Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Sub-subminiature switches.

Microswitches from ZF have a long tradition and the product range has been constantly extended and adapted to the market requirements. The new sub-subminiature switch series “WG” is a two-pole sliding contact switch with extremely low dimensions whose switching concept is based on the market proven SK/SJ switch series from ZF.

Due to a double redundant contact system, the “WG” switch has a high contact stability and is especially suitable for low switching loads. It comes with many connection possibilities and also lead versions are available on request. Therefore, it allows an easy installation and can be used for household (e.g. washing machines, vacuum cleaners), automotive (latches) and industrial applications (e.g. robots, industrial equipment).

The standard version is IP67 protected and allows an operating temperature of up to +85 °C. With regards to the actuator, different options are available either without auxiliary actuators or for example with a simulated roller auxiliary actuator.

The “WG” switch series is part of the ZF switch product range which includes other snap action switches like miniature and subminiature switches but also rocker and pushbutton switches. With its switch portfolio, ZF is one of the leading suppliers of components in applications such as household appliances, white goods, power tools, industrial and automotive applications.


@zfswitch_sensor #Pauto #Electrical

Multi-fibre optical connector.

The new US CONEC MMC is a Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) multi-fibre optical connector, available from Cliff Electronics, has been designed for terminating multiple single-mode and multimode fibre cables in AI, cloud, and large data centre environments. The 2-port MMC FeedThrough Adaptor accepts one or two US CONEC APC-polished connectors and is supplied with two single-port dust covers on both the front and rear (four in total).

It is initially offered in the following options: 
  • Standard XLR shell, nickel-plated or matt black finished zinc metal frame, with countersunk or M3 threaded holes.
  • DUALSLIM narrow, nickel-plated or matt black finished zinc metal frame, with countersunk or M3 threaded holes.
  • Can be assembled in any of Cliff’s FT frames upon request.

Applications include:

  • Data Centres - high-density optical connections for server racks and patch panels, multi-fibre breakout in top-of-rack and middle-of-row configurations and is ideal for hyperscale environments where space is critical.
  • Cloud Infrastructure - backbone and interconnect solutions in cloud storage networks, supports fast deployment and scalable fibre distribution systems and compatible with VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) architectures.
  • AI / Machine Learning Clusters - fibre optic backbone for GPU-based compute clusters, high-bandwidth interconnections between AI training nodes and low-latency connections for real-time data processing.
  • Enterprise Networks - future-proofed fibre connectivity in modern office buildings, integration into structured cabling systems and suited for fibre-to-desk (FTTD) or high-density patch panels.
  • Telecom & ISP Equipment - multi-fibre solutions for central offices, POPs, or edge networks, scalable port density for broadband expansion and ready for 5G and next-gen fibre rollout
  • Test & Measurement Equipment - optical interface access in lab instrumentation, modular setup for R&D environments or production testing and supports quick changes in fibre topology without rework.

The new Cliff 2-port MMC Feedthrough Adaptor offers users many advantages such as - accepts 1 or 2 US CONEC MMC APC connectors, supports multi-mode and single-mode fibres, enables high-density, low-footprint connectivity, mountable in XLR or DualSLIM FT panels (modular installation) and is supplied with front and rear dust covers for port protection The growing range of FeedThrough connectors from Cliff now offers analogue, digital and optical connectivity in formats including BNC (50 or 75 ohm), DisplayPort, HDMI, Optical fibre (FC, LC Duplex, SC Simplex, ST BFOC, TOSLINK and US Conec MTP® brand MPO), RCA phono, RJ45 ethernet (UTP or FTP) in Cat6, Cat6a or Cat5e, USB 2, USB 3 and USB-C.



@proactivefleet @USConec #CliffElectronics #PAuto #Electronic #TandM

Partners for security.

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) – State of Qatar has officially joined ISASecure®, the globally recognized certification program that validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity. Established in 2021, NCSA Qatar is the official governmental entity responsible for cybersecurity in the State of Qatar. The Agency leads the implementation of Qatar’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, unifying national efforts to secure Qatar’s cyberspace and protect its critical infrastructure.

In addition, NCSA Qatar develops national cybersecurity policies, frameworks, regulations and guidelines and runs nationwide awareness programs to strengthen Qatar’s cyber resilience. At the international level, NCSA Qatar actively endorses and pursues initiatives that contribute to global cybersecurity resilience, and it has expanded its participation in regional and international cyber bodies to promote cooperation for a secure, resilient and peaceful cyberspace.

This new partnership with ISASecure reflects NCSA Qatar’s ongoing mission to strengthen Qatar’s OT security maturity and enhance international collaboration on cybersecurity best practices.

“It is an honor to welcome NCSA Qatar into the ISASecure program,” said Mark DeAngelo, ISASecure program manager. “Today’s critical infrastructure demands comprehensive, rigorously validated cybersecurity. We look forward to collaborating with NCSA Qatar as we advance our mission of industry partnership, certification and standards-based product development to help achieve a more secure world.”

“Joining ISASecure reflects our commitment to advancing international collaboration and promoting the adoption of globally recognized standards to safeguard Qatar’s critical infrastructure,” said Dana Yousif Al-Abdulla, director of policy affairs at NCSA Qatar.


@NcsaQatar @ISA_Automation @automation_com #PAuto #Cybersecurity #Qatar

Monday, 29 September 2025

Passive harmonic filter.

Help reduce overheating, mechanical stress, and vibrations in motors and transformers caused by harmonic distortion.

The TPQH3411 passive harmonic filter from EMIS is designed and manufactured to provide a cost-effective solution for harmonic mitigation in Power Systems by maintaining THID in compliance with the current and voltage requirements of IEEE 519.

Three-Phase Passive Harmonic Filters are used to minimise harmonic distortion, especially in installations with high levels of non-linear loads such as variable frequency drives (VFDs), UPS units and rectifiers. They function by using passive components resistors, inductors and capacitors in a filter network to suppress unwanted harmonic currents and voltages.

They are typically tuned to specific harmonic orders (e.g.,3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th….), providing low-impedance paths at those frequencies to effectively divert harmonic content. The capacitive elements in these filters offer reactive power compensation, enhancing the system’s power factor.

Key specifications include:

  • Operating Voltage - 415 VAC
  • Operating Frequency - 50HZ
  • Power Rating - 1.1KW to 250KW
  • Mounting - Floor/wall

Passive harmonic filters are recognised for their simple and robust design, making them a popular and cost-effective solution for mitigating harmonics in power systems. In addition to assisting with compliance to harmonic distortion limits set by standards such as IEEE 519, the filters also help reduce overheating, mechanical stress, and vibrations in motors and transformers caused by harmonic distortion.

Applications for the EMIS TPQH3411 passive harmonic filter include:

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), induction furnaces, robotics, conveyors.
  • High-power pumps, blowers, motor drives
  • UPS systems and switch-mode power supplies.
  • Crushers, rolling mills, large motors.
  • Compressors, offshore drilling systems, pumps
  • Elevators, lighting with electronic ballasts
  • Inverter-based wind/solar systems
  • Cement, Paper, and Steel Industries

@proactivefleet #EMIS #PAuto #Electronics

In situ oxygen analyser.

