Closed, but service continues! - Computer Solutions (COMSOL) has decided to close after 42 years. In a message to customers and supporters principal Chris Stephens says that it is time to "relax and fulfil other ambitions." In order that PEmicro products (Multilink and Cyclone development tools and device programmers) continue to be served he was anxious that his customers should not be completely left without support. eVision are PEmicros German distributor that can offer the level of service required.

Support for Wi-Fi 6E. - ETS-Lindgren has announced support for Wi-Fi 802.11ax tests in the newly opened extension band from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz. Using Anritsu’s Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A, OTA testing on 160 MHz wide channels located in the Wi-Fi 6E band is now available. ETS-Lindgren’s EMQuest EMQ-100 Antenna Measurement Software controls the MT8862A, device modes and all measurement hardware to yield a fully automated TRP or TIS pattern measurement.

Pulsed light sources. - A series of pulsed light sources for time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy has been launched by Edinburgh Instruments. The VPL, VPLED and HPL series of pulsed diode lasers and LEDs expand the range of compact, monochromatic sources on offer, while the AGILE supercontinuum laser provides tunable picosecond pulses across the visible and NIR regions.

Automation project management specialist certificate program introduced. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced the availability of new professional certificate program covering the unique challenges of project management in the automation industry. The new program is designed for project managers who want to gain a deeper understanding of how to execute automation projects effectively, as well as for automation professionals who wish to acquire an understanding of core project management principles.

Sensor with a soft touch! - The human hand exhibits a dexterity yet unmatched by technology. Force sensors can close this gap by offering feedback on the grip force, thus avoiding damage to delicate and fragile objects such as food and human body. The Sateco elastomer sensor works according to the capacitive operating principle and can continuously measure both touch and compressive force. It is soft and flexible, can be shaped three-dimensionally, and is suitable for various applications in agriculture, food, electronics, surgery and generally in cobots and prostethics.

Trouble-shooting fluctuating measurements. - Some measurement systems, like those monitoring pH, are very sensitive and prone to interference. Small current or voltage surges can cause large fluctuations in readings. Here are some simple tests to follow to determine the cause of the errors from Windmill Software.

The future of electrotechnical engineering. - Eplan is heralding the future of electrotechnical engineering, with a focus on ease of use for both experienced users and for newcomers to the software with their new Eplan Platform 2022. The intuitive user interface, based on use concepts most will already be familiar with, offers a high degree of recognition and improves the user experience at the same time.

AMETEK Land has appointed Jesper Kristiansen as its Senior Director of Global Sales.

Virtual real world torque measurement! - Young technologists from the University of Sheffield alleviated their disappointment at the Covid-cancellation of Shell Eco Challenge Rally by instead developing a computer simulation tool for predicting electric cars’ energy efficiency. A key piece of data was the motor efficiency curves, which were derives using a dual-purpose powertrain test rig and motor dynamometer. This was developed in-house and based around a TorqSense SGR521, the latest product from from Sensor Technology Ltd.

Robotics for recycling & waste. -

Most accurate hydrocarbon sensor. - The MPS™ Mini a miniaturized version of NevadaNano's highly popular Molecular Property Spectrometer™ (MPS™) Flammable Gas Sensor has been launched*. The new sensor is "the world’s most accurate hydrocarbon sensor in its class" and eliminates the need for maintenance during its 10+year lifetime.

The winner of the 2021 ProComSol Instrumentation Scholarship Program is Jaxon Few of Oklahoma (USA).

Environmental sensors for air quality monitor. - The next-generation indoor air quality monitor Atmocube from ATMO® relies on Sensirion environmental sensors for the measurement of CO2, formaldehyde, particulate matter, temperature and humidity.

Only a joystick required! - Lifting a steel beam, moving a container or controlling a crane does not require much raw strength nowadays. On the contrary, what is required is dexterity and a joystick. Kristianstads Lyftdon AB in Sweden has long experience of producing ergonomic solutions for the operator cabins from which you control cranes and industrial operations. With the help of HMS Anybus technology, their new joystick can be used in industrial applications using PROFINET.

Remote monitoring of HVAC systems. - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play an important role in the everyday operation of commercial and industrial buildings. Moxa has helped customers around the world develop reliable communication for remote monitoring their HVAC systems. For example, in Taiwan, Moxa assisted the operator of major grocery chain in monitoring the power usage in their HVAC systems in order to optimize energy consumption.

Sensor manufactuer opens plant in Hungary. - Due to positive business development and the increased demand for sensor solutions, Sensirion Holding has established a new production site in Debrecen, (H). Location factors such as proximity to European customers, the level of training of potential employees and support from local partners justify this choice as an ideal location.

