Read-out Instrumentation Signpost

Reliable and cost-effective collision protection.

2026-11-12T08:17:16.309+00:00

The SKW safety coupling from Jakob Antreibstechnik, provides reliable overload and collision protection at an economical price point. It features a cost-effective keyway connection and an integrated deep-groove ball bearing designed to accommodate high bearing loads. Constructed from heat-treated steel, the unit is suitable for use within a temperature range of -30 °C to +200 °C.

The disengagement torque can be individually adjusted within a range of 0.3 to 9,000 Nm. Hub bores are available in diameters from 6 to 110 mm. The SKW can be flexibly expanded through the addition of optional metal bellows or elastomer couplings (the SKW-KP and SKW-EK series). Furthermore, custom-finished bores and keyway connections can be provided to meet specific customer requirements.

@UnnGmbh @PresseBox #jakobantriebstechnik #PAuto

Appointment to help clients CMC transformation.

2026-11-11T12:49:53.281+00:00

Christoph Pistek has been appointed Vice President, Digital CMC Solutions with QbDVision, a provider of a Digital CMC platform for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He will help customers start their CMC transformation, taking them from their original business objective through to technology implementation.

Christoph Pistek

Pistek joins from Takeda, where he led global innovation initiatives as VP and Head of Sustainability and Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He brings over 20 years of experience across R&D, technical and supply operations, and business excellence, with a track record in digital and organisational transformation.

Commenting on the appointment, Yash Sabharwal, CEO and Co-founder of QbDVision, said: “Christoph has implemented Digital CMC at scale from inside a global pharma company. He understands why transformation stalls and how to move it forward, and our customers will benefit from that experience.”

Digital CMC brings therapies to patients faster by speeding up drug development and technology transfer, replacing manual, paper-based workflows with structured data and automation. It can also help address a broader range of unmet medical needs, including diseases that have historically attracted less investment.

“Too often, digital transformation in CMC is run as a technology project,” Pistek said. “The organizations that get real value start from the business objective and own the transformation at the highest level.
“CMC depends on input from more functions than almost any other part of a drug developer, for example, research, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial. We frequently see organizations lose valuable time to repeated assessments and RFPs, while costs climb and the status quo is locked in. The real risk isn’t getting it wrong; it's doing nothing, and continuing to work within the constraints of slow, manual, unstructured processes.”

@qbdvision #RAMarketing #PAuto #Pharma #Biotechnology

Visualisation for modern manufacturing.

2026-11-11T11:05:24.099+00:00

Rockwell Automation has launched PanelView™ Pro, a high-performance graphic terminal designed for demanding industrial environments. Built for FactoryTalk® View Machine Edition (ME) applications, PanelView Pro combines faster performance, enhanced durability and a modular architecture that simplifies maintenance and lifecycle management, while providing a straightforward migration path for existing applications.

As manufacturers face growing pressure to modernise aging infrastructure, many are challenged to balance operational continuity with evolving cybersecurity and compliance requirements. Upgrading human machine interface (HMI) systems often requires application redevelopment, panel modifications and production downtime. PanelView Pro addresses these challenges by enabling customers to maintain existing FactoryTalk View ME applications while transitioning to a modern hardware platform.

"Manufacturers need visualization technology that can keep pace with increasingly demanding operations while supporting long-term modernization goals," said Angela Rapko, vice president and general manager, visualization & asset management, Rockwell Automation. "PanelView Pro combines the performance, durability and flexibility customers expect in a modern graphic terminal with a modular design that simplifies maintenance and helps protect existing FactoryTalk View ME investments."

Key features of PanelView Pro include:

High Performance for Demanding Applications – Built on a modern hardware platform, PanelView Pro delivers faster processing, responsive graphics and enhanced connectivity to support today's high-speed manufacturing environments and visualisation requirements.
Modular Designed for Simplified Lifecycle Simplicity – Designed to withstand demanding operating conditions, its modular architecture separates display and logic components, allowing customers to service, replace or upgrade individual modules instead of an entire terminal. This helps reduce maintenance costs, streamline spare parts strategies and improve system availability.
Cybersecurity-Ready for Modern Operations – Built on a managed operating system with secure remote access capabilities, PanelView Pro helps manufacturers address evolving cybersecurity requirements, support modernisation initiatives and reduce risk across connected operations.
Straightforward Modernisation Path – PanelView Pro supports application reuse and common cutouts to help simplify migration from PanelView Plus 7 Performance terminals, reducing engineering effort and reducing downtime, while avoiding unnecessary panel redesign.

"Manufacturers need practical ways to modernize aging HMI infrastructure while maintaining production continuity, strengthening cybersecurity and preparing for AI-enabled operations that depend on better plant-floor visibility and contextual information," said Craig Resnick, vice president, ARC Advisory Group. "PanelView Pro addresses these priorities with higher-performance visualization, improved durability and a modular architecture that supports application reuse, simplifies migration from FactoryTalk View ME and helps protect existing investments. This lifecycle-oriented approach can help reduce the cost, complexity and operational risk of modernization while supporting long-term resilience, maintainability and more informed operational decisions."

PanelView Pro is part of Rockwell's visualisation portfolio, providing customers with a clear path for modernising FactoryTalk View ME applications while simplifying lifecycle management and maintaining a consistent hardware experience across visualisation solutions. PanelView Pro will be available to customers beginning in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2026, with additional modular components and expanded configurations becoming available throughout 2027.

@ROKAutomation @ROKAutoEMEA @arc_advisory #PAuto

Video and vibration!

2026-11-11T10:42:54.359+00:00

Teledyne FLIR has expanded its Extech HDV700 Videoscope platform with new Full HD probe options, alongside the launch of the new Extech VB460 Vibration Meter with ISO Alarms. Designed for maintenance, reliability, facilities, and inspection professionals, the new solutions help users detect issues earlier, diagnose problems more accurately, and make faster maintenance decisions, whether inspecting hard-to-reach equipment or monitoring the health of machinery and equipment subject to vibration.

The expanded HDV700 platform introduces new Full HD (1920 × 1080) probe options that deliver sharper image quality for more detailed visual inspections. New articulating, dual-view, and plumbing probe options increase flexibility across industrial maintenance, building inspection, and pipe inspection applications.

The new VB460 Vibration Meter delivers advanced diagnostic capabilities for condition monitoring applications. With FFT spectrum analysis and expanded measurement tools, the VB460 helps teams identify machine faults earlier and take action before issues lead to unplanned downtime.

"Maintenance teams are under constant pressure to keep equipment running, often with limited time and resources," said Heliel Morales, Director of Business Development for Condition Monitoring at Teledyne FLIR. "The expanded HDV700 platform and new VB460 are designed to help users find problems faster, understand what they're seeing with greater confidence, and identify emerging risks before they impact productivity, equipment performance, or facilities operations.

The HDV700 Videoscope platform is designed to support a wide range of industrial, facilities, and building inspection applications. The introduction of new Full HD probe options gives users clearer imagery and greater flexibility when inspecting equipment in confined or hard-to-access locations.

Key benefits include:

New Full HD probe options (1920 × 1080) for sharper images and improved defect detection
Docked or detached monitor operation for increased flexibility in confined spaces
New 3.9 mm 4-way articulating HD probe for navigating around obstacles and accessing difficult inspection points
New dual-view HD probe that provides both forward and side-view imaging without repositioning
Plumbing probe kit with integrated 512 MHz transmitter for locating and tracking underground pipes when used with compatible locators
Expanded probe selection to support a broader range of inspection applications

As organizations continue to invest in predictive maintenance strategies, vibration analysis remains a valuable tool for identifying early-stage mechanical problems. The new VB460 helps maintenance teams go beyond basic vibration measurement by providing additional diagnostic insight into machine condition.

