Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Embedded edge computing in Industrial PC.

Physical AI continuously integrates and analyses multiple inputs to enable real-time process and energy optimisation, safety monitoring, computer vision, asset performance, anomaly detection for quality inspection and predictive maintenance directly on the factory floor and at remote sites.

A collaboration with SiMa.ai a leader in Physical AI, delivers advanced AI capabilities for real-time data analysis on Emerson's industrial PCs in the harshest industrial field environments, on the factory floor and at remote sites.

The global industrial AI market reached $43.6 billion (€37.49b) (in 2024, and according to IOT Analytics, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 23% through 2030 to reach $153.9 billion (€132.34b)*. A key part of this growth will be AI technology at the industrial edge, empowering companies to analyse data and physically intervene instantly – detecting problems, optimising quality, taking corrective action and engineering autonomous operations – all without relying on cloud connectivity. Workloads that previously required offline engineering studies, dedicated analytics servers or roundtrips to the cloud now run alongside core processes, turning the IPC into an always-on industrial intelligence platform.

“As operations teams leverage Physical AI at the edge, they move beyond simple monitoring to closed-loop autonomy where they can adjust processes in real time – minimising product defects early in the production phase, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency,” said Krishna Rangasayee, SiMa.ai. chief executive officer.

SiMa.ai's MLSoC™ (Machine Learning System on Chip) provides the high-performance compute and industry-leading power efficiency necessary for Emerson's industrial PCs to support Physical AI workloads in real time. By maximising throughput while maintaining a low thermal footprint, the technology allows for faster decision-making and robust security, keeping sensitive proprietary data secure and on-premise across vital operations.

Benefits include:

  • Autonomous safety: Detect gas and liquid leaks, fire and smoke, unauthorised access and equipment anomalies in real time and in harsh environments where high-speed vision inspection has not been possible.
  • Increased productivity: Enjoy higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by continuously improving uptime, performance and quality.
  • Enhanced reliability: Ensure operational continuity in mission-critical systems in remote locations (like upstream oil and gas or mines) with limited connectivity.
  • Improved product quality: Detect defects during inline product quality inspections during production and adjust parameters instantly to prevent waste.
  • Reduced CapEx: Identify equipment degradation before failures occur, minimising costly downtime and capital expenditures for new equipment.
  • Optimised resources: Continuously improve energy use, compressed air systems and material efficiency to reduce the need for human supervision in unsafe environments.
  • Air-gapped installations: Provide autonomous AI capabilities in critical air-gapped infrastructures using highly secure industrial control systems in industries like nuclear, power, water and other mission-critical installations.

“As organisations accelerate their journey toward autonomous operations, the ability to deploy intelligent capabilities at the edge with industrial-grade reliability and security is essential,” said Ram Krishnan, chief operating officer of Emerson. “Our partnership with SiMa.ai brings specialised AI computing technology to our industrial PCs that – combined with our integrated sensor technology, edge software and enterprise analytics – delivers the complete AI solution industrial organisations need not just to compete today, but also to thrive well into the future.”

Emerson is unique in offering an integrated, end-to-end technology stack for industrial AI across the enterprise – including smart sensors delivering performance data for AI analysis and on-device edge computing; an IIoT-ready SCADA/HMI platform and software that routes intelligence for quick interventions; and enterprise analytics for optimising operations.

Emerson’s industrial PCs with SiMa.ai technology deliver high performance and AI-accelerated computing power in a compact, ruggedised platform that can withstand high vibration and shock and temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees to 70 degrees Celsius). They also enable practical AI applications across both discrete and process industries, including compressed air and energy usage optimisation, waste management, packaging, automotive machine efficiency, semiconductor manufacturing and oil and gas applications such as wellhead management and flare monitoring.


* 10 insights on how AI is transforming manufacturing (IOT Analytics)

@SiMa_Inc  @EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation  @AnalyticsIoT @HHC_Lewis #PAuto 

Autonomous mobile robot advances.