Industrial display. - Review Display Systems (RDS) has announced the introduction of a new 13.3-inch TFT display module from industrial display manufacturer Tianma. The P-series P1330FHF1MA00 features Full HD (FHD) resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels), a wide 16:9 aspect ratio and in-plane switching (IPS) technology which provides excellent optical performance.

Circular portfolio. - Dinkle International's circular connector portfolio, provides dependable connectivity options to ensure increased equipment productivity, even in the most challenging conditions.

Architecture and specification approved. - FDT Group™ and OPC Foundation have announced their memberships have approved the update to the FDT OPC Unified Architecture (UA) companion specification (CS). The new specification launches the only protocol-agnostic, server-level, universal Device Information (DI) Model for both process and discrete manufacturing applications, empowering next-generation, open automation FDT architectures.

Integrating multidrop level transmitters in Kuwait. - When an oil and gas company in Kuwait needed a way to acquire process data and diagnostics from dozens of radar LEVEL transmitters in the field and provide power to these transmitters because there were limited power sources available at the site, they turned to Moore Industries flexible and economical HES HART to Ethernet Gateway System.

The impact of industrial automation on worker safety - The value of human life is incalculable. Our industries and manufacturing facilities have not evolved to a stage where worker injuries are completely eliminated. But we have advanced significantly in worker safety compared to the first few epochs of the industrial revolution. This was made possible by a gradual improvement in mechanization and process automation. (Automation.com)

Supporting technology start-ups! - Anglia Unicorn is a dedicated division to help technology start-ups get off the drawing board and into the market faster from Anglia Components. It was conceived to provide start-ups with the innovative technology ideas they need and offers engineering resources, evaluation hardware and software tools along with samples from Anglia’s world class technology partners, all free of charge.

The role of the operator in cybersecurity. - Improving the security of Operations Systems is a large, complex, and open-ended task. Although it shares many characteristics with more general information security responses, there are additional constraints and problems inherent in this domain, including the role of the operator in cybersecurity. (Eric Cosman - ARC Advisory)

Precise optical spectrum analyser. - Yokogawa has launched a new optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) designed to offer the extreme high precision demanded by researchers developing the next generation of optical communication components.

Deep learning and traditional vision. - VisionPro® 10.0 and VisionPro Deep Learning 2.0 are two new releases in the Cognex VisionPro line of vision software. VisionPro 10.0 is a major update of the company’s industry-leading PC-based platform that delivers faster application performance and simpler application setup. VisionPro Deep Learning 2.0 is designed to integrate tightly with VisionPro 10.0, enabling customers to combine deep learning and traditional vision tools in the same application.

Valve company to develop DTMs meeting industrial application demand. - Valtek Sulamericana (VALTEKSUL), a developer of mainland control valves, is the newest member of the FDT Group™. The company will be developing Device Type Managers™ (DTMs™) for its valve positioners to meet customer application demands.

75 years in ultrasonic cleaning. - The 75th anniversary of the Branson™ brand of Emerson, a name that has become synonymous with ultrasonic technologies for plastics and metal welding, and precision cleaning is being celebrated this year. The Branson portfolio has led the industry with expanded offerings beyond ultrasonics, developing nine other material joining technologies including laser, vibration and infrared welding.

High-Purity Ethanol, ethanol blends and buffer solutions for the world. -

Printed and flexible sensors. - IDTechEx’s new report “Printed and Flexible Sensors 2022-2032: Technologies, Players, Markets” outlines the current status and future application opportunities across the nine different printed/flexible sensor categories outlined above. The report includes highly granular 10-year market forecasts by technology and application, expressed as both volume and revenue. Also included are multiple application examples, technological/commercial readiness assessments, and over 50 company profiles based on interviews with early-stage and established companies.

Overcoming high current mixer start-up problem. - An industrial chemical mixer's high torque start-up was causing problems for a Mexican manufacturer which turned to new Variable Frequency Drive technology from Invertek Drives to resolve the problem.

EX remote camera for monitoring hazardous areas. - The MCE-MRC-EX camera, which is ATEX approved for use in Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas has been launched by Meteor Communications.

Thermal imaging benefits glass pharmaceutical packaging. - SGD Pharma, a global leader in glass pharmaceutical packaging, chose AMETEK Land’s Near Infrared Borescope (NIR-B-656- Glass) in-furnace thermal imaging system to optimise the production and quality of borosilicate glass from its newly rebuilt 50tpd oxy-gas furnace at its plant in St Quentin Lamotte (F).