Key benefits include:

FFT spectrum analysis for identifying vibration frequencies and diagnosing machine faults
Expanded measurement and analysis capabilities for condition monitoring programs
ISO alarm functionality for quick evaluation of machine condition against recognized standards
Multiple probe tips included for greater application flexibility
User-friendly interface designed for routine inspections and troubleshooting

Supporting reliability and operational efficiency.
Together, the expanded HDV700 platform and VB460 provide complementary tools for maintenance and reliability teams. By combining detailed visual inspections with actionable vibration analysis, organizations can identify issues sooner, improve maintenance planning, reduce troubleshooting time, and make more informed decisions about asset health. These latest additions further strengthen the Extech portfolio of inspection and measurement solutions designed to help organizations improve reliability, reduce downtime, and increase operational efficiency across industrial and commercial environments.

@planetextech @flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Inventory visibility in medical device distribution warehouses.

2026-11-11T09:46:22.364+00:00

Digital warehouse management for medical device distributors with batch-level inventory tracking.

Efficient order fulfilment depends on more than product availability for pharmaceutical wholesalers and medical device distributors in Ireland,. Knowing which batch is stored at a particular warehouse location, when it expires and which customer received it is equally important. With extensive product ranges covering medical devices, pharmaceutical products and healthcare consumables, maintaining accurate inventory records can become increasingly challenging.

Galway is one of Ireland's leading medical technology hubs, making reliable warehouse management particularly relevant for businesses involved in medical device manufacturing, distribution and supply chain operations. A digital warehouse management system (WMS) combines day-to-day warehouse operations with batch-level inventory tracking. This improves stock visibility, supports product traceability and reduces the risk of picking errors.

Batch-level inventory tracking starts at goods receipt.
Medical devices and other batch-controlled products must be accurately identified as soon as they arrive at the warehouse. Depending on the product, relevant information may include item numbers, delivery quantities, batch or lot numbers, expiry dates and additional identification details.

When this information is entered manually or added to the system afterwards, the risk of incorrect stock allocations increases. Partial deliveries and multiple batches of the same product can make inventory management particularly complicated.

The COSYS Warehouse Management System enables businesses to capture relevant product and batch information using mobile data collection devices. Barcode-based transactions support consistent documentation throughout goods receipt and putaway. For medical device distributors operating in Galway and across Ireland, this creates a more reliable foundation for managing batch-controlled inventory.

Linking warehouse locations to individual batches.
Pharmaceutical wholesalers frequently hold several batches of the same product simultaneously. Different delivery dates, expiry dates and storage locations make inventory tracking more demanding, especially when products are regularly moved between warehouse areas.

Digital warehouse location management provides greater transparency. Employees record putaway, internal stock transfers and withdrawals directly using handheld mobile computers. This allows inventory information to be updated promptly while maintaining a record of warehouse movements.

COSYS software supports structured product and location management, providing a central overview of available stock. Mobile barcode scanning also reduces the need for manual data transfers between warehouse operations and administrative systems.

Batch traceability for product complaints and recalls.
When a particular product batch is subject to a complaint or recall, distributors need to identify affected inventory quickly. This includes determining how much stock remains available and which warehouse transactions have already taken place. Batch-level inventory tracking makes it easier to locate affected products, provided batch information is consistently captured and linked to the relevant stock movements. Complete traceability through to the recipient also requires access to corresponding order and delivery records.

Integrating warehouse management software with existing ERP or inventory management systems can therefore play an important role in connecting operational warehouse data with customer and distribution information.

For Irish medical device distributors, these capabilities can support internal quality procedures and product traceability requirements under applicable EU regulations.

Order picking with batch and expiry date information.
Accurate order picking involves more than selecting the correct product. Depending on the product and customer requirements, warehouse employees may also need to verify batch numbers and expiry dates before dispatch. The FEFO principle (First Expired, First Out) is particularly relevant for products with limited shelf lives. Under this approach, products with the earliest expiry dates are prioritised for picking, provided they meet the requirements of the order. Digitally supported picking processes help employees verify products and record stock withdrawals. The specific batch validation checks and picking rules available depend on the system configuration and the distributor's operational requirements.

Improving warehouse performance with business intelligence.
Beyond inventory accuracy, warehouse performance analysis is becoming increasingly important for pharmaceutical and medical device distributors. Which products generate the highest number of stock movements? Where do delays occur during order picking? Which inventory categories tie up significant working capital?

COSYS WebDesk provides central access to inventory and process information. Additional Business Intelligence capabilities allow businesses to analyse warehouse KPIs and identify opportunities for operational improvement. These insights can support decisions regarding warehouse layout, stock planning, picking processes and inventory allocation.

For distributors managing extensive medical product ranges, combining operational data with analytical capabilities provides a stronger foundation for continuous warehouse optimisation.

Combines warehouse software, hardware and services.
Reliable digital warehouse management requires more than a standalone software application. COSYS combines modular warehouse management software with suitable mobile data collection devices, hardware services and process data analytics. Businesses can gradually digitalise existing warehouse structures and expand their systems as operational requirements evolve. Integration with existing ERP platforms can also be considered according to individual project requirements.

For pharmaceutical wholesalers and medical device distributors this integrated approach provides practical advantages: greater visibility of batch-controlled inventory, improved traceability of warehouse movements and more effective control over daily operations.

@COSYS_Ident @COSYS_Ident @PresseBox #Medical #Pharma #Ireland

Cybersecure custody transfer for hydrocarbons.

2026-11-10T15:01:18.358+00:00

A cybersecure, scalable architecture helps operators improve operational continuity, reduce lifecycle complexity and build a resilient foundation for future growth.

Emerson's DeltaV™ FB3000 remote terminal unit (RTU) technology has been extended to provide midstream energy companies with a strategic automation foundation for standardising liquids operations. New liquids capabilities, proving and batch management functionality will help operators deliver a cybersecure, unified approach to measurement, control and operational visibility, strengthening confidence in critical transactions.

The midstream liquids market has traditionally faced limited options for reliable liquids measurement with proven batching capability. As sparse options have offered limited updates and supply chain and availability issues, pipelines transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas liquids, condensate, specialty chemicals and liquid hydrocarbons have struggled to maintain and prove accurate measurement, standardise and automate processes across assets and facilities, and improve cybersecurity standards to meet increasing scrutiny and regulation in the hydrocarbon industry. The DeltaV FB3000 RTU – well-known in the industry for bringing gas measurement, control, communications and cybersecurity together on one common platform – now supports integrated proving and batch management functionality for liquids.

These enhancements help companies standardise liquids and gas measurement, control, communications and cybersecurity on a common platform. Operators can standardise processes across hydrocarbon pipelines, gathering systems, terminals, storage facilities and production assets into a single scalable architecture that reduces complexity, leads to consistent cybersecurity practices and supports phased modernisation efforts.

“Many operators continue to manage liquids measurement, control and communications through separate systems that increase complexity and long-term costs,” said Aaron Boettcher, vice president and general manager for Emerson’s energy and transportation solutions business. “The DeltaV FB3000 RTU helps simplify that environment by consolidating these critical functions into a single, scalable platform. With Emerson’s ability to mobilise local automation expertise around the world, operators can standardise assets, accelerate modernisation efforts and position their operations to better adapt to evolving business and regulatory requirements.”

Advanced Pulse Module and proving and batch management functionality in the DeltaV FB3000 RTU help operators improve measurement integrity and streamline operational workflows. In addition, Zero Trust-centred cybersecure-by-design architecture helps protect critical measurement data throughout the custody transfer lifecycle. Global lifecycle support helps oil and gas operators improve performance, better manage maintenance and lifecycle costs, and build a flexible, secure foundation for expansion, operational improvements, new product additions, updates and upgrades.

@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Oil_Gas

Towards cost effective drive systems.

2026-11-10T09:22:26.558+00:00

A competence centre for energy efficiency.

Nord Drivesystems helps system operators to design drive solutions tailored to their application, thus making targeted use of efficiency potential. For this purpose, the company provides a competence centre with specific consultation services. Energy-efficient drive systems reduce energy consumption and thus the energy costs of the respective systems. Users can benefit from this consultation expertise.

Optimising energy and operating costs for drive systems.
During its TCO consultation (TCO = total cost of ownership), the system provider evaluates all costs across the components’ life cycle and recommends how drive systems should be optimally sized to ensure cost-effective energy and cost management. This encompasses all costs associated with the purchase, operation, potential maintenance and recycling of a drive system.