Provides ease of use for optimising combustion systems.

The new Rosemount™ CX2100 In Situ Oxygen Analyzer from Emerson has been released. This instrument is designed to provide critical information needed to optimise combustion processes and help manufacturers meet emissions standards, reduce energy costs and increase safety. These types of analysers are widely used in a variety of industries, including power and utilities, chemical and petrochemical, pulp and paper, petroleum and refining, metals and mining, and others.

Existing oxygen analysers for combustion processes tend to be difficult to install, commission and maintain – making it difficult to optimise combustion processes. By contrast, the CX2100 is simple to install, with a wide range of accessories for installation across different process conditions, including high temperature, high particulate, and high sulphur applications. The transmitter can be mounted up to 91 metres (300 feet) away from the probe to further simplify installation, especially important for personnel safety.

CX2100 commissioning is streamlined by the local operator interface’s guided set-up and commissioning feature, with support for seven languages. The interface features capacitive touch buttons, comes with a wide variety of customisation options, and is housed in a rugged metal enclosure to protect its internal electronics. Guided set-up can also be performed via a remote host, such as a control or asset management system.

Maintenance is made easy by the probe’s quick connect/disconnect feature, speeding replacement by eliminating the need for rewiring. Long service life is provided by ceramic or Hastelloy diffusers, which protect the probe from degradation in high temperature conditions, and these diffusers are field replaceable.

Autocalibration and autocalibration check features regularly measure analyser accuracy to help free technician time for higher-value tasks, and to enhance safety by making sure the analyser stays within its calibration limits. Safety is further improved by a flame safety interlock, which automatically turns off the probe’s heater when a flameout is detected.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto

Friday, 26 September 2025

Expand RF validation techniques for radar and space systems.

The signing of an agreement with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) to advance wideband characterisation methods for active electronically scanned array (AESA) systems has been announced by Emerson. This joint effort aims to accelerate innovation, improve test coverage, and reduce risks for industries adopting next-generation AESA technologies, including aerospace and telecommunications.

LtoR:Rene Nuessgen, Senior Director, R&D, Emerson,
with Prof. Dries Peumans,VUB, Electricity Department.
AESA architectures are rapidly transforming radar, communications, and navigation systems, driving the need for more sophisticated and real-world-relevant test methodologies. To address this demand, Emerson will work with VUB to develop innovative approaches for wideband characterisation of RF and microwave components and subsystems used in AESA systems.

As part of the collaboration, Emerson is providing NI PXI test hardware and vector signal transceiver (VST) instruments to VUB. These tools enable multichannel, high-fidelity signal generation and analysis, allowing researchers to validate component behavior under realistic wideband conditions. This joint effort aims to accelerate innovation, improve test coverage, and reduce risks for industries adopting next-generation AESA technologies.

“Our partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel underscores Emerson’s commitment to ongoing refinement and advancement of RF and microwave testing methodologies,” said René Nuessgen, senior director, research and development, Emerson. “By integrating our advanced test and measurement technologies with VUB’s research expertise, we are enabling the development of robust and scalable approaches that will drive the adoption of AESA systems in high-reliability applications.”

The collaboration also supports PhD training, joint publications, and deeper engagement between industry and academia. With a focus on advanced technology applications, the partnership will foster internal knowledge development at Emerson while contributing to the broader engineering community.

Nuessgen and Professor Dries Peumans of VUB’s Electricity Department signed the agreement during an official ceremony held at European Microwave Week.

Prof. Peumans commented, “This collaboration with Emerson is an excellent opportunity to push forward our research in wideband characterisation and modeling of high-frequency components and active antenna systems. With access to Emerson’s advanced measurement infrastructure and expertise, our researchers can explore new ways to measure and understand complex systems. We’re excited to see what practical innovations will come out of this program – especially those that could shape the future of wireless communication and sensing.”


@Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @NIglobal @VUBrussel #TandM #Belgium

Thursday, 25 September 2025

Accessably Secure and high-performance security solutions.

A collaboration to combine Xiphera’s advanced cryptographic solutions with iWave’s extensive portfolio of Altera FPGA-based boards and solutions has been announced. Through this partnership, Xiphera will leverage iWave’s modules, development kits, SmartNIC solutions, and COTS modules to implement hardware-based cryptographic security solutions for scenarios such as secure network connectivity. This enables customers to build secure, high-performance hardware solutions on Altera FPGAs, powered by Xiphera’s optimized IP cores and iWave’s FPGA platforms.

Xiphera specializes in hardware-based security solutions implemented as pure digital logic for FPGAs and ASICs. The company provides standardized and quantum-resistant security solutions designed for industries where reliability, high performance, and minimized attack surface are critical. Xiphera solutions include implementations of security protocols such as MACsec and IPsec, as well as the latest Post-Quantum Cryptography standards.

iWave is a global leader in high-performance FPGA System on Modules (SoMs), COTS modules such as 3U VPX and PCIe cards, and a growing portfolio of SmartNIC solutions. Our products are built around cutting-edge FPGAs including Agilex™ 3, Agilex™ 5, Agilex™ 7, Agilex™ 9, Arria® 10, and Stratix® 10—enabling innovation across a wide range of applications. This includes technical support during evaluation, ODM design services such as system design, carrier card development, thermal simulation and certifications.

“Xiphera’s cryptographic IP, combined with iWave’s boards and solutions on the extensive portfolio of Altera FPGAs, enables developers to build and accelerate secure, high-performance solutions on Altera FPGAs. This collaboration highlights the strength of our ecosystem and demonstrates how Altera technology can accelerate innovation in these applications,” says Mark Moran, Director of Dev Kits and Partners at Altera.

Both Xiphera and iWave serve industries such as industrial, automotive, aerospace and IoT, where security, performance, and long product lifecycles are essential. This shared industry focus creates clear synergies: Xiphera’s advanced cryptographic IP cores complement iWave’s boards and solutions, offering customers integrated solutions that are both secure and practical to implement.

“Working with iWave supports our mission to deliver secure and high-performance security solutions in an accessible format. iWave’s extensive experience in FPGA platforms perfectly complements our expertise in security,” says Tommi Lampila, CRO of Xiphera Ltd. He continues, “By leveraging Altera technology alongside iWave’s platforms, we are able to offer even more robust and secure solutions. We are excited to deliver high-value solutions based on this collaboration to our customers.”

“This partnership between iWave and Xiphera enables our customers to adopt advanced security solutions with confidence,” says Tawfeeq Ahmad, Director of Marketing at iWave. “Xiphera’s extensive expertise in security and cryptography adds strong value to iWave’s Altera FPGA–based boards and solutions, especially with the growing need for robust edge security.”


@xiphera @iwave_systems @AlteraFPGA_ #PAuto #Cybersecurity #TandM

Robots with vision-powered autonomy.

Exceptional perception and visual reasoning is another milestone in the journey towards Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVR™).

ABB Robotics has launched OmniCore™ EyeMotion that enables any OmniCoreTM-powered robot to recognize its surroundings using any third-party camera or sensor and adapt in real time, even in complex applications.

