Used machinery and AI! - The used machinery trade in particular shows how AI opens up new opportunities and can revolutionise existing processes. Although AI offers support in many areas and enables significant efficiency gains, it cannot replace the personal and expert service of specialised used machinery dealers like Surplex.

Increasing Manufacturing Capacity with OEE. - LineView was tasked with providing the Britvic controls engineering team with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and implement line balancing optimization opportunities across the business. With constant pressure to optimize production, LineView’s industry experts worked in collaboration with the team to implement practical improvements and enable the lines to fulfil market demand for summer can volume. (Automation.com)

Improve meter read rates. - Texas Metering & Device Company (TMD), a premier provider of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and services for electric, water and gas utilities and The Antenna Company have a robust solution for improved wireless connectivity of off-network smart meters for electric utilities.

Expanded beam performance connectors. - The innovative Expanded Beam Performance (EBP) technology, which is already available in the robust AMC Series T connectors from ODU, is now also available for their MINI-SNAP Series K, MEDI-SNAP, ODU-MAC Silver-Line and ODU-MAC White-Line product lines. As a non-contact lens technology, Expanded Beam Performance products offer a game-changing interface for fibre optic systems.

Wideband-high-output linear amplifier. - The AH15199B 140 Gbaud Wideband/High-Output (2 Vpp) Linear Amplifier, developed by Anriytsu to evaluate optical transmissions devices in the generation of beyond 1 Tera is now on the market. This new linear amplifier features a wideband frequency response of 200 kHz to 135 GHz at a –6 dB bandwidth and can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM42 signals to 2.0 Vpp.

Static management program software. - Desco Europe distributor Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of the Static Management Program (SMP) software, which continuously monitors the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) process control system throughout all stages of manufacturing. The SMP app captures data from SCS workstations, production equipment and any other equipment where ESD events could occur. SMP continuously monitors every event, even down to fine detail such as a single fan ioniser.

IT and OT convergence. - Providing complete monitoring of IT infrastructure and operational technologies (OT) for business continuity, Centreon is foremost in confronting the challenges of IT and OT convergence effectively monitoring a wide range of infrastructure worldwide.

Enhanced current sensors for industrial and automotive applications. - Molex has announced the Percept Current Sensors to address the growing demand for highly accurate busbar current sensing solutions in industrial and automotive applications. The new sensors leverage Infineon’s high-precision coreless current sensors and Molex's proprietary electronics packaging technology to further reduce sensor size and weight while simplifying installation and system integration significantly.

How smart process sensors benefit discrete manufacturing. - Intelligent instruments, along with digital networking technology optimized for typical machine applications, are bringing front-line features to discrete manufacturing applications. (Automation World).

Building an enterprise framework for SCADA system for better results. - Replacing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system allowed California American Water to improve efficiency, compliance and reporting at a facility that had endured many challenges. (Control Engineering)

Wolfgang Pucher (top) has taken up his position as Technical Managing Director with E+E Elektronik, while Min Kim is responsible for the Market Division.

Elevating work platforms. - The ePanda eDrive for low-voltage applications has been launched by Danfoss. Designed as a propel solution for mobile elevating work platforms, the ePanda eDrive is an integrated compact power system comprising an electric motor, microcontroller unit, and reduction gearbox that maximizes efficiency, reliability, and safety. The eDrive joins the ePowerpack in Danfoss’ ePanda series of products for low-voltage electrification.

Vibrating level switch. - >WIKA has supplemented its portfolio with the TLS-S vibrating level switch. It is suitable for all liquids, also for highly viscous media. The new instrument is available in three variants for different market segments. It is intended for the process industry and can also be delivered with ATEX approval.

Temperature data loggers in laboratory. - The Tinytag Plus 2 data loggers with built-in temperature sensors are used ensure compliance with the specific storage temperatures required and Cansford Laboratories’ internal standard operating procedure (SOP). In addition to their use in storage facilities they are used to monitor ambient room temperatures, especially that of the laboratory, as the equipment produces a significant amount of heat while running.

