Transatlantic Research Collaboration between the island of Ireland and the United States.

Ireland's Taoiseach⁽¹⁾ Micheál Martin TD, First & Deputy Ministers Michelle O’Neill MLA, and Emma Little-Pengelly MLA have pledged support to a $20 million investment in a new U.S.-Ireland Research Translation and Commercialisation Initiative.

The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership’s⁽²⁾ new initiative is a trilateral project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP), Research Ireland and Department for the Economy. The initiative is also part-funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund, and supported by a Secretariat provided by InterTradeIreland, the cross-border trade and business development body, which is the only organisation with a direct legislative mandate to lead all-island economic collaboration.

(L-R) Brian Stone, NSF Chief of Staff, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA
and Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at the announcement in Washington.

This new initiative will support collaboration between researchers, innovators and industry partners across the United States of America, Ireland and Northern Ireland, and was established as an expansion activity to support the translation of research outputs from the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership into market-ready products, services and solutions.

• The initiative will identify research under the themes of cybersecurity, energy and sustainability, telecommunications, sensors and sensor networks, and nanoscale science and engineering. These themes reflect shared priorities and areas of established research strength across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the U.S.

• It will assist in the development of bespoke training programmes for researchers who have worked on these projects, to upskill them in advancing their research along the translation and commercialisation path. There will also be an opportunity for selected teams to receive further funding to catalyse the creation of start-ups focused on the outcomes of their research.

Welcoming the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is a powerful example of how sustained international cooperation delivers real benefits for our people, our economy and our research community. This new investment builds on 20 years of success and will help ensure that cutting-edge research developed across the island of Ireland, and the United States can be translated into real-world solutions and high-value jobs. The Government of Ireland is pleased to contribute over $9m to this new initiative, deepening our investment partnership with the United States National Science Foundation and the Northern Ireland Executive, to realise new commercialisation opportunities and benefit all partners.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill also welcomed the announcement, saying: “For 20 years, the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership has shown what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose — bringing researchers, businesses and institutions together to solve problems and create opportunities. This new transatlantic initiative represents a significant opportunity to turn excellent research into real benefits for our economy and our communities; while strengthening the strong relationships we have built with partners in the US and across this island.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly added: “For the last 20 years, the U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership has shown how practical, results-focused cooperation can deliver tangible economic benefits, bringing together government, academia and industry to work together to support innovation and growth. This landmark expansion strengthens our economic links with the United States, maximising our potential to support high-value jobs and trade opportunities for businesses and communities.” 

Brian Stone, NSF Chief of Staff, Performing the Duties of Director, said: “For nearly twenty years, the U.S-Ireland R&D Partnership has not only jointly funded numerous trilateral science and engineering research projects, it has also served as a model of how to successfully facilitate cross-border research and development. Today’s announcement from NSF TIP, the Government of Ireland and Department for the Economy marks a natural next step in our transatlantic partnership, expanding our collaboration to accelerate the translation of projects into businesses and solutions, delivering significant scientific, economic and real-world benefits.”

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⁽¹⁾  Taoiseach" is the title of Ireland's Head of Government.
⁽²⁾ The U.S.-Ireland R&D Partnership is a tri-jurisdictional initiative supporting collaborative research projects involving partners in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States since 2006.

@Researchirel @NSF @Economy_NI #Research #Ireland #USA

Secure accreditation.

Palindrome Technologies has received full accreditation from the International Accreditation Service (IAS) and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to serve as an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body for the globally recognised certification program ISASecure®*.

"We are pleased to have Palindrome Technologies join the ISASecure program as an accredited ISASecure certification body,” said Dr. Mark P. DeAngelo, program manager of ISASecure®.

The ISASecure certification program validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of internationally adopted standards for industrial security. Palindrome is now accepting product submittals for ISASecure certification.

ISASecure assesses automation and control products and systems to ensure they are robust against network attacks, free from known vulnerabilities and meet the security capabilities defined in the ISA/IEC 62443 standards. All ISASecure certifications are conducted by globally recognised ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies.

