Automation society is top non-profit.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has been named a 2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the primary platform for community-sourced reviews about nonprofit organizations. This is the third year ISA has received this recognition.

Claire Fallon CEO ISA

“We are proud to be named a 2026 Top-Rated Nonprofit, and to celebrate our third year in a row with this special distinction,” said Claire Fallon, ISA CEO and executive director. “ISA experienced another year of sustained growth in 2025. Since 2021, ISA membership has grown by 50% and the society’s revenue has increased by 84%. It is inspiring to see our dedicated volunteers and members celebrating and spreading the word about this meaningful momentum. We are grateful that the ISA community has created so many impactful experiences for automation professionals around the world. We would like to thank GreatNonprofits for showcasing our mission to create a better world through automation.”

The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the five-star rating and number of reviews that ISA received from its volunteers and members. Review contributors with a wide range of experiences shared how ISA has transformed their professional lives:

• “ISA does a great job of bringing people together in a way that feels approachable and collaborative, especially for younger professionals trying to grow their network and get more involved in the industry. Through volunteering, I’ve gained leadership experience, expanded my industry knowledge and met people from all over the world who are passionate about automation and helping others succeed. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that invests so much in its members and volunteers.”

• “ISA provides a very encouraging forum where professionals can interact with each other on subjects of interest, contribute and hear from the experts in their field. It’s also a lovely organization to interact as a volunteer with excellent values. If you are in the field of automation, you should definitely think about participating as a volunteer.”

• “What began as a way to stay connected to the automation world has grown into a true family, a place where people support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and work together with generosity and purpose.”

•“ISA gives me the opportunity to give back to the industry I love and whilst doing so create connections and friendship that go far beyond mere networking.”

GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the organizations — as donors, volunteers and recipients of aid.

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@ISA_Automation @GreatNonprofits @automation_com #Pauto #Research

Drop-in analog parts with increased functionality.

European customers no longer need fear being dictated to by ‘big brands.’

A distribution deal with 3PEAK Incorporated, semiconductor company focusing on high-performance, high-quality, and highly reliable ICs, including signal chain, power management, and mixed-signal front-ends has been agreed with Anglia Components. 3PEAK’s wide range of analog parts which are cost-effective, drop-in alternatives to devices from big brand US semiconductor makers will be attractive to customers.

“The market is fed up with being dictated to by a few major US names who have increased prices substantially over the past 18 months and want to tell you who to buy from”, says John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director. “Anglia is building a strong analog IC portfolio of high quality products from manufacturers such as 3PEAK, which not only offer parts at substantially lower prices, but also with increased functionality.”

Stella Duzsar, Senior Sales Director, EMEA at 3PEAK adds: “We are delighted to be working with experienced supply chain partners such as Anglia, who know the market and who demonstrate their commitment to offering technical design-in support by employing talented FAEs.”

3PEAK is leading fabless semiconductor company, offering a broad analog and mixed signal IC portfolio that includes thousands of replacements for parts from established competitors at the lowest 1000-off price points. However, 3PEAK is also committed to innovation and invests over 50% of its annual revenue in R&D, leading to the introduction of many ICs with performance benefits over other suppliers. The company partners with independent top-tier fabs in every major region, resulting in a robust supply chain, and most devices are still available on an 8 to 12 week lead time.

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@angliaLive @BWW_Comms #3PEAK #Electronics #PAuto #Europe

New head for Automation body.

Dan Thombs is the new Chief Executive Officer of Automate UK, tasked with accelerating the organisation’s reach and impact across the complete industrial ecosystem. He succeeds Peter Williamson, who has taken on the role of Policy Director further to reaching the end of his term.

Dan Thombs

Dan brings 30 years’ experience in automation and advanced manufacturing to the role and is already focused on what comes next for Automate UK: expanding its member services, reach and impact and accelerating automation adoption in all sectors of the UK economy.

“I consider it a privilege to have been appointed to this position,” said Dan. “There is a whole world of possibility around what this organisation can and should do to advance the industry. Our ambition is to make Automate UK the leading force for automation adoption, helping manufacturers unlock productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth. Through stronger collaboration between technology providers, integrators and end users, we can drive innovation that benefits manufacturing in the UK and beyond.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Automate UK is a neutral body and trusted partner to the industry, with no vested or commercial interest of its own. My role, and that of Automate UK, is to support our members and UK industry as a whole by helping to drive productivity and growth through the adoption of automation.

