App for wireless pressure gauges. - A new Plantweb™ Insight application for wireless pressure gauges that displays data in an easy-to-understand dashboard for maintenance leads and instrumentation and electrical (I&E) personnel has been announced by Emerson.

Next phase strategy in IoT development targets. - Advantech has revealed its European growth strategy as it enters its next phase of IoT development. The company is targeting revenues of €350m across Europe by 2025 and is accelerating the deployment of branch locations throughout the region.

Uninterruptible power at World Soccer Fest. - Delta have recently implemented their uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to provide enhanced reliability and energy efficiency to various mission critical applications in five of the football stadiums selected to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

One million cameras.... - 1,000,000 – is a figure of particular importance for industrial camera manufacturer IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH this year. Only three years after the production of the 500,000th camera, the company delivers the millionth IDS camera in the second quarter of 2018. A milestone that confirms the visionary strategy of the people of Obersulm (D).

Infrared pyrometer. - The Thermalert® 4.0 is a versatile infrared spot pyrometer for automatic, noncontact temperature measurement in harsh industrial environments launched by Fluke® Process Instruments.

Marcus Gögelein is the new Head of Development at IMM Photonics.

Industrial compliance and performance software enhanced. - Ocean Data Systems (ODS) tells us that Dreamport version 4.82 has now been posted and available for download. This is technically a maintenance release, is available to all 4.8 customers.

Precise positioning over long distances. - The FLEXPOINT Long Range Line Module from Laser Components is a highly-precise positioning tool for long distances. Even at 50 m, the line is only 4 m long and can be adjusted to line widths of a few millimeters with an easy-to-use focusing device.

Lead acid batteries! - Rechargeable batteries from Yuasa, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of valve-regulated lead acid batteries, are available from stock from JPR Electronics. Applications for Yuasa batteries include security, CCTV, fire protection, emergency lighting, telecoms, UPS and golf buggies and mobility scooters.

Optical sensors for longer distances. - The forward-thinking product design of the photoelectric sensors, R200 and R201 from Pepperl+Fuchs enables applications with longer operating distances. Just like the compact R100, R101, and R103 series, both new products consistently offer all photoelectric functional principles in a design that is now larger and suitable for specific mounting situations.

UHF RFID reader. - The new RF-R3x0 from Harting is a versatile UHF RFID reader that combines software flexibility with an extremely robust and compact design that enable its deployment in a wide range of application scenarios.

Fibre-optic connectors. - Recently certified to ISO9001:2015 Cliff Electronics has added the popular and widely used ST Fibre Optic Connector to its very successful range of 24mm-diameter XLR Panel cut-out connectors.

Connecting via 4G. - HMS Industrial Networks has released the new 4G LTE (Europe, North America) for its award winning remote access gateway, eWON Cosy. This enables users to access, troubleshoot, program, monitor and control machinery remotely.

BSc Degree in Process Instrumentation and Automation now recruiting. -

Unemployment, Automation and Manufacturing 2018 - How will we go about filling the control system engineering positions we as an industry need to fill? Here’s a look at the issue and some ideas about overcoming it. (Bill Pollock of Optimation Technology Inc discusses this global challenge in Automation World).

Zoned Safety Valve Island. - Emerson has introduced the ability to integrate multiple safety zones within a single ASCO Numatics™ Series 503 valve island. This enables the creation of up to three independent electro-pneumatic safety zones, while also allowing independent non-safe sections to co-exist within one valve island assembly.

Retro enclosures! - Two new ranges of desktop enclosures from Hammond Electronics are now available from JPR Electronics . Their retro styling offers manufacturers of high-end hi-fi equipment, audio, broadcast, set-top boxes and other consumer products as well as industrial instrumentation an alternative to conventional cases in applications where appearance can be as important as function.

Automated testing of multi-fibre connectors. - Laser Components recommends the new MPO switch from VIAVI Solutions for quick and easy OTDR testing of MPO multi-fibre connectors.

Ambient gas analyser distributorship. - Air Monitors has been appointed as Ecotech's official distributor in Britain. Ecotech is a global leader in the manufacture of environmental monitoring instrumentation, including the highly regarded and MCERTS certified, Serinus® range of ambient gas analysers.

Indication in the round! - andersDX has launched a new range of larger high performance circular displays of 3” and 4.2” diameter, aimed particularly at automotive, industrial and marine dashboards. The new displays complement andersDX existing range of TFT, PMOLED and OLED modules of just over 1” diameter, which are aimed at wearable applications.

Stars in security! - Endress+Hauser has become the first industrial company to obtain the StarAudit certification. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offering of the measurement instrumentation specialist was given four-star certification by EuroCloud. Within the framework of the certification, all areas that are relevant for the collection of data in cloud-based applications were reviewed.

