Automising batch production.

Perfect Batch is an Ai-powered manufacturing analytics solution launched by TwinThread. It is designed to optimise batch production processes by empowering manufacturers to standardise and consistently replicate their best performing or “golden batches”.

Unlike legacy systems that rely on passive alerts and static manual settings, Perfect Batch applies industrial AI to dynamically identify ideal batch profiles from historical data and actively recommend actions for increasing efficiency. This enables organisations to rapidly shift from reactive firefighting to proactive optimisation in a matter of weeks – not months or years.

Perfect Batch At-a-Glance

• Rapid Speed to Value: Perfect Batch connects to existing batch execution systems and automatically interrogates past data to build digital twins and apply models in hours.
• Dynamic Perfect Profile Learning: Instead of setting limits manually, Perfect Batch dynamically learns ideal control limits and process centerlines, based on actual process capability and historical performance.
• Unlocked Hidden Capacity: Granular cycle time analysis identifies bottlenecks and lost production time, facilitating capacity improvements from existing assets without new capital investment.
• Optimisation by Exception: Automated alerting and issue diagnosis empowers operations teams to focus on solving problems, without getting bogged down with endless troubleshooting and investigations.
• Optional Closed-Loop Action: Thread Builder, a real-time workflow engine that works with Perfect Batch, automates anomaly responses, performs automatic diagnoses, and can trigger specific corrective actions automatically.
• Automated Compliance: Tailored for regulated industries, Perfect Batch provides automated material tracking, quality and yield conformance, and audit-ready histories.

Perfect Batch furthers TwinThread’s position as a complete industrial AI platform. By continuously monitoring and simultaneously optimising five key dimensions—utilisation, cycle time, quality, process control, and yield—operations teams gain actionable intelligence that helps them drastically reduce investigation times, minimise waste, and accelerate continuous improvement activities. Available in both Simple Batch and Complex Batch tiers, the solution scales easily to meet the needs of process manufacturers of all sizes.

“This solution’s core promise is to empower operations teams to deliver the ideal batch every time, regardless of recipe, shift, or variations in raw materials,” says Erik Udstuen, co-founder and CEO at TwinThread. “By completely automating the discovery of hidden capacity and enabling proactive optimisation, we are giving manufacturers the power to eliminate inconsistencies and maximise financial performance of their existing assets.”

Beyond the plant floor, Perfect Batch helps drive strategic and collaborative alignment across organisations’ entire manufacturing portfolios by providing a global view of asset utilisation and batch making performance. As a result, the platform serves as a single source of truth for cross-functional teams. This offers a common lens that operations teams, engineering teams, and supply chain leaders can all use to identify, prioritise, and proactively execute improvement initiatives that optimise the deployment of capital across the supply network.

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@twin_thread #Ai #PAuto 

Energy saving VSDs

The launch of its Vickers by Danfoss Variable Speed Drive (VSD) solutions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa has just been announced. The Vickers by Danfoss portfolio features induction motor and servo motor VSD solutions, offering a broad range of power, dynamics, and control options. The VSDs save energy, cut costs, reduce heat and noise, and simplify configuration and commissioning. The modular offering fits most industrial hydraulic application needs and machine types, with particular relevance in discrete and process manufacturing.

Comprising a hydraulic pump, electric motor, and frequency drive with control logic, Vickers by Danfoss VSD systems improve the energy efficiency and performance of hydraulic machines by intelligently varying the speed of the electric motor and pump to precisely match the demands of the duty cycle. This smart control technology eliminates the energy waste associated with traditional constant-speed systems, resulting in energy savings of up to 60%, depending on the machine’s duty cycle. Lowering energy consumption reduces operating costs while helping machine owners meet energy efficiency and/or sustainability targets.

The Vickers by Danfoss induction motor VSD solution features the PVM Code B axial piston pump, Danfoss VLT® AutomationDrive FC 302, and an asynchronous induction motor. Designed for systems with low dynamic and control requirements, the solution is suitable for 3- to 250-kilowatt applications (higher than 90 kW engineered to order). It offers speed and flow on demand with open-loop control. In comparison to traditional constant-speed architectures, the induction motor VSD system can reduce energy consumption by 20 to 40%, depending on duty cycle.