“We are committed to making a difference to everyone working across all the industries we support, building on the excellent work that my predecessors Peter Williamson and James Causebrook, and the wider Automate UK team, have delivered to date. As part of that vision, we will be introducing a new End-User Membership programme, bringing manufacturers closer to the automation community, giving them a stronger voice in industry discussions, and helping shape the future direction of UK manufacturing,” he said.

Dan said the organisation, which continues to unite a whole spectrum of industries across the machine vision, automation, manufacturing, robotics, and processing and packaging sectors via its exhibitions, events, collaborations and government programs, aims to further maximise its lobbying powers to partner with other trade associations, funding bodies and government agencies to grow the economy through increased productivity..

“By partnering with senior leaders and other associations, we can create the momentum to build representation across industry, but I want more than that, I want to build a voice that delivers change: it will be easier to create an environment where we can grow the economy if all the stakeholders share a common objective.

“If end users adopt more automation, they will become more competitive and more profitable, which will help members sell more technology, creating growth and more jobs. But to do that, we need to understand our end users’ objectives and the roadblocks to achieving them. Only then can we identify the solutions, create the equipment and systems to meet their needs and drive the economy forward,” he said.

Building on recent momentum – including the launch of the UK Automation Forum, new BSI standards, integrator certification programmes, government-funded projects such as Robot Adoption for Business Leaders and Cobot Safety Guidance, and growing international reach through the Automate UK Pavilion, Preparations are underway for the organisers’s biggest step yet: Automate UK Week 2027.

This landmark event, which will unite the UK’s processing and packaging, robotics, industrial vision, drives and controls, and warehouse automation communities, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28-30 September 2027.

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@theautomateuk #Britain #PAuto #Automation

Alternative to plastic housing.

The new ODU-MAC® RAPID metal housing is an additional variant of the ODU-MAC® RAPID. Using metal instead of plastic allows for a thinner wall thickness. This makes the housing ideal for systems with limited space, particularly in the medical, industrial, and test and measurement sectors. Both ODU-MAC® Blue-Line frames and ODU-MAC® White-Line frames in size 4 can be installed.

The connector is available as standard in black or orange housing options, allowing it to blend in well with your device. The space-saving spindle locking and the half shell design ensure easy assembly, component replacement, and proper cable routing. To ensure even greater stability and durability, optional perforated metal sheets are used for strain relief.

Its key features include not only its robust and space-saving design, but also its high contact density, the flexibly adjustable cable outlet, and the flush mounting of the receptacle. For the proven ease of use, the built-in ODU-MAC® Blue-Line modules have high mountability and can be installed and removed without tools. In addition, the connector is available complete with cable assembly, in line with the “one-stop shop” principle, whereby the interface, termination technology, and cable are all provided directly by ODU.

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@ODU_Connectors @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #PAuto #Housing

3-Axis video measurement.

The StarLite™ S1 is a new semi-automatic 3-axis video measurement system from Optical Gaging Products (OGP®). This is acompact, workbench-style 3-axis (X, Y, Z) video measurement system which combines fully automatic video measurements with the simplicity of manual stage motion. Designed for ease of use and dependable performance, StarLite S1 features the all-new IntelliCentric-S Optical System, combining fixed-lens optics and VIRTUAL ZOOM™ technology that delivers high-resolution images and accurate measurement results.

Standard illumination includes all-LED coaxial lighting, substage profile lighting, and SmartRing™ light illumination. This advanced lighting system provides programmable control of both light direction and incidence angle, enabling operators to effectively inspect challenging part features and measurement applications.

“StarLite S1 is one of the easiest-to-use precision measurement systems offered by OGP” said Tim Fantauzzo, Vice President of North American Sales. “Manufacturers requiring quick, highly accurate walk-up measurements on the shop floor or in the metrology lab, or those needing high-magnification measurements without a bulky comparator or toolmaker’s microscope, StarLite S1 delivers measurements you’d expect from a high-performance metrology system – delivering fast, reliable, and repeatable results in a compact and affordable package.”

The system is powered by Measure-X® metrology software, which combines powerful programming capabilities with an intuitive operator interface. Measurement routines can be created to guide operators through automated inspection sequences, streamlining operations and improving productivity.

Designed for manufacturers that need reliable, high-accuracy dimensional measurements without unnecessary complexity, StarLite S1 delivers exceptional value. Its intuitive ergonomic stage controls and user-friendly operation make it well suited for fast, efficient inspection in both shop-floor production and quality control applications.

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@OGP_QVI @mepaxIntPR #Metrology #Laboratory #TandM

Collaborative integrated scientific discovery chief appointed.

Symeres the leading contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), and Axxam, provider of biology-driven discovery services, have announced the appointment of Russell Thomas, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer to drive a joint collaboration between Symeres and Axxam that combines the unique R&D services offering of both organizations.

