Major OT-Cybersecurity event programme.

Prague conference to include two breakfast forums and an expo, as well as many speaker sessions and training opportunities.

ISA's fourth annual OT Cybersecurity Summit
Prague (CZ) on 16-18 June 2026.

The ISA OT-Cybersecurity Summit will draw hundreds of experts in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity at the management level or higher in the energy, manufacturing, water/wastewater, oil and gas and maritime/transportation industries. This two-track, multi-day event will be organised around two major topics: threat intelligence in supply chain security and cyber-physical safety risk management. The keynote address will offer perspectives on transatlantic cyber cooperation from Berta Jarosova, cyber attachée to the United States and Canada for Czechia and co-founder of Women4Cyber Czechia.

Two breakfast forums — a new offering this year — will include thoughtful discussion panels with top cybersecurity experts. Those who attend these forums can expect to leave with practical insights on bridging IT and OT and turning cyber directives into actionable plans.

The Cyber Empowerment Forum features:

• Megan Samford, VP, chief security officer, U.S. National Security Agreements and U.S. Federal Business, Schneider Electric
• Berta Jarošová, cyber attachée to the United States and Canada, Embassy of the Czech Republic and co-founder of Women4Cyber Czechia
• Dr. Marina Krotofil, independent expert evaluator and reviewer, European Commission
• Cheri Caddy, senior cybersecurity advisor, Savannah River National Laboratory
• Tatyana Bolton, principal, head of cyber practice, Monument Advocacy

The Countdown to Compliance Forum features:

• Steve Mustard, president, au2mation
• Ilja David, co-founder, IT/OT cybersecurity manager and architect, Iron OT
• Gustav Martin Bartel, senior expert, cybersecurity industrial IT, Robert Bosch GmbH
• Lukasz Kister, Ph.D., Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) Expert Group member, European Commission
• Petr Kopřiva, senior consultant, BDO Consulting s.r.o.

This conference will continue to demonstrate how consensus standards and conformity assessment can meet the critical needs arising from current events and new regulation, including the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). ISA sets many of the technical standards used in industrial automation, including ISA/IEC 62443, the world’s only consensus-based automation and control systems cybersecurity standards. In addition to developing and maintaining these standards, the organisation offers training and credentialing on cybersecurity; certifies products, processes and systems through its ISASecure® certification; and raises awareness about the importance of OT cybersecurity through its membership consortium, the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA).

“The ISA community brings together many of the world’s top industrial cybersecurity experts, and we are proud to have developed ISA/IEC 62443, the standards that set the most secure operational technologies,” said Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA. “What sets apart the ISA OT Cybersecurity Summit is its focus on sharing real-world insight into ISA/IEC 62443 and effective approaches for putting those standards into practice.”

In addition to a robust technical program, the 2026 OT Cybersecurity Summit will offer multiple additional workshops, special events and industry-leading training opportunities for attendees:

• Training: Using the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards to Secure Your Control Systems (IC32) and IACS Cybersecurity Design and Implementation (IC34)
• Incident Command Systems for Industrial Control Systems (ICS4ICS) workshop: A tutorial for ICS4ICS, which combines OT/ICS, incident command and cybersecurity work into one framework to improve cyber incident response capabilities at companies and organisations.

Early-bird registration for the 2026 OT Cybersecurity Summit in Prague is now open at a reduced price until 17 April 2026, at which point standard pricing will take effect. Early-bird tickets to the breakfast forums and expo start at $125,00US (€108,00) Early-bird tickets to the conference — including the breakfast forums and expo in addition to networking receptions and program stages — start at $940,00US (€810,00) for ISA members.

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@ISA_Automation @DigitalEU  @automation_com #CRA #PAuto #Europe

Connectivity for 3D-Printing pioneer.

Ensuring seamless connectivity while streamlining printer-kit assemblies, as well as machine modifications and upgrades.