This servo motor VSD solution features the VGPS internal gear pump or PVMX axial piston pump (the latter currently engineered to order), a PMSM (servo) motor, and a Danfoss iC7-Automation drive, including proprietary p/Q control software for closed-loop pressure/flow control. Designed for systems with high dynamic and control requirements, the solution is suitable for 3- to 100-kW applications. It offers pressure and flow on demand with closed-loop control. The easily configurable p/Q control logic offers simple setup and integration, shortening design, installation, and commissioning time. The servo motor system can reduce energy consumption by 30 to 60%, depending on duty cycle. It can also simplify machine architecture and complexity, as the precise and highly dynamic pump speed control enables the elimination of separate pressure and flow control valves.

Both the induction and servo motor VSD solutions lower heat generation and reduce overall noise exposure. By improving energy efficiency, VSDs minimize heat generation, enabling downsizing or elimination of oil coolers and delivering lower total installed costs. Reducing heat also extends the life of seals and oil. When the motor and pump operate at lower speeds, the machine operator and those working nearby are exposed to less noise. Quieter operation enhances workplace safety and operator comfort, offers greater design flexibility in terms of power unit placement, and may reduce secondary noise reduction measures.

Vickers by Danfoss VSDs enable the downsizing of pumps and motors to cut costs and reduce space requirements. Because the system can utilize the full motor speed range rather than running at a fixed speed, pump displacement can be significantly smaller without changing the maximum available oil flow. A pump with smaller displacement requires less torque to deliver the same pressure, and because the high overload capability of electric motors can be used to deal with the short high-torque portions of the duty cycle, a smaller motor size can be selected. The smaller motor and pump shrinks the machine's footprint and installed power while improving the total cost of ownership.

“The superior performance of Vickers by Danfoss Variable Speed Drive solutions is rooted in seamless integration. Danfoss drives are a perfect fit for hydraulic VSD systems, resulting in a harmonized system that is easy to commission and operate,” said Juraj Bittner, Product Manager, Industrial Solutions, Danfoss Power Solutions. “By combining the durability and reliability of Vickers by Danfoss pumps with the intelligent control of Danfoss drives, our VSD systems deliver a powerful, efficient, and cost-effective solution for modern hydraulic applications.” These VSDs are ideal for a wide range of industrial hydraulic applications. They are especially suited to discrete and process manufacturing applications with intermittent duty cycles in which peak power is not required most of the time, such as injection molding, rubber molding, machine tools, presses, die casting, metal forming, and food processing.

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Industry first for next generation optical comms.

Multicore fibre evaluation solution.

Anritsu has developed the industry’s first* Multi Channel fibre Tester MT9100A, enabling transmission quality evaluation of multicore fibres supporting next-generation high-capacity optical communications. While the test solution has been offered exclusively in Japan since last November (2025), its official global rollout has now been announced.

This test solution is based on the multi-channel OTDR method invented by Special Honorary Professor Masataka Nakazawa at Tohoku University. By synchronising multiple Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs), this method measures both the transmission and return losses in multicore fibres, as well as measures and visualises the distribution of signal interference between cores (inter-core crosstalk) along the fibre length. This test solution with four OTDR channels, provides powerful support for applications such as verifying optimal installation conditions during R&D, and high-speed inspection tasks required by manufacturing.

Development background
The recent proliferation of AI and cloud services has driven a continuous increase in transmission capacity for optical communications linking submarine cables and data centers. However, the transmission capacity of conventional optical fibre is nearing its limits. As a solution, “multicore fibres,” which independently accommodate multiple cores (optical transmission paths) within a single fibre, are gaining attention.

Research on multicore fibres has been conducted since the 2000s. Anritsu has collaborated with Tohoku University, a pioneer in this field, to develop measurement methods using the multi-channel OTDR method. For the practical application of multicore fibres, quality evaluation including core-to-core crosstalk and technology for high-speed inspection are required. To address these market challenges, we have commercialised a multi-channel OTDR measurement instrument capable of evaluating multicore fibres.

Product features.
The MT9100A features a unique mechanism that synchronises the operation of four OTDR channels. Primarily designed for multicore fibre R&D and manufacturing applications, it offers the following three key features:

• Distribution Measurement of Core-to-Core Crosstalk - The MT9100A can measure and display core-to-core crosstalk as a spatial distribution along the fibre length. By visualising areas where crosstalk locally increases and the amount of crosstalk increase in any given section, it contributes to optimising fibre installation conditions.
• Improved Workability with Single-End Measurement - The MT9100A enables measurement at one end of the multicore fibre. This eliminates the need to position operators at both ends during field tests where fibre ends are far apart, significantly reducing time and labour during installation and operation.
• Enhanced Productivity for Multicore fibres - The MT9100A enables simultaneous measurement of transmission loss, return loss, and core-to-core crosstalk – essential quality evaluation parameters for multicore fibres – or up to four cores without reconnecting. This allows faster inspection than with the conventional crosstalk evaluation method.

