Understanding dc UPS systems for mission-critical applications - In a world shaped by digital transformation, AI and smart manufacturing, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems have become essential to maintaining operational continuity. A reliable 12 V, 24V or 48 Vdc backup is crucial for safeguarding sensitive systems and processes across many industries, including industrial automation, edge computing, vision systems, infrastructure, energy and process technology, health care and more. (Bicker-Autumation.com Monthly)

Photonics innovation nominated. - Two technologies reflect TOPTICA’s dedication to developing high-performance, application-driven laser systems. With practical benefits for end users, from experimental physicists to biomedical researchers, these innovations align with global demands for greater efficiency, compact integration, and user-friendly operation.
Winners of the Innovation Award will be announced during LASER World of PHOTONICS held in Munich (D) during June 2025.

Automate 2025 - report: - Automate, the largest robotics and automation trade show in North America, celebrated its most successful event to date with record numbers of registrants and exhibitors. 45,000 people from around the world registered to visit the sold-out show floor that featured more than 900 exhibitors during Automate’s four-day run from May 12-15, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.

Data logging for evaluation and test. - The SL2000 High-Speed Data Acquisition Unit, from Yokogawa Test & Measurement, is a ScopeCorder series product with a wide range of data logging functionalities for evaluation and test applications, including high-speed sampling and analysis. The SL2000 is a modular platform that combines the functions of a mixed signal oscilloscope and a data acquisition recorder, and is designed to capture fast signal transients and long-term trends. It is suitable for applications such as R&D, validation, and troubleshooting.

Joint actuators. - Recently the Italian motion component and systems manufacturer, Servotecnica, developed two new cost-effective standard versions of its SVTM series in 118- and 153-mm diameter package sizes that offer nominal output torques of 33 Nm and 49 Nm respectively, both are equipped with a 19 bits resolution BiSS-C protocol absolute encoder. Available with full application support from Mclennan, the new standard SVTM 70 and 105 mechatronic joints cover a wide selection of the industry’s most commonly specified requirements and have been designed for further customisation for output torque and encoder type.

Cybersecurity partnership joined. - The Utilities Technology Council (UTC) has officially joined ISASecure®, the globally recognized certification program assuring the cybersecurity of industrial automation control systems by validating conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards.

Robotics and automation highlighted in Detroit. - Automate, the largest robotics and automation trade show in North America, celebrated its most successful event to date with record numbers of registrants and exhibitors. 45,000 people from around the world registered to visit the sold-out show floor that featured more than 900 exhibitors during Automate’s four-day run from May 12-15, 2025 in Detroit (MI USA).(Report from Automation.com)

Automotive testing and production. - The Mobilizer Series just launched by HMS Networks presents a state-of-the-art automotive gateway under its product brand Ixxat. Designed to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of automotive communication and testing, the Mobilizer combines unparalleled flexibility, robust hardware design, and user-friendly software tools to deliver a versatile, standalone solution.

How a new generation of service providers help end users realise Digitalisation Success. - Manufacturing end users face many challenges developing and maintaining digital transformation programs. End users invest in digital transformation programs for different reasons and with different goals in mind. Industrial companies are under pressure to achieve high levels of performance and to compete effectively in the marketplace. (Ark Advisory)

AI Empowerment for manufacturers. - >Manufacturers across every industry are being empowered by Emerson to drive toward optimised autonomous operations with the most advanced industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and data solutions for online, mission-critical applications. Emerson’s comprehensive AI portfolio – supported by its recent acquisition of the Aspen Technology business and built on decades of domain expertise – will help organisations implement AI solutions that deliver consistent, sustainable value. High Integrity Pressure Protection System in gas wellheads. - In order to protect personnel and equipment, wellhead casing pressure is often monitored in case there is a situation where the wellhead needs to be shutdown. Traditionally standalone pressure switches were used but today companies are required to implement more advanced and effective safety systems. This illustration shows the Moore Industries SLA installed in a remote oil and gas wellhead application using 2oo3 voting logic to ensure pressure protection.

Solutions for electronics cooling. - The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin has released an updated version of its catalogue for thermal interface materials (TIMs). Providing a comprehensive overview of Parker’s solutions for electronics cooling applications, the latest catalogue includes all recently released TIMs, as well as a new dispensing guide to help customers ensure a correct and consistent application.

Innovation in cybersecurity. - The hardware-based security technology company Xiphera has been awarded the ECSO STARtup Award 2025, following the European finals held in The Hague (NL). Organized by the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO)*, the award recognized Xiphera’s hardware-based cryptographic solutions as the most outstanding innovation among the finalists.

Fighting condensation in enclosures. - The CS 032 enclosure heater from STEGO with fan delivers high performance and efficiency in a compact design, making it easy to install even in confined spaces. It is available as a Basic version with fixed heating power or as a Plus version with intelligent variable output control.

Mourya Ghosh has joined Enspec Power as its new Head of Engineering.

Collaboration bridges the IT/OT divide. - ABB and Red Hat have announced an extended collaboration to develop automation systems for the future of industrial IT, enabling more secure and modular deployment of control applications for process industries. The collaboration builds on ABB’s automation leadership and Red Hat’s industry-leading enterprise open source platforms, combining industrial innovation and digital capabilities – including data analytics and artificial intelligence – to help pave the way towards autonomous operations.

