Reliable and inexpensive bellows couplings. - The KM Metal bellows coupling from Jakob Antriebstechnik, has proven itself on the market for decades as a reliable and inexpensive standard series of metal bellows couplings. Like all metal bellows couplings, it is rotationally rigid, but axial, angular and radial flexible. Despite the similarities, metal bellows couplings sometimes differ greatly from one another. The technical differences lie, for example, in the choice of bellows or the type of connection between bellows and hub or bellows and shaft.

Supporting practical space projects. - The WOBBLE2 project of the Berlin Experimental Astronautics Research Student e.V. (BEARS e.V.) is being supported by Sensirion with the high-precision SLF3S-4000B sensor. The dedicated team of students from the Technical University of Berlin has qualified for the 15th cycle of the REXUS/BEXUS program, which allows them to test their experiments on sounding rockets.

On-machine LED indicators. - The Allen‑Bradley 852C and 852D On-Machine LED Indicators, a powerful and compact solution for indicating machine status has been unveiled by Rockwell Automation. Maximising machine uptime requires a clear understanding of equipment and processes, and when critical conditions arise, effective communication is essential to address issues swiftly and avoid costly downtime.

Automation partner at ethylene complex. - ABB has signed a Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) to support as the automation partner for Dow’s Path2Zero project at Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta, (CDN). According to Dow, the project, which is currently under construction, will create the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions ethylene and derivatives complex1, producing essential building blocks needed for many of the materials and products on which society relies.

Growth Forecast for Global Manufacturing in 2025. - The longer-term growth trajectory appears to be steady, with calculations suggesting year-on-year growth in global manufacturing output between 2025 and 2029 of 3% to 5%. Regarding Asia, some emerging economies within the region are experiencing strong growth. Simultaneously, China’s growth appears slower compared with recent history, as it becomes a much more developed economy. Europe is set to witness growth, albeit slower-paced due to deindustrialisation in some of its larger states and economic stagnation. In contrast, the trajectory for the Americas region fluctuates more but is also stronger and more robust, while the forecast for manufacturing industry output growth in the region is almost double that for Europe. (Automation.com)

Robust connector system for demanding environments. - The LMR Series of rack and panel connectors from Weald Electronics provide a form, fit and function alternative to the ITW McMurdo Connectors RED Range which was made obsolete in 2024. Most residual stock of this widely used connector family has now been consumed but specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics is able to maintain supply to existing and new customers with a direct alternative from its sister company, Weald Electronics.

Camera family for cost-sensitive applications. - The new Tetra™ line scan camera family has been launched by Teledyne DALSA. Designed for a wide range of machine vision applications, Tetra leverages Teledyne’s latest multiline CMOS image sensor technology and builds on the success of the original Linea™ series of high-value line scan cameras.

Johny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, recipient of the 2025 imec Innovation Award.

Routing and network diagnosis. - The Portable BASrouter from Contemporary Controls, provides stand-alone routing and network diagnostics in an easy-to carry-compact case, making it ideal for commissioning and troubleshooting BACnet networks. Like all routers in our BASrouter series, this BACnet multi-network router delivers versatile routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet (ISO 8802-3), and BACnet MS/TP, thereby allowing systems integrators to mix BACnet network technologies within a single BACnet internetwork.

High temperature relay. - Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched the G3VM S-VSON(L) MOS FET relay, designed for use in semiconductor test equipment, communication equipment, and test and measurement equipment. The relay is capable of operating at ambient temperatures of up to 125°C, improving on previous iterations which were limited to ambient temperatures of 110°C. As a MOS FET relay, the device is voltage-driven, removing the need for input side resistor selection, while freeing up additional board space.

Platform certified for MES. - The first partner in the newly established PAS-X Data Access category of the Körber Ecosystem Partner program has been named. This partnership, with eschbach, empowers pharmaceutical manufacturers to leverage PAS-X MES data in Shiftconnector for real-time transparency across teams and departments to increase operational efficiency and excellence.