Spotting savings potential.
With its Nord ECO service, the drive specialist supports companies in the energy-efficient optimisation of applications through retrofitting. As a first step, users can use the Nord ECO Quick Calculator online to estimate whether upgrading to a higher efficiency class is worthwhile and determine the expected break-even point for a retrofit.

Nord ECO then provides a real-time analysis of the application’s energy consumption. The system is installed between the drive and the power supply. Over a period of two months, it records data on sustained loads, peak loads and irregular operating conditions. In this way, Nord provides transparency regarding the energy that is actually used and that which is not. On this basis, the system provider draws up a proposal for the drive design, which can be used to improve the system’s performance and efficiency.

Configuration of drive systems with high efficiency.
Finally, Nord offers components that enable customers to put the recommendations into practice. Well-known examples are the IE5+ synchronous motor and the integrated gear unit/motor concept DuoDrive. In both cases, permanent-magnet synchronous motors achieve a high level of efficiency that exceeds that of the highest energy efficiency class (IE5). They also deliver constant torque across a wide speed range. This makes it possible to reduce the number of variants.

@NORD_Drive @mepaxIntPR #Sustainability #PAuto

A Strategic European Champion in industrial robotics.

2026-11-09T14:50:42.169+00:00

Industrial robots support advanced manufacturing processes across strategic industries with their variety, speed and precision.

As European nations increase investments in security, the ability to manufacture strategically important systems within Europe has become a critical priority. From aerospace systems, communication equipment, batteries and advanced sensor technologies, modern defence manufacturing increasingly depends on highly automated and resilient production. In this environment, Stäubli offers significant strategic value as Europe's leading robotics manufacturer.

Supporting European industrial sovereignty.
Robotics is an industry in transition. In the past decade, ownership of Europe's largest industrial robot manufacturers has shifted outside the continent. German manufacturer KUKA has been fully owned by China's Midea Group since 2022. Comau, founded in Italy, came under majority ownership of a U.S. private equity firm, One Equity Partners, in 2025. Swedish-Swiss ABB Group agreed in 2025 to sell its robotics division to Japan’s SoftBank Group (see also "Robotics Divested!" 5/11/20267).

Industrial robots are essential to modern manufacturing and play a critical role not only in defence and security, but also in sectors ranging from semiconductors and pharmaceuticals to automotive and energy. As European companies across sectors seek to reduce dependencies and improve supply chain resilience, Stäubli—as the last major manufacturer of industrial robots to remain independently European-owned—offers a trusted source of advanced automation technology.

Stäubli’s European operations have been anchored in Faverges (F) for over a century. Today, the Robotics Division’s core development and manufacturing are centred there, combining engineering excellence with local production capabilities, ensuring direct customer support, secure supply chains, and long-term technological independence. Its presence helps ensure that critical industrial capabilities remain developed, produced and supported within Europe.

Driving innovation and delivering trusted technology.
For decades, Stäubli has been recognised for its expertise in highly demanding sectors such as life sciences, semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and clean energy. The company's high-performance industrial robots are known worldwide for their precision, reliability, cleanroom capabilities and long service life, which make them particularly well suited for mission-critical production environments. In strategically sensitive sectors, Stäubli's independent European ownership offers an additional layer of confidence: reduced exposure to shifting export controls and geopolitical risk, and a supply chain that remains accountable within Europe.

A strategic asset for Europe's future.
As Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing continue to accelerate, robotics will play an increasingly important role in Europe's economic future. Stäubli represents far more than a successful industrial company. It reflects European engineering expertise, technological innovation, industrial capabilities, and a strong commitment to long-term competitiveness, all of which contribute to Europe's evolving industrial landscape.

At a time when strategic technologies are advancing rapidly across the globe, the continued development of a strong European robotics ecosystem remains an important factor in supporting industrial innovation and competitiveness. Stäubli's ongoing growth contributes to the expansion of advanced manufacturing capabilities, supports efforts to strengthen industrial value chains, and reinforces Europe's position as a leading participant in the global industrial sector for years to come.

@StaubliRobots @EU_Growth @PresseBox @UnnGmbh #Robotics #PAuto #Robotics #Europe

New MD appointed for electronics group.

2026-11-06T11:06:33.250+00:00

Nick Bartholomew has been appointed Managing Director of Lane Electronics and Weald Electronics, a long-established manufacturer of rugged circular connectors serving the aerospace, motorsport, industrial and transportation markets.

Nick Bartholomew

Nick brings more than 26 years of senior leadership experience in defence, rail and aerospace prime contracting. He has led major business units and programme teams operating in complex, safety-critical environments. His career spans sales, contracts, purchasing, operations and major transformation programmes, giving him deep insight into customer expectations, supply-chain performance and the technical demands of mission-critical markets.

A Sussex native, Nick is passionate about strengthening UK manufacturing supply chain resilience, accelerating product innovation and driving growth in fast-paced, high-reliability markets. He is particularly excited to lead two organisations renowned for customer service, technical expertise, customisation and responsive delivery.

Outside work, Nick lives in Sussex with his wife, Sarah, and their three daughters. He is a long-standing Brighton & Hove Albion supporter and an enthusiastic padel player and paddleboarder.

Nick Bartholomew says: “I am energised by the opportunity to lead Lane Electronics and Weald Electronics into their next phase of growth, building on strong foundations and expanding their presence in existing and emerging markets. A key opportunity is to bring our motorsport experience to a wider range of sectors, helping customers meet demanding connectivity requirements where reliability, customisation and responsive delivery matter.”

Lane Electronics supplies LF, power, RF and fibre-optic connectors and cable assemblies that are widely used in defence and security applications. It is a franchised distributor for many of the industry’s leading electrical and electronic connector manufacturers, including Eaton Souriau, HUBER+SUHNER, Weald Electronics, HellermannTyton, IEH, Positronic, Axon’, Nicomatic and LEMO. The company has supplied connectivity solutions for more than 60 years.

With design, manufacturing and test facilities at its Slinfold Lodge headquarters in Sussex, Weald Electronics can tailor connector solutions to meet customers’ specific requirements on short lead times. It also provides bespoke, value-added electrical and optical termination services for connector products.

@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #PAuto #Electrical

Automation and health partnership announced.

2026-11-06T08:39:20.450+00:00

The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) Society — a society supporting the international PHM community across all sectors and domains — have signed a technical partnership agreement to advance their shared goals.

The two organisations have agreed to plan for contributions to the other’s events and to collaborate on standards development. As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), ISA can identify existing ISA committees where PHM experts can participate and create new standards writing committees where both organisations agree that technical areas overlap.

Claire Fallon

"This partnership brings together two communities that depend on reliable, data-driven insight into industrial systems," said Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA. "By working with the PHM Society, we can connect our standards and certification expertise with their research and practitioner network, which benefits members on both sides."

The PHM Society holds conferences in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region bringing together original equipment manufacturers, technology companies, academic institutions, and public research and development organisations. The Society also carries out professional development programs that add value to the broader PHM community.

ISA hosts the ISA Automation Summit & Expo and the Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity Summit each year, in addition to developing widely used global standards and conformity assessment programs, certifying professionals, providing education and training, and publishing books and technical articles. It also offers networking and career development programs for members and customers worldwide.

"The PHM Society seeks technical partnerships that create mutual value, and ISA's automation expertise is a strong match for our goals," said Andrew Hess, president of the PHM Society. “We look forward to collaborating on programs that serve engineers, researchers, and organisations working in prognostics and health management."

@phmsociety @ISA_Automation @automation_com #Health #Automation

Robotics divested!

2026-11-05T11:00:01.124+00:00

ABB has announced that it had signed an agreement to divest its Robotics division to SoftBank Group Corp. (SoftBank) for an enterprise value of $5.375 billion (€4.75b).

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The process to obtain the regulatory approvals is managed by SoftBank. ABB confirms that it has been informed by SoftBank that the Office of the Working Mechanism for Foreign Investment Security Review in China has prohibited the acquisition of the ABB Robotics business in China. ABB and SoftBank are in close dialogue and are working constructively on the transaction.

