Importance of vibration monitoring. - Vibration checks resonate with owners after newbuild pump failures The failure of a cargo pump onboard a newbuild tanker has highlighted the need for crews to regularly monitor rotating machinery for excessive wear and vibration, if unnecessary downtime and costs are to be prevented. CM Technologies' Sales Director Uwe Krueger cites other examples where ships' pumps appeared to be in sound condition, but were in fact close to being written off.

Fabian Dreier (42) is to succeed Oliver Blum as Corporate Director Supply Chain of the Endress+Hauser Group on 1 February 2025.

Europe's first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarm. - Aker Solutions has awarded ABB a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract for the 560 MW Green Volt floating offshore wind project, led by Vargronn and Flotation Energy. Green Volt, located 80km off the coast of Peterhead in northeast Scotland, aims to become the first commercial-scale floating wind farm in Europe and will contribute to the decarbonizsation of the country's energy system.

Korean carbon tech partner. - Emerson's advanced measurement and automation technologies will assist LowCarbon, a South Korean company in driving the development of innovative carbon capture technologies to help Korea achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable growth. This collaboration will advance carbon capture technologies to help Korean energy sector thrive in a sustainability-focused market.

OT Cybersecurity Conference report. - The second rendition of the annual ISA Ireland Section OT Cybersecurity Conference in Mullingar comes to a close once again, following and building on last year’s success and in the midst of a cold snap. The NIS2 Directive is pre-eminent in our speakers, sponsors and attendees minds and this year’s conference was put together with a focus on the directive; specifically how our attendees may learn from both our speakers and sponsors as to how they can craft their approach to alignment with the directive, and frameworks which can assist them in this effort, such as the ISA/IEC-62443 standard. (Brian Hennessy, ISA Ireland Section Committee - Cyber|Ireland)

Quality inspection sensors. - SmartRay has added a new model to its innovative ECCO X series, giving users a choice of laser wavelengths. Their new ECCO X 100 combines fast, high-resolution inspection with maximum mounting flexibility, to meet the highest customer demands.

Powering the future of solar. - Fluke Corporation has released new survey findings highlighting key challenges for the solar industry on its path to a net-zero future. The survey identifies improving panel efficiency, transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance, and adopting smart technologies as top priorities. Crucially, data emerges as the driving force behind innovation and operational efficiency, offering solutions to these pressing challenges.

Why should dew point sensors have a fast response? - Humidity is the enemy of battery manufacturers, so its measurement and control is extremely important – not just for the plant's energy efficiency, but also for the quality and yield of batteries, affecting issues such as range in EVs. One of Vaisala's experts Antti Viitanen explains why a fast response time is so important for dew point sensors.

Touch display. - The new Powertip 4.3" TFT Touch Display is now available from Inelco Hunter. This is aimed at applications where a bright, compact display with a full viewing angle is required.

Cybersecurity initiative commended. - An initiative by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to identify and address key security practices for enhancing the quality and safety of software products, particularly across industries has been commended by TrustInSoft (TIS).

Peieter de Koning (L), is Chief Information Officer on Endress+Hauser's Executive Board, while Oliver Blum who takes over as Oliver Blum takes over the management of the group-wide IT service provider.

Energy trends 2025. - As global energy demands rises alongside the challenges of climate change, the need for a resilient and sustainable energy system has never been more urgent, according to GridBeyond's latest white paper "Energy trends 2025 – The rise of the demand side." Now in its sixth edition, the report offers an in depth analysis of the energy systems in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and Japan highlighting their shared challenges like aging infrastructure, rising energy demand, and the need for innovation.

What Industry 4.0 Means to Automation Professionals - Automation has been at the forefront of nearly every country, enterprise, individual, educational curriculum and society. There can hardly be any intellectual discussion, business forum or program in today's world where automation does not take center stage. We work, live, breathe, follow and preach automation in today's application programming interface (API) economy and generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI)-obsessed world, which is leading us to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). (InTech Plus)

Generative AI to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability. - Building on its long-standing collaboration with Microsoft, ABB has launched ABB Ability™ Genix Copilot, a generative AI solution that helps energy, utilities and other industries improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainability by contextualising vast amounts of data and providing actionable insights in an intuitive manner.