New configurations give manufacturers more flexibility to match automation with their environment.

The configuration options for the OL-450S Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) have been expanded by OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies. The company has added new mast accessories for cart and load carrier transport across production and intralogistics operations.

The OL-450S is now available in a standard no-mast configuration, with optional 1.2 m mid-mast and 1.6 m full-mast accessories. These options give manufacturers and system integrators greater flexibility in how the robot navigates and localises in facilities with varying ceiling heights, traffic patterns, layout constraints, and workflow requirements.

Three configurations. More ways to deploy.
The standard no-mast configuration keeps the OL-450S at its lowest profile while supporting safe, reliable cart transport in compact, height-constrained production spaces. It maintains route flexibility through narrow aisles, low door sections, overhead structures, and areas around fixed production equipment where added height could limit access.

The mid-mast configuration adds elevated scanning for highly dynamic, high-traffic environments where improved localisation and navigation are required, but vertical clearance remains limited. By raising the scanner above floor-level activity, it improves environmental visibility in shared spaces with moving carts, operators, and equipment while preserving access through elevators, doorways, and low overhead structures.

For larger, busier, or more visually complex operations, the full-mast configuration provides the highest scanning position to maximise environmental v6isibility and navigation robustness where height constraints are not a limiting factor. By referencing stable features higher in the environment, it strengthens navigation performance across dynamic production and intralogistics spaces.

Together, these configurations help manufacturers match the OL-450S to specific clearance, traffic, and workflow requirements. 

Production-ready by design.
The OL-450S is OMRON’s turnkey AMR solution for cart transport automation, combining a compact footprint, integrated lifting plate, and payload capacity up to 450 kg. With a 108 mm to 308 mm lift range, the robot can move under carts, lift them securely, and support existing material handling workflows with minimal infrastructure changes.

Across all configurations, omni-directional mobility helps the OL-450S move laterally, rotate in place, and maneuver efficiently through changing facility layouts. Natural feature navigation, onboard sensing, and wireless charging support dependable operation with less manual intervention.

For system integrators, the OL-450S also provides flexibility for application-specific cart designs. Its lifting plate can be raised, widened, or, within defined constraints, extended to support different payload dimensions and workflow needs while maintaining safety and stability.

“With the expanded OL 450S configurations, we’re giving customers the flexibility to match the robot to their environment instead of forcing the environment to adapt to the robot,” said Mona Fahimi, Global Product Manager for OL 450S at OMRON.

Centralised fleet management with FLOW Core.
Like all OMRON AMRs, the OL-450S is managed through FLOW Core, OMRON’s fleet management platform. FLOW Core gives users centralised control over robot traffic, task assignment, and fleet coordination from a single interface. The platform supports fleets of up to 100 mobile robots with different payload capacities, while real-time visibility into robot activity and workflows helps teams coordinate transport tasks across the facility.

Expanding how manufacturers deploy automation.
“Manufacturers need automation that works within the realities of their production environment,” said Justin King, Vice President of Product Management, Marketing, and Business Development. “With the expanded OL-450S lineup, they can apply the same cart transport platform across a wider range of facility conditions and workflow demands.” For more information, visit the OL-450S product page or contact OMRON to discuss your application and identify the right approach for your material handling goals.


@AdeptTechnology @OmronEurope #Robotics #PAuto

Contact image sensor series expansion.

Teledyne DALSA has expanded its AxCIS™ family of high-speed, high-resolution, fully integrated line scan imaging modules, now available in resolutions up to 1,800 dpi and lengths of up to 1,500 mm. These easy-to-use Contact Image Sensors (CIS) integrate sensors, lenses, and lighting into a single compact unit, offering a cost-effective inspection system for many demanding machine vision applications, including semiconductor wafer, battery, and print inspection.