Modular transmitter family. - The new Vaisala Indigo510 transmitter, which is compatible with all Indigo smart probes has been launched and will be available globally in the fourth quarter of 2021. The features include modular support for one probe at a time, and a large touchscreen display for local data visualisation.

Control Systems: Choices and Challenges. - Those working on motion, process or safety control systems probably have many questions. How to upgrade the controls on turbine peaking plants? How to build reliable EtherNet/IP subnetworks for this factory floor control system? Whgat feedback methods should be chosen when designing motion control systems for robots or mobile machinery? It's one project, but controls engineers have to know everything from data management techniques to safety system standards—or at least know where to go to get up to speed quickly. (e-book).

Furnace tracking systems. - The Datapaq Furnace Tracker System is designed to be used repeatedly, in-process in the most hostile manufacturing environments, providing accurate and reliable through-process temperature surveys. Each system can help users improve process performance, decrease downtime, reduce temperature uniformity survey (TUS) reporting times and more.

New home for automation. - The Executive Board of the International Society of Automation (ISA) has decided to sell the building that currently houses ISA Headquarters and transition to a more modern, efficient space just a few miles away in North Carolina USA.

Electric mobility explored. - From November 16 to 19, 2021 in Munich (D), productronica will show what opportunities the electrification of the automotive industry offers the electronics manufacturing industry. VDMA Productronic is an ideal, specialist sponsor of the trade fair.

Fast & secure connections. - Cliff Electronics offer a wide range of Single-Pole Spring Terminals which provide simple, fast and reliable connection for a wide range of applications. Their Spring Terminals may be designed into professional and consumer audio systems, test and measurement instruments, power supplies, industrial equipment and pyrotechnic installations. Terminal spindles and mounting hardware are manufactured from high quality solid brass and nickel-plated.

Leaders Under 40, Class of 2021. - The Engineering Leaders Under 40 program recognizes manufacturing professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions to their company’s success and to the control engineering and/or plant engineering professions. The Class of 2021 includes 46 well sought-after individuals with high ethical standards who prefer to go above and beyond to ensure success for their customers. These advanced strategists enjoy getting down and dirty with designs in an effort to avoid unnecessary downtime, keep production booming and strengthen their own reputations, as well as that of the companies for whom they work. (Control Engineering)

Texas centre serving process industry. - Process Insights has opened a new facility in Houston (TX USA), to better support its customers, distributors, contractors, and suppliers with improved delivery times, as well as on-site engineering, application consulting and process control solutions.

Cloud based condition monitoring. - AVT Reliability has enhanced its cloud-based condition monitoring offering with the launch of Machine Sentry® 2.5. cloud-based condition monitoring system. The latest developments deliver key enhancements to Android™ applications of the system.

Making robotics accessible for everyone. - The Franco-American start-up Fuzzy Logic, which has raised €2.5 million funding, originated in the French start-up ecosystem (Agoranov and Wilco), and is developing an "all-in-one" software platform that dramatically simplifies every step of robotisation, from robotic cell design to daily reprogramming in the factory by operators. It reproduces a virtual environment in which the robot in the factory can be controlled "on the fly" and as simply as a video game.

Telecentric measurement system. - Keyence has introduced a new range of inline telecentric measurement system which employ highly advanced silhouette-based analysis for guaranteed accuracy. Designed specifically to measure parts rapidly and consistently as they pass through the system, the TM-X5000 line-up boasts an exposure time of just 25 μs – 40 times faster than conventional models, allowing accurate measurement of high-speed targets by eliminating blur from the image.

Data-driven shop floor integration in the pharma sector. - Körber offers its customers a best-practice solution by adding a state-of-the-art historian function to the Werum PAS-X MES Suite, which enables archiving of structured data. With their partnership, Körber and inmation are striving to achieve a high degree of integration on the shop floor in brownfield pharmaceutical production.

Safe cycling! - The ABS system has become indispensable in passenger and commercial vehicles. This safety function is also becoming increasingly popular for e-bikes. Bicycle accidents are often caused by uncontrolled braking, especially during emergency stops or braking on gravel and wet roads. The anti-lock braking system ensures a safe slowdown by evenly deaccelerating the front and rear wheels. To do this, the speed on both wheels must be measured constantly and precisely. The Hall-based speed sensor from ZF promotes this solution.

Centreon has appointed Raphaël Chauvel as Chief Product Officer.

Faster battery test for electric vehicles. - Joint effort to help improve efficiency and power capacity for EV battery testing to address climate change.NI has collaborated with EA Elektro-Automatik (EA) to offer bidirectional power supplies that support battery cycling and power-level test for electric vehicles (EVs). EA's best-in-class power supplies will be integrated into NI's software-connected toolchain as part of NI's power electronics offering to optimize battery test workflows. This joint effort accelerates the path to Zero Emissions by shortening time to market and improving safety and performance throughout the lifecycle of the battery.