Towards unravelling of the universe. - Analyzer to evaluate 1.6 Tbps transmission system of radio telescope. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has selected the Anritsu 400G Tester and Optical Spectrum Analyzer MS9740B for the evaluation of a new data transmission system (DTS) for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) located in Chile. The Network Master Pro MT1040A of the 400G Tester was used to evaluate the DTS communication function with 1.6 Tbps data transmission.

Shading control. - An advanced portfolio of KNX-based Blind/Roller Shutter Actuators has been announced for ABB's smart building and home automation solutions, as part of its façade control portfolio. The latest additions to the range will enable seamless integration into a KNX system for reliable, automated control of blinds and shutters, as well as provide enhanced security and energy-saving features to enable more sustainable buildings.

Android and Linux-based Smart TFT displays. - Review Display Systems (RDS) have announced a new range of Android and Linux-based smart displays from a leading supplier of advanced display solutions, DWIN. The innovative display modules have been designed to aid and assist embedded system development and provide engineers with easy-to-use tools to create user-friendly, interactive graphical user interfaces for industrial, security, healthcare and retail applications.

Electro Rent has appointed Alan Mayer as its Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

Memory & storage excellence recognised. - Taiwan Excellence Award for three major memory and storage solutions. The 2025 Taiwan Excellence Award has ben achieved by Innodisk for three of its innovative products. The award recognizes the company's strengths in product innovation, R&D, and quality control. The three award-winning products are the CXL Memory Module, DDR5 Air/Immersive Dual Cooling Memory, and E1.S 4TS2-P SSD.

Specialist in enclosure climate control strengthens its position in China. - STEGO is converting its former sales office in Nanjing, a major economic hub in China, into an independent subsidiary with its own office organisation and warehouse. This transformation will ensure the consistent availability of STEGO products in the important Chinese market and enables invoicing in the local currency, Renminbi (Yuan), simplifying billing and transaction processes.

Clamping screw with power amplifier. - The heart of the JAKOB SC power clamping screws is their unique inner workings: a specially developed wedge clamping system. This system serves as a powerful amplifier and enables extremely high clamping forces with low tightening torques. The simple, manual operation guarantees the highest operational reliability.

PI's 2024 Innovation Awards winners. - For more than 20 years, P.I. Process Instrumentation's annual Innovation Awards program has recognized the latest solutions in process instrumentation.The program accepts nominations from companies that would like to submit their technology breakthroughs in process instrumentation.

Support for climate protection. - Endress+Hauser has achieved a further milestone in sustainability: The Science Based Targets initiative has validated the Group's greenhouse gas reduction targets. Both the near-term target for 2034 and the net-zero target for 2050 are therefore in harmony with the 1.5-degree Celsius path of the Paris Climate Agreement and correspond with current scientific findings.

Source measurement unit. - The AQ2300 series high-performance, high-speed SMU (Source Measure Unit) has been released by Yokogawa Test & Measurement in the European market. It addresses various density needs for semiconductor/communication devices and offers high-quality pulse generation alongside high-precision voltage/current generation and measurements. Its inherent productivity and expandability characteristics means that the 2-channel SMU module also saves time and space when performing the typically complex measurement functions essential for semiconductor devices.

Seamless data interoperability for machines. - Siemens and Eplan are to make engineering and production processes for customers in machine and line building more efficient. This will be achieved by both companies significantly expanding data interoperability between their offerings. The automated interaction between Siemens' Teamcenter X® software, TIA Portal, Eplan Electric P8 and Eplan Pro Panel makes engineering information available right on Eplan and vice-versa.

Higher voltage motor. - The Editron EM-PMI375 690-volt electric motor has been launched by Danfoss Power Solutions. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI375 functions as both a motor and a generator. It is designed to work with the Editron EC-C1700B inverter, offering a system solution for 690-V AC and 1,050-V DC applications such as winches, cranes, marine vessels, and mining and material handling machinery.

Simple natural gas analysis in custody transfer etc. - The Rosemount™ 470XA Gas Chromatograph, just released by Emerson, is designed to simplify natural gas analysis in custody transfer and other process applications.

Among best in sustainable growth. - Vaisala has been recognized in the 2025 edition of TIME's "World's Best Companies* – Sustainable Growth" study. The study, conducted by TIME Magazine in collaboration with Statista, globally identifies companies that have shown outstanding performance in sustainable growth. This high global ranking underscores Vaisala's dedication to being both profitable and good for the planet. Vaisala has been ranked 38th in the study.