Sensors and analysers. - The new Mettler Toledo Process Analytics Catalogue for 2025 provides a comprehensive overview of solutions for analytical measurements in liquid process applications, pure water monitoring and gas-phase measurement.

Wireless testing advances. - The German engineering services and test company, EDAG, recently purchased Anritsu's Radio Communication Analyser MT8821C primarily for DUT maximum output power and receiver sensitivity testing. The Anritsu MT8821C offers EDAG a variety of benefits that include quick and simple OTA (Over The Air) connection with a DUT, an easy to use and train GUI and the ability to quickly find and configure key parameters for establishing an OTA connection such as input/output levels and SIM card criteria.

Passing the chain! - Mr Patrick Corbett was elected as President of the very active Ireland Section of the International Society of Automation (ISA) at the recent AGM held in Cork. He succeeds Patrick Bonner who held the office for the past few years.

Digital transformation in life science manufacturing. - Körber has officially certified HighByte Intelligence Hub for seamless integration with PAS-X MES as part of the Körber Ecosytem Partner Program. HighByte has achieved the “PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce” certification. This partnership empowers life sciences manufacturers to fast-track their digital transformation, enabling improved data visibility, enhanced operational agility, and increased manufacturing efficiency.

Radiometry enables Pixel-Level Temperature Data from compact, highly sensitive uncooled Thermal Infrared Camera Modules. - The availability of radiometric models of its high-performance Boson®+ thermal and Hadron™ 640R+ dual thermal-visible camera modules has been announced by Teledyne FLIR . Built for defense and industrial applications with size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimization, the NDAA compliant and ITAR-free radiometric Boson+ and Hadron models provide real-time temperature measurement of every pixel within a scene.

Collaboration for development of innovative embedded vision solutions. - A new strategic collaboration with VIA optronics AG (OTC: VIAOY), a leading supplier of interactive display solutions, has been announced by Solectrix. The companies aim to create production-ready solutions tailored to demanding applications in various industries with a primary focus on the DACH region* and the broader European market.

Easing pressure and improving efficiency in Datacentres. - Customers are demanding the highest levels of performance and sustainability, alongside financial, environmental and political pressure to improve energy efficiency. At the same time, recent growth in the demand for Datacentres is set to accelerate further with increasing investment in AI infrastructure, and growing concern about a lack of capacity in AI-ready Datacentres. Anu Kätkä of Vaisala, explains how Datacentre companies can respond to external pressures by utilizing the latest measurement technologies to optimize both energy efficiency and operational uptime.

Best-in-Class Automation Events. - The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced wins in multiple categories in the annual Eventeer Awards. The wins recognize two ISA events — the Automation Summit & Expo and the OT Cybersecurity Summit — and mark the third year in a row that Society events have been awarded.

Torque Sensors for fastening. - The latest advancement in torque sensing technology – the SGR525/526 Torque Sensors has been launched by Sensor Technology. Designed for precision and versatility, these state-of-the-art sensors feature square shaft ends, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications.

A tweet in the blue sky! - When the ownership of the platform formerly known as twitter changed in October 2022 the change was almost immediately noticeable. In the case of Read-out we found that we started to be followed by people who had little if any interest in instrumentation or automation. It was notable that these new followers had few followers themselves.

Rotary and key lock switches. - A new franchise distribution deal with switch manufacturer Lorlin Electronics has been announced by Anglia Components. Established over 60 years ago, ISO 9001-approved Lorlin manufactures a full range of rotary switches from simple on/off types to multi-circuit versions, many of which are unique designs.

Acquisition bolsters machine vision capability. - The Headwall® Group (“Headwall”) has acquired EVK DI Kerschhaggl GmbH (“EVK”), an Austria-based technology company specializing in industrial sensor-based sorting and inspection systems. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step forward in Headwall Group’s mission to enhance its portfolio and bolster its presence in the industrial machine vision market.