Palindrome Technologies is a cybersecurity research and testing firm, established in 2005, which provides security assurance services to Fortune 500 companies and growing organisations. Palindrome is an accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory and can guide customers through product certifications including IEEE, NIST, HITRUST, HIPAA and now ISASecure SDLA, CSA, SSA and ICSA certification to ISA/IEC 62443 standard.

As an ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) member, Palindrome has been involved in the technical development of ISASecure’s newest conformance scheme, the ISASecure Automation Control System Security Assurance (ACSSA) program. Palindrome staff were among the first to complete the ISASecure ACSSA for Evaluators training and certification.

“The ISASecure certification program gives product suppliers a clear, globally recognised path to demonstrate conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 standard and provides asset owners greater confidence that the technologies they deploy are robust against real-world threats. Palindrome is proud to support this mission with rigorous, repeatable evaluations that help teams build security in from the start and differentiate trusted products in the marketplace,” said Mike Stauffer, vice president of product testing and certification at Palindrome Technologies.

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* The ISASecure program — which currently has ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification bodies in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Italy, Germany and India — is rapidly expanding its global reach through additional agreements with certification bodies around the world. 

@PalindromeTech @ISA_Automation  @automation_com #ISA/IEC62443 #PAuto #Cybersecurity

New timer relays series.

Saves control panel space and provides multiple functions, with a favorable price-to-performance ratio.

IDEC Corporation has added two new GT8A series slim electronic timer relays to their already comprehensive timer relay product line. The small form factor and extensive capabilities of the GT8A make it an excellent choice for new, retrofit, or replacement applications.

At just 17.5mm wide, and using direct DIN rail mounting without needing a socket, the GT8A requires less footprint space and can be installed more quickly than conventional devices, especially in applications where a combination of products would otherwise be needed to perform the function. The compact form factor helps users optimize limited control panel space, and this direct integration makes it easy to install, wire, and replace the relay.

Multi-functional flexibility.
Ten timing functions—on delay, on for a set interval, flicker (starting off), flicker (starting on), off delay, single shot, once at a set interval, on and off delay, cyclical, and pulse—cover a variety of operational needs. In addition, ten timing ranges and ten time settings, including permanently on or off, let users choose operational timings ranging from 0.1 seconds up to 10 days. Configuration is easy to perform using three rotary selector switches, each of which is inset to prevent inadvertent operation.

The GT8A is available in both one-contact single pole double throw (SPDT) and two-contact, double pole double throw (DPDT) versions, and the contacts can handle up to 250V AC or 24V DC at 16A resistive load, depending on the model. Universal control power requirements accommodate 12 through 240V AC or DC. This exceptional flexibility enables users to minimize the number model types they need to purchase initially and as spares. 

 Reliable and compliant.
With a mechanical life rating of 30 million operations minimum, an electrical life rating of 50,000 operations minimum at full current load, and an allowable operating frequency of 600 cycles per hour, the GT8A is designed to provide enduring trouble-free functionality. A finger-safe IP20 (IEC 60529) protection rating, and compliance with EN 61812-1, CE, UKCA, RoHS, EAC, UL/c-UL, ensures that designers and end users will obtain the best and safest performance with their applications.

Timing relays perform an essential hard-wired control function for pump stations, HVAC, material handling, building automation, machinery, equipment, and other control purposes. Compact electronic timers like the GT8A provide a high performance option as compared to analog and electro-mechanical products, with many benefits for designers and operational personnel.

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@IDECUSA #PAuto

Faster design braking.

Power Jacks Limited is an engineering specialist known for designing and manufacturing high-performance linear actuation systems. Serving demanding industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, civil engineering and industrial automation. Power Jacks has built a reputation for precision, reliability and bespoke engineering solutions. Their systems are often used in safety-critical and heavy-duty applications where accuracy and dependable performance are essential.

As Power Jacks continues to develop advanced mechanical systems, the need for robust, precisely specified braking solutions has become increasingly important across multiple projects.

