IT and OT - a relationship? - Cyber|Ireland, as one might expect, has established a special OT Security Special Interest Group with members from industry, vendors and other experts. One of the group meetings at the national conference of Cyber|Ireland (26-27 Sept 2023) was organised by this group. The introduction gave an interesting break down of the leading manufacturers/processes in the country and where they stand in the European marketplace. The meeting provided a useful guide to the current state of play, legal, planning and practical shop-floor experience in manufacturing and process industry.

Filling and packaging systems for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production. - The partnership between Körber and Bausch+Ströbel enables customers to seamlessly integrate Bausch+Ströbel's filling and packaging systems with PAS-X MES, Körber's leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES). This significantly reduces manual configuration efforts for customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or cell and gene therapy industries, as the machines can be easily connected to PAS-X MES with just a few clicks.

Empowering connection and supercharging production in the future. - A strategic investment through Emerson Ventures, Emerson's corporate venture capital arm, in First Resonance, a Los Angeles-based start-up transforming manufacturing with its ION Factory Operating System (OS) has been announced. Through Emerson Ventures' value-add strategic investment approach, Emerson's investment will support further growth and development of First Resonance's ION Factory OS, which enables companies across industries to conduct day-to-day operations and connect workflows to power modern operations, from production to supply chain procurement and quality.

Five steps for driving safety culture excellence. - While regulations, equipment and appropriate training remain vital to bolstering workplace safety, establishing a culture of safety is still the best frontline defense. (Control Engineering)

Indoor air quality monitor. - Sensirion and AirTeq have announced their partnership for the launch of the indoor air quality monitor AirCheq Pro Series. This collaboration combines the precision and quality of Sensirion's Swiss-made sensors with AirTeq's commitment to delivering exceptional indoor air quality solutions for commercial and residential environments.

Sensor technology with silicon carbide for Mars. - Since the Mars rover “Perseverance” landed on the surface of Mars on February 18, 2021, the SiC photodiode has been functioning with absolute reliability under extreme environmental conditions. The UV sensor is a component of the SHERLOC deep-UV Raman spectrometer, employed by NASA to search for traces of past life on the surface of Mars. Fraunhofer IISB offers SMEs, mid-sized companies and industry low-threshold access to high-tech infrastructure and unique know-how in the field of semiconductor technology. (Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB)

Current leakage filters. - Schaffner’s new FN304X series of low leakage current filters are filling a significant gap in the robotics market and other industrial applications for low-profile 3-phase filters.

Flowmeters with faster and more reliable data transmission. - The CoriolisMaster and ProcessMaster flowmeters from ABB can be powered over the same ethernet cable used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate cabling. The new feature reduces installation time and cost, and increases the speed and reliability of data transmission.

Cybersecurity Regulations: A Sign of the Times - Historical trends in cybersecurity alongside sociopolitical actions have brought a renewed interest in regulatory practices related to cybersecurity regulations that may affect their business operations. (ARC Advisory)

Sustaining IoT innovation. - A substantial investment from Innovation Industries, a leading deep tech VC fund, in EnOcean has been announced. This strategic partnership not only provides EnOcean with the necessary capital to support its continued growth but also signifies a strong alignment of strategic goals between the two entities.

Future proof cyber protection. - In this article key challenges faced by two smart manufacturing applications: interconnecting new devices on a large scale for real-time facility monitoring and integrating multiple networks for optimal management are examined. In addition, the article has practical recommendations for how to protect these types of operations from cyber threats.

Cameras in a storm. - Water and sewerage companies are installing Meteor MRC remote cameras at an increasing number of wastewater discharge and storm overflow locations; primarily to check the veracity of event duration monitors (EDMs), but also to avoid unnecessary site visits, save costs, lower the carbon footprint of operations, and help identify the sources of pollution.

"No warehouse left behind!" - The launch of the new "Movu Robotics" brand has been announced by the stow Group. This has been developed to strengthen its "Robotics" business unit and to meet increasing customer demand for Automation and Robotics solutions. The new brand replaces the name "stow Robotics".