One of the most influential industrial innovators has died. - Dr. Hans D. Baumann, PE, the world-renowned process control and control valve expert, passed away at his home in West Palm Beach (FL USA) in the early hours of March 25, 2025. He was 94. Baumann’s contributions to his chosen field are vast and varied, and his dedication to advancing the state-of-the-art is unsurpassed. Baumann designed or directed the development of more than 30 valve lines during his professional career, including the well-known CAMFLEX valve, which has been produced in eight countries and sold more than three million units. RIP.

Cybersecurity conformance accreditation. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced that UL Solutions has received full accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to serve as an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body for ISASecure®.

TFT displays. - Two new versions of a range of 4.3” TFT displays have been introduced by Inelco Hunter. The new model options include a cover lens and OCA bonding. The combination of OCA bonding with the new 1mm cover lens provides very high impact resistance - the impact rating is IK04 and the surface Hardness is 7H.

Effortless integration of AI and automation technologies. - Project Beyond will deliver the industry’s first software-defined, OT-ready digital platform that seamlessly integrates and optimises industrial operations. Leveraging innovations in software-defined control, data management, zero-trust cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI), Emerson’s new platform will help automation investments deliver value without adding complexity.

Large scale MES project. - Accelerating digital transformation with fast-tracked MES implementation. GC Biopharma, a leading South Korean biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with Körber to implement a large-scale Manufacturing Execution System (MES) project across multiple sites. Set to go live within a year, the project marks one of Korea’s fastest MES rollouts, underscoring GC Biopharma’s focus on operational excellence and long-term growth.

Connector backshells. - Two new series of connector backshells from Weald Electronics are for use in rugged applications. Both series are manufactured in accordance with AS85049/M85049 specifications, which are considered to be the industry standard for connector accessories.

A holistic view of simulation in process automation - Owner-operators are recognizing the value of investments in simulation tools as the technology becomes an essential part of the development and optimization of process equipment and production plants. (David Humphrey - ARC Advisory)

Desktop and lab control design prototyping and testing. - The latest addition to Speedgoat's portfolio of real-time target machines has been launched. The Pulse test system is designed for control design innovation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing in automotive, aerospace, and other industries that demand versatility. The solution supports engineers working with an agile process, accelerating development iterations.

Wastewater plant attracts international attention. - The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant—a €139 million project that ends decades of raw sewage discharge into the River Avoca—has officially opened, marking a major environmental milestone for Ireland. Ayesa joined Irish water utility Uisce Éireann, The Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Minister James Browne TD, and local representatives to celebrate this long-awaited achievement.

Electro Rent has appointed Nicolai Moresco as Vice President and General Manager for EMEA.

Silver gold and platinum enhancements to power testing! - A number of significant enhancements have been added by Interpro to its PowerStar 6 Power Test Software, their “Program without Coding™” power test environment.

Arbitrary Waveform Generators with Ethernet control. - Spectrum Instrumentation presents new AWGs with 10 GS/s output rate and 16-bit resolution. Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced four new Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) in its DN2.63x NETBOX series, delivering output rates up to 10 GS/s with 16-bit resolution. With easy control via Ethernet, these high-speed instruments connect directly to PCs, laptops or even the company network. Designed for automated and remote testing, they are ideal for wideband signal generation from DC to 2.5 GHz.

How to select water purity monitors for 24/7 reassurance. - The leading providers of continuous water quality monitoring instrumentation frequently claim similar levels of performance, so it can be challenging to choose the best measurement technology with which to entrust critical manufacturing processes. Here, Russell Culver from Swan Analytical explains why some of the key differentiators are not shown in specification sheets.

Communication system security in avionics. - Thales has selected TrustInSoft Analyser to reinforce the cybersecurity and reliability of its future avionics and communication systems. As software complexity grows within safety- and mission-critical environments, ensuring the absence of memory vulnerabilities and runtime errors becomes paramount. By leveraging TrustInSoft’s code analysis technology, Thales is strengthening its software assurance processes to meet the highest standards of safety and cybersecurity compliance.

Field portable instruments range expanded. - A Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and Vector Voltmeter (VVM) measurements have been added to Anritsu's Site Master instruments. The latest iteration of the Site Master MS2085A and MS2089A are the most capable ever field portable instruments used by the world’s RF communications engineers. Already featuring a cable and antenna analyser and spectrum analyser, the new VNA and VVM options expand the applications supported to include filter and amplifier testing in the field as well as maintenance of radar and antenna arrays including airfield VOR and ILS navigation systems.

Class leading electric vehicle and energy-storage systems charging. - The G9EJH-1-E ultra-compact DC power relay has been introduced by OMRON Electronic Components Europe , delivering a space-saving solution for inrush protection in battery-charging systems up to 800V. With class-leading dimensions of 31mm x 27mm, and 30mm high, the relay also meets the IEC 60664 insulation distance specification to satisfy stringent reliability and safety standards.

Control of transportation and storage of captured carbon dioxide. - ABB’s Ability™ System 800xA® Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) is to be deployed to manage the automation, telecoms and cyber security project scope for the transportation and storage of the captured carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by heavy industrial plants in the North West of England and North Wales, to four depleted gas fields in the Irish Sea off the coast of Liverpool.

AI and streaming camera meet ruggedness. - IDS Imaging Development Systems is systematically expanding its range of high-performance AI cameras with their new IDS NXT oslo. The model combines artificial intelligence with first-class image quality, video streaming and recording functions in a compact, industrial-grade housing - protected to IP69K standard, the highest degree of protection against the ingress of dust and high-pressure water.

Energy management uses AI. - GridBeyond has announced the launch of its new API-based partner energy management platform to support businesses to monetise smaller-scale energy assets across demand response, energy and capacity markets.