@ABBRobotics @SoftBank_Group @ABBgroupnews @abb_automation #PAuto #Robotics

Rugged tablet is tops in Ai.

2026-11-05T10:42:36.767+00:00

The new Durabook R12 available from Bressner combines rugged tablet technology with up to 412 TOPS of Ai computing performance for demanding industrial and mobile field applications. Unveiled last month (Oct 2026) the new system combines high-performance Ai computing with an exceptionally rugged design, making it ideal for demanding applications in industrial environments, defense, public safety, and field service operations. The R12 is now available from Bressner.

Powerful Edge Ai for demanding applications.
Powered by an Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3 processor (Panther Lake), the Durabook R12 delivers up to 180 TOPS of integrated Ai performance through its combined CPU, GPU, and NPU architecture. With the optional Nvidia® RTX™ 2000 Ada GPU, total Ai computing performance increases to an impressive 412 TOPS. This enables demanding Ai workloads, image and video analysis, and sensor data processing to be performed directly in the field, without relying on a continuous cloud connection.

The 12.2-inch WUXGA display (1920 × 1200) features DynaVue® technology and delivers up to 1,200 nits of brightness, ensuring excellent readability even in direct sunlight. Optional multi-touch functionality supports different operating modes, including glove, stylus, and wet-touch input.

Rugged, versatile, and built for the field.
The R12 meets MIL-STD-810H requirements, withstands drops from heights of up to 1.83 meters, and features an IP66 rating for protection against dust and powerful water jets. With an operating temperature range of –29°C to +63°C, along with MIL-STD-461G and ANSI/UL Class I, Division 2 certifications, the tablet is well suited for extreme industrial and security-critical environments.

For seamless integration into existing infrastructures, the tablet offers two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and optional 5G/4G LTE connectivity. Modular expansion options allow additional interfaces and card readers to be integrated according to specific application requirements.

The dual-battery design with optional hot-swap functionality supports uninterrupted field operations and provides up to 20 hours of battery life when equipped with two high-capacity batteries. An optional detachable keyboard transforms the tablet into a versatile 2-in-1 computing solution.

Combining rugged hardware, powerful Ai capabilities, and flexible configuration options, the Durabook R12 is ideally suited for applications such as industrial condition monitoring, mobile maintenance operations, AI-powered image analysis, and tactical deployments in the defense sector.

@BRESSNER_Tech @DURABOOK @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #PAuto

Acquisition compliments analytical portfolio.

2026-11-05T09:42:38.029+00:00

PCR-based molecular analyses complement process and laboratory applications.

Endress+Hauser has now acquired the remaining shares in Endress+Hauser BioSense from Hahn-Schickard GmbH. As a result, the company has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Endress+Hauser Group. Endress+Hauser BioSense develops PCR-based detection systems for rapid molecular analysis directly on site.

Dr Mirko Lehmann

Technology expands process analytics.
With this acquisition, Endress+Hauser is strengthening its portfolio for analytical and quality measurements. Endress+Hauser BioSense technology complements traditional process analysis techniques and enables rapid PCR analyses without the need for a fully equipped laboratory or specially trained personnel. In the beverage industry, for example, this technology allows beer to be tested for specific microorganisms directly on site to detect potential contamination at an early stage. Other applications in the food & beverage, water quality and life sciences sectors, as well as in data centers, cover industries and fields in which Endress+Hauser is already active.

“Solutions of Endress+Hauser BioSense bring molecular analysis closer to the process and open up additional opportunities for our customers to monitor quality and hygiene. With this full acquisition, we aim to further develop the technology in a targeted manner and integrate it even more closely with our existing portfolio for process and laboratory applications,” says Dr Mirko Lehmann, Chief Technology Officer at Endress+Hauser. Successful collaboration as the foundation for further development

Endress+Hauser BioSense was founded in 2021 as a joint venture between Endress+Hauser and Hahn-Schickard in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, and today employs 15 people. The goal of the partnership was to adapt technologies from molecular diagnostics for use in industrial process and laboratory automation. Endress+Hauser previously held a 75 percent stake, while Hahn-Schickard held 25 percent.

Professor Roland Zengerle

Hahn-Schickard contributed its expertise in microfluidic technology to the collaboration. Together, the two companies developed a solution for industrial process and laboratory automation. With the acquisition of the remaining shares, Endress+Hauser will now continue to develop PCR-based analysis systems of Endress+Hauser BioSense under its sole responsibility.

“Endress+Hauser BioSense is the result of a close and trusting collaboration. Together, we have succeeded in combining our expertise in microfluidics and molecular diagnostics with Endress+Hauser’s experience in industrial applications. We are pleased that the jointly developed technology will now be continued and further developed under the Endress+Hauser umbrella,” says Professor Roland Zengerle, director of the Hahn-Schickard Institute.

@Endress_US @Endress_Hauser @Endress_UK #PAuto

Static pressure and differential pressure simultaneously.

2026-11-04T12:21:56.190+00:00

Highly accurate differential pressure measurement for calibration technology, pressure laboratories and aerospace.

The model CPT8900 differential pressure transducer from WIKA, introduces a high-precision sensor for the most demanding measuring requirements. It measures static pressure and differential pressure simultaneously, enabling it to compensate for common-mode effects, i.e. the influence of static pressure on differential pressure measurement, while measuring the actual differential pressure via a second measuring cell. The result is stable, reliable measured values for applications in calibration technology, pressure laboratories and aerospace, to name a few. With static accuracy down to 0.008 % IS-33 or 0.01 % FS and differential accuracy down to 0.03 % FS, the CPT8900 is unique in the market for highly accurate differential pressure sensors.

With many so-called differential pressure transducers, the difference is merely calculated from the values of two separate sensors. However, this reduces accuracy, as the uncertainties of the individual sensors are added together mathematically. The CPT8900, on the other hand, measures differential pressure directly by measuring the pressure on opposite sides of a single sensor.

The CPT8900 covers static pressure ranges from 0 … 340 mbar to 0 … 17 bar and differential ranges from ±12.5 mbar to -1 … 100 bar. Static line pressure ranges and differential ranges can be combined during configuration. Temperature compensation extends over 0 … 50 °C. With a resolution of eight significant digits and a calibration interval of 365 days, the CPT8900 offers excellent long-term stability. Communication is possible via USB, RS-232 or RS-485 interfaces. The RS-485 variant supports multidrop operation and enables simple wiring.

This instrument is ideal for OEM instruments that require a highly accurate pressure transducer, such as pressure controllers, flow or humidity calibrators. It also plays a central role in aerospace. Manufacturers of air data test sets (ADTS) use such sensors in test instruments that are used to test and calibrate aircraft cockpit instruments, for example. The model CPA8001 ADTS from WIKA also uses this sensor. Other fields of use include wind tunnel calibration, automotive sensor tests, filter monitoring in building services, as well as hydrology and oceanography.

@WIKANews #PAuto #TandM

Expanded gas emissions monitoring.

2026-11-04T11:58:00.430+00:00

Next-generation fixed optical gas imaging solution combines continuous monitoring with enhanced detection, analytics, and versatile camera options.

The new capabilities for FLIR's ADGiLE™ automated gas emissions monitoring system has been introduced, extending continuous, autonomous gas detection beyond traditional oil and gas applications to new markets, including ammonia and ethylene detection. ADGiLE (Autonomous Detection of Gas Leaks and Emissions) combines optical gas imaging (OGI), advanced gas detection analytics, and an enhanced user interface to help operators quickly identify emissions and respond with greater confidence.

The new ADGiLE solution expands beyond the original methane-focused system with a broader range of camera options to address different gases, applications, and site requirements. The platform can be configured with uncooled cameras for methane detection or cooled cameras for broad hydrocarbon and VOC detection, while visual and thermal imaging can be combined for more comprehensive site surveillance. Pan-tilt functionality further extends coverage, allowing a single system to monitor multiple areas and equipment across expansive sites. An ATEX-rated housing is also available for pan-tilt configurations deployed in hazardous areas.

