Is Ai Food Manufacturing’s Recipe for Success? - Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry who successfully adopt Ai will see the biggest benefits from the careful combination of computer vision for improved quality control and machine learning for predictive maintenance. (Automation World)

Multispectral infrared imaging. - FLIR MIX, an advanced multispectral imaging solution designed to bring greater detail and accuracy to infrared imaging has been launched by Teledyne Flir. By blending thermal and visible-light imagery, FLIR MIX gives researchers and engineers a powerful new way to analyse, interpret, and share complex thermal environments with greater accuracy.

Ultrasonic welder. - Emerson is to launch the first model in its next-generation Branson™ Polaris Ultrasonic Welding Platform, an innovative, entry-level system that provides the flexibility and control capability to meet diverse manufacturing needs. This model, the Branson Polaris Integrated Welder (IW), offers intuitive and ergonomic design to streamline operation and serviceability with actuator, power supply and process controls in a single unit.

Why Ai needs its hand held. - Ai-powered tools are everywhere now, promising us less effort and better results. Sounds great, right? Well, as anyone with previous experience who’s actually brought them into their campaigns knows, the reality can be quite different. (BMon)

Keeping an eye on the volcano! - > Following the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma in 2021, the National Geographic Institute (Instituto Geográfico Nacional - IGN) has strengthened its system for monitoring volcanic activity on the island with a new gas detection tool. The FLIR G343 OGI camera, supplied by Apliter Termografía, can identify carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in real time with high accuracy, improving risk assessment capabilities in areas affected by volcanic activity.

Metal bellows coupling. - > Despite constant or increasing overall performance, modern and innovative mechanical engineering is characterized by decreasing external dimensions. This development can also be observed in the area of drive technology. The necessary connecting elements play an important role. The KPS metal bellows coupling from JAKOB Antriebstechnik, shows what it can do.

Cooperation for industrial intelligence. - Seeq has launched its latest software product, Seeq for CONNECT, featuring seamless integration with AVEVA’s industrial intelligence platform CONNECT. This launch represents a significant milestone for Seeq and AVEVA emphasising both companies’ dedication to collaborative innovation and specialized software solutions tailored to meet the unique market demands of the process manufacturing industry.

Instant digital transformation of industrial plants. - The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) relies on comprehensive sensor and process data from the field level. Pepperl+Fuchs, together with Bosch Digital Twins Industries and Syntax, showcased (at HM25) a joint product that demonstrates how easily aggregated data can be transferred to established cloud platforms such as AWS and MS-Azure.

Don't throw away those probes... - The measurement technology company Vaisala and the logistics services provider H.Essers have cooperated to develop a bespoke monitoring solution for multiple sites across Europe, with a focus on sustainability. In addition to protecting the environmental conditions experienced by goods throughout the supply chain, the monitoring solution also allows for humidity and temperature probes to be reused.

Driving More Effective/Efficient OT Cybersecurity - The 2025 ARC Industry Forum Cybersecurity program provided attendees with an overview of the latest developments in the ever changing world of industrial operations and cybersecurity. This session explored user views and adoption of new strategies to improve security efficiency and effectiveness. (Sid Snitkin)

Hannover Messe 2025 "A new chapter for industry has begun ..." - The exhibiting companies have impressively demonstrated that, technologically, we hold all the cards for competitive, sustainable and innovative production in Germany and Europe. The trade fair has provided industry with orientation and given it a boost – in what really are challenging times. In many conversations, exhibitors reported a burgeoning confidence that now needs to be consolidated.

High-precision metrology. - SmartRay is launching the smallest field-of-view 3D sensor of its cutting-edge ECCO X series which will deliver advanced inline metrology to an expanding range of challenging industries. The ECCO X 012 model represents a game-changing development for high-precision automated inspection in applications such as BGA (Ball Grid Array) inspection, PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) inspection and wafer inspection, as well as medical applications and other small Field of View (FOV) applications.

Lifecycle change management. - Software capabilities drive increased collaboration across the enterprise for better business outcomes. Version 6.LTS of Emerson's DeltaV™ Mimic dynamic simulation software has been launched. The software has been enhanced to support performance and collaboration across the enterprise, helping eliminate silos of data that limit visibility into operator performance and providing tools to create digital twin simulations that deliver continuous value far beyond project execution.