Enhancing design efficiency.
To support these requirements, Power Jacks has been working closely with Mayr Transmissions, a global leader in safety brakes, torque limiters, and power transmission solutions. Central to this collaboration has been Mayr’s online product configurator, a powerful digital tool that allows engineers to quickly select, customise and download detailed 3D models of braking systems tailored to specific application needs.

The configurator enables design teams to:

• Rapidly configure brake solutions based on performance requirements
• Instantly access accurate 3D CAD models for integration into assemblies
• Reduce design time and eliminate guesswork during early development stages
• Move more efficiently from concept to prototype

For Power Jacks, this has translated into faster design cycles, improved accuracy in system layouts and smoother progression from concept through to prototype orders.

The value of both the technology and the technical support behind it has been clear throughout the collaboration. As one Power Jacks representative shared: “I’m really pleased with Mayr level of service and ease of 3D models downloading. Currently we are working on a few projects where brakes are required and a couple projects have now turned to the orders of prototype systems. I would like to say thank you to Mayr team for ongoing excellent support. Their technical support and design flexibility makes our design process much easier and makes Mayr our primary choice when it comes to brakes.”

From digital design to real-world results.
By combining Mayr’s advanced configurator with responsive technical expertise, Power Jacks has been able to confidently specify braking systems that align perfectly with their demanding engineering standards. The ability to download ready-to-use 3D models has not only accelerated internal workflows but also reduced risk during the design and prototyping stages.

What began as digital configuration has already progressed into prototype system orders. A clear demonstration of how smart engineering tools, backed by expert support, can drive real-world project success.

Supporting engineering teams.
The success of the collaboration between Power Jacks and Mayr Transmissions reflects a wider commitment to helping engineers work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence. Through intuitive digital tools such as the online configurator, combined with expert technical support, Mayr enables customers to rapidly specify reliable braking solutions tailored to their exact application needs.

Whether supporting early-stage design, accelerating prototyping or optimising final system performance, Mayr works closely with engineering teams to remove complexity from the selection process. The result is shorter development cycles, reduced risk and solutions that perform in the most demanding environments. For companies facing tight timelines, evolving design requirements and the need for dependable safety components, this technology and expertise can turn ideas into proven engineering outcomes.

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@mepaxIntPR @PowerJacksLtd #mayr® #TandM #Manufacturing #Britain

Cyber Resilience in Industry and OT.

A new technical guide explaining the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), aimed at helping businesses understand what the regulation may mean in practice for industrial computing and networking projects has been published.

The new guide, from Impulse Embedded, outlines the purpose of the regulation, the types of products with digital elements it may affect when made available on the EU market, and the key dates businesses should be aware of as the CRA moves closer to full application.

It is aimed at readers involved in specifying, integrating and deploying connected industrial systems, including industrial PCs, embedded computers, industrial networking devices and related hardware. The guide also examines some of the practical issues the CRA may bring into sharper focus, such as product security information, vulnerability handling, support periods, technical documentation and lifecycle planning.

It also considers how IEC 62443-4-2 can support the assessment of industrial hardware in projects with higher cybersecurity expectations. While IEC 62443-4-2 is not the same as CRA conformity, it can provide a useful reference point when reviewing the security characteristics of products during earlier stages of selection.

Its publication comes at a time of growing industry interest in how the CRA may influence product evaluation and supplier expectations across industrial and OT environments, especially where long service lives, remote access requirements and ongoing supportability are important factors.

“The aim of this guide is to give readers a clear, practical introduction to the Cyber Resilience Act in the context of industrial computing and networking,” said Chris Durose, Head of Technology and R&D at Impulse Embedded. “There is a lot of discussion around the regulation, but many businesses are still working out what it may mean for product selection and project planning. We wanted to offer something straightforward, useful and relevant to real industrial applications.”

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@ImpulseEmbedded  @EU_Commission @proactivefleet #DigitalEU #Cybersecurity #PAuto 

Robot wins award!