At the heart of the system is an advanced detection and incident management process designed to distinguish genuine emission events from potential false alarms. ADGiLE analyzes gas detection across successive image sequences while taking account of environmental factors such as wind speed, temperature differential, rain, and more. This capability helps provide more meaningful alerts, reducing the need for operators to investigate every possible indication manually.

The system also provides greater visibility of emission events through its user interface, with live system views, incident playback, historical information, graphical event data, and access via web or mobile devices. Text alerts can link directly to incidents, allowing users to assess events remotely, instigate appropriate action and distinguish between operational emissions and fugitive leaks.

“ADGiLE represents an important evolution of our automated gas emissions monitoring technology,” said Craig O’Neill, Global Director of Product and Market Strategy, Optical Gas Imaging, Teledyne FLIR. “By combining FLIR’s proven OGI technology with intelligent analytics and greater camera flexibility, we give operators continuous visibility of emissions across their facilities. We can also help them distinguish genuine problems from conditions that might otherwise generate unnecessary alarms. The result is a more systematic and scalable approach to identifying and addressing emissions before they become larger operational or environmental issues.”

Practical field applications for ADGiLE include monitoring and identifying emissions from tanks, vent links, valves, pipelines, separators, and other equipment in a wide variety of oil and gas applications including processing plants, bulk gas terminals, and well-pad environments.

Ultimately, ADGiLE provides operators with continuous monitoring across the oil and gas supply chain, helping to improve situational awareness and reduce emissions in support of safer and more efficient operations.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #Gas #Emissions

Membership of certification program announced.

2026-11-04T11:44:24.549+00:00

Strengthens adoption of ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Standards

Abbott Risk Consulting (ARC) Ltd. has officially joined ISASecure®.

ARC offers consultancy services across Britain and Australia including risk management; safety engineering, assurance and verification; independent safety assessment; training; functional safety; cybersecurity; and more. ARC focuses on supporting clients with the design, operation, and decommissioning of facilities, plants, and assets in high-risk industries including oil and gas, nuclear, defense, rail, mining, and clean energy.

This new partnership with ISASecure reflects ARC’s ongoing mission to strengthen their knowledge and assistance in providing additional operational technology (OT) cybersecurity consulting and assessments — including ISASecure’s Security Development Lifecycle Assurance (SDLA), Component Security Assurance (CSA), System Security Assurance (SSA), and Automation Control System Security Assurance (ACSSA) — for their clients.

“It is an honor to welcome ARC Ltd. into the ISASecure program, and we look forward to engaging with them as students in the next IC49 ACSSA for Evaluators training course,” said Mark DeAngelo, ISASecure program manager. “Today’s critical infrastructure demands comprehensive, rigorously validated cybersecurity. We look forward to collaborating with ARC Ltd. as we advance our mission of partnership, certification, and standards-based product development to help achieve a more secure world.”

Tom Abbott, who leads ARC's Cyber Security team, said: "Control system security standards are a fundamental part of the architecture of resilient systems. By joining ISASecure, we're fully committed to upholding these standards now and influencing their development in the future."

@ISA_Automation @automation_com #ARC #Cybersecurity #PAuto #Britain #Australia

Investment for multi-core fibre testing capability.

2026-11-04T11:13:33.289+00:00

Prepares engineers for multi-core fibre deployment with practical testing expertise and field-ready measurement capabilities.

The British installation specialist Birch Technical Services has invested in Anritsu’s Multi Channel Fibre Tester MT9100A, becoming the first installation contractor in the EMEA region to own the instrument.

With the investment in the MT9100A, Birch Technical Services is extending its in-house testing capabilities into multi-core fibre. The company brings experience across fibre network design, installation, fusion splicing, testing and certification, as the optical communications industry explores new approaches to increasing transmission capacity. Frame Communications, an Anritsu distributor in the UK and Ireland, helped facilitate the sale, providing engineering-led pre-sales and on-site support. Its involvement highlights the value of regional partners in driving local sales.

LtoR: Birch Technical ServicesRep, Andy Cole,, Sophie Barc (Anritsu), Matt Birch (Birch Technical Services), Paul Cattell (Frame Communications), Mike Field (Frame Communications)

Multi-core fibre uses multiple independent cores within a single cladding to increase transmission capacity through space division multiplexing, creating a need to measure inter-core crosstalk alongside conventional optical transmission characteristics. Anritsu’s MT9100A addresses these requirements with single-ended testing, removing the need for an operator or measurement instrument at the far end.

The MT9100A simultaneously measures attenuation loss, return loss and crosstalk across up to four connected cores, improving efficiency compared with sequential power-meter testing. Automatic pass/fail judgement supports troubleshooting, while its portable, battery-powered design enables laboratory and field use.

“Multi-core fibre has huge potential, but making it practical to deploy means giving engineers the right tools to test and troubleshoot it. That’s exactly where the MT9100A fits. We can support customers not just with the technology, but with the knowledge and training needed to use it effectively,” said Sophie Barc, UK & Ireland Director Sales at Anritsu.

“Our engineers have spent years getting fibre characterisation right on conventional networks, and multi-core is the next step. Being the first installation contractor in the EMEA region with the MT9100A puts us in a position to support customers as their multi-core requirements come through, rather than waiting for the market to arrive,” said Matt Birch, Director, Birch Technical Services. The investment provides a foundation for developing the practical skills, measurement workflows and field experience needed to support customers as multi-core fibre moves towards wider adoption.

@Anritsu @AnritsuEMEA @NapierPR #TandM #Communications #Britain

Innovative flow cell for in-line conductivity.

2026-11-04T10:52:21.765+00:00

A new Flow Cell for Conductivity Measurement has been introduced by Innovative Sensor Technology (iST). THi is a compact and easy-to-integrate solution designed for reliable in-line conductivity measurement of liquid media. The new flow cell enables rapid evaluation, straightforward system integration, and simplified sensor handling, making it an ideal choice for engineers and developers working in industrial laboratories, and process monitoring environments.

"With this new flow cell, we provide customers with a practical, ready-to-use evaluation platform that significantly simplifies the implementation of conductivity measurements," said Julia Schläpfer, Team leader R&D Advanced Sensing Principles, "By combining proven sensor technology with an easy-to-integrate flow cell design, users can accelerate development and validate applications more efficiently."

The flow cell incorporates iST's proven conductivity sensor 158615, optimized for conductivity ranges from 2 mS/cm to 20 mS/cm. Its compact design allows seamless integration into existing systems, while the modular construction facilitates quick sensor installation and effortless replacement when required.

A key feature of the new solution is the integrated rear-side connector, which enables simple and reliable connection to digital readout electronics. This reduces development effort and accelerates evaluation and prototyping processes, helping customers shorten time-to-market for new applications.

The flow cell combines conductivity measurement with integrated temperature monitoring through a soldered Pt1000 temperature sensor (IEC 60751 Class F0.3). Designed to operate in temperatures ranging from −30°C to +100°C, the device delivers dependable performance across a wide variety of liquid measurement applications.

The new flow cell is available in sample quantities in the iST webshop and complements iST's portfolio of chemical sensors and measurement solutions for industrial, medical, environmental, and analytical applications.

@Endress_Hauser @Endress_UK @Endress_US #iSTAG #PAuto

Plant of the Year.

2026-11-04T10:34:29.439+00:00

Recognising innovative approach to preserving HART investments while advancing digital connectivity.

FieldComm Group, the global industrial automation standards organisation defining open, interoperable standards for industrial communication, device management, and enterprise connectivity, has named Tianxin Pharmaceutical (Jiangxi) Co., Ltd. its 2026 Plant of the Year, recognising the company's innovative use of HART-IP over Ethernet-APL to modernise pharmaceutical manufacturing, improve operational efficiency and establish a scalable foundation for future growth.

Located in Leping, Jiangxi Province, China, Tianxin's modernisation project supports more than 40,000 signal points across 15 main production workshops, including over 12,000 Ethernet-APL intelligent instruments. By bringing HART-IP communications directly to the field over Ethernet-APL, Tianxin has created a more efficient digital infrastructure while preserving the HART knowledge, tools and workflows familiar to its operations and maintenance teams.

