Smart Safety Test saves time and promotes efficiency. -
BASF’s largest new construction project in China, the Zhanjiang Verbund Site Project (ZVSP), requires high personnel and time expenditures for tests, especially Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Integration Factory Acceptance Test (IFAT) and loop tests. To reduce these efforts, BASF has opted for the HIMA Smart Safety Test, integral part of SILworX®, HIMA’s engineering, diagnostics and test tool which enables a flexible, automated test concept over the entire life cycle of a safety system.
Air leak detection. - The Si1-LD, an industrial acoustic imaging camera that brings faster and more accurate compressed air leak detection to those operating on a modest condition monitoring budget has been introduced by FLIR. The Si1-LD offers improved detection and quantification capabilities in comparison with the existing FLIR Si124-LD Plus, along with a higher upper limit frequency range.
Minor investments in sensor quality protect major assets. - Sensor specification is an important consideration when choosing process monitoring and control equipment. However, in the following article, Juhani Lehto from Vaisala explains why the quality of a sensor can be difficult to determine from a spec sheet alone. The cost of high-end sensors can be negligible in comparison with the processes and assets that they help to manage and protect. Process managers should therefore invest in measurement technologies that have been proven to deliver stable, accurate reliable measurements in the long-term.
Reliable and inexpensive bellows couplings. -
The KM Metal bellows coupling from Jakob Antriebstechnik, has proven itself on the market for decades as a reliable and inexpensive standard series of metal bellows couplings. Like all metal bellows couplings, it is rotationally rigid, but axial, angular and radial flexible. Despite the similarities, metal bellows couplings sometimes differ greatly from one another. The technical differences lie, for example, in the choice of bellows or the type of connection between bellows and hub or bellows and shaft.
Supporting practical space projects. -
The WOBBLE2 project of the Berlin Experimental Astronautics Research Student e.V. (BEARS e.V.) is being supported by Sensirion with the high-precision SLF3S-4000B sensor. The dedicated team of students from the Technical University of Berlin has qualified for the 15th cycle of the REXUS/BEXUS program, which allows them to test their experiments on sounding rockets.
Keeping up with growing bandwidth and power requirements. - Antaira Technologies is helping industrial enterprises build the 10G network of the future by launching its new LMP-2804G-4XS and LMP-2812G-4X83 managed gigabit switches. These new high-density 1U rackmount switches are embedded with four 10G SFP+ fiber slots for connecting to an industrial backbone or high-capacity servers, along with the scalability of either 16 or 24 1G RJ45 Ethernet ports equipped with PoE+ supplying 30W per port to connected cameras, sensors, WAPs and other devices.
On-machine LED indicators. - The Allen‑Bradley 852C and 852D On-Machine LED Indicators, a powerful and compact solution for indicating machine status has been unveiled by Rockwell Automation. Maximising machine uptime requires a clear understanding of equipment and processes, and when critical conditions arise, effective communication is essential to address issues swiftly and avoid costly downtime.
Automation partner at ethylene complex. - ABB has signed a Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) to support as the automation partner for Dow’s Path2Zero project at Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, (CDN). According to Dow, the project, which is currently under construction, will create the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions ethylene and derivatives complex1, producing essential building blocks needed for many of the materials and products on which society relies.
Growth Forecast for Global Manufacturing in 2025. - The longer-term growth trajectory appears to be steady, with calculations suggesting year-on-year growth in global manufacturing output between 2025 and 2029 of 3% to 5%. Regarding Asia, some emerging economies within the region are experiencing strong growth. Simultaneously, China’s growth appears slower compared with recent history, as it becomes a much more developed economy. Europe is set to witness growth, albeit slower-paced due to deindustrialisation in some of its larger states and economic stagnation. In contrast, the trajectory for the Americas region fluctuates more but is also stronger and more robust, while the forecast for manufacturing industry output growth in the region is almost double that for Europe. (Automation.com)
Robust connector system for demanding environments. -
The LMR Series of rack and panel connectors from Weald Electronics provide a form, fit and function alternative to the ITW McMurdo Connectors RED Range which was made obsolete in 2024. Most residual stock of this widely used connector family has now been consumed but specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics is able to maintain supply to existing and new customers with a direct alternative from its sister company, Weald Electronics.