Direct drive linear motors. - >An addition to its Kollmorgen's IC Ironcore DDL motor family has been announced. This expands beyond 230 VAC products with a new capability to support 400/480 VAC-powered applications. The new direct drive linear motor delivers a continuous force range up to 8,211 N and peak force up to 13,448 N. When powered at higher bus voltages, the motor is inherently capable of delivering its rated force at higher speeds, making it ideal for applications like machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, battery production and industrial automation that require rapid and precise movement of heavy loads.

Flow & environmental sensor manufacturer expands facility. - The expansion of Sensiron's production facility in Debrecen, (H) has been completed. The additional building comprises roughly 7,000 m2 of new production and logistics capacity. This will significantly increase production capacity for sensor modules to support Sensirion’s ambitious growth objectives. Sensirion is also strengthening its position as an attractive employer with secure jobs and good working conditions at its Debrecen site.

Machine vision camera. - The launch of an ultra-high resolution industrial camera that merges the power of a Sony 245.8-megapixel CMOS area sensor with the lightning-fast CoaXPress-12 (CXP-12) quad interface hs been announced by SVS-Vistek. One of the most advanced cameras ever introduced, the new SVS-Vistek shr811CCX12 enables the acquisition of precise, detail-rich 19200 x 12800 pixel color images at data transfer speeds of 12.4 frames per second to significantly improve quality, reliability, and yield.

Dr Nathalie Huther is the new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)with High Force Research.

Continual power supply for critical infrastructure. - The recent power outage at London’s Heathrow airport resulted from a substation transformer fire, which highlights the importance of the early detection of problems in critically important infrastructure. As demand grows for continuous transformer monitoring, Vaisala has released a new enhanced version of its Optimus™ OPT100 DGA monitor by adding oxygen and nitrogen parameters.

High spec shielded connectors. - The ERNI MicroSpeed 1.00mm connectors from TE Connectivity improve data transfer speed and reliability in industrial automation applications. This shielded connector family with 1.00mm pitch enables high-speed data applications up to 25Gbit/s and are available through TTI IP&E – Europe .

Asset management software improves user experience and enhanced cybersecurity. - The release of AMS Machine Works version 1.8 by Emerson is helping reliability teams eliminate data silos and expand their capabilities. This latest software update unites all modern AMS condition monitoring hardware data under a single platform to help organizations simplify management and increase cybersecurity of their reliability programs in a wide range of process industries, including oil and gas, chemical, life sciences, mining, metals, minerals, water, power and utilities, pulp and paper and more.

Emerging technologies shaping the ICS industry! - The Ireland Section's Emerging Technologies Conference 2025 was held in early April 2025 in Cork. It explored the upcoming technologies that are shaping the ICS industry particulary in the Pharma sector which is so innovative in the Munster (South of Ireland Province) area. Industry leaders, experts and professionals, designers and users, met to explore the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the future of automation.

Sensors for hygiene-sensitive production and demanding industrial cleaning processes. - Two new sensors from Leuze are being launched in stainless-steel housings: Series 33C in hygienic design and Series 35C in robust wash-down design. They are suitable for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes.

Name change mantains strength in evolution. - ICONICS has changesd it name to Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions (MEIDS). This milestone marks a bold step forward in the company’s integration into the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation family and helps showcase its continued evolution into a global leader in digital solutions and digital transformation.

High power testing. - Insulated Wire Inc (IW) provides larger diameter cables offering extremely low loss and therefore delivering maximum RF power to the antenna, while maintaining flexibility, which can be a consideration when selecting high power coax. All cables are manufactured in-house using their proprietary method for laminating Teflon™.

Critical Hardware and Software Aspects in the Merger of IT and OT Networks. - Experts from the FieldComm Group, Moxa and Yokogawa explain where the merger of operations technology and information technology networks is headed and how manufacturers can assess the appropriateness of IT on the plant floor. (Automation World)

New ultra-sonic flowmeter. - The Flexim FLUXUS® / PIOX® 731 series from Emerson is a new range of non-intrusive, clamp-on, ultrasonic flow meters designed to offer greater flexibility, convenience and availability. The nine models in the 731 series feature high-performance volumetric and mass flow sensing technologies and a robust, functional design, providing accurate and reliable measurements for both liquids and gases, with no process media pressure limitations.