Digitized railway! - Meeting the need for secure and reliable data connection to support railway digitisation, Westermo has launched a range of compact data networking products for onboard and trackside applications. In addition to rail applications, these devices are very well suited for deployment in other industries with severe operating conditions and tough environments, such as mining.

Digital signal measurement. - The MX460B-R digital measurement module from HBM, is the latest addition to its rugged and flexible SomatXR Data Acquisition System.

NDT in smaller pipes. - Ashtead Technology has added the Phoenix Bracelet Scanner and the latest custom phased array probes to its fleet of rental NDT instruments as a response to an increased demand for the ability to inspect smaller diameter pipes.

Din Rail PSUs. - Two new high quality Din Rail Power Supplies have been announced by PULS Power. They feature an integrated high efficiency MOSFET based decoupling function facilitating N+1 redundant operation without an external decoupling unit or use of inefficient “OR-ing” diodes.

Lois Shering has recently celebrated her 30 years of service with Gresham Power.

Underground Survivalists. - The New Generation Twisted-Pair Cable from Hradial Special Cables is a robust alternative to the Standard Coaxial Cable. In terms of its mechanical and functional integrity and reliable signal transmission it clearly outperforms the standard coax cable. Typical applications for the new cable are power supply systems and data transmission for TV inspection robots for underground sewers.

Vehicle dynamics system. - The Correvit® S-Motion vehicle dynamics test system from Kistler uses proven optical measurement technology for non-contact measurement of speed and slip angle. Correvit technology was first introduced in 1981 as the world’s first optical speed and distance sensor and Kistler have continuously improved the technique. The new version uses the latest technology to deliver the highest levels of accuracy and repeatability.

Quality of WLAN Equipment improved. - A new 2x2 MIMO Measurement Software MX886200A-010 option for the Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A has been launched by Anritsu. This latest release extends the measurement functions of the MT8862A to offer support for evaluating 2x2 MIMO WLAN equipment.

Data recorder for vehicle testing. - The new SomatXR CX22B-R data recorder, which has been specifically designed to reliably acquire and store measured data in mobile applications, such as interactive vehicle testing is now available from HBM.

Acquisition improves smart pneumatics technologies capabilities! - Emerson has agreed on terms to acquire Aventics from Triton for a cash purchase price of €527 million. Aventics is among the global leaders in smart pneumatics technologies that power machine and factory automation applications.

Smart pressure measurement! - The Rosemount™ Smart Pressure Gauge , introduced by Emerson, is to help users gain better visibility of field changes.

On the road with IoT. - George Walker, managing director of Novotek, explains how the Internet of Things (IoT) is changing field service. As more companies move to a predictive model of equipment maintenance, they are looking for ways to use connected devices to improve field service.

Protecting I/O connectors from surges. - To address this challenge, Harting has developed an interesting new approach that saves important internal control cabinet space and enables a potentially more cost-efficient higher density cabinet design. This solution moves the in-line surge protection circuitry out of the cabinet and integrates it directly into the I/O interlinked connector.

High accuracy pressure sensing. - Variohm EuroSensor has expanded its range of pressure sensors with the new and robust EPT7100 series featuring 316 grade stainless steel wetted parts and an integral Packard connector for excellent durability and convenient installation at competitive cost.

Signal routing! - Pickering Interfaces has introduced version 6 of their signal routing software, Switch Path Manager™ (SPM), with a range of new capabilities as well as a new "lite" version.

Wind by wireless! - A new Wireless Wind Speed System from Mantracourt is set to become an industry leader within the crane industry. The new out of the box solution, comprising the wireless wind speed display (T24-DWS) and transmitter module (T24-WSSp), is pre-calibrated, making it simple and easy to use.

Programmable Signal Splitters. - Acromag's new uBSP signal splitter/duplicator acts as a carrier for their microBlox line of plug-in signal conditioning modules to drive two scalable 4-20mA or 0-10V control outputs and an auxiliary 5V third output from a single input.

Monitoring hazardous gas threats. - In response to customer demand and increased awareness of the threats posed by both indoor and outdoor pollution, Ashtead Technology has added the 'AreaRAE Steel' to its fleet of air quality monitors.

Cloud-based secure remote access. - Moxa has launched a new Remote Connect Suite that provides an easier and more secure way to connect to remote machines and equipment for the performance of critical troubleshooting, maintenance, data acquisition, and device management, resulting in faster and smarter support.

Programming software combines real-time control, HMI and data handling. - PAC Project Software Suite R10 has just been announced by Opto 22. This release supports their new groov EPIC® system, adds eight new control commands, and provides the ability to designate individual I/O and variable tags as Public Access for read-only or read-write use in IIoT data communications via MQTT/Sparkplug.

Digital pharma factory of the future! - Digitization of processes, integration of software and equipment, operating concepts for the pharmaceutical shop floor or big data and analysis – Werum IT Solutions is presenting new answers for the digital pharmaceutical factory of the future.

