Talking safety - celebrating 25 years.

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.

HIMA operated in Benelux through representatives and partners from the early 1980s; opened an office in the Netherlands in 1999 and founded HIMA Benelux in 2008. Today, HIMA Benelux offers sales, services, consulting, and engineering for the integration of HIMA solutions for process and railway industries.

The event featured a dynamic mix of presentations, live demos, and networking opportunities, offering insights into the future of safety automation while reflecting on HIMA’s rich history and strategic vision. 

 A remarkable journey of growth.
The symposium began with a special address by Steffen Philipp, shareholder of HIMA Group, who reflected on HIMA Group’s historic development and 25 years of success in the Benelux market, emphasizing the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence. “This remarkable journey reflects HIMA’s unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and customer service across the Benelux region.” 

Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, delivered a forward-looking presentation on HIMA’s strategy and vision, connecting the company’s foundational strengths with future innovations, including the digitalization of functional safety, OT security, and lifecycle optimization.

“Benelux is significant for our target markets, the process and rail industries. We will further strengthen our local presence in the region and extend our customer partnerships,” de la Motte emphasized.

A day of knowledge and collaboration.
The Functional Safety Symposium 2024 reinforces HIMA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the process and rail industries. Attendees explored a packed agenda of presentations and interactive sessions, with topics including:

• Safety Lifecycle Digitalization
• Smart Testing with HART
• HIPS-Solutions
• Cybersecurity in DCS & Safety Systems
• Safe HMI for the (Petro)Chemical Industry
• Burner Management Systems
• Leak Detection and Turbo Machinery Solutions

Industry-leading partners, including genua, Deuta, Valmet, Krohne, EPSC, Rivada Space Network, and Mokveld, shared their expertise through presentations and hands-on demonstrations creating an interactive experience for attendees.

"Thanks to the active contribution by our valued partners as well as by the new HIMA companies Origo Solutions and Sella Controls, this Safety Symposium did provide a complete overview of the latest safety and security solutions,“ added Josse Brys, Vice President Region Europe.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the high-quality presentations and the event’s emphasis on collaboration and future-focused discussions:

Perry Jaspers, Yara emphasised: "What I really liked was the practical approach; the discussions were immediately applicable to our work. A very interesting and useful event."

"The entire day was fascinating, from HIMA’s family and management to their roadmap and new technologies. It’s impressive to see how HIMA collaborates with other companies to strengthen safety globally", added Hans Musters, ACTA.

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#HIMA #PAuto #Safety #Benelux

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.

Knorr-Bremse, founded in 1905, is a leading German manufacturer specializing in braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles. With over a century of experience, it stands as one of the world’s largest and most influential companies in its field. Movu's automation solutions are tailored to enhance Knorr-Bremse's production efficiency by optimizing warehouse automation processes for greater flexibility and responsiveness. Positioned directly upstream of the production lines, these solutions enable real-time parts replenishment, ensuring seamless workflow and minimal downtime.

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.

In a recent visit to Movu Robotics’ Experience Center in Lokeren, Belgium, Stéphane Devulder, Managing Director of Knorr-Bremse France, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “At Knorr-Bremse," he said,  “we are always innovating to keep our manufacturing and logistic processes efficient and reliable, especially in the automotive industry, where precision is key. This advanced installation will feature two powerful systems working together: the Movu atlas, with space for 5,000 pallets managed by 10 shuttles and 3 elevators, and the Movu escala, handling up to 2,500 bins with 4 shuttles.”

Benjamin Letarouilly, Managing Director at Delta+ Consulting, emphasized the collaborative design approach, “With the Movu atlas and Movu escala systems working together, we have designed an integrated, modular solution to meet Knorr-Bremse's needs. This configuration will handle small parts as well as large volumes, ensuring continuous, real-time supply to production lines. Our priority is efficiency and reactivity to meet industrial challenges.

“We're proud to be able to contribute to this project and to this wonderful collaboration between Movu Robotics and Knorr-Bremse. Two companies with very different backgrounds but with a shared vision of the future. Knorr Bremse, by exploiting one of the latest cutting-edge technologies in intralogistics, is aiming to increase its operational efficiency through easier automation.”

Francisco Vinals, Sales Director at Movu Robotics, highlighted the adaptability and reliability of Movu’s solutions, “We’re excited to bring the Movu atlas and escala systems together for Knorr-Bremse. These solutions are designed to operate seamlessly, meeting their demand for reliable low-volume and high-volume part handling. This project is a perfect example of automation driving efficiency, precision, and flexibility. Movu Robotics stands behind its philosophy: 'No Warehouse Left Behind.' This project reinforces our dedication to bringing cutting-edge transformative solutions to the industrial world.”

