3000 flow computer from Ex-i Gas Flow Measurement Ltd has been enhanced by the introduction of a Dual Ethernet Board which adds external connectivity, allowing integration into more complex measurement and control systems. The addition of a Dual Ethernet board provides a widely used communication interface to the SFC3000 flow computer as well as galvanically isolated serial ports.
Tools for in-line 3D measurement and inspection. -
The Z-Trak™ 3D Apps Studio, a suite of software tools developed for in-line 3D machine vision applications has been introduced. Designed to work with Teledyne DALSA’s Z-Trak family of laser profilers, it simplifies 3D measurement and inspection tasks on production lines. Capable of handling 3D scans of objects with varied surface types, sizes and geometric features,
Air quality sensor evaluation kit. -
The launch of the SEK-SEN66 evaluation kit has been announced by Sensirion. It is designed for easy and cost-effective evaluation of their all-in-one air quality sensor modules, including SEN60, SEN65, and SEN66. The evaluation kit is now available for purchase through their global network of trusted channel partners.
Flash and test partnership. -
JOT Automation has announced a new strategic partnership with ProMik GmbH, aimed at supporting the electronics manufacturing market with new and innovative testing solutions, and reinforcing the positions of both companies in the European and U.S. markets. ProMik specialises in flash programming and testing of electronic components, PCBAs and electronic products..
Deireadh Fomhair
2024 October
The first Read-out