Camera family for cost-sensitive applications. -
The new Tetra™ line scan camera family has been launched by Teledyne DALSA. Designed for a wide range of machine vision applications, Tetra leverages Teledyne’s latest multiline CMOS image sensor technology and builds on the success of the original Linea™ series of high-value line scan cameras.
Free pipette! -
INTEGRA Biosciences is giving away the chance to win a MINI 96 portable electronic pipette in its latest prize draw. The MINI 96 is a compact and portable electronic pipette designed to revolutionize how laboratories fill 96 and 384 well plates.
Routing and network diagnosis. -
The Portable BASrouter from Contemporary Controls, provides stand-alone routing and network diagnostics in an easy-to carry-compact case, making it ideal for commissioning and troubleshooting BACnet networks. Like all routers in our BASrouter series, this BACnet multi-network router delivers versatile routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet (ISO 8802-3), and BACnet MS/TP, thereby allowing systems integrators to mix BACnet network technologies within a single BACnet internetwork.
High temperature relay. -
Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched the G3VM S-VSON(L) MOS FET relay, designed for use in semiconductor test equipment, communication equipment, and test and measurement equipment. The relay is capable of operating at ambient temperatures of up to 125°C, improving on previous iterations which were limited to ambient temperatures of 110°C. As a MOS FET relay, the device is voltage-driven, removing the need for input side resistor selection, while freeing up additional board space.
Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, recipient of the 2025 imec Innovation Award.
Top spot for wireless charging system. -
The PULS-Wiferion CW1000 autonomous mobile robot wireless charging system, which enables uninterrupted supply of power for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and mobile robots (AMRs) has been voted Product of the Year 2025 in the Automation, Digitalisation, and Connectivity category by readers of INDUSTRIAL Production magazine.
Platform certified for MES. -
The first partner in the newly established PAS-X Data Access category of the Körber Ecosystem Partner program has been named. This partnership, with eschbach, empowers pharmaceutical manufacturers to leverage PAS-X MES data in Shiftconnector for real-time transparency across teams and departments to increase operational efficiency and excellence.
Sensors and analysers. - The new Mettler Toledo Process Analytics Catalogue for 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of solutions for analytical measurements in liquid process applications, pure water monitoring and gas-phase measurement.
Wireless testing advances. -
The German engineering services and test company, EDAG, recently purchased Anritsu's Radio Communication Analyser MT8821C primarily for DUT maximum output power and receiver sensitivity testing. The Anritsu MT8821C offers EDAG a variety of benefits that include quick and simple OTA (Over The Air) connection with a DUT, an easy to use and train GUI and the ability to quickly find and configure key parameters for establishing an OTA connection such as input/output levels and SIM card criteria.
Passing the chain! - Mr Patrick Corbett was elected as President of the very active Ireland Section of the International Society of Automation (ISA) at the recent AGM held in Cork. He succeeds Patrick Bonner who held the office for the past few years.
Configurator pecision lead screws. -
A significant upgrade to Thomson Industries' online lead screw selector tool with enhanced configuration capabilities for its miniature models has been announced. Available in diameters of 2, 3 and 4 mm, Thomson miniature lead screws are engineered for applications that demand compact, precise motion – catering specifically to the medical, robotics and automation markets.
Connector for the most demanding environments. -
Stäubli’s modular connector CombiTac uniq is suitable for the most demanding environments. With up to 100,000 mating cycles and a variety of different contacts, this connector offers the ideal customisable and durable solution. The portfolio of available contacts is constantly being expanded and therefore offers even more flexibility for your applications. The new 12 mm power module complements this portfolio and is suitable for high-current applications thanks to its conductor cross section of 120 mm2.
Digital transformation in life science manufacturing. -
Körber has officially certified HighByte Intelligence Hub for seamless integration with PAS-X MES as part of the Körber Ecosytem Partner Program. HighByte has achieved the “PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce” certification. This partnership empowers life sciences manufacturers to fast-track their digital transformation, enabling improved data visibility, enhanced operational agility, and increased manufacturing efficiency.
Software advances improve developer productivity. -
PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, Emerson's integrated development environment software is used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems programmable logic controllers (PLCs), QuickPanel human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and more. This update is the latest and most advanced version, elevating the user experience with a significant leap forward in capabilities, including simulation, data monitoring enhancements, optimized connectivity, and programming efficiency.