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@stow_Group @KnorrBremseAG #Movu #Automation #Robotics #France

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.

“As the climate is in an alarming state, it is our responsibility towards our stakeholders – owners, customers, colleagues, and the planet alike – to be a growing tech leader enabling climate action. For us, caring for the climate and driving sustainable growth go hand in hand, and it is a true honor to be recognized by TIME for precisely this combination," says Vaisala’s President and CEO Kai Öistämö (right).

The analyst team at TIME and Statista commented on Vaisala’s performance:

“With solid growth and very high marks in our financial stability metrics, Vaisala was high up in our rankings even before we included environmental data. However, driven by near-total green energy use, Vaisala received among the highest scores of any company in our ranking among our three measures of Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions absolute amount, carbon intensity, and carbon intensity compared to others in the industry.”

“Overall, Vaisala not only placed first in sustainability (as well as overall score) among the Finnish companies we evaluated, but also among the top 3% of companies in its sustainability score – an impressive accomplishment, especially for a manufacturing company.” the analysts concluded.

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* The methodology for the study is based on three key dimensions: revenue growth, financial stability, and environmental impact. Companies were evaluated on their revenue growth from 2021 to 2023, financial health using metrics like long-term profitability, the Piotroski F-Score and Altman Z-Score, and key performance indicators in environmental impact, including carbon emissions (scopes 1, 2, and 3), energy and water usage, and waste management. 

@VaisalaGroup @TIME @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Sustainability

Connectors for bulkhead applications .

Amphenol franchised distributor Inelco Hunter is pleased to confirm immediate availability of the Sine Systems’ ARB Series™ Connectors.They are IP68 and IP69K rated (in mated condition), with heavy-duty, rectangular, thermoplastic, environmentally sealed housings.

ARB Series™ connectors are designed for applications where a high pin-count is required in situations with controlled and/or uncontrolled environmental conditions, such as bulkhead applications. The connectors are available in 48 and 102 positions. Applications include transportation, off-road heavy equipment, agricultural, automotive, alternate energy, marine, and other demanding interconnect environments.

The interface flange has a receptacle retaining clip, a jackscrew plug and a threaded insert receptacle to ensure a secure mated assembly. The connectors have been developed to be compatible with all existing products utilising industry-standard A Series™ contacts.

The ARB connectors are available in A, B, C and D Keying Options. The Maximum Voltage Rating (AC/DC) is 250V AC/DC and the Current Rating Range is #20: 7.5A; #16: 13A; #12: 25A; #8: 60A; #4: 100A.

The Operating Temperature is -55°C to +125°C and the Mating Cycle Durability is 100 matings. The range of cable sizes that can be accepted is considerable: 6-22AWG (16.0-0.35mm²). ARB Series™ connectors are RoHS compliant and all materials meet the requirements of the European Directive. A wide range of accessories, cable options and modifications are available.

Inelco Hunter's in-depth engineering support ensures rapid implementation, speeding up the customer’s time-to-market, and Inelco Hunter's engineers will work with the SME engineers. This added-value support is at the core of Inelco Hunter’s philosophy, and has been for the last 30 years, setting them apart from the "stock and ship" distributors.

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@InelcoHunter @amphenol #PAuto #Industry

Object detection.

Optical sensors feature enhanced detection capabilities and faster commissioning.

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.

Aligning and commissioning sensors is often very time-consuming. The Power PinPoint LED from Leuze now makes this much quicker and easier. The sensors’ light-emitting diode emits its maximum light power from a very small surface. The Power PinPoint LED generates a light spot that maintains its size, shape and homogeneity over the sensor's entire working range enabling simple and fast commissioning. This technology also increases process reliability through precise detection. The innovative light source is available for the first time with Leuze’s new 33C and 35C sensor series as well as the 25C, 3C and 5B diffuse sensor series.

Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors achieve a higher function reserve with Power PinPoint LEDs, especially with small reflectors. Retro-reflective photoelectric sensors with Power PinPoint LEDs are ideal for object detection in harsh food industry environments.

Small, bright and precise.
Sensors with Power PinPoint LEDs generate a small, round light spot with sharply defined contours. This gives the sensors extremely reliable detection capabilities and enables precise start and end detection of an object with pinpoint response behaviour during object tracking. Even small objects are optimally detected by sensors with Power PinPoint LED thanks to their precise detection capability. Another advantage is that Retro-reflective sensors with Power PinPoint LEDs have higher function reserves for applications with small reflectors or large distances. Also, several through-beam photoelectric sensors can be used in parallel with increased detection reliability as their compact light beam minimizes diffused light. The Power PinPoint LED also reduces the possibility of unwanted reflection to ensure highly reliable detection.