"Tianxin Pharmaceutical exemplifies what the FieldComm Group Plant of the Year Award is all about, turning technology innovation into meaningful operational results," said Ted Masters, President and CEO of FieldComm Group. "Their implementation demonstrates that manufacturers don't have to choose between protecting proven investments and advancing digitalisation. By bringing Ethernet-APL and HART-IP together, Tianxin is establishing a practical model for smarter, more connected industrial operations."

Driven by evolving production requirements and stringent safety regulations, Tianxin's modernisation delivers measurable results, including:

Lower costs: Approximately 400 km less cabling and 80% less cable-tray space.
Faster commissioning: 10 months in commissioning now, reduced 3~5 months compared with previous.
Improved safety: Intrinsically safe instrument spur wiring for hazardous-area operations.
Greater flexibility: Simplified plant modifications and future expansion.

The project brings together technologies from multiple industrial automation suppliers, with SUPCON serving as Tianxin's distributed control system (DCS) provider and supplying approximately 60% of the intelligent field instruments. The remaining instruments are sourced from other manufacturers, demonstrating the value of an interoperable, multivendor architecture.

"It is a great honor to be named FieldComm Group's 2026 Plant of the Year," said Mr. Tang Yong, Deputy Chief Engineer of Tianxin Pharmaceutical. "Our goal was to create a safer, more efficient and adaptable manufacturing environment. HART-IP over Ethernet-APL has helped us achieve this while building on our existing HART expertise. We are grateful to FieldComm Group, SUPCON and our industry partners for their contributions and look forward to continued collaboration and innovation."

Tianxin is applying lessons from its Jiangxi modernisation project to its greenfield manufacturing development in Qingtongxia, Ningxia. Its achievement reflects the purpose of FieldComm Group's annual Plant of the Year Award, which recognises industrial facilities demonstrating exceptional use of FieldComm Group technologies to improve plant operations, maintenance and asset performance.

• See also Plant of the Year for communications and connectivity. (14 Nov 2025)

@FieldCommGroup #Tianxin_Pharma #PAuto #Standard

Less damp saves energy.

2026-11-04T09:58:56.090+00:00

Accurate and stable dew point sensors can deliver substantial energy savings in the measurement and management of dehumidification during battery manufacture. In the following article Vaisala's Product line Manager Antti Viitanen explains why.

Antti Viitanen

Dry rooms in battery manufacturing are among the most energy-intensive industrial environments. Maintaining dew point conditions at -40°C or below demands substantial energy for continuous dehumidification. This requirement is an unavoidable consequence of battery chemistries and a must for keeping process conditions safe, but there is a lever available to reduce energy consumption which is often overlooked: the accuracy of the dew point sensor driving dehumidification controls.

If dew point sensors are prone to drift and only serviced once a year, dehumidification controls will need to use a conservative set point to compensate for that measurement uncertainty, and the result is that a dry room is often operating many degrees in dew point drier than it needs to be. An additional 2°C of dehumidification can be worth approximately 30% more energy consumption than necessary. The good news is that same 2 degrees of excess drying can be recovered with accurate and stable dew point measurement, translating directly into 30% energy savings —without any change to target dry room conditions or product quality.

Why 2°C has such an outsized effect.
The relationship between target dew point and dehumidification energy is not linear. As the target dew point drops, the energy required to remove moisture from air increases exponentially. At -40°C dew point, even small deviations carry disproportionate energy consequences. Moving the practical operating point by just 2°C, from -42°C back to -40°C, reduces the reactivation heat load on the dehumidifier significantly enough to deliver savings. At lower set points such as -45°C or -50°C, the savings from tightening control are even greater.

This is why the dew point sensor should be at the centre of the dehumidification control loop. If the sensor reads 2°C wetter than reality, the dehumidifier works harder than necessary. If the sensor reads 2°C drier than reality, the operator risks running out of spec. In either case, inaccurate measurement represents a potential cost in energy, yield, product quality and process safety.

Battery manufacture dry room with Vaisala DRYCAP® Dew Po int and Temperature Probe DMP1

How accurate sensors close the gap.
Vaisala's DRYCAP® technology addresses drift at the sensor level through two integrated mechanisms. The first is an auto-calibration feature that applies heat to the sensor periodically and uses the resulting cooling curve to apply a correction offset, effectively restoring the sensor’s baseline automatically and before meaningful sensor drift is able to accumulate. The second is a sensor purge function that evaporates chemical contaminants before they can alter the measurement. Together, these features deliver measurement stability that allows standard calibration intervals to be extended to two years in clean applications. That level of reliability significantly reduces the uncertainty that forces designers to add safety margin to their set points.

Sensor placement reinforces this. Controls that rely primarily on a dew point probe measuring return air from the dry room, rather than supply air from the dehumidifier, provide the most direct and stable representation of actual room conditions. Return air measurement accounts for the actual moisture load inside the room, even when people and process contributions vary, and gives the dehumidifier control loop the most actionable signal. With a well-placed, stable, calibrated sensor on the return air duct the dehumidifier can be adjusted to match the real drying need rather than the worst-case assumption.

Accuracy as an energy strategy.
The energy cost of battery dry room operation is not going to decrease as the industry scales. Gigafactories run multiple large dehumidifiers continuously, 24 hours a day. The compounding effect of over-drying across that installed base is significant. A 30% reduction in dehumidification energy across a full production facility is a meaningful number in both operating cost and CO2 terms. The path to that reduction does not require new process specifications or changes to battery chemistry. It is achievable through sensors that are accurate, stable, and properly maintained. For manufacturers who have not reviewed their sensor calibration program recently, or who are unsure whether their current set points include an unnecessary safety buffer, that is the starting point.

Accurate dew point measurement is not just about quality control. In the dry room, it is one of the most direct levers for energy efficiency available.

@VaisalaGroup @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Energy

Connectors save space.

2026-11-04T09:00:58.255+00:00

The release of Samtec's 10 mm stack height, AcceleRate® mP (UDM6, UDF6) combination signal pin and power blade connectors have been announced. The dual functionality of digital signaling and high power eliminates the need for additional connectors, reducing overall PCB space without sacrificing functionality. As a result, AcceleRate® mP connectors suit any application requiring signal/power routing versatility in a small footprint, including datacom, 5G/6G wireless networks, industrial automation and robotics, military and aerospace, and instrumentation.

To reduce crowding in the connector and provide uniform cooling, power blades are positioned parallel to the connector body length. This blade placement is a 90° shift compared to common power systems in the industry and enables optimized heat dissipation with a high current-carrying capacity of up to 15 A per blade and a voltage rating of 200 VAC or 283 VDC.

The open-pin-field design of the high-density array side of the connector supports 64 Gbps PAM4 (32 Gbps NRZ) and encourages routing flexibility. This means a designer can simultaneously run single-ended signals, differential-pair signals, and lower-speed power using specialized pin assignments based on specific application requirements. Ground paths can be strategically placed to reduce crosstalk and control impedance.

To further design-in flexibility, a variety of pin and blade options are available at both 5 mm and 10 mm stack heights. The open-pin-field design provides 60, 120, 180, or 240 total pins on a six-row grid, while 4, 6, 8, or 10 high-power blade options are available.

Severe Environment Testing, also known as SET, is a Samtec initiative to test products beyond typical industry standards and specifications to ensure they are more than suitable for rugged, harsh environments. SET products are approved for Class D missions that require high-reliability, quick-turn, and cost-effective solutions for LEO satellites, SmallSats, CubeSats, and other space exploration applications. AcceleRate mP (UDM6, UDF6) connectors are SET certified.

@SamtecInc @TechWireIntl #Electronics #PAuto #Connectors

Industrial sensors meet CRA.

2026-10-30T09:27:35.125+00:00

The Cyber Resilience Act introduces new requirements for connected digital products. Herbert Koebel, Senior Expoer R&D Software at Leuze, addresses these requirements through systematic threat analysis, secure sensor architectures, authenticated access and security updates throughout the planned product lifecycle.