Radiometry enables Pixel-Level Temperature Data from compact, highly sensitive uncooled Thermal Infrared Camera Modules. -
The availability of radiometric models of its high-performance Boson®+ thermal and Hadron™ 640R+ dual thermal-visible camera modules has been announced by Teledyne FLIR . Built for defense and industrial applications with size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimization, the NDAA compliant and ITAR-free radiometric Boson+ and Hadron models provide real-time temperature measurement of every pixel within a scene.
Collaboration for development of innovative embedded vision solutions. -
A new strategic collaboration with VIA optronics AG (OTC: VIAOY), a leading supplier of interactive display solutions, has been announced by Solectrix. The companies aim to create production-ready solutions tailored to demanding applications in various industries with a primary focus on the DACH region* and the broader European market.
Acquisition bolsters presence within EMEA. -
Control Station has announced the successful acquisition and integration of its Roscrea (IRL) based joint venture and distribution partner. Originally formed in 2016 to support the needs of multi-national process manufacturers, Control Station Limited strengthened the company’s market positioning both in the EMEA region and globally. Through this acquisition Control Station significantly expands its international reach with the addition of expert sales and engineering services staff.
Water quality service extended. -
Thames Water Utilities has extended the term of Meteor Communications' Framework Agreement for the supply of water quality monitoring equipment and services for Final Effluent Monitoring. The Framework extension will run until September 2027, and covers the provision of ESNET monitoring systems with associated calibration, maintenance and data services via the MeteorCloud® platform.
Easing pressure and improving efficiency in Datacentres. -
Customers are demanding the highest levels of performance and sustainability, alongside financial, environmental and political pressure to improve energy efficiency. At the same time, recent growth in the demand for Datacentres is set to accelerate further with increasing investment in AI infrastructure, and growing concern about a lack of capacity in AI-ready Datacentres. Anu Kätkä of Vaisala, explains how Datacentre companies can respond to external pressures by utilizing the latest measurement technologies to optimize both energy efficiency and operational uptime.
Best-in-Class Automation Events. -
The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced wins in multiple categories in the annual Eventeer Awards. The wins recognize two ISA events — the Automation Summit & Expo and the OT Cybersecurity Summit — and mark the third year in a row that Society events have been awarded.
Torque Sensors for fastening. -
The latest advancement in torque sensing technology – the SGR525/526 Torque Sensors has been launched by Sensor Technology. Designed for precision and versatility, these state-of-the-art sensors feature square shaft ends, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications.\
Display from the cloud! -
Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of their new 4.3-inch TFT Touch Display, particularly suitable for applications requiring a compact, high-brightness touch screen. Applications will for instance include cloud-based internet-connected products, portable products and industrial equipment.
A tweet in the blue sky! -
When the ownership of the platform formerly known as twitter changed in October 2022 the change was almost immediately noticeable. In the case of Read-out we found that we started to be followed by people who had little if any interest in instrumentation or automation. It was notable that these new followers had few followers themselves.
Rotary and key lock switches. -
A new franchise distribution deal with switch manufacturer Lorlin Electronics has been announced by Anglia Components. Established over 60 years ago, ISO 9001-approved Lorlin manufactures a full range of rotary switches from simple on/off types to multi-circuit versions, many of which are unique designs.
Low-Code Software to aid manufacturing. -
The move toward low-code and no-code software in industry has gained a lot of traction in the past few years for several reasons. Most notably in that it helps manufacturing domain experts — not IT specialists — develop apps to help optimize production processes and guide new workers through complex procedures.
Event-based machine vision. -
Camera enables ultra-fast, efficient machine vision with event-based sensing.
The IDS’ new uEye EVS camera line incorporates the high-speed, dynamic range and data efficiency of the Prophesee-Sony IMX636HD event-based vision sensor to offer new capabilities for industrial machine vision applications. Thanks to the event-based sensor technology, the cameras only capture relevant changes in the image.
Acquisition bolsters machine vision capability. -
The Headwall® Group (“Headwall”) has acquired EVK DI Kerschhaggl GmbH (“EVK”), an Austria-based technology company specializing in industrial sensor-based sorting and inspection systems. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in Headwall Group’s mission to enhance its portfolio and bolster its presence in the industrial machine vision market.
High fidelity software validation at faster speeds. - The launch of the NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL has been annoinced by Emerson. This is a powerful new software solution designed to address the growing needs of engineers developing and testing embedded software. Tailored specifically for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) customers, LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL brings together test, validation and data analysis tools in a unified platform to streamline workflows and accelerate time-to-market.
The first Read-out