“Over the past decade, we have evolved AI vision to give robots ‘eyes’ that can see the world in 3D, but previously this required advanced camera hardware,” said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics. “In one step, OmniCore EyeMotion grants any robot the ability to both see and understand the world around it, for a wide range of 2D and 3D vision-based applications, advancing autonomy and versatility.”

Designed for users of all skill levels with a simple web interface through drag and drop sensors or cameras, the new software provides fast image acquisition and recognition. It is fully integrated in ABB’s software suite, complementing RobotStudio®, the world’s most popular programming and simulation tool, to enable rapid set-up and deployment. It achieves a commissioning time reduction of up to 90%, compared to custom solutions. OmniCore EyeMotion will transform a wide range of robot tasks, from item sorting to quality inspection, across sectors from automotive and electronics manufacturing, to logistics, packaging, and food and beverage.

In more complex applications, OmniCore EyeMotion can be combined with ABB’s unique Automatic Path Planning Online, which can plan and execute the optimum, collision-free paths around obstacles and moving objects in real time, continually and without human intervention, increasing autonomy and reducing cycle times by up to 50 percent.

Advanced Technologies for an Autonomous Versatile Future.
By granting robots a greater power of sensing, perception and visual reasoning, OmniCore EyeMotion is another milestone in ABB Robotics’ journey towards Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVR™).

ABB’s next generation robots will autonomously plan and perform diverse, complex tasks in real time and without human intervention, by uniting vision, precision, speed, dexterity and mobility, through the power of generative AI.



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

Data centres as asset for power grid.

Historically data centres have been considered inflexible energy consumers but with the right strategies, data centres can transition from being passive loads to dynamic resources that actively support the grid. However, this shift requires a re-thinking of operational models and the deployment of advanced technologies according to the latest GridBeyond’s white paper: From demand to resource: rethinking the role of data centres in the power grid.

The global energy landscape is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in modern history. Rapid digitalisation, the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the ongoing growth of cloud computing have placed data centres at the very core of economic and technological progress, making them one of the most energy-intensive facilities worldwide.

With every industry adopting cloud-based tools, AI-driven analytics, and digital platforms, the reliance on data centres will only deepen. In this new landscape electricity becomes a strategic factor that can influence competitiveness and business resilience.

The increased need for electricity puts grid operators under pressure, while data centre operators face higher operational costs and risks, exposure to volatile markets, and the need to align with sustainability goals.

Innovation is essential, says the paper, as data centres can support the transition to a carbon-free economy adopting standby generators, UPS and on-site batteries. These assets can provide significant volumes of energy flexibility to the grid, without any negative impact on operations. Combined with green energy purchasing strategies, the high energy use of data centres brings an opportunity to drive forward the net zero transition.

“The most profound change in today’s energy landscape is the shift away from a one-directional, centralised grid model toward a distributed, dynamic system. In this new paradigm, flexibility is as valuable as generation. Instead of simply consuming electricity, organisations can actively shape when and how they use energy. This is where data centres have a unique role to play”, said Kelly Lorincz Head of Sales for North America at GridBeyond.


@GridBeyond_ #PAuto #Energy

Leadership in Ai recognised.

Strengths recognised in data contextualization, process optimization, machine learning development, and overall innovation.

Seeq has been named a Leader within the inaugural Verdantix “Green Quadrant for Industrial AI Analytics 2025.*” The recognition highlights Seeq’s commitment to innovation and excellence in providing a comprehensive, integrated product suite that advances modern manufacturing.

“We are honored to be recognised by Verdantix for our leadership in the Industrial AI Analytics market,” said Dr. Lisa Graham, CEO of Seeq. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the trust our customers place in us. By providing streamlined access to reliable enterprise data, Seeq makes it easier for subject matter experts to quickly generate measurable value from industrial AI and analytics. The impact of these solutions will continue to impact and advance the manufacturing space for years to come, transforming industries and unlocking unprecedented value.”

Verdantix, an independent research and advisory firm, evaluated nineteen key vendors within the rapidly evolving Industrial AI Analytics market. The analysis utilises Verdantix’s proprietary methodology, which includes live briefings and product demonstrations, a detailed questionnaire, insights from interviews with vendor customers, and secondary research.

Seeq earned high marks for its data processing and transformation, model development, user interface, and process and production optimisation capabilities. The report also highlights Seeq’s strong fit for life sciences manufacturers with the launch of the Seeq for Pharma Analytics & AI Suite, a dedicated version of the Seeq platform purpose-built to support GMP-compliant applications.

"Seeq provides data-first analytics that flow naturally into predictive maintenance and process gains,” said Henry Kirkman, Industry Analyst at Verdantix. “Seeq excels at turning messy operational technology and IT data into usable context without copying it. It garnered the top score of 3.0/3.0 for indirect data acquisition in this Green Quadrant. Over 50 high-performance connectors query systems of record in place, avoiding migration projects and speeding time to value.”

In addition to Seeq’s robust product portfolio capabilities, the report also emphasises Seeq’s momentum, receiving higher than average scores in the market vision and business strategy, product strategy, and customers categories, reinforcing its solid market position and focus on innovation.

This accomplishment may be said to represent another significant milestone in Seeq’s ongoing leadership in the Industrial AI Analytics market.


Green Quadrant: Industrial AI Analytics Software (2025).

@SeeqCorporation  @Verdantix  #PAuto #Ai

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Ready mobile solutions.

Datalogic has expanded its strategic partnership with StayLinked, a recognized technology leader in modern terminal emulation solutions. This enhanced collaboration reflects Datalogic’s continued commitment to delivering integrated, high-performance solutions that elevate the user experience and accelerate customer success.

From now on, all Skorpio™ X5 gun-grip models will ship with StayLinked SmartTE pre-licensed and ready to use – at no additional cost. This integration provides customers with immediate access to a modern, secure, and high-performance terminal emulation environment, enhancing the Skorpio X5’s reputation for ruggedness, reliability, and mission-critical performance.

SmartTE by StayLinked enables advanced terminal emulation with powerful capabilities, including:

  • Session persistence to eliminate dropped connections
  • Seamless Wi-Fi roaming for uninterrupted productivity
  • Touch-optimized Interface for intuitive user experiences
  • Enterprise-grade security without the need to modify backend systems

This new agreement supports Datalogic’s strategy to offer future-ready mobile computing solutions that simplify deployment, enhance workflow efficiency, and reduce total cost of ownership.

Our partnership with StayLinked reflects a shared commitment to reliability and security,” said Rosario Casillo, Executive VP Product and Solutions at Datalogic. “By combining Datalogic's most reliable and secure Skorpio X5 hardware with StayLinked, SmartTE customers gain a seamless and more productive experience, free from the disruption of dropped sessions. And now, with every Skorpio X5 gun grip model purchase, users receive a free perpetual SmartTE license and one year of maintenance support, making this powerful integration available right out of the box, at no additional cost”.