Robotics power production and logistics efficiency. - An agreement for a state-of-the-art installation of 10 atlas pallet shuttles, 3 elevators and 4 escala bin shuttles at Knorr-Bremse's plant in Lisieux (F) has been announced bu Movu Robotics. Delta+ Consulting facilitated this project in close collaboration with Knorr-Bremse and Movu Robotics, underscoring the commitment to innovation and operational excellence shared by all partners involved. The project's go-live for the installation is scheduled for early 2026.

Safety Symposium to mark the 25years in Benelux. - HIMA Group celebrated 25 years of HIMA's presence in the Benelux market at the Functional Safety Symposium 2024, held on November 28 in Dordrecht. More than 150 attendees explored the latest solutions for the digitalisation of functional safety.

How to Approach the Risks of IoT Technology. - NIST offers manufacturers an array of cybersecurity information related to Internet of Things technologies—from device selection and implementation guidance to outlines on what capabilities IoT devices should feature. (Automation World)

Object detection. - The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze emits the maximum light power from a very small surface. The new light source technology can be used to finely position stacker cranes, among other things, using diffuse reflection sensors.

Micro vacuum pump. - The new MPXS series from COVAL offers one of the most compact intelligent vacuum pumps on the market, without compromising on the technologies that characterise the French brand. COVAL's aim is to provide manufacturers with an even more efficient tool for handling non-porous parts at high speeds on robots or automated systems.

Single pair Ethernet connector standard approved. - The IEC 63171-7 ED2 standard, initiated by the PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO), defines a new connector face for future Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors. Rosenberger is committed to supporting the development and implementation of the new industry standard. The company is already working intensively on connector solutions with the new interface and is actively engaged in the standardization process.

Gas flow measurement computer connectivity. - The SFC3000 flow computer from Ex-i Gas Flow Measurement Ltd has been enhanced by the introduction of a Dual Ethernet Board which adds external connectivity, allowing integration into more complex measurement and control systems. The addition of a Dual Ethernet board provides a widely used communication interface to the SFC3000 flow computer as well as galvanically isolated serial ports.

Tools for in-line 3D measurement and inspection. - The Z-Trak™ 3D Apps Studio, a suite of software tools developed for in-line 3D machine vision applications has been introduced. Designed to work with Teledyne DALSA's Z-Trak family of laser profilers, it simplifies 3D measurement and inspection tasks on production lines. Capable of handling 3D scans of objects with varied surface types, sizes and geometric features,

Flash and test partnership. - JOT Automation has announced a new strategic partnership with ProMik GmbH, aimed at supporting the electronics manufacturing market with new and innovative testing solutions, and reinforcing the positions of both companies in the European and U.S. markets. ProMik specialises in flash programming and testing of electronic components, PCBAs and electronic products..

Excellence in sustainability. - Anglia is the recent recipient of Deep Sea Electronics' Supplier Excellence in Sustainability award, which is presented to companies for outstanding commitment to sustainable operating practices. Deep Sea Electronics are one of the world's leading manufacturers of generator controllers, auto transfer switch controllers, battery chargers and vehicle and off-highway controllers.

Support for Ethernet remote I/O modules. - Acromag's BusWorks® NT series remote I/O modules now offer a cost-effective solution for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The NT Ethernet I/O modules provide an OPC UA server and MQTT client in addition to the fieldbus protocol stacks (Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, and PROFINET). This integrated IIoT functionality offers a standardized data exchange to simplify industrial communication in an increasingly complex environment. Applications for these high-performance Ethernet I/O modules include remote data acquisition, status monitoring, actuator control, predictive maintenance, energy management, and more.

Peter Fryers is joining the Board of Directors of XTAG® as Chief Operating Officer.

The future of robotics. - A thought leadership report that looks at the future potential of robotics, resulting in more intuitive, intelligent and interconnected human-machine communications and collaborations has just been published. "The Molex 2024 Robotics Report: How Robotics will Empower Human Potential" contemplates a future where highly advanced robotics systems and multipurpose robots transform fundamental aspects of everyday life — from improving how factories function and students learn to making smart homes more efficient, elevating patient care and other applications.

Single pair Ethernet explained. - This article describes Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and its applications in industry to help users better understand this emerging Ethernet technology. (Automation World)

Energy efficiency across European biorefinery. - ClonBio Group, the Irish agribusiness company, has announced a multi-year commercial agreement for the Seeq Industrial Analytics and AI platform to be leveraged across ClonBio's biorefinery assets in Europe and its principal asset in the US to further accelerate digital transformation outcomes.