High fidelity software validation at faster speeds. - The launch of the NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL has been annoinced by Emerson. This is a powerful new software solution designed to address the growing needs of engineers developing and testing embedded software. Tailored specifically for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) customers, LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL brings together test, validation and data analysis tools in a unified platform to streamline workflows and accelerate time-to-market.

Thermal Imaging helping advance electrocaloric research. - At Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), researchers used FLIR’s A8583 cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera and 5x microscope bayonet lens, and FLIR Research Studio software to investigate the electrocaloric effect-temperature changes in dielectric materials under an electric field.

Module enables faster easier digitisation. - The Embedded Edge Compute Module builds on Rockwell Automation's recent history of enabling computation functionality expanding the power of the ControlLogix® platform.  This in-chassis edge solution provides key scalability and remote support functions to today’s workforce. At first release, the Embedded Edge Compute Module enables FactoryTalk® Optix™ software and provides a communication path to REST API, OPC UA, and MQTT to meet the needs of various applications.

Fast and reliable gas detector. - The Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector has been released by Emerson. This instrument is designed to provide reliable and fast gas detection in all plant environments using advanced optical absorption detection technology.

Meteor Communications has appointed Thierry Bouzac as Non-Executive Director.

Modules full of REST. - A RESTful API (Representational State Transfer Application Program Interface) to simplify development of web-based services is now available in Acromag’s BusWorks® NT series remote I/O modules. The NT I/O module system firmware embeds the API to support reading/writing of I/O data. Web services can use HTTP POST and GET requests to exchange information with the NT’s I/O server. This approach allows devices to easily and securely communicate with each other over the world-wide web along a common Ethernet interface.

Optical network testing. - The release of the AQ7290 Series optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) has been announced by Yokogawa. This is a highly reliable and accurate optical fiber field test instrument that will ease the construction and maintenance of rapidly expanding optical communication networks. The AQ7290 is equipped with new functions that improve operability and workability. Six standard and high-performance models are available in the AQ7290 Series, offering a selection of two or three wavelengths to cover a broad range of fibre-optic installation and maintenance measurement needs.

Green hydrogen: Precision meets innovation. - The LiquiSonic® measuring systems, from SensoTech, enable inline concentration measurements of liquids. The measuring technology is able to analyse the concentration or density in real time. This high-precision measurement technology and innovative sensors is revolutionising process monitoring and offering pioneering solutions for various industries.

Camera has with event-based sensor. - With the new uEye EVS, IDS Imaging Development Systems is launching an industrial camera with an event-based vision sensor that has been specially developed to meet these challenges. Instead of a continuous stream of data, it only captures relevant events. Compared to classic image-based systems, the volume of data generated is significantly reduced. The uEye EVS is therefore the ideal solution for applications that require efficiency and precision at high speed, such as optical monitoring of vibrations or high-speed motion analyses.

Modularity and convenience for demanding medical applications. - ODU is expanding its portfolio with the new Push-Lock Medical - a variant of the proven modular ODU-MAC® Blue-Line connector tailored to the medical environment. This innovative solution combines a compact design, easy handling and maximum flexibility and is aimed at applications that place the highest demands on hygiene, reliability and user-friendliness.

Sensors and analysers for production & water monitoring. - The new Process Analytics Catalogue for 2024-25, from Mettler Toledo, provides a comprehensive overview of solutions for analytical measurements in liquid process applications, pure water monitoring and gas-phase measurement. The catalogue provides up-to-date information on equipment for measuring some of the most important analytical parameters in process and water monitoring, and includes some unique innovations, like the 2850Si dual silica and phosphate analyzer.

Measuring biogenic Carbon Dioxide. - A new tool to calculate potential cost savings by accurately measuring biogenic CO2 in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) has been developed by ENVEA. The unique calculator is free to use and provides users with an estimate of their potential cost savings. By inputting data including total tonnes of waste per year, currency, market price for biogenic CO2 per tonne and the percentage of biogenic content in the waste, customers can click calculate and the estimated cost savings results will appear instantly.

