Endress+Hauser mourns a tragic loss. - The Endress+Hauser Group mourns the loss of Dr Dirk Mörmann (1973–2025), managing director of the competence center for level and pressure measurement technology in Maulburg, Germany. He has died in a tragic accident. RIP.

Sensata Technologies' Pete Johnson, has accepted a seat on the Leadership Group of the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn).

New cybersecurity report reveals year-long intrusion in utility systems. - A Dragos report details how Volt Typhoon hackers accessed a Boston-area utility for a year, prompting cybersecurity upgrades. A report published by cybersecurity firm Dragos details how Chinese hackers linked to the Volt Typhoon group maintained access to a major power and water company near Boston, for nearly a year. The breach at Littleton Electric Light & Water Department occurred between February and late November 2023, when the FBI notified the utility of the intrusion. (Control Engineering)

Predictive maintenance solutions resource. - Mouser Electronics has introduced its new Predictive Maintenance Solutions online resource, dedicated to providing leading-edge technology and information directly to engineers of all skill levels. The new site explores the opportunities and benefits of predictive maintenance, supporting readers through their design journey.

Servo motors with smart feedback device. - The new SFD-M (Smart Feedback Device, Multi-Turn) has been introduced by Kollmorgen. It allows machine builders to achieve high-resolution multi-turn feedback with absolute positioning information available at system startup.

Differential pressure sensor. - Synetica has launched the enLink Status-DP. This next-generation LoRaWAN differential pressure sensor redefines industry standards with unmatched accuracy, flexible range, and advanced wireless capabilities. Specifically engineered for HVAC, air quality monitoring, and industrial applications, the enLink Status-DP integrates Superior Sensor Technology’s HV210 differential pressure sensor, setting a new benchmark for precision and performance.

Android operated touch display. - BASDISP-AND is 10.1’’ Industrial Touch Display with Android operating system from Contemporary Controls. It is designed to optimizse 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). It offers an option to install an application Kiosk Mode (“Kiosk Browser Lockdown” available in Google “Play Store”) which is a perfect solution to fine tune what your display’s end-users will be able to do. The whole setup can be done with just a couple of taps.

Cybersecurity, IT/OT Collaboration and AI Efficiency Driving Decision-Making for Industrial Networks - Cybersecurity continues to be a top challenge for manufacturers running industrial facilities, but IT/OT collaboration can improve cybersecurity. Despite this, only 19% of firms have collaborative IT/OT teams. Currently, cybersecurity and AI top the charts of planned investments for the next one to two years, according to a Cisco’s 2024 Report (Automation.com)

Circular connectors & sockets. - The brand-new range of Amphenol CONEC M8 circular connectors and sockets with rapid, safe and secure snap or screw/snap terminations is now available from Inalco Hunter. In order to save time and provide ease of maintenance, the connectors can be quickly and easily plugged onto sockets, sensors and actuators without any further work or tools needed.

Magnus Hell, Christian Schlegel and Holger Zeltwanger have been re-elected as Directors of CiA (Can in Automation).

Contour measurement. - The new Leuze ROD 300 series of laser scanners for accurate contour measurement and ROD 500 for precise AGV navigation have been introduced. These laser scanners in the ROD 300 series for contour measurement and the ROD 500 series as a high-resolution variant for navigation tasks are characterised by high scanning rates with simultaneously high angular resolution.

BAC Certification secured. - The EnOcean SmartServer has been successfully certified by the BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL). This milestone underscores the company´s commitment to delivering open, interoperable building automation solutions that meet global standards, expanding possibilities for customers worldwide.

High-voltage contactors for Europe. - TTI IP&E – Europe is now stocking the ECP series of high-voltage contactors from TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors. The ECP150B, ECP250B, and ECP350B are hermetically sealed and allow bi-directional flow. The ECP series contactors come with a continuous current capacity of up to 500A and a maximum switch voltage of 1500VDC at 1000A in 30ms or less, meeting the safety robustness needs of high-voltage applications, including battery energy storage systems, solar inverters, and EV charging applications.

Air leak detection. - The Si1-LD, an industrial acoustic imaging camera that brings faster and more accurate compressed air leak detection to those operating on a modest condition monitoring budget has been introduced by FLIR. The Si1-LD offers improved detection and quantification capabilities in comparison with the existing FLIR Si124-LD Plus, along with a higher upper limit frequency range.

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.