Molex is growing right along with Prusa Research, a rising star in the fast-paced world of 3D printing with more than 1,000 employees on three continents supporting a diverse and devoted base of customers worldwide. The Prague-based company strives to offer seamless experiences and unmatched flexibility for a variety of printing needs.

Guided by a steadfast commitment to community, sustainability, as well as open-source hardware and software principles, Prusa offers its printers fully assembled or as Do It Yourself (DIY) printer kits. Equally important is the ability for customers to unlock new capabilities over time through hardware and software modifications, add-ons and upgrades.

“Prusa Research needed connectivity systems with the right balance of functionality and simplicity without compromising quality,” said Brian Hauge, SVP and president, Consumer and Commercial Solutions, Molex. “With support from Arrow Electronics, we provide a full portfolio of connectors that are robust yet easy to use. Molex also stays in lockstep with Arrow and Prusa engineers to align emerging printer designs with new innovative connector solutions to ease new product introductions and upgrades.”

Rapid growth.
Prusa’s unwavering customer focus, passion for community and strong technology partnerships are cornerstones for driving a sustained rate of incredible growth. The company processed more than 300,000 orders for printers, filaments, resins and accessories last year while opening a U.S. subsidiary called Printed Solid, in Newark, Del., to further expand global reach by manufacturing printers and filaments in the United States.

“In 2024, Prusa grew 25% year over year, and we are excited for this year, which will be even bigger,” said Josef Prusa, CEO of Prusa Research. “We populated over one million parts using Molex CLIK-Mate connectors last year and they all have performed very well. We now have more than 20 printer designs, and they all use Molex connectors. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with Arrow and Molex to drive our further expansion in Europe while building out manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.”

To drive sustained growth, Prusa deployed Molex CLIK-Mate wire-to-board connectors, which align well with the company’s high standards for performance and straightforward operation. Ideal for devices that require connectors to carry more signal lines in less space, these wire-to-board connectors feature a unique tuning-fork terminal design that provides low-insertion force while maintaining secure contacts.

Prusa particularly appreciates the audible “click” sound that offers immediate confirmation of secure contact, as well as easy automatic board placement and simplified set-up for at-home customers. Not only do CLIK-Mate connectors prevent DIY users from inserting them in the wrong orientation, but they also enable Prusa engineers to streamline production by speeding surface mount technology (SMT) line assembly.

Compact, high-performance Molex Micro-Fit Connectors, which blend power and flexibility without impacting space or reliability, also are deployed by Prusa. In addition, Molex ultra-microcoaxial RF connectors are used to link Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectors, along with other Molex solutions for supporting high-speed data and RF microwave technology.

Up to 16 types of CLIK-Mate connectors currently help Prusa streamline printer production. Molex connectors are featured across Prusa’s printer line, including the new CORE One printer, which hit the market this past January. Other connectivity solutions, such as Molex’s Easy-On FFC/FPC Connectors, as well as custom connectivity solutions, are being explored to enhance support for existing and new printers.

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@MolexConnectors @Prusa3D @NapierPR #Pauto #Communications

Technology and engineering centre to project delivery across North America.

ABB has established a new regional operations center for North America, bringing technology expertise closer to customers and building on its similar resources globally. An initial $1 million investment has been made for the new Mexico Technology and Engineering Center (MXTEC) in the city of Merida, Yucatan, to help the technology leader to reach higher project delivery capacity and increase 

competitiveness. 

Mauricio Vila, Governor of Yucatán (MX) with  Anders Kornblad, ABB 

Global Operations Manager (Pic:Yucatan State)

The new center will initially serve ABB’s orders pipeline from process industries including mining, pulp and paper, battery manufacturing and metals.

The center, located within the modern SkyWork building alongside a community of technology and cyber security companies, will be a go-to resource for ABB engineers and covers disciplines including automation, electrical and software engineering. It will mean an approximate 25 percent uptick in engineering capacity, with some projects involving commissioning of ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system (DCS) at customer sites. Further competencies for supply chain, project management and sales support may be added in the future.