>Fire safety at meat plant. - When Dovecote Park, a major food processing plant in Yorkshire (GB) wanted to enhance its levels of fire safety, the company turned to the experience of its long-standing system integration partner WRS Solutions. Following a thorough review and analysis of Dovecote Park’s premises and equipment, WRS identified a number of concerns, the rectification of which would boost fire safety significantly. To address the issues, WRS immediately engaged with the expertise of Business Insight 3 (Gold Level FLIR partner) and FLIR.

Strengthening IT security and vulnerability. - Centreon has been officially designated as a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA), marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhancing security within its IT monitoring solutions and the broader technology ecosystem.

Thermal monitoring for battery storage systems. - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. However, their implementation comes with inherent risks, particularly related to lithium-ion battery fires. The FLIR A700F Advanced Smart Sensor is ideal for users who want built-in, on-camera analytics and alarm capabilities for early fire detection applications.

Wireless in buildings digitisation. - Global leaders in smart building technology, Legrand, Schneider Electric and Siemens Smart Infrastructure have announced the formation of a strategic interest group to tackle critical challenges in providing ultra-resilient and interoperable wireless connectivity everywhere in buildings using the new NR+ technology standard. Supported by wireless industry experts such as last mile semiconductor, Nordic Semiconductor ASA, DSR Corporation and Wirepas, and embedded security expert Kudelski IoT, these companies aim to establish NR+, the new technology standard purpose-built for IoT, as the interoperable connectivity for digital buildings.

Delivery and operation in life sciences manufacturing. - Life sciences manufacturers need flexible, cost-effective software solutions to strengthen supply chain resilience and speed up time-to-market. Körber is working with AWS to meet this demand, providing its Werum PAS-X MES software products as fully managed software solutions hosted in the AWS Cloud.

Test instrument in AI in communications. - SK Telecom (SKT), the largest mobile operator in South Korea, and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), a university that is a leader in advanced research, have selected the Anritsu Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A for the verification of the technologies used to realize mobile communication that combines antenna expansion technologies with Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Predictive maintenance solutions for GB & Ireland. - The launch of Megger Industrial Reliability in Britain and Ireland has been announced. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution, driven by the strategic acquisitions of Diagnostic Solutions and Distance. The new division is dedicated to advancing reliability solutions within the industrial sector.

Leads, probes connectors and terminals. - A significant expansion in the breadth of Mueller Electric components that are available from Anglia Components has been announced. Targeting engineers at the bench and Test & Measurement equipment makers, new Mueller parts in Anglia’s profile include test leads and probes, alligator/crocodile clips, test connectors and terminals.

EMIS has announced the appointment of Carola Kristensson as Sales Manager for Central and Northern Europe.

Ultra-compact medical power supplies. - Bicker Elektronik is expanding its portfolio to include the AC/DC medical power supply series CINCON LFM200M and LFM300M with outputs of 200 and 300 watts respectively. The open-frame power supplies are characterized by an ultra-flat height of just 25.4 mm and offer a high efficiency of up to 94%. The operating temperature range extends from -40° to +80°C. In both performance classes, models with precisely regulated DC output voltages of 12V or 24V are available.

Key hurdles to accelerating EV charging infrastructure. - A new Fluke survey just released reveals that while 68% of respondents feel the EV industry is behind the adoption curve, 92% remain confident that current standards and regulations will pave the way for long-term success in EV charging infrastructure. The Fluke commissioned survey gleaned insights from more than 400 EV charger original equipment manufacturers and technicians in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands.

X-ray detector for industrial radiography. - With the D-DR 3643 NDT, from DÜRR NDT, the large format flat panel detector of the D-DR series gets an upgrade that is 20% lighter and more robust than ever before. This is made possible by the glass-free TFT sensor, which represents the most important advancement. Due to its active area of 351 x 427 mm, it is perfectly suited for profile images in CUI inspections and for large objects.