Dr Russell Thomas

The appointment strengthens the scientific leadership of both Symeres and Axxam as they continue to build a closely connected, science-led offering for pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. By bringing together the complementary capabilities of both organizations, customers can receive support across integrated discovery and development programs. The integrated solutions offered span all the way from target assessment, screening and testing, lead identification and optimization all the way to development candidate nomination and IND ready packages.

As CSO, Thomas will help shape and execute the scientific strategy of Symeres and Axxam, as well as working closely with scientific and commercial teams across both companies. His role will include supporting the development of integrated client solutions, connecting scientific capabilities, and identifying opportunities to further strengthen the combined discovery and development capabilities. The appointment comes as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly seek partners able to provide solutions, that connects scientific support across the drug discovery and development continuum.

Symeres and Axxam will provide customers with integrated access to a palette of scientific expertise, established R&D platforms and long-standing teams across Europe and the US. The collaboration brings together the unique scientific depth, specialist capabilities and practical delivery mindset of Symeres and Axxam to meet the needs of increasingly complex customer programs. Their shared commitment to high-quality science and practical collaboration will deliver lasting value for partners.

Thomas returns to Symeres after a year supporting growing biotech and biomaterials companies. As well as his experience at Axxam and Symeres, he has held scientific and leadership positions at organizations including GSK, Evotec, Siena Biotech, and Proteros. His wealth of experience spanning the entire R&D value chain will be a significant advantage to customers discovery and development programs.

“Returning as Chief Scientific Officer feels very exciting as it connects two parts of a story. Having spent important parts of my career at both Symeres and Axxam, I’m excited to help bring together expert led complementary science, strong transatlantic teams and a shared mindset to support partners and projects in a truly integrated way,” said Thomas.

Thomas first joined Symeres in January 2020 as Head of Business Development and later served as Chief Scientific Officer. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing strategic customer relationships and strengthening the company’s scientific profile across the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Before joining Symeres, Thomas served as Director of Discovery Research and later Director of Strategic Alliances at Axxam. He helped establish and manage the integrated medicinal chemistry relationship with Symeres, giving him a deep understanding of both organizations ensuring he is aligned to the scientific and cultural foundations customers value.

“Russell’s appointment reflects our commitment to building value for customers that matches their drug discovery and development needs,” said Henning Steinhagen, CEO of Symeres. “As customer programs become more complex, scientific leadership that can connect capabilities, people and platforms across organizations becomes increasingly important. Russell brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, industry experience and first-hand knowledge of both Symeres and Axxam, together with a strong understanding of how to translate early discovery projects into preclinical development and beyond. This makes him ideally placed to help us deliver value for customers and support our long-term growth strategy.”

“Russell’s appointment is aligned to the vision of integrated discovery and development linking two organisations that know each other well. The common objective is to develop faster and better drugs for the pharmaceutical industry and ultimately improve patient’s lives” said Ciriaco Maraschiello, CEO of Axxam. “Russell’s appointment is an important step in strengthening the connection between both companies, with his experience providing a valuable perspective on how to connect scientific capabilities to customer needs. Having worked within both Axxam and Symeres, he understands the strengths, culture and potential of each organisation, and is well placed to support the growth of both companies.”

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 #symeres #Axxam#Pharma #Research

Circular manufacturing.

 In a recent discussion with Rockwell Automation ROKStudios, Tony Wibbeler, founder and CEO of Bolder Industries, outlined a vision for accelerating the shift to circular manufacturing, emphasising the importance of clear strategy, advanced technology, and strong partnerships. Bolder Industries is a circular-economy infrastructure platform that transforms end-of-life tyres into essential, sustainable materials for the tyre, rubber, plastics, and petrochemical industries.

In this interview, Wibbeler talked about the challenge of scale and described efforts to expand circular manufacturing operations across regions, particularly in the United States and Europe. Achieving this requires standardised processes, repeatable plant designs, and consistent quality across facilities, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of efficiency or reliability.

Equally important, Wibbeler emphasised, is collaboration. Partnerships between companies like Bolder Industries and Rockwell Automation bring together expertise in manufacturing, digital solutions, and system integration, helping accelerate deployment and strengthen operational outcomes.

While challenges remain, including system integration and global alignment, the discussion underscored a clear takeaway: scaling circular manufacturing is not just an environmental goal, but a strategic business priority. When done effectively, it can deliver both economic value and meaningful sustainability impact for the industry.

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@ROKAutomation #BoulderInd #PAuto #Sustainability