Power converters. - The high-efficiency Cinergia Rack Series Regenerative Power Converters are now available from Intepro Systems. The GE AC/DC SiC-RS leads the Rack Series launch. This pioneering power converter is designed for EOL testing applications and leverages SiC technology for compactness and efficiency.

Board-level camera system ensures great scope for customisation. - >Sometimes customer requirements for industrial cameras are so particular that a customised development is desirable. This often only makes sense for larger quantities. For this reason, IDS has developed the uEye ACP series: its modular design principle allows for a vast range of camera variants. The online configurator helps to put together unusual models that are available from stock.

Process simulation. - The Prosera team is stepping up to fill some much-needed roles around process simulation.

50 Years of overpressure protection and valve innovation. - Emerson recognises the 150th anniversary of its Crosby™ line of pressure relief valves (PRVs), marking a significant milestone in the history of PRVs and overpressure protection products. Crosby technologies are field-proven and engineered to meet the latest regulatory standards with improved performance, greater reliability, and enhanced safety.

Value provider program. -

Relay allows faster charging. - A new high power PCB relay for use in AC wallboxes for Mode 3 AC EV charging stations ha been launched by Omron Electronic Components Europe. The G9KC relay provides the lowest contact resistance available on the market and produces significantly less load terminal heat rise when in operation compared to equivalent devices. This opens new opportunities for designers and manufacturers of EV chargers to create systems that can charge faster and more efficiently, with a higher reliability and expected lifetime.

Ethernet cables. - SAB Bröckskes has launched application-tailored Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) cables in five variants. A member of the SPE network, the special cable manufacturer drives the further development of this technology. Compared to conventional 4-pair Ethernet connections, SPE offers significant savings potential in material, space and costs as high data rates can be transmitted over long distances with just one pair of copper cores.

Out googling google in automation. - >ISA has recently added Mimo to their website, an AI-powered large-language model (LLM) that educates on ISA standards, training, technical reports, white papers, articles and presentations.
The Read-out Signpost has placed a link to this resource on the home page.

Electric actuators. - Advanced controllability options have been added to Thomson Industries' Electrak® LL line of long-life electric linear actuators. In addition to the 600 km of maintenance-free life and 100% duty cycle performance inherent to all the Electrak LL models, machine designers can now get absolute position feedback, CAN bus integration, reduced current flow and higher speeds.

Heavy-duty multi-pin plastic or metal connectors. - Immediate availability of the A Series range of heavy-duty, multi-pin, plastic or metal connectors, cable assemblies and cable accessories has been announced by Inelco Hunter. Amphenol Sine Systems’ A Series connectors are part of an ever-growing family of sealed, heavy-duty connectors made up of 20+ core product lines.

Torque for medics! - Medical experts and sports scientists are becoming increasingly reliant on engineers as their disciplines become more and more technical. Mark Ingham looks at some of the projects his company, Sensor Technology, has helped behind the scenes.

Compact bus coupler. - The new SX8R Bus Coupler module, which empowers users to easily deploy I/O modules throughout equipment and systems has just been announ ced by IDEC Corporation. This supports the industry design trend of using smaller, decentralized control panels to simplify installations and reduce wiring complexity, resulting in overall cost efficiency.

Ryan Silkworth has been appointed as Ametek Land Regional Sales Manager for the Western US.

Control system update expands connectivity & streamlines control execution. - The DeltaV™ Automation Platform from Emerson is further expanded with the DeltaV Version 15 Feature Pack 2 update for its distributed control system (DCS). This feature pack release empowers users to easily transition to a DeltaV DCS from more third-party control systems, expands support for data-rich Ethernet device networks, and reduces the complexity of state-based control implementations.

Speeding Up O-RU verification and reducing costs. - Anritsu and LITEON Technology have jointly announced the collaboration to verify performance testing for the 5G New Radio (NR) Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). By integrating Anritsu’s MT8000A Radio Communication Test Station and MX773000PC Open Distributed Unit (O-DU) Emulator Platform Software Solution, assisting LITEON in verifying their Open Radio Units (O-RUs), working together to advance O-RAN technology development.