Small packed with power. - The onsemi AR220 is now available from IDS with uEye+ XCP cameras. With the rolling shutter sensor onsemi AR2020, IDS Imaging Development Systems adds the technical successor of the onsemi AR1820 to its portfolio – making the company the first manufacturer in the industrial camera market to do so. With 20 MP, the sensor provides an impressive 5K UHD resolution that makes even the smallest details reliably visible.

Dual thermal-visible camera for mobile devices. - The FLIR ONE Edge, the wireless dual thermal and visible camera system for mobile devices has been announced. Purpose-built for applications across remediation, automotive, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, the new model offers the same detachable form factor as the FLIR ONE Edge Pro with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, but with features tailored to the needs of consumers, small businesses, and enterprise volume purchases.

Visible wavelength and optical spectrum analysers. - The AQ6373E visible wavelength and AQ6374E wide range optical spectrum analyzers has been released by Yokogawa Test & Measurement. Designed as successors to the AQ6373B and AQ6374, which feature high resolution and close-in dynamic range, the new analyzers offer the same high level of performance as well as features that improve operability to meet a variety of optical spectrum measurement needs in both R&D and production settings.

Setting new standards in innovation in the analytical space. - ABB has partnered with Porsche Consulting, a leading management consultancy and a subsidiary of the sports car manufacturer, to reshape the landscape of analyzer manufacturing, solidifying ABB’s position at the forefront of the analyzer market.

Expansion shows commitment to large scale remote access technologies. - Westermo formally opened its new site in Westland Park, Dublin (IRL) recently. Plans for continued growth in Ireland, expanding capacity and adding a range highly skilled engineering, research, and supply chain positions, along with a broad range of additional support roles were announced.

Upgrade gives better performance and faster updatability. - Almirall, the specialist in medical dermatology, has upgraded Körber's Werum PAS-X MES Manufacturing Execution System at its plant in Reinbek (D). Almirall is a leading supplier of prescription and over-the-counter dermatics and uses PAS-X MES for the manufacturing of the Optiderm® and Tannosynt® product lines, among others.

André Uhl, vice president of technology and architecture for Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation Business, has received a unanimous vote to serve as the Chairman of the FDT Board of Directors.

Robots for production flexability. - In its factory in Weil am Rhein (D), Stäubli Electrical Connectors is showing how unprecedented flexibility can be achieved in series production. The company has introduced a pioneering system here, in which mobile assembly modules equipped with robots can be docked onto the production line in less than a minute. And it doesn’t stop there. (Ralf Högel.)

Detecting natural gas and hydrogen in one instrument. - Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is releasing an enhanced version of the popular Gasurveyor 700 (GS700), known as the GS700-Hydrogen. This upgraded model incorporates the capability to detect hydrogen (H₂), in addition to its existing ability to detect natural gas (NG). This integration of natural gas and H₂ detection within a single instrument enhances versatility and performance across various gas utility applications. Notably, extensive testing and collaboration with major British gas utility companies played a crucial role in the development of this new instrument.

Point-and-shoot, focus-free thermal imaging capture. - The focus-free FLIR E5 Pro and FLIR E6 Pro cameras, providing a larger 3.5-inch touchscreen display along with access to FLIR Ignite Cloud connectivity within the same point-and-shoot, pistol-grip form factor as legacy Ex-Series thermal cameras has been announced. The versatile cameras are designed primarily for close-up, professional-grade mechanical, building, and electrical thermal inspection scenarios. These include detecting water intrusion, air leaks, electrical connections, temperature differentials between equipment, and impending equipment failure.

Stepper drive with closed-loop position control. - Kollmorgen has introduced the P80360 stepper drive, the newest addition to the company's flagship P8000 stepper platform.

Installation engineers in the datacomms industry will now be able to take advantage of a special limited offer. - Called 'Bundle and save. Discover the Gold difference', Fluke's discount and re-calibration programme runs from 1 September to 15 December 2023. In celebration of the modular Versiv's 10th anniversary, customers will be able to save up to £4000/€4,400, without having to negotiate trade-in prices, on devices that are essential to the cable certification process.

Third Generation VST. - New options and extended capabilities for NI's third generation PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), the PXIe-5842 have been announced. Combined with NI's software ecosystem, the PXIe-5842 is a versatile tool that can be used to test and validate products in aerospace and defense applications while supporting traditional RF capabilities such as spectrum analysis, signal analysis, and signal generation.