Light industrial camera. - The latest additions to the FLIR Blackfly S GigE camera line – the BFS-PGE-50S4M-C (Mono) and BFS-PGE-50S4C-C (Colour) have been introduced. These 5 MP models are particularly well suited for integration into small handheld devices with their impressive low weight of 53 grams and high pixel density ideal for integrating with compact, less expense lenses.

Testers ready for PoE. - Fluke is calling for companies to upgrade their cable testers to ensure that wired Internet of Things (IoT) networks comply with current Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards.

Switches for wet or dusty applications. - Omron Electronics Components Europe has announced two new fully sealed, miniature micro switches offering an exceptionally compact and flexible solution for applications exposed to water spray or high levels of dust. The D2GW and D2AW are ideal for vending machines, smart meters, EV charging stations, security systems, HVAC equipment, white goods and similar applications where space is at a premium.

Identification of Microplastics in Environmental Monitoring Using Pyrolysis–GC–MS Analysis. - We are indebted to Automation Consultant, Charles Smith, for drawing our attention to an article describing better measurement technique for microplastic levels in the environment. This has potential as being a useful interesting development allowing comparison of levels in different areas. (LCGC).

Broadband vector network analyser. - The VectorStar™ ME7838AX/EX series, the first vector network analyzer (VNA) broadband systems to offer single-sweep coverage up to 125 GHz/110 GHz with guaranteed and typical specifications has been introduced by Anritsu.

Interconnects, sensors, and antennas for IIoT. - A new eBook from Mouser Electronics in collaboration with Amphenol Corporation, highlights the many applications of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) as well as the technical challenges in developing IIoT solutions. In Enabling the Industrial IoT Revolution, subject matter experts from Mouser and Amphenol offer detailed insights into topics including industrial data centres; heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems; and indoor air quality systems as well as smart manufacturing, intelligent automation, construction, and mining.

European Automation Champions. - There is a small group of truly global European Automation Champions, including Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, SAP, Dassault Systèmes, SEW Eurodrive, and Danfoss. What makes the European market so special is the large share of equally innovative subject matter experts (SMEs), which are often leading technology providers in their markets. (ARC Advisory).

Smart home automation. - A robust roadmap for its Matter-compliant smart home solutions, committing to being among the first group of Matter-compliant devices immediately after the standard is approved has been announced by Schneider Electric. The company also plans to bridge its Wiser smart home ecosystem with Matter-connected systems by the same time.

AMETEK Surface Vision has appointed Vincent Roy as Regional Sales Manager for Canada.

Automated test and automated measurement systems. - For more than 40 years, NI (National Instruments) have developed automated test and automated measurement systems that help engineers solve the world’s toughest challenges. PEMA, are the NI authorised distributor in Ireland for NI's software-connected test and measurement solutions.

Air quality & emissions sensors. - A virtual exhibition booth is being provided by Alphasense at this year’s Air Quality and Emissions show, AQE 2021. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of compact sensors, Alphasense will be available to help instrument and integrated systems companies develop market-leading products with the highest levels of accuracy and reliability.

Research and science data capture and analysis software. - Teledyne FLIR has released the latest versions of FLIR Research Studio software. This new release includes both a Professional Edition with FLIR Research Studio Player—designed for research and science applications requiring robust data capture and analysis—and an upgraded version of the FLIR Research Studio Standard Edition. Both the Standard and Professional Editions are now offered as one-year subscriptions or perpetual licenses.

Backdoors bypassed all cyber security protections. - "We have met the enemy and they is us" (Pogo Possum). US Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13920 was meant to prevent the use of Chinese-made products in critical bulk electric grid applications. The EO was also meant to address hardware supply chain issues as the Chinese had installed hardware backdoors that bypassed all cyber security protections. However, neither is happening. As a result, China is in a position to "own" our electric grids and other critical infrastructures at times of their choosing. (Joe Weiss - Control Global)

Robots to address future workforce shortages - survey. - A survey of 250 British SME and large manufacturing companies carried out by ABB Robotics reveals a change in attitudes towards robotic automation in the region, with 81.2 per cent of companies saying that they are considering an investment in robots because of recent events including COVID-19.

Buy one get one free! - The Fluke Autumn seasonal promotion encouraging customers to claim a free product when they purchase a Fluke tool between 1 September and 15 December 2021 has been inaugurated. A broad range of industrial and electrical tools, network testers and calibration equipment for residential and commercial use is available, enabling installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair engineers to work efficiently and safely.