Innovative protocol analyzer and exerciser. - Teledyne LeCroy has introduced the Summit M64, a PCI Express (PCIe@reg;) protocol analyser/exerciser to their product lineup. This cutting-edge system captures and generates PCIe 6.x, CXL 3.x, and NVMe 2.x traffic at speeds up to 64 GT/s with x4 link widths. The Summit M64 features a groundbreaking design that integrates a flexible host emulator adapter directly into the platform, eliminating the need for a separate test platform.

2024 Salary Survey - The International Society of Automation (ISA), Automation.com, conducted its annual Automation Professional Salary Survey this year and asked participants questions about their income in 2023 and how it changed in 2024. Results are compared by geographic region, job function, industry, years of experience and professional certification.

New series of displays. - The Danfoss DM series of programmable displays has been expanded with the launch of the DM-Qt series. The DM-Qt display series supports Qt as a plug-in to PLUS+1® GUIDE, where user interface (UI) design can now be developed through the Qt framework - the new standard for creating embedded display UIs in the automobile industry. Qt offers greater design flexibility and ease of use, enabling displays to be programmed faster and reducing time to market.

Subminiature photoelectric sensors. - Advanced design features and can be installed in tight spaces, overcoming the limitations of more costly technologies. IDEC Corporation is expanding its already extensive photoelectric (PE) sensor portfolio with the new SA1N series of space-saving subminiature PE sensors. The SA1N series provides high accuracy and performance, and it is available in compact barrel and block form factors.

Don't Be Data Rich but Information Poor. - By focusing on and managing the right data, analytics can provide diagnostic-level insights, offering explanations for why problems occur and how they can be fixed. (Automation World)

Innovation drives efficiency at Five Fords WwTW growth mitigation scheme. - Alison Miles from NIVUS explains why the choice of flow measurement technology unlocked the enormous benefits that have been achieved on a project in North Wales.

High-voltage, wide-bandwidth differential probe. - The Yokogawa PBDH0400 series differential probe with a maximum input voltage of 2000 V and a frequency bandwidth of 400 MHz has just neen released. PBDH0400 series differential probes are able to deliver the measurements required for developing the next generation of higher speed power devices that can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Co-operation to enhance experience in energy management. - As part of their ongoing partnership, ABB and Samsung Electronics have announced the upcoming integration of ABB's InSite energy management system into Samsung's SmartThings and SmartThings Pro platforms, marking a significant advancement in smart building technology.

Consistent quality in medical devices. - Wellell, a leading global brand in the medical industry, has adopted Anritsu's market-leading Internet of Things (IoT) wireless transmission testing technologies. Utilizing the MT8821C Radio Communication Analyser and MT8862A Wireless Connectivity Tester, Wellell has successfully performed IoT connectivity test for its respiratory therapy devices and pressure relief mattresses products. This collaboration ensures the quality and stability of IoT wireless transmissions and continues to drive the advancement of high-quality smart medical devices.

Replacing DIY test rigs! - RTEC Engineering Ltd is on a mission to redefine accuracy standards for dynamometers amid the growing global interest in enhancing engine efficiency and performance. Their cutting-edge technology is grounded in a novel torque measuring technology. Engineers from Sensor Technology assessed Langton's requirements and recommended the SGR510/520 series TorqSense.

Industrial Ethernet innovations event. - Harting and experts from a range of global market leaders are participating in the fourth Industrial Ethernet Week. Their annual digital conference runs between the 25th and 27th February 2025 and features technical experts and digitalisation pioneers. Register now to discover solutions for driving industrial transformation via insightful user cases, discussions, talks and tech sessions.

Pressure Relief Valve. - The Anderson Greenwood Type 84 Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) has been introduced by Emerson. This is specially designed to protect tanks and vessels used in hydrogen and other high-pressure gas applications. With Arlon® 3000XT thermoplastic seating and ASME SA-479 Type S21800 stainless steel spindle material, the Type 84 PRV delivers exceptional leak-tight performance, resistance to embrittlement, optimum seat tightness, high reliability and long service life.