In addition to the Skorpio X5 GUN, SmartTE will continue to be supported across other key Datalogic mobile terminals, including the Skorpio X5 No-GUN, Memor 30X, Memor 35X, and Memor K – delivering consistency and scalability across a wide range of devices.

"This strengthened partnership confirms Datalogic’s unwavering focus on customer-centric innovation and reinforces its mission to support digital transformation across industries."


@DatalogicGroup  @StayLinked @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

Power connector.

ODU is adding a manually pluggable solution for high-current and high-voltage applications to its portfolio with the new ODU-MAC® Power Connector M216 / M316. In addition to the established D216 / D316 docking and installation variants, users now also have a housing variant made of robust aluminum.

The ODU-MAC® Power Connector impresses with the combination of high-current and high-voltage transmission up to 600 A in one connector, with two bridged contacts using a busbar, with high user safety thanks to IP2X touch protection.

The proven ODU LAMTAC® flex contact system enables low plugging and demating forces and is designed for more than 10.000 mating cycles. Typical fields of application are electromobility, end-of-line testing and high voltage tests.

The D216 / 316 versions are used as docking connectors with two or three power contacts and are preferably inserted in automated inspection and test environments. The combination of high-current and high-voltage transmission and integration with Blue-Line modules in one connector enables customers to achieve a high degree of flexibility and fulfill the high requirements for current, voltage and data technology, especially in the field of automotive testing or battery testing.

As an installation variant, the HB16 hybrid block offers a space-saving solution in a smaller format and can also be integrated as a power block in the ODU-MAC® Black-Line mass interconnect solution to transmit high currents.

The ODU-MAC® Power Connector is now also available for manual inserts for the first time with the M216 / M316. The robust enclosure, pre-assembled silicone cables and ODU LAMTAC® FLEX contacts ensure maximum reliability and a long service life of more than 10.000 mating cycles.

Just like the docking version, the manual solution of the ODU-MAC® Power Connector can also be flexibly combined with the ODU-MAC® Blue-Line modules and offers a wide variety of transmission types - from signal, power and high-current to HF signals (coax), compressed air and fluid coupling through to data rates and fiber optic.

The modular connectors also make maintenance and servicing easier. While other solutions use several connectors to supply a test bench with the necessary currents, the M216/M316 does this in a single plugging process, thus reducing downtimes thanks to its simple handling. As a system solution, all cables are available pre-assembled, meaning less work for customers.


@ODU_Connectors @PresseBox #PAuto

Lifecycle management!

AI-Enabled guidance to support industrial resilience.

Guardian™ Virtual Advisor is an AI-powered software solution to support end-to-end lifecycle management introduced by Emerson. It combines AI with deep domain expertise to help customers rapidly evaluate and enhance the performance of their automation systems, driving smarter decisions and operational excellence.

Lifecycle services provide a comprehensive approach for industrial customers to support and maintain operations throughout the entire lifecycle of a plant – helping them maximise uptime, address operational inefficiencies and protect their automation investments. Frost & Sullivan estimates the industrial space has more than $1 trillion in operational losses globally, driving greater demand for lifecycle services.

For over two decades, Emerson’s Guardian Digital Platform has accumulated a vast repository of troubleshooting information – but searching articles and reference documents is a manual approach that slows down quick responses to developing issues like performing system maintenance or managing security updates or new software releases. Guardian Virtual Advisor is an intuitive, AI-powered application where users can enter natural language questions and receive an easy-to-understand answer and a link to the appropriate reference documents.

“When a user is in the middle of a task, they don’t want to read through thousands of knowledge base articles; they want the answer as soon as possible,” said Nina Golder, vice president of Emerson’s Guardian software and solutions. “Guardian Virtual Advisor quickly provides the direct answer to questions in conversational language, and delivers the referenced product information or system-specific hotfixes, saving valuable time and energy so teams can keep systems running at peak performance.”

Currently available today to manage DeltaV™ distributed control systems, Guardian Virtual Advisor will be extended to include Emerson’s other automation platforms, such as AMS and Ovation™. The Guardian Digital Platform and Guardian Virtual Advisor will play an increasingly critical role in accelerating time-to-market, reducing costs, maximising asset utilisation and eliminating operational risks.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #AI

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Leadership in Industrial IoT recognised.

Leaders execute well against their current vision and are well positioned for tomorrow*

ABB has been recognised as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Industrial IoT Platforms. ABB views the recognition as a reflection of the company’s continued commitment to delivering innovative industrial AI and IoT solutions that empower industries to operate leaner and cleaner.

“Being recognised by Gartner® four consecutive times and now positioned as a Leader is a proud moment for ABB and we see it is a testament to our focus on innovation and delivering data-driven business outcomes for customers,” said Rajesh Ramachandran, Global Chief Digital Officer, Process Automation, ABB. “We believe this recognition highlights not only our robust strategy on Industrial IoT, but also our proven capability to deliver on it. We are providing scalable, AI-powered solutions that help customers address real operational challenges and outperform, while future-proofing their journey towards autonomous operations.”

The Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ provides a graphical competitive positioning of four types of technology providers, in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct: Leaders, Visionaries, Niche Players and Challengers. Leaders execute well against their current vision and are well positioned for tomorrow.*

ABB Genix Industrial IoT and AI Suite is an enterprise grade platform that provides seamless integration and contextualisation of real-time data from operational technology (OT), information technology (IT) and engineering technology (ET) systems. It enables advanced analytics and AI-driven decisions, empowering industrial customers to transition to intelligent operations through smart manufacturing.

Genix helps industries by offering comprehensive capabilities such as data integration, application enablement and management, applied AI, security, and implementation ease and scalability. It also supports key use cases including industrial automation, predictive maintenance, digital twins, industrial data management and sustainability.

Genix features a modular architecture, enterprise system integration, industry specific models and flexible deployment options across cloud, edge and hybrid environments. The platform’s Industrial DataOps layer enables contextual data management and self-service analytics. Its application management provides tools for developing and handling both native and third-party applications via APIs – standardised interfaces that allow different software systems to exchange data seamlessly.

With pre‑built applications for asset performance, sustainability, digital twins and autonomous operations, Genix helps industries from energy to manufacturing and maritime to accelerate time‑to‑value and achieve operational excellence.

Advanced capabilities such as Genix Copilot and Metrics Hub, unlock the power of GenAI with real-time actionable insights across the field and shop floor engineers, functional specialists, and industry executives, driving collaborative decision-making and boosting productivity.

The group has developed a strong partner ecosystem for Genix, including strategic collaborations with Microsoft and RedHat, which help expand market reach and deliver greater value to customers.


*Gartner Methodologies, Gartner Magic Quadrant.

@Gartner_inc @ABBgroupnews @abb_automation @NapierPR #PAuto #IIoT #Ai

60 HZ optical samplig oscilloscope.

4-Channel Oscilloscope streamlines evaluation of advanced optical transceivers for AI datacentres

Anritsu Corporation has launched the MP2110A-080, a 60 GHz optical sampling oscilloscope option for the BERTWave MP2110A. This solution enables accurate measurement of key optical signal parameters as defined by industry standards, supporting the development and manufacturing of 200G/Lane and 1.6T optical transceivers for high-capacity data centres and AI infrastructure.