High-definition oscilloscopes. - Yokogawa Test & Measurement Corporation has released the DLM5000HD series high-definition oscilloscopes. Positioned as a high-performance version of the DLM5000 series, the DLM5000HD series expands Yokogawa's oscilloscope lineup with 500 MHz and 350 MHz frequency bandwidth models that deliver higher resolution for more accurate waveform analysis, and come with features that improve usability and enable easier setup.

Accelerating factory automation capabilities. - Emerson has acquired Afag Holding AG ("Afag"), an innovative leader in electric linear motion, feeding and handling automation solutions. The electric linear motion segment expands Emerson's served market by more than $9 billion (€8.41 billion) and is expected to grow mid-single digits annually, supporting Emerson's long-term, profitable organic growth.

Stepper and servo drive are one! - Festo's new extra low voltage servo drive is capable of open or closed loop positioning, which effectively bridges the gap between stepper and servo drives. This means the user can tailor the CMMT-ST to suit the needs of the application and reap the benefits of both control formats.

Pyrometer saves costs in iron foundry. - AMETEK Land has helped a high-quality metal component manufacturer to significantly reduce its foundry costs.

Aluminium temperature. - AMETEK Land has designed its integrated thermometer systems specifically for the temperature measurement of aluminum. The new SPOT+ AL is an advanced infrared digital pyrometer, providing an all-in-one temperature measurement for aluminum.
Bill Lydon has retired as writer/editor for InTech and Automation.com. Read-out is grateful for his help and advice over the years. We wish him well in his retirement.

Partnership for seamless SAP's ERP Platform. - Endeavor Consulting Group has received the "PAS-X ERP Integration Ready" partnership certificate for its iMES solution and becomes an important partner in the Körber Ecosystem Partner program.

Ensuring safe fire protection.. - Ruhrpumpen fire protection is a very high tech industry, but there is also a lot of human intelligence and input into their operations. They really value the support from the team at Sensor Technology and know they will always get a quick response from them, no matter when we call. TorqSense transducers are lightweight, easy to use and fitted to their test rig in their new dedicated fire pump centre.

Powerful humidity and temperature sensor. - The new HTS801 sees E+E Elektronik launch its most powerful humidity and temperature sensor for industrial applications on the market. This versatile, high-end measuring device combines the Austrian sensor specialist's decades of experience in the field of humidity measurement with the high quality demands of industrial metrology. The sensing probes of the HTS801 incorporate a premium, heatable sensing element for accurate measurements, guaranteeing long-term stability even under the most challenging conditions. Additional options such as a large colour display or plug-and-play probe replacement using rapidX technology ensure user-friendly operation and easy maintenance.

Investment to meet European demand for flexible automation and robotics solutions. - ABB's investment in their Swedish Robotics Campus will enhance its robotics and automation leadership globally. With the facility, the company will expand production capacity by 50 percent and strengthen its capabilities to supply the European market, which is expected to grow at seven percent CAGR through 20271.

Unmanaged Ethernet switches. - Advantech now supply the EKI-2000 seriesof industrial unmanaged Ethernet switches from stock. With no setup required their unmanaged Ethernet switches offer plug-and-play connectivity for Ethernet to Fibre communication and have been designed for use in demanding industrial environments.

The Industrial AI (R)Evolution. - In the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is manufacturers and industrial organizations that hold the reins to its real societal impact. (ARC Advisory)

Remote substation connectivity. - Westermo is to deliver remote substation connectivity for a major European electricity operator as part of a project to integrate renewable energy into the grid and decarbonise the electricity network. A strategic long-term framework agreement will see the company provide its Merlin range of rugged cellular routers, implementation and commissioning support, and the use of its Activator automated provisioning software to prepare the new data networks being implemented.

1/9/2023

New IO-Link Master. - Emerson has introduced a new Class A, IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for smart and analog sensor connectivity on the AVENTICSTM Series G3 Fieldbus platform. The G3 IO-Link Master is suitable for machine architectures with many sensors and pneumatic valves, and where it's important to have reliable digital data communication between field devices, such as sensors and the machine controller. Application areas include automotive, tire manufacturing, food and beverage, packaging and metalworking. Lúnasa 2023 August