ABB’s move comes at a time when industrial companies are addressing their supply chains and either near shoring or near sourcing to ensure security and reliability of operations. Mexico is establishing itself as an emerging center of excellence for communications, engineering, IT and manufacturing across industries, including automotive, process industries and energy. For ABB, it is well-placed for growth and will link ongoing operations in both North America and South America.

Recruitment and employment of 30 engineers, mainly from the pool of local talents, is ongoing while ABB also establishes meaningful connections with Mexican universities. The newest employees have received training at ABB’s Czech Operations Center in Ostrava and are now onboarding using a customized development program.

“Our aims for the Mexico Technology and Engineering Center are to grow our engineering competencies and capacity to deliver projects with local resources in the same time zones as Mexico, the US and Canada, but also become part of a technology-focused community in Merida where people can stay for a long time and grow their careers,” said Michel Blondeau, Hub North America Operations Manager, ABB. “Its success relies on talents and efforts of our new local team, and we’re pleased to see them successfully onboarded and ready to complement our operations centers in Europe and India.”

“The opening ceremony in Merida provided an opportunity to meet with our implementation managers and the new crop of talents who will make this center a success,” said Vicente Magaña, Process Industries, ABB. “The location and people have been carefully selected and as a business ABB can look forward to seeing engineering projects delivered in North America primarily using regional resources. We’re part of a burgeoning technology space in Mexico and have the chance to build as part of that community.”

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation #PAuto #Mexico

Switching Modules at AMPER 2015!

Pickering Interfaces are to showcasing their broad catalog of PXI and Ethernet LXI switching solutions at Amper (Brno, CZ  March 24-27). These products include Pickering’s LXI, PXI, Programmable Resistors, Microwave Multiplexer and PCI Ranges.

PXI Microwave Multiplexer (40-784A) – these support single, dual, or triple SP4T or SP6T relays and are available in a variety of different frequency options for 50 Ω, from 6GHz to 40GHz. All models occupy just two 3U PXI slots and feature LED’s that indicate which path of the multiplexer is closed.

PXI and PCI Programmable Resistor Solutions - Pickering Interfaces offers the widest range of programmable resistor modules in PXI and PCI format. Many of these models cover applications that require low cost solutions through to those that require high precision and the best stability achievable.

PXI High-speed USB Switching Systems – including a USB Hub that can be used to connect USB devices under test or USB test equipment directly into PXI systems.
BRIC™ PXI Large Matrix Modules, the use of high-density packaging and integrated backplanes enables a large matrix to be implemented with no user configuration or special matrix expansion kits. These matrices use thru-hole mechanical relays (not surface mount) and can be serviced using standard de-soldering tools simplifying repair and reducing down time. The BRIC's integrated design ensures high matrix performance with high signal bandwidth and fewer system implementation errors.

LXI Switching (Ethernet controlled) Systems – LXI systems support large switching systems with simplified control through an Ethernet connection. LXI is the power of Ethernet and the Web applied to Test & Measurement (T&M) instruments, offering you new possibilities in test systems – local, remote, distributed and time-aware.

Switching System Management Tools – these tools reduce the cost of ownership of switching systems in all commonly used platforms.

All the PXI modules can be used in any PXI chassis, can be fitted to PXI hybrid slots in a PXIe chassis and can also be used in Pickering’s LXI Modular chassis for users preferring control via an Ethernet port.

• Pickering Interfaces also has a Czech-based manufacturing facility that produces their cables and connectors designed to work with their switching systems. Pickering will be previewing their new Cable Configurator Tool in the booth, this tool aids users in the specifying of custom cables.

Components for Austria and central Europe

congatec has announced its cooperation with Ineltro Halmer Electronics GmbH, headquartered in Vienna (A). Ineltro has a long and successful track record of distributing electronic components in the Austrian market. Effective immediately, the company will now offer the complete range of congatec products in Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Southern Europe.