As AI data centres push transmission rates from 50 Gbaud to 100 Gbaud, engineers require test solutions capable of accurate evaluation of optical transceiver signals according to standard requirements.

Technical Challenge: Bandwidth Scaling for 200G/Lane Systems.
The transition to 200G/Lane transmission introduces fundamental measurement challenges. Traditional test equipment lacks sufficient bandwidth to capture the harmonic content and high-frequency distortions that become increasingly critical at 100 Gbaud PAM4 signaling rates. This bandwidth limitation makes it difficult to accurately measure key optical parameters required by industry standards, potentially allowing important characteristics to escape detection during development and manufacturing validation.

The shift from 800G to 1.6T aggregate data rates compounds this challenge, as multiple high-speed lanes must be simultaneously evaluated without compromising measurement accuracy or throughput requirements. The technology will be demonstrated Anritsu’ stand C4335 at ECOC 2025 (Copenhagen, September 29-October 1), showcasing real-world applications in 1.6T transceiver validation and AI data centre infrastructure testing.

Product Features
Engineering Solution: 60 GHz Sampling Architecture
  • The MP2110A-080 employs a 60 GHz sampling front-end specifically designed to capture the spectral components essential for accurate PAM4 TDECQ (Transmitter Dispersion Eye Closure Quaternary) measurements at 200G/Lane rates. This bandwidth extension enables engineers to:
  • Characterize high-frequency signal degradation mechanisms previously invisible to lower-bandwidth instruments
  • Validate compliance with emerging 200G/Lane standards requiring accurate measurement of eye closure penalties
  • Identify intersymbol interference patterns that manifest only in the extended frequency domain

Key Technical Specifications:

  • 60 GHz optical sampling bandwidth - supports PAM4 signals up to 120 Gbaud
  • 4-channel simultaneous measurement - enables multi-lane transceiver characterization
  • 4x faster sampling speed - reduces measurement latency for high-throughput manufacturing
  • Integrated reference receiver performance - maintains TDECQ measurement accuracy across extended bandwidth
  • Software-upgradeable channel count - provides scalable deployment path from 2 to 4 channels


@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #TandM #DataCentres #Ai

Monday, 22 September 2025

Pico-ITX board.

Impulse Embedded has announced availability of the AAEON PICO-ARU4, a compact Pico-ITX board powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 2 processors. Designed for applications where performance and efficiency must be delivered in the smallest footprint, the PICO-ARU4 offers a powerful yet flexible solution for embedded and industrial deployments.

“The PICO-ARU4 demonstrates how compact boards can now deliver workstation-level performance,” said Stuart Martin, Business Development Manager at Impulse Embedded. “By combining AAEON’s latest design with our in-house engineering support, we can help customers deploy powerful, reliable systems for demanding industrial applications.”

At just 100mm x 72mm, the PICO-ARU4 integrates advanced computing performance with versatile connectivity and expansion. It features up to 32GB LPDDR5 onboard memory, dual display outputs (HDMI and eDP), and integrated Intel graphics, making it suited to workloads such as machine vision, AI inference, edge analytics, and automation control.

The board also provides extensive I/O and networking options, including dual LAN ports (2.5GbE & 1GbE), USB3.2 Gen2, internal GPIO and serial ports, as well as multiple M.2 expansion slots for storage or wireless connectivity. These features make the PICO-ARU4 a robust choice for industrial applications with diverse interface requirements.

Impulse Embedded is offering the PICO-ARU4 in several variants to meet different project needs:

  • Ultra 5 with 16GB LPDDR5 for compact, efficient deployments.
  • Ultra 5 with 32GB LPDDR5 for multitasking and data-intensive use cases.
  • Ultra 7 version for maximum performance in advanced AI and analytics.

Beyond supply, Impulse Embedded provides end-to-end technical support and system integration, ensuring each board is configured, tested, and ready for deployment. Customers can benefit from decades of expertise in embedded and industrial computing, with support ranging from I/O expansion and storage configuration to bespoke enclosure design.


@ImpulseEmbedded @AAEON @proactivefleet #Automation #IIoT

Where are your goods coming from?

"The supply chain can be fragile ..."

In the major changes in international trade conditions procedures used in ordering and receiving goods were relatively simple. Nowadays however long supply chains can lead to delays, price-instability not to mention a heavy carbon footprint. European customers using supply chains that rely solely on overseas warehousing should be very wary of significant challenges, warns Anglia Components.

Anglia's John Bowman
Shipping parts around the world always increases carbon footprint. The two major ‘high service’ - or as John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director, refers to them, ‘self service’ – distribution players both ship exclusively from central USA locations. Shipping goods from their British distribution centre in Wisbech to customers in Britain or continental Europe incurs seven times less CO2 than shipping the same goods from the US or other continents.

The current geopolitical instabilities and trade wars have massively impacted supply chains. “We are seeing leading semiconductor manufacturers such as Texas Instruments, which has consolidated its distribution network for its own gain with little regard for what the customer wants, choosing to increase prices across the board in response to international trade conditions and tariffs. The supply chain can be fragile and putting all ‘one’s eggs in one basket’ – both from the manufacturer and customer’s perspectives – is dangerous.”

He contrasts Anglia’s approach which is to stock in depth. Orders can be placed to mitigate against price changes caused by tariffs or currency fluctuations. "Having a local distribution and logistics centre, gives us an edge unlike many of our competitors, it also addresses the sustainability question and ensures that goods are available on a rapid one- or two-day delivery service."

For EU customers, overcoming BREXIT difficulties, parts are shipped by FedEx, Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Invoicing is available in multiple currencies, and orders that are placed up to 17:00 (CET) Monday to Thursday are despatched same day. There is no minimum order value and DDP delivery is free for orders over €50/$60.

Also, Anglia has recently launched a loyalty scheme which offers Anglia Live customers 90 day credit terms and rewards worth up to £2,500 (€2870). Bowman adds: “We are big enough to offer the best logistics practices, but not so corporate that we forget about true customer service and what UK and EU customers really need”


@angliaComponent #Electronics #PAuto

AI-Powered Environment enhances upstream lifecycle decision making.

Intuitive, cloud-native solution drives faster, more effective collaboration, interoperability and project insights.

AspenTech Subsurface Intelligence™ (ASI) is an open, cloud-native agentic environment now available from Emerson, that incorporates AI to transform the user experience and accelerate subsurface-related decision making while leveraging existing investments in legacy applications.

ASI’s AI-powered guidance capabilities and library of domain-specific agents operate with the industry-standard OSDU® Data Platform* to automate workflows and develop insights that improve the speed from data to results and decisions. ASI fulfills a critical industry need to work in an agile, multi-disciplinary manner, optimise production and improve access to information trapped throughout various parts of the organisation.

“Silos between disciplines, software and geographies are impacting the upstream industry’s ability to make fast, effective decisions about how to maximise returns for subsurface projects,” said Dr. Vikas Dhole, senior vice president of modeling and optimisation at Emerson’s Aspen Technology business. “ASI is transforming subsurface workflows by improving multi-disciplinary collaboration across the hydrocarbon extraction project lifecycle and accelerating investment decisions.