Powered by Teledyne’s multiline CMOS image sensors, AxCIS delivers exceptional image quality with monochrome line rates of up to 80 kHz at a 14 µm pixel size, or resolutions up to 1,800 dpi. For color inspection, it outputs a native RGB 3-line rate of up to 60 kHz, at a 28 µm pixel size or 900 dpi resolution, so that flaws can be identified with unprecedented precision. AxCIS also offers a unique high dynamic range (HDR) capability to further improve defect detectability. Its unique sensor design covers the entire field of view without missing pixels, providing a 100% seamless image without interpolation, and the telecentric lens supports true metrology applications.

AxCIS has been designed for scalability across various fields of view using a single 24V power supply. With a small form factor and an IP60 dust proof optical path, AxCIS provides the flexibility to fit into systems with limited vertical clearance. Its SFP+ fibreoptic interface delivers high throughput data over standard low-cost, long-length cables with immunity to EMI radiation for harsh industrial environments.


@TeledyneDALSA  #PAuto

Five-nines uptime!

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (Ai) training workloads is reshaping the operational and reliability requirements of modern data centres, according to a new white paper from HBK.

Entitled “Ensuring Five-Nines Uptime in the Age of AI,” the paper examines how increasing compute intensity, power variability, and extended training cycles are driving a renewed focus on reliability as a critical factor in sustaining continuous data centre operations.

Traditional data centre architectures were largely designed to handle stable, predictable workloads. However, Ai training introduces dynamic operating conditions, including multi-megawatt power fluctuations within seconds and compute processes that can run continuously for weeks or months.

Under these conditions, even short disruptions can have significant consequences. A single power interruption or cooling failure may require entire training processes to restart, resulting in substantial losses of time and compute resources.

At the same time, financial exposure to downtime is increasing. Service level agreements (SLAs) tied to ultra-high availability frequently impose penalties when uptime falls below 99.999%, while industry data indicates that a notable share of outages exceed $1 million in total cost.

The white paper highlights a shift in how uptime is viewed across the sector. No longer purely an operational metric, availability is increasingly linked to financial performance and asset value. As data centre demand grows, operators that can combine strong operational availability with the ability to overcome constraints such as power access, permitting, and infrastructure limitations are positioned to achieve more resilient and higher-quality returns.


@HBMmeasurement @BruelKjaerUK @HBMPrenscia #PAuto #Datacentres

Power meter.

Enhanced versatility and speed for modern power measurement applications.

The global release of Anritsu's ML2439A Power Meter has been announced. This is a solution engineered to meet the evolving needs of engineers and industry professionals worldwide. Designed for superior performance and flexibility, the ML2439A seamlessly integrates with the full range of Anritsu USB power sensors, offering unmatched versatility in power measurement.

Key features and specifications.

  • Frequency Range: 10 MHz to 50 GHz (dependent on USB sensor model)
  • Supported USB Sensors: Up to four Anritsu USB power sensors simultaneously, including MA244xxA Peak Power Sensors, MA243xxA CW Sensors, MA242xxA and MA241xxA True RMS Sensors
  • Dimensions: Compact chassis measuring 3.5 in x 8.3 in x 11.2 in (H x W x D), ideal for benchtop and rackmount installation
  • Measurement Modes: RMS, Pulse, and Peak measurements can be performed concurrently
  • Display: Power of modulated and CW waveforms in both graphical and textual formats
  • Interfaces: GPIB for legacy integration, Ethernet for modern connectivity
  • Security Options: Removable internal microSD memory with USB boot capability for enhanced secure operation

SCPI availability: Expanded control for USB Sensors.
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) are now supported for the USB power sensors via the ML2439A Power Meter. This enhancement allows the user to automatically control the power measurements with industry-standard commands, streamlining integration into test systems and improving operational efficiency.

Versatile and comprehensive measurement solution.
Setting a new benchmark for versatility, accommodating up to four USB sensors and supporting a wide variety of measurement types. Users can execute RMS, Pulse, and Peak measurements simultaneously on a single unit using compatible Anritsu USB power sensors.

