Torben Christensen has been named Chief Financial Officer of Danfoss Power Solutions.

Robotics to enhance workflow for designers and programmers. - The shift toward automated assembly lines and integrated system solutions in industrial environments continues to drive demand for both standardisation and customisation. Machine and system builders face the challenge of maintaining efficiency while accommodating unique conditions and legacy structures at customer sites. Stäubli Robotics Suite 2025 addresses these issues directly with features to speed up efficiency at every stage of robotics projects, enabling manufacturers to refine automation processes with greater precision and flexibility.

Co-operation to transform semiconductor testing. - A strategic partnership between Emerson and Advantest will transform semiconductor testing by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This collaboration combines Emerson’s deep domain expertise in semiconductor product analytics, algorithm development, and data management with Advantest’s cutting-edge real-time data infrastructure.

Servomotor has Ethernet. - The JVL A/S MAC1004 integrated servomotor, available through Mclennan, is set to offer a new level of performance, efficiency and flexibility for precision motion control in industrial automation. As part of a new generation MACmotor® range, the MAC1004 sports a completely new software and hardware design and delivers 1kW of continuous servo power and a 3kW peak rating in a compact 80x80 mm motor size. With increased efficiency and a 100% duty cycle rating, its wide choice of six built-in Industrial Ethernet options and faster processor combines with a new absolute multi-turn encoder that makes the MAC1004 a compelling choice for almost any application.

Company acquisition responds to building global sustainable demands. - The Board of Directors of Anritsu Corporation has approved the acquisition of 100% of shares in DEWETRON GmbH, a leading Austrian provider of power measurement and data collection instruments based in Grambach, (A) in April 2025. The share transfer agreement was signed with TKH Group N.V., a shareholder then. Completion of the transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and general closing conditions.

Current sensors range completed. - Two new members to LEM's IN family of current sensors, suitable for a range of demanding systems in the medical, test and measurement, energy metering and power sectors have been introduced. The IN 1500-S current sensor is specifically designed for high performance and precision in 1500A nominal current applications, while the IN 1000-SHF current sensor is suitable for applications requiring very wide bandwidth. The new products are the latest additions to the highly successful IN family of high-precision sensors, known for their high reliability in applications such as MRI, calibration units, power meters, and energy measurement.

How Ai enhances industrial power transformer efficiency. - When transformers malfunction or fail, they can put operations at risk of downtime and financial losses. That’s where AI can come in. (ReHack's Zac Amos in Automation.com)

Scan, peel, stick, and go! - An innovative IoT device management platform that efficiently manages deployed IoT sensors has been launched by EnOcean. SmartStudio simplifies and accelerates the use and monitoring of connected sensors and the evaluation of collected data. Built for businesses of all sizes, SmartStudio enables effortless installation, real-time data insights, and seamless integration with existing workplace and building management systems.

Modernising IT and OT operations. - Stratodesk has announced its expansion in the Industrial Automation market, modernizing the landscape of IT and OT endpoint management. The launch of Stratodesk’s Industrial OT program, combines expertise in endpoint OS security and management solutions with partners in IT/OT hardware, industrial automation software, and more, creating powerful, customized solutions for customers in the industrial sector.

Automation Supplier Financials Quarterly Year-Over-Year Analysis Q4 2024. - In this Insight, ARC Advisory Group includes the most recent quarterly results for major automation suppliers that publicly report their results. With this latest automation supply side-market update, ARC has increased the number and breadth of automation suppliers covered, based on a combination of publicly reported data and ARC’s own extensive research database. We have also added selected business intelligence visualizations. (By Rajkumar Paira)

Fifty years calibrating! - During 2025 Beamex is celebrating its five decades in calibration. This 50-year journey – from a company founded by four passionate calibration technicians to a global leader in calibration solutions – reflects a continuous evolution guided by an unwavering commitment to precision. This commitment has seen Beamex grow into a multinational corporation with customers in 140 countries.

Flash storage. - Innodisk has announced the launch of its latest PCIe Gen5 SSD series, designed to meet the OCP Data centre NVMe SSD spec v2.0 and the increasing demands of AI model training, big data analytics, and data-intensive environments. The new series supports multiple form factors, including U.2, as well as EDSFF E1.S, E3.S, and the brand-new E3.L for data centre applications, catering to the diverse needs of enterprise and data centre environments

Rugged automotive switches. - EAO has released details of the latest additions to its Series 09 family of automotive HMIs. EAO’s Series 09 family now includes rugged weather-proof push-button switches specially developed to operate reliably on the exteior of heavy duty vehicles such as municipal trucks and agricultural and construction vehicles.

Wireless gateway upgraded. - Emerson has just announced upgrades to its Emerson Wireless 1410S Gateways, along with a new 781S Smart Antenna design. These enhancements allow more efficient installation and operation, minimize required network infrastructure and maintain reliability. The remote antenna adapter allows users to achieve unparalleled signal strength with high-gain remote antenna compatibility, significantly reducing the number of hops and repeaters needed for even the most challenging WirelessHART® networks.

Best new product promoter. - Mouser Electronics has been named the Best New Product Promoter for 2024 by Diotec Semiconductor, the leading manufacturer of diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, and voltage regulators for automotive-, commercial- and industrial-grade applications. Mouser was awarded this accolade for significant growth in buyers, lines and part counts.

Measurements to the cloud. - The NETRIS® family from WIKA has three radio units that ensure seamless and secure transmission of measured data in IIoT applications. The instruments allow battery-powered wireless transmission via the licence-free LoRaWAN® (“Long Range Wide Area Network”) radio standard. This enables long ranges of up to 10 km and a long battery life of up to 5 years. The radio units can be easily configured via WIKA’s web-based IIoT cloud platform and the LoRaWAN® network, in some cases also via mobile devices using the “myWIKA wireless device” app.