“Combined with decision support from an embedded AI advisor, ASI is enabling companies to more effectively navigate energy market volatility, overcome complex E&P challenges and empower a new generation of workers.”

ASI agents are strategically deployed as cloud-based applications with an intuitive user interface or with AI-powered guidance from Aspen Virtual Advisor. In this way, ASI enhances decision making across all skill levels, equipping the emerging subsurface workforce to confidently handle drilling, exploration and production challenges. Its open and scalable cloud-native environment fits into existing subsurface software ecosystems. ASI complements other products in Emerson’s AspenTech Subsurface Science & Engineering (SSE) portfolio and third-party technical applications, thereby allowing companies to reduce operating expenditures while bringing together individual disciplines and data to improve production time and leverage previous technology investments.


*OSDU Data Platform is a registered trademark of the Open Group OSDU Forum.

@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @AspenTech  #PAuto #AI 

Precision electronic components and sensors landmark.

The 50th anniversary of Rhopoint Components is being celebrated this September. Since its founding in 1975, the company has established a reputation for design-led distribution, delivering engineering solutions that meet the most demanding requirements across aerospace, oil, gas, EV, automotive, medical, energy and industrial markets.

(L to R) Jenny Trunwitt, Business Development Manager, Dawn King, Marketing Director, Omer Mirza, Joint Managing Director and David Beatson, Joint Managing Director, Rhopoint Components

The company was named Rhopoint* to highlight their competence in the ever-evolving world of precision resistors. The first product sold in 1975 was a high-precision wire-wound resistor from General Resistance. These products still represent part of the Rhopoint portfolio today.

Over the past five decades, Rhopoint Components has grown from a British supplier into a trusted international partner with a strong European presence served by German subsidiary, Rhopoint Components GmbH. The company is part of the Rhopoint Group and represents some of the world’s most innovative manufacturers, including long-standing partnerships with Isabellenhütte, VPG Foil resistors , SRT Microcéramique, and many others.

"Reaching our 50th year is a major milestone and a testament to the trust our customers and suppliers have placed in us," said Omer Mirza, Joint Managing Director of Rhopoint Components. "Our commitment to quality, service, and engineering-led support has allowed us to grow consistently while staying focused on the specific technical needs of our customers."

David Beatson, Joint Managing Director, shared his forward-looking vision: "As we look to the future, we see tremendous opportunities in emerging technologies and evolving customer needs. Our investment in expanded product ranges positions us perfectly to support the next generation of engineering innovations. We're committed to being at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining the technical understanding of customer applications that has always been our hallmark."

The company continues to invest in people, partnerships, and platforms to support the evolving needs of design engineers and procurement professionals. From ultra-precision resistors and high-reliability capacitors to pressure sensors and custom solutions, the company’s product portfolio reflects a clear focus on performance-critical applications.

Mrs Dawn King, Marketing Director at Rhopoint  says, “Rhopoint has become a major player in the component distribution market by offering a winning combination of in-house expertise and careful selection of key, global suppliers that can support the most demanding requirements. Some of our internal sales team have been with the company 25+ years and have more familiarity with a manufacturer’s products than the actual manufacturer! As a specialist distributor we can function as a multiplier for supplier, designer and buyer, bringing together a wide range of components from qualified suppliers and facilitating the supply of application specific and custom products where required.”


*The Rhopoint name originates from two ideas. Firstly, the Greek letter ρ (pronounced rho). This is the symbol that represent electrical resistivity; the fundamental property of a material that quantifies how strongly it resists or conducts electrical current. Secondly the word “point,” in the context of measurement, is defined as a definite measurable position in a scale, thereby signifying precision.

@Rhopoint_Gloss #Electronic #PAuto 

Friday, 19 September 2025

Assuring wireless quality of 5G.

Sojitz Tech-Innovation Co., Ltd. (STech I) has selected Anritsu’s Handheld Spectrum Analyzer Field Master Pro MS2090A to evaluate the wireless quality of its private 5G platforms, aimed at the Japanese market. The MS2090A has an extensive track record in private 5G verification experiments conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, earning high marks for its reliability, superior performance, and excellent operability—factors that led to its selection. By leveraging the MS2090A, STech I can now verify compliance with Japan’s Radio Act, manage wireless quality, and quickly troubleshoot issues.

The barriers to introducing private 5G networks are gradually being eliminated by deregulating the sharing of private 5G base stations and simplifying licensing. However, operational complexities persist. To address this, STech I has introduced the private 5G LAN solution from Celona, a U.S.-based leader in enterprise 5G, to the Japanese market. The platform provides all the core functions required for private 5G, simplifying optimisation from deployment to operation. A key strength is that organsations can manage the 5G mobile network as easily as Wi-Fi, without needing advanced technical knowledge. Even so, growing the Japanese market required addressing challenges such as compliance with the Radio Act and assuring wireless quality. To meet these needs, STech I selected the MS2090A, recognised for its high reliability and precise evaluation of wireless characteristics.

Anritsu will continue to support the deployment and quality management of private 5G environments, contributing to the widespread adoption of private 5G.


@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR  @celonaio #TandM #Communications #5G

New CPUs, I/O module and couplers.

The launch of new Motion Controllers CPUs, Input/Output modules, and Couplers for Delta's AX-5 Series has been announced. Designed for machine builders, system integrators, and distributors across sectors such as packaging, assembly, woodworking, and metalworking, these enhancements deliver greater flexibility, performance, and scalability—empowering customers to stay competitive in the fast-evolving IIoT era.

“The direction of Industrial Automation is being shaped by the rise of AI, IIoT and the growing convergence between the industrial and IT world”, said Alessio Villa, Product Manager EMEA Delta. “With our new AX-5 Series Motion Controllers CPU’s, we’re responding directly to market demand for connected, high-performance, and flexible solutions. This release reflects Delta’s ongoing commitment to anticipating market shifts and helping our customers prepare for the future.”

Delta’s Advanced IIoT Motion Controller CPUs of the AX-5 Series are ideal for production line equipment and can simultaneously control servo drives, AC motors, remote I/O modules, and other motion devices. It supports PLCopen motion control instructions and includes Delta’s exclusive motion commands for seamless servo and AC motor integration. A compact, 12 mm ultra-thin I/O modules design minimizes cabinet space, while an independent I/O power supply simplifies wiring for stable operation and easy expansion. The controller also includes IIoT features such as MQTT, FTP and OPC UA—helping customers cut down on hardware and development time.

New Motion Controller CPUs.
The enhanced Motion Controllers set a new benchmark in automation control, offering high-speed performance and built-in hardware interfaces—including dual Ethernet ports, USB, and an SD card slot. With native support for multiple industrial protocols (EtherCAT, CANopen, CAN, PROFINET Controller/Device, Ethernet/IP Scanner/Adapter, and Modbus TCP/RTU), no additional modules or licenses are required—ensuring seamless integration, reduced costs and greater operational efficiency.