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* As a multi-channel OTDR-based tester (Anritsu survey as of November 2025)

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  #TandM #Pauto

FTIR analysis expanded.

Laser Components is now the German distribution partner for cryogenically cooled MCT detectors (Mercury Cadmium Telluride – HgCdTe) from Vigo Photonics. This technology is primarily used in FTIR spectroscopy in the long-wave infrared range.

Nitrogen-cooled MCT detectors enable precise measurements at wavelengths beyond 20 µm and meet performance requirements that can only be achieved at very low temperatures (77 Kelvin). This makes them ideal for applications in scientific spectroscopy, gas analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control.

The detectors are available as Dewar assemblies or in flatpack housings and can be flexibly integrated into a wide range of FTIR measurement setups. Large active areas, AR-coated windows, and anti-fringing optimization ensure low-noise and interference-free signal processing. Even weak or difficult-to-detect IR signals can therefore be captured reliably.

"With Vigo Photonics, we are gaining a partner whose technologies perfectly match the requirements of our customers," says Tim Huylebrouck, Head of the Infrared Division at Laser Components. "These MCT detectors expand our portfolio in highly sensitive FTIR analysis and open up new possibilities for demanding measurement applications."

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* FTIR = 'Fourier Transform Infrared' spectroscopy.

@LaserComponents @lasercomp_uk @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #TandM #Pauto

Investment for Distributed Energy Assets.

Samsung Ventures (Samsung) has invested in GridBeyond as part of a €12M equity round alongside existing shareholders including Alantra’s Energy Transition Fund, Klima, Energy Impact Partners, Mirova, ABB, Constellation Technology Ventures, and Act Venture Capital. Together with longstanding existing shareholders, Yokogawa, EDP & Enterprise Ireland they continue to support the company's growth.

GridBeyond, as a global leader in intelligent energy technology and optimisation of distributed energy assets will work closely with Samsung to explore opportunities across trading, asset optimisation and energy services that will allow both companies to realise their growth ambitions globally.

Pic: GridBeyond

The funding will accelerate the expansion across GridBeyond’s key strategic markets including Britain, Ireland, the United States, Japan, and Australia, while enabling continued investment in the evolution of the company’s optimisation platform for distributed energy assets.

GridBeyond’s technology enables real-time orchestration of distributed assets, including utility-scale renewable generation, battery storage, and energy demand, across multiple market and grid services. It leverages deep market expertise and understanding of localised fundamentals to drive advanced AI forecasting, optimisation and automated dispatch to deliver services such as energy arbitrage, frequency response, capacity market participation, and distribution network support, while respecting asset-level constraints and degradation models.

“GridBeyond has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise and global traction in a rapidly evolving energy landscape”, said a spokesperson for Samsung Ventures. “Their ability to deliver real-time demand response, optimise renewable and battery assets, and enable intelligent energy trading across markets such as the United States, Australia, and Japan positions them as a key enabler of smarter energy systems and greater grid resilience. We are pleased to invest in a company developing technologies that accelerate decarbonisation and support a more sustainable and digitised world.”

“We are delighted to welcome Samsung as both a shareholder and collaboration partner, it is recognition that GridBeyond has developed a world leading integrated optimisation platform”, said Richard O’Loughlin, Deputy CEO at GridBeyond. “Samsung’s deep expertise in renewable asset and battery development, EPC, energy technology, and trading experience complements our platform and accelerates our ability to deliver highly reliable, market-ready optimisation and trading solutions at global scale.”

“This partnership will deliver world-leading products for renewable and battery developers, enabling greater asset value, improved grid stability, and faster progress toward a decarbonised energy system”, commented Michael Phelan, GridBeyond’s CEO.

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@Samsung @GridBeyond_ @Entirl #Energy #Power

Components for Nordic and Baltic regions.

Franchise extension will be supported by locally-based technical and commercial staff.*

Anglia Components has extended its franchise agreement with Digi International and now represents the M2M and IoT solution provider in the Nordic and Baltic regions. One of the key reasons for the enhanced relationship between the two companies is the success of the innovative programs that Anglia runs in the Britain and Ireland with Digi to develop new business. Examples include where the two companies have collaborated to deliver technical workshops providing an introduction to RF communications and connecting wireless sensors to the cloud for remote monitoring and control, as well as discussing Digi’s hardware, software and development kit solutions.

Jurgen De Biscop, Digital and John Bowman, Anglia.