Breakthrough in torque and angle measurement. - The SGR523, a state-of-the-art digital rotary torque sensor equipped with an integrated incremental angle encoder has been introduced by Sensor Technology. This innovative addition to the TorqSense SGR series sets a new benchmark for precision in torque and angular position monitoring across various industrial applications.

Environmental product declaration for distributed control. - ABB has published its first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the AC 800M family of controllers. This marks a key milestone in industrial automation, with ABB becoming the first company to publish an externally verified EPD for industrial controllers used in distributed control systems (DCS).

The death of Eddie Kenny, founding member of ISA Ireland, has been announced.
RIP

Spectrum analyser enhancement. - Anritsu Company is expanding the analysis bandwidth along with the addition of a Tracking Generator option for the Field Master Spectrum Analysers. These spectrum analysers provide benchtop performance in a ruggedised handheld battery power format that has made them indispensable for RF engineers working in a wide range of communication industries.

Virtual process line visualisation. - EMG is renowned for its expertise in flat materials production and processing, especially steel and aluminum. Whether in the hot or cold section, on coating, annealing, galvanising or tinning lines - their systems have become an integral part of ensuring quality, stability, and process control in demanding production environments. Now EMG has launched a digital process line visualisation tool on its website - a highly intuitive and interactive resource for anyone seeking clarity, insight, and product information.

How to handle the deadtime that hampers process control. - Deadtime is the interval between the application of a control effort and its first discernible effect on the process variable. Deadtime is most common in processes that involve a transport delay between the actuators and the sensors, such as water flowing through a bathroom's plumbing from the hot water valve to the shower head. (Control Engineering)

Easy monitoring of robot fleets. - Remote monitoring, fault identification, visualisation and optimisation of robot fleets – all of these actions can be performed conveniently, securely, and efficiently with the SCOPE platform, which Stäubli has now made even more powerful with a recent update.

NbTi cable for cryogenic applications. - Intelliconnect (Europe) is an authorised distributor for Niobium/Titanium (NbTi) cable manufactured in the USA by their sister company EZ Form Cable. Suitable for operation down to millikelvin (mK) temperatures, this cable is widely used in Quantum Computer, Ai and other research applications.

Manage, automate and digitalise operationsin life science. - TrackWise Manufacturing is an artificial intelligence (Ai)-assisted, cloud-native platform just introduced by Honeywell. It is designed to transform how life sciences companies manage, automate and digitalize operations. The platform is one of the first in the life sciences industry to offer a revolutionary new approach to workflow management that bridges the gap between the digital and physical manufacturing environments.

Panel PC has integrated controller. - Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of a new 10.1-inch Panel PC, which features an integrated controller board, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring speed combined with a powerful processing capability. A 12-inch Panel PC version is also available.

Digital dissolved oxygen sensor. - The release of the Rosemount™ 490A Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor has been announced by Emerson. This is a digital Modbus-enabled measurement device designed to enhance operational flexibility, simplify installation and reduce maintenance costs across many industrial applications in the water/wastewater treatment, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and steam power generation industries.

Benefit for automation professionals. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has launched Connect Forums on their ISA Connect platform, enabling members to exchange ideas and expertise on various automation topics within a members-only community. Members engage with automation professionals across sectors, dive deep into cutting-edge automation topics and get real-time answers to their toughest questions. The focus is on technologies that cross-industry segments, allowing members to get insights from anywhere.

Connect distributor of the year. - Mouser Electronic has been awarded the 2024 Global and Americas Distributor of the Year Awards from Harwin, the manufacturer of interconnect components. Harwin cited Mouser's continued expansion of the Harwin market share, combined with strong sales revenue, as basis for the awards.

Seamless bi-directional HART data transmission. - A significant feature update for the HES HART to Ethernet Gateway System has been introduced by Moore Industries. This introduces HART Tunneling which enables remote communication with HART field devices. This new feature allows seamless bi-directional HART data transmission between PC-based HART software applications and HES connected field devices over Ethernet.

Verifying indoor-penetrable RIS technology. - Accurate and flexible measurement environments are becoming essential in the research of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, which is gaining attention as a next-generation high-frequency communication solution. In a recent demonstration by the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) of Korea, Anritsu’s vector network analyser (VNA) MS46122B was utilized as a key measurement instrument, proving high-precision performance even in compact setups.

Stepper motors. - The humble stepper can offer surprising cost effectiveness with uncompromised performance at extra low voltage. The new, optimised EMMB-ST and EMMT-ST stepper motor family from Festo can be used in conjunction with the CMMT-ST servo drive controller to create a coordinated servo system at an attractive price. The stepper motor family includes models designed for regular and advanced industrial automation applications, enabling machine builders and system designers to choose the most cost-efficient option.

Optical aerosol analyser. - Unlock essential data for unmatched precision in air quality monitoring. A new, cutting-edge Optical Aerosol Spectrometer designed for real-time particulate matter (PM) monitoring, delivering ultra-precise data in any environment has been launched by ENVEA. The OPM250 is a next-generation analyzer with a unique counting efficiency design for improved measurement accuracy and high-quality data. With a wide particle size range from 0.178µm to 29.4µm, the OPM250 is suitable for urban air quality monitoring, industrial emissions monitoring and scientific environmental research, as well as in-vehicle use due to vibration resistance.

Duncan Schleiss has been inducted into the Process Automation Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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)

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.

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.