New Input/Output Modules.
The new I/O modules significantly expand the AX-5 Series' application range. Ideal for complex environments, they include a high-speed counter, positioning module, and load cell module for precision control and measurement. Maintaining the 12 mm slim design, they offer removable connectors and built-in diagnostics for easy wiring, setup, and maintenance.

New PROFINET Couplers.
With PROFINET now used in 27% of device nodes in industrial automation, the new coupler enhances the interoperability of the AX-5 Series—enabling fast and seamless integration with third-party controllers and full compatibility with AX-5 I/O modules.

The new CPUs, I/O modules, and PROFINET couplers for Delta’s AX-5 Series will be available across EMEA starting September 2025.


@DeltaEMEA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto#HMI.

New VOC emissions monitor approved.

Signal Group has announced the launch of SOLAR CEMNEX, a continuous emissions monitoring (CEM) system with MCERTS approval for the measurement of total organic carbon concentration in sample gas. Designed for regulatory compliance and process control, employing a reference method flame ionisation detector (FID), the new analyser will be ideal for monitoring a wide variety of applications. These include incinerators, medium and large combustion plants, VOC abatement equipment, packaging, and solvent using processes such as paint, print, textiles and adhesives.

The SOLAR CEMNEX is a self-contained monitoring system with a rack mounted VOC analyser, a heated filter, heated sample lines, and an automated calibration system.

“We have been developing and manufacturing FID analysers for over 50 years, and the SOLAR CEMNEX is our most advanced system yet,” explains Signal MD, James Clements. “Customers can order these analysers very simply via the website – they just need to answer four yes/no questions, such as whether they want a detachable tablet/screen, and that’s it – they can place an order and a brand-new SOLAR CEMNEX will be delivered ready for immediate deployment.”

Following a rigorous program of tests at TÜV in Germany, MCERTS approval verifies that the complete monitoring system complies with the performance and uncertainty requirements specified in Britain’s Environment Agency Guidance: MCERTS for stack emissions monitoring equipment at industrial installations - Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) Updated 28 August 2024, EN 15267-1:2023, EN15267-2:2023, EN 15267-3:2007 and QAL 1 as defined in EN 14181: 2014.

Certification for the SOLAR CEMNEX covers the complete system, including the SOLAR FID analyser, Signal’s heated line and sample probes, and Signal’s 363 SM heated sample filter. Consequently, systems integrators can deploy these items with other MCERTS approved equipment for regulatory compliance monitoring.

The SOLAR CEMNEX can be supplied with a detachable tablet/screen, which allows users to operate the analyser from up to 50 metres away, via inbuilt 802.11 Wi-Fi. In addition, each unit has its own IP address, and is compatible with 3G, 4G, 5G, GPRS, Bluetooth and satellite communications. This provides users with simple and secure access to their analysers at any time, from anywhere.

Summarizing, James Clements says: “In recent years we have ramped up the development of our gas analysers to enhance their accuracy, simplicity and connectivity, so we are delighted to now add MCERTS approval for those customers with a regulatory requirement.”


@GasAnalysers @_Enviro_News #Mcerts #AirQuality #PAuto

Line card published.

Circular and rectangular connectors, backshells and accessories.

Weald Electronics has released a new interconnect solutions line card, providing designers with a comprehensive overview of its extensive connector portfolio. The line card provides information on their range of circular bayonet and screw coupling connectors, high-density 2mm pitch rectangular PCB connectors, two-part multi-pin rectangular connectors, sub-miniature plastic-bodied circular connectors, LRU rack and panel connectors, protective caps and backshells as well as nut plates and gaskets for use in industry, motorsport and other sectors.

Key products showcased in the Line Card include:

  • Circular connectors – LMF, LMG, LMH, LMJ and LMV series, plus MG circular metal connectors for high-reliability signal and power connectivity. Each series is supported by an extensive range of backshells and protective caps. Also featured are SM, SMA and SMC sub-miniature two-part plastic connectors.
  • LMA backshells – EMI/RFI heat-shrink boot versions, cable clamp types and fibre-optic specific designs.
  • Gaskets, nut plates and accessories – ensuring secure and durable installation.
  • Protective caps – available with or without lanyards, plus ultra-lightweight versions for motorsport applications.
  • Other connector types – multi-pin, miniature stackable and RF/coaxial assemblies.

Weald’s standard products are typically available for next-day delivery with no minimum order quantities or values (MOQ/MOV). In addition, the company specialises in short-run, application-specific, special and obsolete connector and cable developments.


@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #Weald #PAuto #Electrical

Chief Operations Officer appointed.


South East Technological University (SETU) has announced the appointment of its very first Chief Operations Officer (COO), David Denieffe. The appointment represents an important step in SETU’s journey and organisational development. This university, especially in it's Carlow (Irl) campus, has been a pioneer in automation and robotics education in Ireland.

David Denieffe

A former officer with the Irish Defence Forces, Mr Denieffe has held key responsibilities in facilities management in Ireland and Lebanon, while also leading the development of the Defence Forces’ first telecommunications network. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished academic career of over 25 years, holding senior leadership roles in higher education, including as Vice President at SETU.

An engineer by profession, David studied Electronic Engineering at the University College Galway (UCG), before completing a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU). He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. Over the past 25 years, he has become a respected academic leader, publishing more than 40 technical papers and taking on senior positions that have seen him lead on global strategic partnerships, champion change management, and improve the student experience at SETU.

David serves on the Board of SETU Novus and is a Director of Educampus Ltd. He is also Vice Rector on the Governing Board of EU-CONEXUS, a transnational European University alliance.

Speaking on the appointment, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said,"David Denieffe’s appointment as SETU’s first COO is a wonderful milestone for our university. David brings with him a remarkable breadth of experience, from his military service to his academic leadership. David’s commitment to operational excellence in support of our students, staff, and stakeholders, locally and internationally, will help drive SETU’s impact in the years ahead.”

Reflecting on his new role, David said, "It is a privilege to be appointed as SETU’s first Chief Operations Officer. This role is about people, supporting our students and staff, building partnerships, and helping SETU to thrive as a university. I am looking forward to continuing this journey alongside so many dedicated colleagues."

Outside of his professional life, David is a committed volunteer and sports leader. He serves as Chairperson of the Governance Committee of Athletics Ireland and Chairperson of the National Planning and Training Committee of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). He is recognised as an expert in club development, governance, and planning within Irish sport. He is also an executive sponsor on Bord Gaeilge na hOllscoile and leads SETU’s engagement with Gaeltacht na nDéise.


 @SETUIreland #Training #Ireland

Investment in AI training for robotic vision.

Pre-trained models, smart data workflows and no-code tools reduce training time by 80% and accelerate deployment in fast-moving sectors including logistics, healthcare, and food & beverage.

ABB Robotics has invested in California (USA)-based LandingAI to accelerate the transformation of vision AI, making it faster, more intuitive, and accessible to a broader range of users. This first of its kind collaboration will integrate LandingAI’s vision AI capabilities, like LandingLensTM, into ABB Robotics’ own software suite, marking another milestone in ABB’s journey towards truly autonomous and versatile robots.