In 2024, the EU enacted the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA (EU) 2024/2847), a cybersecurity regulation that will come into effect in phases: Starting September 11, 2026, manufacturers of products with digital elements will be required to report serious security incidents and actively exploited vulnerabilities to a central EU platform (Single Reporting Platform). In January 2027, the new Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will take effect, setting specific requirements for cybersecurity and digital safety components. From December 2027, all new digital products placed on the market must be CRA-compliant. For manufacturers, this means they must assess and document cyber risks, establish a “Secure Development Life Cycle,” and may only bring products to market that are protected against cyberattacks in accordance with the current state of the art.

Cybersecurity for connected industrial systems.
This is particularly important for industrial automation: In many industrial environments, legacy systems operate alongside modern digital systems. As machinery and control systems usually remain in use for many years, vulnerabilities can persist for a long time. At the same time, as connectivity increases, so does the attack surface. Even minor security vulnerabilities can result in production downtime or the loss of sensitive operational data. This is exactly where the CRA comes in: It is designed to ensure the security of devices with digital components – including many Leuze sensors – during development, operation, and throughout the entire product lifecycle. An important factor here is the ability to receive updates. The CRA requires that security updates be technically feasible and that manufacturers make them available as needed. Users thus benefit from products that are developed, operated, and supported in accordance with the latest security standards.

How manufacturers implement the requirements.
Leuze began integrating the CRA’s requirements into its development and production processes at an early stage. The company’s many years of expertise in the field of safety – that is, workplace safety and personal protection – facilitated its expansion into security processes that ensure the protection of systems and networks against external attack scenarios. Both fields require comparable strategies and processes. The cornerstones of implementation are:

Security by design – digital products are developed in accordance with cybersecurity’s current state of the art. In the context of sensors, this specifically means that their architecture has been enhanced for security and includes, among other things, secure boot and file systems: Upon startup, the loaded software is validated and verified using security features on the device hardware. Data on the sensors is protected against tampering, and the system architecture enables encrypted data transmission over the sensors’ communication channels.
Security by default – the factory settings are designed to be cyber-secure by default, and all optional interfaces are disabled. Every user access must be authenticated. Sensors can be reset to factory settings at any time, and customer-specific data can be deleted.
Update capability – digital products in operation can be updated to the latest security standards. Where appropriate, updates are enabled via the process interface. If an update fails, the system reverts to the previous secure state.

Cyber Resilience Act: Security as an integral part of Leuze sensors.
How the CRA Is changing product development: Security considerations are incorporated into every phase of the development process for new sensors. This includes:

Systematic threat analysis: Leuze creates a risk matrix that examines and evaluates potential attack scenarios.
Minimizing attack surfaces: Strict security requirements are integrated right from the product development stage.
Providing security updates: Leuze defines lifecycles for the entire service life of its sensors. These lifecycles determine the duration of support and govern product succession. Leuze ensures that customers receive regular updates throughout the products’ planned service life. These updates ensure functionality and address identified vulnerabilities. In addition, mechanisms are being developed to enable the simultaneous updating of all Leuze products within a system.
Documentation: Comprehensive documentation is created for each product to help customers use them safely.
Vulnerability management and reporting: Leuze has established processes to identify and manage vulnerabilities and ensure rapid reporting in the event of an emergency within the timeframes specified in the CRA.

Supporting CRA implementation.
As a partner for secure sensor solutions, Leuze guides product users through the transition period until the CRA is fully implemented. The sensor manufacturer provides information on the requirements and shares best-practice approaches. Customers receive guidance on their questions regarding the CRA – from selecting suitable products to ensuring their safe integration into existing systems. Information services include:

Customized consultation: Experts are on hand to assist customers in evaluating their systems and components.
Application recommendations: Leuze provides specific guidance on how to operate sensors and control systems safely.
Documentation support: Customers receive assistance in preparing the necessary technical documentation.
Information on reporting procedures: Leuze explains how to report security incidents and what steps to take in the event of an emergency.

@LeuzeUK @LeuzeUSA @EU_Commission @mepaxIntPR #EUR_Lex

Security not a fence problem.

2026-10-29T12:02:59.111+00:00

Power infrastructure, including early fire detection at the substation, has become the most consequential and most overlooked part of the data centre perimeter.

Most data centre security discussions focus on the perimeter, with cameras, access controls, and intrusion detection aimed outward, assuming that the internal area requires protection. However, on a modern campus, many of the assets most critical to operational uptime are located outside the building in the utility yard. These assets include transformers, switchgear, and grid interconnections.

That equipment now represents the most critical part of the property. According to Uptime Institute's 2026 Annual Outage Analysis, power remains the primary cause of significant outages at 45%, surpassing cooling, network, and software issues. Furthermore, 57 percent of operators reported that their most recent major outage cost more than $100,000, with 20 percent exceeding $1 million. An event at the substation isn't merely a security concern with operational implications; it is an outage.

A fence marks the boundary but does not indicate the condition inside or whether the movement is a technician, an animal, or an unauthorised individual.

What a perimeter alarm was never meant to detect.
On March 20, 2025, a fire at the North Hyde substation in west London cut power to Heathrow Airport, which was closed for about 16 hours and disrupted more than1,000 flights. NESO's final report (pdf) revealed excess moisture in substation components — an issue identified in 2018 that was never fixed — and a fire suppression system that had been inoperable since at least 2022.

No intruder, no data centre, no alarm.
The failure arose over years due to the asset's deteriorating condition, a type of risk that perimeter security isn't designed to detect, and that scheduled inspections failed to catch it early. This situation is a clear, recent example of why the substation needs a dedicated security solution rather than just an extension of the fence line.

The security version of this problem is even subtler. Intrusions in utility yards, transformer interference, and tampering often produce no alarms at all because nothing was cut, forced, or crossed in a way that traditional sensors would detect. The event that actually matters can appear identical to an inconsequential one.

Cameras alone cannot protect what they cannot differentiate.
A utility yard is constantly in motion: wildlife passes through, vegetation shifts, and technicians work on a schedule — sometimes unexpectedly. Video alone offers an image of this activity but cannot interpret it. The crucial difference is identifying whether a person, animal, or piece of equipment is behaving abnormally, which determines whether dispatch is necessary.

Radar and thermal technologies address different parts of this challenge. The Flir R-190 and R-290 ground radars detect the location, direction, and speed of objects in the yard. Thermal imaging maintains sight of targets in darkness without extra lighting, which is often impractical. Multispectral cameras like the Flir FH-Series and the PT-Series AI SR combine both capabilities, enabling confirmation and identification from a single device.

Radar confirms the presence of an object, thermal imaging clarifies its identity when visual cues are insufficient, and visible imaging provides detailed information for decision-making. In a utility yard, this sequence, detection, identification, and detailed inspection, is what distinguishes a reason to dispatch from a reason to dismiss.

Heat is a security signal and a reliability signal.
The same thermal layer that watches the yard for people also monitors equipment temperature. Several conditions may appear as thermal anomalies well before they become visible failures: a transformer running hot, a loose connection, or a degrading bushing.

"Regular inspections and temperature trending are essential because they reveal developing faults early, keeping substations stable, safe, and reliably performing under load," says Darrell Taylor, Director of Business Development for Condition Monitoring, EMEA at Teledyne Flir.

This is where the substation argument stops being a security argument. Continuous thermal monitoring of transformers and switchgear flags developing electrical faults early enough to schedule the intervention rather than absorb the outage. The detection layer is the same. The budget it serves is not.

Two budgets, one asset.
That dual role is the practical complication in most buying conversations. Facilities and utility teams own the power equipment, while security teams own the perimeter. The substation sits between them, and neither group may consider its protection entirely its responsibility. This division causes gaps that persist even at sites where every other security layer is well specified.

Naming it early tends to help, because a single deployment can serve both cases, and the operational argument that equipment failures take the site down is one both groups already accept. Flir Nexus® carries target information between connected systems so a yard detection moves into interior validation intact, and Latitude VMS or Cameleon gives both teams the same view of it.