Electronic motor starter. - Rockwell Automation has launched the the M100 Electronic Motor Starter, enabling industrial organisations to simplify panel wiring and reduce component and engineering complexities with advanced functional safety solutions and more refined motor starting capabilities. 

Circuit breakers. - Designed specifically for power distribution in NEC Class 2 circuits. Two new versions of PULS PISA-M Electronic Circuit Breakers designed specifically for power distribution in NEC Class 2 circuits have been announced. PISA-M enables the safe distribution of load current into four individual Class 2 circuits. This offers a cost-effective alternative to multiple individually approved NEC Class 2 power supplies, reducing acquisition costs, installation time and system approval. If more than four circuits are needed, multiple PISA-M modules can be connected to a power supply.

Dust control protects environment. - A new solution for Dust Collector Monitoring and Control has been announced by Emerson. A wide range of industries—including cement, mining and metals, chemicals and plastics, food and dairy, power, utilities, and more—handle materials that generate significant amounts of dust and particulate emissions. Automating dust collection monitoring is an effective way to optimize filtration, ensure environmental compliance, reduce costly maintenance, and avoid expensive unplanned downtime.

High-pressure relief valve. - The launch of a full-flow high-pressure relief valve (FHPRV) for the Danfoss H1B bent-axis motor has been announced. The FHPRV joins the counterbalance valve (CBV) in a portfolio of valves designed to enable the use of Danfoss high-power axial piston motors in open-circuit systems. The FHPRV enables machine designers to leverage the benefits of the H1B motor’s compact design and outstanding efficiency while also providing overpressure protection in high-power applications.

Not an April's fool prank for components. - (Innovative new loyalty program.)
Anglia Plus is a customer loyalty scheme that offers extended payment terms and money back rewards for customers that place orders through Anglia Live, Anglia Components' ecommerce platform that is open to customers in throughout Europe offering a Free 1-2 day DDP delivery service. Anglia Live customers will automatically be enrolled in Anglia Plus and immediately receive 90-day payment terms for all qualifying orders.

Open for robotics. - ABB Robotics will be holding an Open Day at its Milton Keynes Customer Experience Centre (GB) on Thursday, 15th May, highlighting the benefits offered by the latest robotic and machine automation technologies. Featuring live demonstrations, interactive sessions and expert insights, the event will show how automation is opening possibilities for transformation and growth across industries in Britain and Ireland.

Ultra-slim and fanless PSU. - The Bicker Elektronik portfolio has been expanded with the new Cincon LFM550S AC/DC power supply series, offering 550 W of power in an ultra-slim 1-inch low-profile design. These power supplies, featuring a baseplate for fanless contact cooling, stand out with their wide operating temperature range of -40 to +80°C and high efficiency of up to 93%. Thanks to the universal AC input range of 85 to 264 VAC with active PFC and international safety approvals, the two models – LFM550S120C (12V) and LFM550S240C (24V) – can be used globally across a wide range of applications.

Endress+Hauser mourns a tragic loss. - The Endress+Hauser Group mourns the loss of Dr Dirk Mörmann (1973–2025), managing director of the competence center for level and pressure measurement technology in Maulburg, Germany. He has died in a tragic accident. RIP.

Innovation and safety in batteries. - AMETEK Surface Vision is developing new partnerships with key battery industry organisations to help accelerate innovation and promote sustainable, cutting-edge solutions and business opportunities in electric battery technology globally.

New cybersecurity report reveals year-long intrusion in utility systems. - A Dragos report details how Volt Typhoon hackers accessed a Boston-area utility for a year, prompting cybersecurity upgrades. A report published by cybersecurity firm Dragos details how Chinese hackers linked to the Volt Typhoon group maintained access to a major power and water company near Boston, for nearly a year. The breach at Littleton Electric Light & Water Department occurred between February and late November 2023, when the FBI notified the utility of the intrusion. (Control Engineering)