The ML2439A displays results for both modulated and continuous wave (CW) signals in intuitive graph and text formats, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

Ultra-wideband and fast measurement performance.
Harnessing the high performance of Anritsu’s USB power sensors, the ML2439A stands out for its ability to capture and measure both narrow pulse modulated signals and wideband periodic modulated signals. When paired with MA244xxA USB peak power sensors featuring 195 MHz video bandwidth, the ML2439A excels at measuring complex signals. With MA243xxA series CW and MA241xxA/MA242xxA series True RMS sensors, it provides precise RMS power measurements across a wide input range of -60 dBm to +20 dBm. This wideband capability makes the ML2439A ideal for testing digitally modulated signals in applications such as Wi-Fi/BT, WiMAX, and for pulse measurements in radar system development.

The ML2439A offers the utility of a traditional standalone benchtop power meter, featuring a front panel multi-touch display and keypad for straightforward configuration. A 50 MHz test source output is available for calibration, while robust connectivity is ensured through GPIB and Ethernet interfaces. For secure environments, the ML2439A includes an option to remove internal microSD memory and boot from an external USB drive, supporting stringent security requirements.


@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  #TandM #Power

Visualising invisible losses .

The growing role of acoustic imaging technology in automotive manufacturing, where compressed air inefficiency, pneumatic instability, and leaks can quietly undermine production performance and energy efficiency, as well as process consistency.

Modern vehicle production relies on tightly synchronised operations. From robotic welding and automated paint systems to CNC machining and final assembly, every stage depends on a reliable and efficient compressed air supply. Yet while electrical or mechanical faults are often immediately visible, compressed air losses can remain undetected.

Industry estimates suggest that manufacturing facilities may lose between 20% and 30% of compressed air through leakage. In automotive plants featuring extensive pneumatic systems and large-scale distribution networks, even minor leaks can translate into significant energy waste and inefficient equipment, while operational costs are also likely to increase.

Other issues like pressure instability are also detrimental, affecting factors like welding consistency, paint atomisation quality, torque repeatability, vacuum gripping reliability, and equipment cycle stability. With many problems developing gradually, maintenance teams often face reactive troubleshooting rather than structured and more cost-efficient prevention.

Acoustic imaging changes this dynamic by converting high-frequency sound into clear visual information, allowing maintenance personnel to identify leaks and abnormal sound sources quickly, even in noisy production environments.

Unlike traditional tools such as ultrasonic testers and leak detectors that typically rely on single microphones and operator interpretation, HIKMICRO AI Series acoustic imaging cameras offer up to 136 low-noise MEMS microphones and adjustable bandwidth technology ranging from 2 to 96 kHz. The result is fast, accurate localisation of compressed air leaks during live production.

Designed for industrial maintenance applications, the HIKMICRO AI Series can detect leaks as small as 0.0047 l/min at 6 bar pressure from 0.5 m distance. Real-time visualisation on a 4.3” touchscreen allows users to pinpoint problems immediately, while integrated analysis software calculates estimated leak rate, leak cost, and energy impact. Voice, text, QR code, and image annotations further support inspection traceability and workflow efficiency.

Built for automotive production.
Automotive manufacturing facilities present unique maintenance challenges. In robotic welding workshops, fast-moving hose assemblies and difficult-to-access pneumatic systems make leak detection difficult during active production. Acoustic imaging enables maintenance teams to locate leaks without stopping robotic operations, helping maintain take time and reduce unplanned downtime.

In paint shops, where any compressed air instability can directly impact coating quality and energy efficiency, acoustic imaging supports structured air audit programs by identifying leaks during operation. Similarly, final assembly lines benefit from rapid inspection of pneumatic tools and vacuum systems, helping prevent gradual performance drift and repeatability issues.

HIKMICRO AI Series acoustic imaging cameras can also underpin plant-wide maintenance strategies. Compressor stations, centralised utility systems, machining workshops, and casting/molding operations can all benefit from faster leak localisation and earlier identification of abnormal sound sources before small issues escalate into production stoppages.

Results
Compared with conventional leak detection methods, acoustic imaging can reduce inspection times by up to 90%. Furthermore, long-range operation up to approximately 150 m improves safety by enabling inspections from distance in hazardous or hard-to-access areas.