The financial case is arriving independently. Insurers now treat data centres as a specialist, engineering-assessed risk class rather than a standard property occupancy: Swiss Re's sigma insights 07/2026 not, so a yard detection moves into interior validation intact, and Latitude VMS or Cameleon gives both teams the same views that underwriting these sites depends "not only on capacity, but on specialised technical assessment." One colocation provider recorded an 11 percent reduction in premium following deployment.

Compliance is becoming the trigger event.
Several requirements call for the documented monitoring of power assets.

NFPA 70B became a standard rather than a recommended practice in its 2023 edition, moving electrical maintenance from advisory to mandatory language and placing explicit weight on thermographic inspection. The 2026 edition is now current.

NERC CIP-014 warrants precise treatment because its scope is frequently overstated. It binds Transmission Owners and Operators, not to electrical loads, so a data centre's privately owned substation is generally outside its scope. The requirement instead governs qualifying utility transmission substations at connection points and calls for third-party-verified risk assessments and documented plans to deter, detect, delay, assess, communicate, and respond. That benchmark increasingly shapes what a campus next to it is expected to match.

FERC's July 2026 order in Docket RD26-7 goes further, directing NERC to develop reliability standards for large computational loads and draft registry criteria by the end of 2026 — the first time facilities of this type have been pulled toward the NERC framework directly.

State legislatures are moving faster still. More than 300 data-centre-related bills were filed in more than 30 states during the first six weeks of the 2026 session, and 27 states are considering legislation specifically targeting large-load customers (MultiState).

Regional considerations.
In the Britain, the substation argument is a grid-access argument. Their Energy Regulator Demand connections reform from their energy regulator (OFGEM), responded to a connection queue that grew from 41 GW to 125 GW between November 2024 and June 2025, roughly 50 GW of it from data centre projects. A connection that is difficult to obtain is an asset worth protecting on its own terms, and the sector's designation as Critical National Infrastructure pushes toward documented resilience rather than point-in-time checks.

Germany faces the same constraint more acutely: the German Datacentre Association identifies grid access as the industry's key bottleneck, with connection lead times in core locations such as Frankfurt often exceeding five years. In the US, the pressure instead takes the form of state oversight and scrutiny of interconnection.

The common thread is that power connectivity has become the scarcest resource a data centre owns. Protecting the building while leaving the yard to a fence and a camera inverts the actual order of risk. The substation is where security and uptime stop being separate conversations.

@flir @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #Datacentre

Converter & enclosure.

2026-10-28T09:56:57.852+00:00

Ready-to-install complete solution for fanless 12V, 19V or 24V DC power supply.

The PSZ-1111 enclosure kit for Bicker Elektronik's high-performance DC300WS DC/DC converter is now available. Consisting of a U-profile and cover, the robust aluminium enclosure turns the compact open-frame converter into an enclosed, ready-to-install assembly that can be integrated quickly and safely into systems and applications. Housed in the compact aluminium enclosure (155 x 65 x 25.5 mm), the converter delivers a fanless output power of 300 watts with an efficiency of up to 98%. A wide-range input of 6 to 36 VDC and jumper-selectable output voltages of 12V, 19V or 24V provide the necessary flexibility. The DC300WS is developed and manufactured and available directly from stock at Bicker Elektronik.

Robust aluminium enclosure for fast and secure integration.
The PSZ-1111 enclosure kit is precisely matched to the DC300WS DC/DC converter and contains all the components required for assembly: an aluminium U-profile enclosure and cover, the corresponding fixing screws, four M3 x 5 PCB mounting screws and a thermal pad to protect the components. With an overall height of just 25.5 mm, the enclosure solution fits neatly into existing system environments while saving space. The enclosed metal housing reliably protects the converter's electronics against mechanical influences and simplifies handling, installation and wiring within the device. Design engineers can download the datasheet and 3D STEP data for the enclosure, allowing integration to be planned precisely at the design stage. 300-watt DC/DC converter with up to 98% efficiency.

At the heart of the complete solution is the fanless DC300WS DC/DC converter, which delivers its full 300 watts at all three selectable output voltages of 12V, 19V and 24V. The wide input voltage range of 6 to 36 VDC reliably compensates for voltage dips and fluctuations. With an efficiency of up to 98%, the converter operates with particularly low losses. Its conduction-cooled design enables completely fanless operation, making it wear-free and silent. The use of durable polymer aluminium capacitors ensures a service life of more than 10 years. Even under the highly dynamic load changes of modern CPUs, such as those occurring with current processors in PL2 mode, the output voltage remains stable. A remote on/off function and output voltage compensation via sense lines for long supply cables are available as options.

Comprehensively protected for industrial and mobile applications.
For maximum operational reliability, the DC300WS features an internal input fuse, active reverse polarity protection, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and active overcurrent and short-circuit protection. The converter is designed for an operating temperature range of -20 to +70°C and for operating altitudes of up to 5,000 m. Typical applications for the complete converter and enclosure solution include fanless computer systems such as industrial PCs, panel and box PCs, Industry 4.0 / IIoT, gateways, sensors and actuators, the pharmaceutical and food industries, kiosk, POS and POI systems, infrastructure and security technology, as well as mobile applications in commercial and industrial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, and motorhomes.

@bicker_de @UnnGmbh @PresseBox #Pauto #DC_DC

Sharing expertise in vision and edge Ai.

2026-10-28T08:04:04.923+00:00

Joint initiatives, workshops and technology exchange will support the development and practical testing of Ai based image processing applications.

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has joined IPAI in Heilbronn (D) as a partner. The industrial camera manufacturer is contributing its expertise to the network, particularly in the areas of computer vision and edge Ai. At the same time, IDS aims to engage with companies, research institutions and technology partners to develop new Ai applications together, share experience and discuss current issues surrounding artificial intelligence.

IPAI is an innovation platform for applied artificial intelligence and supports companies and institutions in their Ai transformation. With the Ai campus currently being developed in Heilbronn, IPAI aims to create Europe’s leading centre for applied artificial intelligence. The ecosystem brings together expertise from a wide range of fields and provides an environment in which new ideas and approaches can be explored and advanced.

Learning, experimenting and developing together.
Through the partnership, IDS aims to draw on the experience and inspiration provided by the network to further develop the use of Ai within the company. In addition, the image processing specialist wants to actively share its own know-how as an "expert for the eyes" with the community and play a key role in topics relating to computer vision. The focus is on questions that are crucial to many industrial Ai applications: How can visual data be used effectively for Ai? What requirements does Ai place on camera technology? And how canAi methods be used directly on or close to the camera?

"For us, artificial intelligence is not just a topic for the future. It is already an integral part of specific developments and applications today. At the same time, there are still many questions that we, as a company, do not want to and cannot answer in isolation. What matters is collaboration: learning from one another, exploring approaches together and using them to develop solutions that deliver real added value in practice. "IPAI offers an exciting environment for this," says Jan Hartmann, Managing Partner at IDS.

From idea to application.
IDS specifically focuses on formats that combine knowledge transfer with hands-on experimentation. The new “Ai Vision Circle” gives IPAI members an opportunity to exchange ideas on Ai based image processing and further develop them together. With a Vision Readiness Check and computer vision hackathons, the industrial camera manufacturer supports participants in identifying potential and testing concrete solutions. In addition, they can borrow IDS cameras for their projects and receive expert advice on their use. Exploring new requirements and applications together also helps IDS look beyond today’s use cases.

Ai directly on the camera.
From a technology perspective, IDS has also been working with artificial intelligence for many years. With IDS NXT, the company offers a complete system for deploying intelligent cameras. This expertise is now increasingly being incorporated into the uEye Live portfolio for industrial process monitoring. Ai enabled monitoring cameras allow Ai based image analysis on-the-edge. Powerful neural networks from IDS partner DENKweit handle typical tasks such as rapid object and position detection, precise parcel handling and efficient code reading.

For IDS, the partnership also opens up new perspectives on future requirements for cameras and machine vision. Dialogue with stakeholders from industry, research and technology helps the company identify new fields of application at an early stage and understand how technological developments, such as vibe coding or quantum computing, may change applications and business models. IDS intends to incorporate the insights gained into the development of future cameras and computer vision components.

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