“This announcement is the latest in our decade-long journey to innovate and commercialize AI, benefitting our customers by enhancing robot versatility and autonomy to expand the use of robots beyond traditional manufacturing,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation. “The demand for AI in robotics is driven by the need for greater flexibility, faster commissioning cycles and a shortage of the specialist skills needed to program and operate robots. Our collaboration with LandingAI will mean installation and deployment time is done in hours instead of weeks, allowing more businesses to automate smarter, faster and more efficiently.”

As part of the collaboration ABB has made a venture capital investment through ABB Robotics Ventures, the strategic venture capital unit of ABB Robotics, driving collaboration and investment in innovative early-stage companies that are shaping the future of robotics and automation. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

LandingAI’s LandingLens is a vision AI platform that enables the rapid training of vision AI systems to recognize and respond to objects, patterns or defects with no complex programming or AI expertise required.

Through this collaboration, ABB Robotics will reduce robot vision AI training and deployment time by up to 80 percent. Once deployed, system integrators and end users can retrain the AI for new scenarios on their own, unlocking a new level of versatility. This is a critical step in scaling robot adoption in dynamic environments, beyond traditional manufacturing, especially in fast-moving sectors such as logistics, healthcare and food and beverage. ABB is already piloting LandingAI’s technology and actively working to integrate it into existing vision AI applications, including item-picking, sorting, depalletizing and quality inspection.

“AI is advancing quickly, creating many opportunities, but also requiring us to keep learning and adapting new skills,” said Dan Maloney, Chief Executive Officer of LandingAI. “By combining LandingAI’s vision AI capabilities with ABB’s robots and software, we can make automation more accessible. This makes it easier for businesses to deploy and scale intelligent robotic systems that are practical and useful.” 

ABB Robotics is the only robotics company offering a fully integrated AI training tool within its software suite. It will be available alongside their powerful simulation and programming tool RobotStudio®, which features digital twin capabilities to further simplify commissioning.


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

Next-Generation Industrial PCs.

The PACSystems™ IPC 6010, IPC 7010, and IPC 8010 industrial computing platforms have just been announced. This new line expands Emerson’s family ofhigh-performance industrial personal computer (IPC) models for demanding applications, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics. PACSystems IPCs feature the first CPU in the latest generation of processors designed specifically to support AI-enabled capabilities such as predictive maintenance, process optimisation, quality inspection, decision support, supply chain management and more.

“These innovative next generation IPCs are a key part of the critical hardware backbone supporting Emerson’s Boundless Automation vision,” explained Harish Shinde, vice president and general manager for controls and software, with Emerson’s discrete automation business. “PACSystems IPCs are an ideal platform for developers seeking to future-proof industrial systems and achieve continuous uptime even in extreme environments as they create IoT, AI, and other advanced applications.”

Critical digital transformation applications require reliable and ruggedised computing platforms, with the high level of performance needed to support data collection, protocol conversion, historisation, and analytics for real-time optimisation and visualisation capabilities. The new PACSystems line features significant performance updates and more options to develop solutions for challenging industrial applications, with a range of functionality and price points to support scalable operations and lower cost-of-ownership.

The new line of IPCs use the latest generation of soldered industrial-rated 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with up to 64 GB soldered ECC memory, for maximum resistance against shock and vibration. Their compact form factor employs fan-less cooling for an extended operating temperature range up to 70 degrees Celsius, with thermal monitoring and an optional fan available for high-temperature environments. PACSystems IPCs benefit from Emerson’s patented vibration and thermal technologies to boost reliability and extend deployment life.

With solid-state drive (SSD) storage options ranging up to 4 terabytes, multiple gigabit Ethernet interfaces, up to four PCIe® slots, and other interfaces, PACSystems IPCs can be tailored to deliver high-performance computing required for vision systems, advanced analytics, data processing, historisation/visualisation, and other similarly rigorous functions for process optimisation and improved operational insight.

Available pre-installed, pre-licensed operating systems with edge and visualisation software help to simplify deployment of common configurations while also allowing users to fully customise their systems. Operating system options include Windows IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, PACEdge, and Linux. Software options include PACEdge, Movicon Connext™, and Movicon WebHMI. Alternatively, users can load their own OS or software. Built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) crypto-processors and Secure Boot® software ensure that data and operations are kept secure.


@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation #PAuto #AI

Monday, 15 September 2025

Smart Vision System.

The launch of QM-Fit, a compact, high-performance manual vision measuring machine designed for quick, accurate inspection of small and thin components has been announced by Mitutoyo. QM-Fit redefines ease of use with a smart, touch-based interface and is positioned as a next-generation alternative to traditional profile projectors.

A Smarter Way to Measure.
QM-Fit is built to make precision measurement accessible to everyone—regardless of skill level. With its intuitive User Interface, touch panel operation, and advanced automatic part recognition, users can simply place a part on the stage and initiate measurement instantly. The system automatically detects features such as circles and edges, and offers real-time, graphical feedback.

Key Advantages & Efficiency Highlights:

  • Instant Measurement with Automatic Recognition - QM-Fit offers instant measurement with automatic recognition, allowing users to simply place the part on the stage. The system immediately identifies the workpiece, detects circles, lines, and other elements without the need for setup, alignment, or manual focusing, and begins measurement right away.
  • Intuitive Operation-No Skills Required - Its intuitive touchscreen interface ensures that no special skills are required to operate the system. Visual guides and auto-suggestions minimize training time and reduce user errors, while results are displayed graphically in real time with clear pass/fail indicators.
  • Graphically Supported Caliper Snap - Another standout feature is the Graphically Supported Caliper Snap, which enables fast and precise measurement by snapping digital rulers to part edges or geometries—eliminating the time-consuming crosshair alignment used in traditional projectors.
  • Higher Throughput, Lower Costs - QM-Fit also improves productivity and reduces costs by delivering repeatable results with minimal operator influence, cutting down on variation and rework. Automatic detection and digital zoom shorten cycle times, helping to remove bottlenecks in quality control and first-article inspection processes.
  • Compact, Space-Saving Design, Powerful Optics & High-Resolution Imaging - With its compact, space-saving design (366 × 407 × 621 mm and 25 kg), QM-Fit fits easily on any workbench and operates as a true stand-alone unit, complete with integrated PC and 15.6-inch touch monitor. Its powerful 20MP CMOS color camera, digital zoom up to 100x, telecentric lens, and 36 mm depth of field provide high-resolution imaging and accurate focus even on uneven parts.
  • Reliable and Traceable - Finally, the system ensures reliability and traceability, with calibration to ±10 µm accuracy and repeatability within 2σ ≤ 4 µm. Built-in traceability functions and environmental correction further enhance measurement confidence.

A Better Alternative to Profile Projectors
While traditional projectors require manual alignment and operator skill, QM-Fit automates these steps with smart detection and digital visualization. It delivers faster, more consistent results, making it an ideal replacement for optical comparators in quality control, incoming inspection, and shop floor applications.


@mepaxIntPR #Mitutoyo  #TandM #Pauto