“Automotive manufacturing is fundamentally built on repeatable and efficient processes,” says Stefan Li, Overseas Market Director at HIKMICRO. “Acoustic imaging gives maintenance teams visibility into problems that traditionally remain hidden until they disrupt production. By transforming sound into actionable visual information, manufacturers can move from reactive maintenance to predictive and data-driven operational management.”

With automotive manufacturers continuing to scrutinise energy optimisation, uptime improvements, and predictive maintenance strategies, acoustic imaging is fast emerging as an increasingly valuable tool for improving visibility across critical pneumatic infrastructure.


@hikmicro #Automotive #PAuto

Ready for Cyber Resilience Act CRA.

An easy way for industrial manufacturers, system integrators, and factory owners to meet EU cybersecurity requirements for connected industrial products.

Under the EU Cyber Resilience Act, connectivity is no longer just a functional component of a product. It becomes a regulated part that must support long term security, secure updates, documentation, and compliance evidence throughout the product lifecycle. To address these requirements, HMS Networks has updated its Anybus Communicator portfolio with enhanced hardware and software security features developed under IEC 62443 certified secure product development processes.

“With the Cyber Resilience Act, cybersecurity becomes a purchasing requirement, not just a technical consideration,” said Fredrik Brynolf, Gateway Business Line Director at HMS Networks. “By making Anybus Communicators CRA ready, we help our customers reduce compliance effort and risk, while continuing to rely on a proven, industrial grade connectivity solutions.”

To strengthen long term security and lifecycle robustness, Anybus Communicators now include several key updates.

Hardware updates supporting long term security

Real time clock and supercapacitor - These ensure reliable timestamps for certificates, logs, and diagnostics, even during extended power off periods such as weekend shutdowns.

Dedicated security chip - Cryptographic keys and sensitive data are stored securely, enabling strong encryption and protection against tampering. Together, the real time clock with backup power and the security chip provide a stronger hardware foundation for secure operation and long term lifecycle support under CRA.

Software features aligned with CRA relevant security needs:

Secure configuration - Configuration access is protected using HTTPS, preventing man in the middle attacks during commissioning and maintenance. Certificates are user managed to support secure configuration in different environments.

Role based access control - Password protection is activated directly in the web user interface. Each device is delivered with a unique default Admin password, laser marked on the product during production and used for first time login.

Three standard roles are supported:

  • Admin – full access
  • User – slave network configuration
  • Operator – read only access

This ensures that configuration access matches operational responsibility.

Controlled updates and lifecycle protection.
The Anybus Communicator supports a controlled firmware lifecycle. On CRA ready devices with updated hardware, safeguards are in place to prevent downgrading to firmware versions released prior to the hardware update, ensuring that CRA relevant security capabilities are not removed.

Protection of intellectual property.
Machine builders and device makers can simplify configuration for end users and protect intellectual property by hiding Master configuration details.

Meeting customer requirements.

By integrating these hardware and software updates, the Anybus Communicator provides CRA ready connectivity out of the box. This helps device makers, machine builders, system integrators, and factory operators respond to growing cybersecurity, compliance, and purchasing requirements from customers.

Manufacturers and integrators can continue to rely on the Anybus Communicator for both industrial network connectivity and cybersecurity. Units in the field remain supported, while new units are delivered with CRA ready hardware and software, providing a clear, non disruptive path to meet CRA and customer cybersecurity requirements.

The company builds and maintains connectivity, security tooling, and compliance over the product lifecycle, so customers don’t have to. For many use cases, implementing an Anybus Communicator is the simplest, lowest effort way to meet CRA expectations while preserving uptime, performance, and market access.

CRA ready Anybus Communicators start shipping during spring 2026, approximately 1.5 years before the Cyber Resilience Act is enforced.


@hmsnetworks @HMSAnybus @ec.europa.eu @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #DigitalEU #Cybersecurity #Standards