Optical transmission network co-operation. - Anritsu Corporation has joined the OpenROADM Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), which defines specifications that facilitate multi-vendor interoperability for optical transmission networks. Anritsu's participation in these efforts aims to enhance efficiency and flexibility of the optical transmission network.

Inductive at high speeds. - Measuring inductive distance sensors featuring IO-Link interface have been launched by Pepperl+Fuchs. The devices are suitable for Industry 4.0 applications and offer not only high-precision measurement capabilities, but also comprehensive information for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

3D sensors for quality inspection and metrology in North America. - SmartRay has expanded its sales and support in North America, bringing its expertise closer to customers in the region, particularly the automotive sector. Based in the Midwest, Erik Schilling, Sales Manager USA & Canada - JOSY, is an expert with a strong focus on SmartRay's automated weld inspection solution.
Pic right shows: Erik Schilling, newly appointed Sales Manager USA & Canada and Volker Weinmann, Global Sales Manager, JOSY.

Eric Wendt is Vice President of Supplier Management with Mouser Electronics.

'Unscheduled downtime!' - Unscheduled downtime can prove extremely costly and even be an organisation's downfall. When a production line suddenly stops it has the potential to disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to delays in product delivery and customer dissatisfaction. Teledyne FLIR specialize in the design and production of thermal imaging equipment including thermal cameras and sensors.

Panel PC set to revolutionise Industrial IoT. - A groundbreaking achievement in advancing IoT interoperability has been announced by Advantech. Their Arm-Based HMI TPC-100W series, featuring NXP's i.MX 8M Mini quad-core processor, has achieved Arm® SystemReady IR Certification.

Panel Computers for harsh environments. - Moxa has launched its MPC-3000 Series panel computers. Designed to address the diverse needs of industrial environments, the MPC-3000 panel computers offer a range of screen sizes, a robust feature set, and industry certifications aimed at reliability, durability, and versatility in demanding operating environments.

Intelligent power management. - Delta has announced the launch of its new SMART PDU I-Type power management unit. This innovative 1U DC distribution unit delivers unparalleled flexibility and control for telecom network operators, tower companies, data center planners, and infrastructure engineers. With up to 21 intelligent, programmable breakers and remote management capabilities, the SMART PDU I-Type optimizes power distribution while significantly reducing operational costs. Its compact design maximizes valuable rack space, making it an ideal solution for modern, space-constrained telecom and data center environments.

Revolutionising torque measurement. - The TorqSense SGR521 transducer from Sensor Teachnology, is a significant enhancement in their innovative TorqSense rotary strain gauge series. In addition to standard digital outputs such as RS232 and USB, the TorqSense SGR521 now features an optional Ethernet output, providing users with enhanced connectivity and data transfer capabilities. This allows for seamless integration with various systems and facilitates real-time monitoring and analysis.

More than just energy-efficient drives. - According to the German Environment Agency, electric drives in the industry and trade sectors consume nearly two fifths of the total electricity in Germany. Particularly electric drives and the aggregates powered by them therefore have a great and economic energy saving potential. With its highly efficient latest-generation IE5+ motors, system provider Nord DriveSystems offers an optimum solution for the significant reduction of energy and resource consumptions.

Managing energy. - Emerson has launched its new Energy Manager solution, a pre-engineered hardware and software offering designed to simplify industrial electricity monitoring with quick setup and intuitive operation. Ready out of the box, the Energy Manager solution monitors asset energy use in real time, allowing manufacturers to gain deeper insight into energy consumption and operating costs, lowering carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and maximize energy and operational efficiency.

OCV sensor. - The new DCR 1048i OCV sensor from Leuze, combines 1D/2D code reading with Optical Character Verification (OCV), enhancing quality control in industrial automation. They have expanded their Simple Vision portfolio with a powerful sensor for print quality verification:the DCR 1048i OCV .

Field data as actionable business data. - As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing industry connectivity, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is making its new and proprietary Teledyne GDCloud™ available with the company's GS700, GS500 and Shipsurveyor portable gas leak detectors, as well as its PS200 portable four-gas monitor for personal safety and confined space applications. The integration of cloud connectivity significantly enhances the gas leak detection process by visualising all instrument data and turning it into actionable business insights.