“The Nordic and Baltic regions have a large number of SMEs and Contract Electronics Manufacturers, just like the UK”, says John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director. “Such customers can often be left behind by the big high service and production fulfilment distributors, whereas for Anglia, they are a key part of our customer base. We look forward to growing with Digi in these regions.”

Jurgen De Biscop, Senior Channel Manager for Digi in the EMEA region adds: “We have been impressed by Anglia’s commitment to demand creation and new customer development in the UK, which is why we presented them with an award for this activity last year. We are delighted to extend the relationship and look forward eagerly to enjoying even greater success together.”

Anglia’s Nordic/Baltic agreement with Digi follows hot on the heels of a similar business extension with STMicroelectronics, and the three companies are collaborating to deliver a one-day event, titled ‘Learn How to Seamlessly Transition to Linux-Based MPUs’ in Reading (GB) on the 22nd April.

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*Anglia is currently interviewing candidates for a Managing Director and FAEs based in the Nordics to support its business activities in the area.

@angliaLive @digidotcom @BWW_Comms #Electronics #PAuto #Baltic

Industrial connectivity.

In industrial wireless deployments, one technology sits at the center of every high-performance network: the Wireless Distribution System (WDS) bridge. It is the fundamental building block that transforms isolated access points into a unified, scalable network fabric yet it remains one of the most misunderstood components in the field.

Whether connecting data across a sprawling manufacturing floor, linking multiple buildings on a corporate campus, or extending coverage across remote field sites, every WDS application demands one thing: reliable, intelligent network bridging.

WDS bridges eliminate the cost, complexity, and downtime risk of deploying wired Ethernet backbones in environments where cable is impractical or impossible.

Why industrial environments demand WDS.
For plant managers and network engineers alike, the challenge is familiar: industrial environments make traditional wired Ethernet backbones impractical, cost-prohibitive, or outright impossible. Moving cables through active production facilities, bridging across open yards, or connecting distributed sites on a campus introduces enormous installation costs and operational disruption.

Since the early days of IEEE 802.11 networking, engineers have solved this problem with WDS — the wireless interconnection of access points that replaces the wired backbone with a seamless, high-performance wireless bridge. The result is faster deployment, lower costs, and the flexibility to extend network coverage exactly where it is needed, without touching a conduit.

How WDS bridge configuration works.
A WDS deployment designates one device as the main access point — the main base station — which anchors the connection to the wired network. Additional access points, known as relay stations or remote base stations, connect wirelessly to the main base station and forward traffic between the core network and all downstream users and devices.

APs are configured in one of two bridge modes depending on deployment requirements:

• Point-to-Point: Two APs communicate via high-gain directional antennas, wirelessly joining two discrete LAN segments across distances that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive to cable.
• Point-to-Multipoint: A single main AP anchors connections to multiple remote APs simultaneously, enabling centralized network distribution across a large facility or multi-site campus.

In a point-to-multipoint configuration, all APs must share the same SSID, wireless channel, authentication mode, security settings, and LAN IP subnet range. Both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands support WDS bridging, however, the two bands cannot be bridged together within the same link.

Critical design considerations.
AP Placement & Signal Strength: Every WDS hop introduces latency and reduces potential throughput. Placing APs too far apart compounds this effect, degrading link speed across the entire network. Strategic AP placement, optimized for signal strength and line of sight, is essential to maximizing WDS link performance.

Security & Access Control: Industrial networks are high-value targets. Restricting WDS access to authorized personnel requires strong wireless encryption. While WEP remains an option for legacy compatibility, WPA and WPA2 are the protocols of choice for modern deployments, delivering the authentication strength and encryption depth needed to protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized access.

Antaira delivers purpose-built WDS bridge hardware designed for the demands of real-world industrial environments from bridge-only devices to full-featured multifunction platforms.

• AMY-5133-AC-PD: A compact, cost-effective 802.11 5 GHz wireless AP/Client Bridge engineered for straightforward WDS deployments. Purpose-built, reliable, and ready to deploy.
• ARX-7235-AC-PD-T: A multifunction industrial powerhouse combining 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wireless Access Point, Client, Bridge, Repeater, Router, NAT, and VPN all in a single PoE PD device. One platform. Every function. (Pictured right)

Both platforms deliver secure, stable wireless bridging with the performance margins that industrial operations require. And they are joined by Antaira’s full portfolio of industrial wireless routers, IoT gateways, access points, clients, and repeaters, all engineered to the same exacting standard. Every Antaira wireless device is hardened to endure the conditions that would destroy standard network equipment: extreme temperatures, high humidity, vibration, shock, and industrial-grade electromagnetic interference.

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