"Ineltro has many key contacts in the electronic market in Austria and Eastern Europe, which will help us gain new clients from a wide range of markets. At the same time, Ineltro possesses the necessary specialist know-how to be able to support these clients and their respective applications. With Ineltro we have found a reliable partner, who is as interested in a long term partnership as we are," explains congatec CEO Gerhard Edi.

Wolfgang Martinschitz, Ineltro's managing director, adds: "The congatec product range complements our existing portfolio with products that offer a high degree of integration, enabling our clients to further increase their competitiveness. Our corporate structure enables us to work flexibly and efficiently, and our service and application engineers guarantee a high level of technical competence. We are expecting great synergies and already see concrete possibilities for increasing congatec AG's visibility."

European expansion!

AFCON Software and Electronics is expanding its operations in Europe. AFCON's subsidiary in the Czech Republic has established the Software Division to distribute their software products, especially Pulse SCADA/HMI, and to provide system integration services to its customers.

This is the first step taken by Afcon in order to place itself closer to its potential customers. The Czech company is responsible for distributing these software products to CEE countries (mainly Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia).

Mr. Rene Pelanek MSc., MBA is the appointed CEE Sales Director. Mr. Pelanek, previously the CEE Sales Director of MEDIUMSOFT, Inc., a leading European software developer of Large Emergency Dispatch Centers such as 112 or 911 ICT solutions.

Apart from the distribution of SCADA/HMI solutions, the software division also provides technical support and training expertise for AFCON's product suite, including Pulse SCADA/HMI and Dart cellular software to new and existing customers. In addition, the division offers software and application services.

Solar inverter's shining efficiency

A report jointly issued by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and Bureau Veritas shows that AEG Power Solutions’ Protect PV.250 solar inverter offers remarkable efficiency. Energy conversion efficiency testing conducted according to European Standard EN 50530 yielded a very high efficiency grade of 98.7%.

Energy conversion efficiency testing was conducted at eight different power levels, nine DC voltage levels and for two module technologies (thin film and crystalline technology, both used in solar farms). MPPT testing, performed by ISE according to the same European EN 50530 standard, yielded a Maximum Power Point (MPP) efficiency grade of 99.99%. ISE also reported that the PV.250 inverter, launched in Sept. 2009, successfully complied with EN 50530 dynamic requirements.

Testing was conducted by Fraunhofer ISE, the largest solar energy research institute in Europe, and by Bureau Veritas, an international group specialized in the inspection, analysis, audit, and certification of products, infrastructure and management systems according to regulatory or voluntary standards. Designed for power plants generating from one to several hundred megawatts, the AEG Power Solutions Protect PV.250 inverter was developed and is manufactured in Warstein-Belecke, Germany.

Orders totalling 40 MW were already booked at the end of the second quarter, mainly for Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy, but also for Belgium and France. Certification for Italian grid operator ENEL has also been achieved. This means PV 250 will soon be included in the ENEL listing, a very promising achievement for AEG
Power Solutions on this market.
One of the first Protect PV.250 installed is part of the equipment of the solar farm of the city of Hungen in Germany. “The performance of the solar park is considerably higher than what the forecast and the efficiency study calculated. We are very satisfied.” Technical Manager Thomas Weichmann comments; "With the PV.250 technology in general, and especially with the infrastructure of the plant in Warstein-Belecke, AEG Power Solutions is very well positioned to fulfil all photovoltaic power plant requirements – today and in the future, in Germany and elsewhere,” said Enrique de la Cruz, VP Solar Strategic Business Unit . With DC voltage capability up to 1000 V, the Protect PV.250 enables customers to achieve optimal power efficiency thanks to its field-programmable gate array (FPGA) control system. Specifically engineered to meet the requirements of utility-grade applications, the Protect PV.250 can be customized to each application thanks to a range of available options and its unique container design.

AEG PS has started developing solar activity and products based on its sound power expertise two years ago. Its sales in solar inverters should be multiplied by 10 this year.