Throughbeam photoelectric sensors also demonstrate the innovative light source’s strengths. Sensors with the Power PinPoint LED provide extremely reliable detection even in confined spaces – for example battery cells in a filling station.

The Power PinPoint LED is already used in the 33C and 35C sensor series, amongst others. Both series’ ranges include diffuse sensors, retro-reflective sensors and through-beam photoelectric sensors in smooth stainless-steel housings. These are particularly suitable for hygiene-sensitive production and packaging processes. Therefore, they can be used for almost all applications in harsh, wet or hygiene-sensitive environments. The sensors can withstand high mechanical loads and intensive cleaning processes. The 33C and 35C series also include special solutions for packaging processes – including sensors for detection through film, clear glass or PET.

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@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @mepaxIntPR #Manufacturing #Pharma

High performance power analyser.

The WT1800R series high performance power analyser, released by Yokogawa, boosts the efficiency of complex power measurements for new energy applications. It combines high and low current input elements, supported by a power supply for current sensor, to verify the efficiency and power consumption of a wide range of applications.

Since 2011 the WT1800 series has been the choice for power and efficiency measurements with excellent performance and long term stability. With the latest WT1800R power analyser, engineers can continue to perform reliable measurements and can now combine these measurements with the results from other measurement instruments and perform field oriented control measurement on motors and drives.

Major Target Markets Transportation Renewable energy Industrial equipment Power supply Applications Automated driving, electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, actuators, Renewable energy, smart city and smart buildings, data center High efficiency motors, robots, sensors, HVAC Inverter, EV-charger, UPS, DC-DC converter

This power analyser was designed to support the development and production of high efficiency new energy technologies, combining measurement results with waveform capturing instruments through the IS8000 software. In addition, this allows engineers to perform field-oriented control measurements such as Vd/Vq and Id/Iq and store the measurement data directly to a network drive.

Whether analysing multiphase inputs during motor and drive design or meeting the stringent efficiency standards of photovoltaic inverters, the WT1800R provides the versatility to help engineers bring their product concepts successfully to market with an easy-to-read colour scheme.

It is the only instrument in its class that guarantees a power accuracy of 0.05% of reading plus 0.05% of range and is capable of harmonics analysis up to the 500th order of a 50/60 Hz fundamental frequency.

The stability of the WT1800R ensures that precision measurements can be made today and over the long term. The basic power (AC measurement) accuracy of the instrument is guaranteed between 1% to 110% of the selected voltage and current range which equates to voltages from 15 mV to 1100 Vrms and currents from 0.1 mA to 5.5 Arms (for a 5 A input element) and 10 mA to 55 Arms (for a 50 A input element). The unit is also accurate during large phase shifts and high frequencies from the low power factor error of ±0.07% of apparent power.

With simultaneous 16bit measurements on up to 6 input channels at 2 MS/s, a wide range of display and analysis features through an enhanced display, and PC connectivity, the WT1800R is suitable for a broad range of power efficiency and harmonic analysis requirements.

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@Yokogawa, @Yokogawa_EU, @Yokogawa_Europe @NapierPR  #TandM

Single pair Ethernet connector standard approved.

International standards are key to Industry 4.0 and IoT applications as they provide the foundation for Ethernet networks to function globally. It is therefore vital, for the industry to reach a consensus on a standardized connector face for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE).

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. It extends the IEC 63171-7 standard to non-hybrid applications, thereby providing the basis for the global interoperability of SPE systems.

A unified and reliable standardization process is key to the success of new technologies. 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.

The objective is to provide customers with high-performance and versatile solutions for modern industrial applications. The new standard will ensure consistency and increase adoption, resulting in more efficient use, reduced costs over time, and improved ease of user.

“By expanding our product portfolio, Rosenberger is offering a that is future-proof and globally compatible connectivity technology. The agreement on a standardized connector interface brings clarity and security in the use of SPE technology,” explains Thomas Keller, Product Manager at Rosenberger.

With its commitment to SPE technology, PNO ensures that Single Pair Ethernet will play a central role in the future of industrial communication. The technology offers enormous potential for the efficient and cost-effective networking of devices and sensors. International standardization contributes significantly to the further development and dissemination of the technology.

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@PresseBox @AllThingsPROFI @ProfibusUK #Rosenberger #Pauto #Communications