Innovative design and intelligent navigation capabilities.

ABB Robotics’ Flexley® Mover P603 autonomous mobile robot (AMR) has won the iF Design Award 2026 in the Industry, Tools and Machinery Product Design category, based on its compact design, intelligent navigation and potential to transform performance in intralogistics applications.

“The Flexley® Mover P603 is the latest step in ABB Robotics’ approach to autonomous, software-driven intralogistics automation, where machines can operate independently while working seamlessly alongside people and other systems,” said Alfonso González, Global AMR Product Line Manager of ABB Robotics. “This award recognizes not only the strength of the design, but also how we’re lowering the barriers to automation through more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVRTM) that can do more things, in more places, and do it faster, safer and smarter.”

The P603 was selected by judges for its combination of smart engineering, intelligent software and autonomous functionality in a single solution. Its navigation system, AI-powered by ABB Robotics’ Visual SLAM technology, enables precise movement without the need for fixed infrastructure, which speeds up commissioning by up 20%, compared to other navigation systems, and makes it less complex.

A compact footprint allows it to operate efficiently in space-constrained environments, while integrated load sensing ensures the safe handling of loads of up to 1500 kg. Together, these capabilities give manufacturers a versatile, future-ready solution that streamlines material flow and supports rapid adaptation to changing production needs. Introduced in 2025, the Flexley® Mover P603 is designed to boost output and improve material flow while reducing setup time and infrastructure requirements. Its quick installation and ability to operate in dynamic environments make it well suited to facilities looking to modernize operations without disruption.

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@ABBRobotics  @iFDESIGNAWARD @ABBgroupnews @abb_automation  @NapierPR #PAuto #Robotics 

Virtual network measurement solution.

Accurate evaluation of communication quality in private cloud environments built by enterprises and organizations.

Anritsu has announced the expansion of its Virtual Network Master series, a network measurement solution for cloud and virtual environments with the launch of a new model, Virtual Network Master for KVM MX109031PC.

This product supports virtualised server environments based on KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), a widely used Linux-based virtualisation technology. It is primarily intended for use in private cloud environments built and operated by enterprises and organisations. It provides accurate evaluation of network communication quality for end-to-end (E2E) assessment even in virtual environments where hardware-based test instruments cannot be deployed.

Development background.
In recent years, business systems and social infrastructure have increasingly adopted cloud-based and large-scale architectures, resulting in highly distributed and complex system configurations. In order to assure availability and stability in such environments, operations now commonly span multiple data centers.

In fields such as medical and financial institutions - where large volumes of sensitive information, including personal data, are handled continuously - there is a growing trend toward operating private clouds in-house from a security and compliance standpoint. In private cloud environments, server virtualisation technologies such as KVM are essential to enable flexible system operations, and ensuring performance at the service level is becoming increasingly important.

However, hardware-based test instruments cannot be installed in virtual environments, making it difficult to accurately grasp actual communication quality between applications. To address this challenge, Anritsu has developed this software-based measurement solution running in KVM virtual environments to evaluate E2E communication quality accurately and with high reproducibility under close-to actual-operating conditions.

Overview.
Virtual Network Master is a software-based measurement solution that enables accurate evaluation of communication quality in networks, including cloud and virtual environments. While the existing model MX109030PC supports AWS® (Amazon Web Services) cloud environments, the new model MX109031PC supports KVM virtual environments, enabling accurate communication quality evaluation even in cloud and virtual environments where hardware-based test instruments cannot be deployed.

By combining these models, users can also evaluate communication quality in hybrid environments where public and private clouds coexist.

Key Features.

• Measurement parameters: Throughput, latency, jitter, and packet (frame) loss rate
• Operability: Supports remote operation and automation via Web browser GUI and APIs
• Interoperability: Supports end-to-end testing with other Virtual Network Master systems as well as MT1000A/MT1040A, enabling consistent visualisation of network quality from public and private clouds to field environments

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@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  #TandM #Pauto