Embedded computing in harsh situations. - Two new COM-HPC module from leading embedded computing solutions supplier, AAEON are now availabler through Review Display Systems (RDS). The HPC-RPSC and HPC-ADSC modules offer support for 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors and have been designed to deliver high performance embedded computing for demanding applications. The HPC-RPSC module hosts more than 10 PCIe devices, a comprehensive high-speed I/O and expandable SSD-based storage.

Image sensors in colour. - Teledyne DALSA's AxCIS™ family of high-speed and high-resolution fully integrated line scan imaging modules are now available in colour. These easy-to-use Contact Image Sensors (CIS) combine sensors, lenses, and lights all-in-one, offering a lower cost inspection system for many demanding machine vision applications including battery and print inspection.

Production centre in Taiwan responds to AI wave! - In response to the massive market demand driven by the edge AI wave, Innodisk has transformed the manufacturing plant into the group's AI core base. With the increased production capacity, Innodisk is ready to collaborate with global clients to deploy edge AI solutions. At the same time, Innodisk is also inviting global tech talent to join its teams around the world.

Implementing Factory of Excellence in Pharma. - Körber is to provide Anrate with a series of smart manufacturing and digital transformation solutions, including but not limited to fully automated pharmaceutical machines, production software, digital solutions, comprehensive training as well as technical support services. These solutions will further enhance Anrate's Factory of Excellence level in regards of management operations.

Digital control system evolution project. - A project evolving ABB’s Distributed Control System (DCS) from a legacy version Advant MOD 300 to the new AC 800M, extending the plant’s life, as well as improving performance, availability and reliability is developing at the Naphtachimie plant in France.

Power quality engineering specialist progresses. - Enspec has revealed plans to grow the business over the next several years through potential acquisitions. A team of 30 people are employed across three offices in England and this is expected to grow between 40 and 50 by the end of 2024. The company will be opening a new and permanent base in Manchester (GB) later this year and it has a design and manufacturing site near Newcastle in the north east of England. Enspec forecasts £6 million revenues this year and £10m for 2025.

Industrial touch display. - BASDISP-AND is a 10.1" Industrial Touch Display with Android operating system from Contemporary Controls. It is designed to optimise display graphics by webpage from BASpi-Edge, BASview3 or any other HTML-based controller (for example Innotech Omni, Trend IQX, Cylon, Distech, Tridium, CentraLine, iSMA, DEOS, EasyIO).

Workplace air quality. - Due to the need to address the health risks associated with dust exposure, the idea for the Dustlight emerged. Its tri-color traffic light display and high-resolution screen provide real-time dust concentration levels, alerting workers to take appropriate protective measures. Robust and impact- resistant, Dustlight is perfectly suited for harsh working conditions. Its single-button operation and language-neutral display make it incredibly user-friendly, ensuring that air quality is always within safe limits.

Rugged industrial Ethernet switch. - The N-Tron® NT116 unmanaged industrial Ethernet switch has been launched by Red Lion. It is designed for industrial applications needing dependable performance for mission-critical applications under harsh conditions.The switch provides unmatched performance, and reliability in harsh industrial environments.

Service centre in China. - The HIMA Group has a high installed base in southeast China and supports customers with safety engineering and lifecycle services to operate their plants safely and efficiently, and to achieve added value through the digitalization of functional safety. They have now opened a new Service Center in Zhanjiang, Guangdong (CN)

Secure and contactless shopfloor identification in pharma. - A strengthened partnership with Nymi, a biometric wearable company, has been announced by Körber. This is to deliver secure and contactless user authentication solutions in pharmaceutical production. Building on a foundation of successful collaboration in the past, Nymi now joins the Körber Ecosystem as part of the "PAS-X K.ME-IN" partner certification program on the "Ready" level.