New markets for miniaturised gas sensors. - There is an increasing demand for monitoring environmental air conditions both indoors and outdoors, as poor air quality is a growing threat to the public health. It has caused more deaths annually than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Citizens are increasingly aware of this problem and are seeking low cost and user-friendly solution to monitor the air condition. This rising need will lead to a market of more than €2.5 billion ($3b) by 2028, which is analysed and forecasted by the recently updated IDTechEx Research report Environmental Gas Sensors 2018-2028.

Growing team for industrial software expert. - Copa-Data's team in Britain has been expanded with the appointment of three employees. The new recruits follow the company's relocation of its headquarters to Cardiff, which was intended to facilitate the company's projected growth.

Camera functionality enhanced! - Users of GigE Vision camera models and the IDS Vision Suite will benefit from an extended range of functions. New cameras are sold directly with the updated firmware. Those who already use GigE Vision industrial cameras from IDS can easily update them.

Load cells under water. - The EPICTidal Team consisting of Lab-Sea-Systems Dr Florent Trarieux, Cranfield University's Dr Joao Amaral-Teixeira and Nick Barlow, Managing Director of Designcraft Ltd (Blade designer and manufacturer) wanted to know the performance implications of employing lower cost methods for the manufacture of large scale tidal turbine rotors.

Second generation bridges! - A new range of Anybus .NET Bridges for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP has been introduced by HMS Industrial Networks. Bridging the gap between Operational Technology (OT) and IT, the .NET bridge family enables data from industrial machinery to be presented to .NET-based IT applications.

Partnership to battle cybersecurity! - Wunderlich-Malec and Bedrock Automation are partnering to deliver automation solutions that address 21st century cyber threats while simultaneously delivering powerful and affordable edge control solutions. Wunderlich-Malec will deliver Bedrock OSA from its 32 U.S. locations.

Deployed systems management. - National Instruments (NI) has announced SystemLink, application software for distributed systems management. SystemLink helps improve operational efficiency and decrease maintenance costs through a centralized interface for automating tasks such as software deployment, remote device configuration and system health performance monitoring.

Keep making the tablets! - This article shows how valuable manufacturing production line downtime in the pharmaceutical industry can be reduced by ensuring predictive maintenance of tablet making machinery using Harting's MICA industrial computing platform.

Smallest handheld tester for 5G mobile networks. - The latest firmware release for Anritsu Corporation's Network Master Pro MT1000A make it the world's smallest-in-class handheld tester supporting 100 Gbps with eCPRI/RoE and high-accuracy delay measurement functions.

App-based industrial cameras. - Vision App-based industrial cameras have the potential to permanently change industrial image processing. A single IDS NXT camera can solve a wide variety of image processing tasks. For this purpose, users can even develop their own vision apps.

Personal VOC monitor. - Ion Science has upgraded its well proven Cub personal volatile organic compound (VOC) detector. For improved worker and plant safety, the cost effective instrument now features an even more robust design, new PC software and louder 95dB sounder alarm for use in noisy environments.

Towards ruminant gas emissions reduction! - Scientists in South East Asia have measured greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from goats and cattle in a series of research projects investigating the effects of different feeding regimes. Twenty one different research projects have been reviewed by Gasmet Technologies which supplied the portable FTIR gas analyzer that was used in the work.

ETAL has named Humberto Salgado as new Global Sales Manager.

Repair of thermal power detectors. - Gentec-EO has appointed Laser Components as an authorized repair center for their measuring instruments. This strengthens the company's position as the main European support partner for the Canadian manufacturer.

More interconnecting options. - Cliff Electronics' range of 24mm-diameter XLR Panel cut-out connectors has been further extended to now include mono and stereo ¼" jack sockets and high current terminal posts.

New manufacturing service. - "Industry contributes to our country's innovation, full employment and competitiveness. Switzerland's manufacturing base is indispensable, but industry must seize on the opportunities of digitisation".(Johann Schneider-Ammann). Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG, based in Wohlen in Aargau (CH) is following precisely this objective, by building on its strength, namely the competence of company's internal workforce.

Foot switches! - Herga Technology has launched a new range of engineered heavy-duty footswitches aimed at operator control for industrial production environments.

LIMS in cereal & baking! - A new case study from Autoscribe Informatics discusses the use of the Matrix LIMS in the Cereal, Milling and Baking Science Laboratory at Allied Technical Centre (ATC).

WLAN Access Points. - HMS Industrial Networks has introduced two new Anybus® WLAN Access Points – industrial-grade infrastructure hubs for long range Wireless LAN connectivity.

Noise monitoring terminal. - Svantek has launched the SV 307 integrated Noise Monitoring Terminal (NMT) designed for permanent noise monitoring applications. The small, lightweight system features a new Class 1 MEMs microphone for major cost benefits and sleeve type case for easy mounting.