For three days, the SPS showcases the latest products, solutions and innovations, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fast-paced world of automation. In a total of 16 exhibition halls covering 125,000 square metres, around 1,200 companies from the industry will be represented. International key players in the automation industry such as Bosch Rexroth AG, Siemens AG, Rockwell Automation GmbH, Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., YASKAWA Europe, Advantech Europe B.V., ABB AG, igus GmbH, STMicroelectronics International NV, Contrinex Sensor GmbH, Exor International S.p.A. and Microchip Technology Ireland Limited will return this year. However, the show also attracts many newcomers exhibiting at SPS for the first time.
According to last year's figures, 13,851 (or 28%) of the 50,081 visitors came from outside Germany. Due to the wide range of products offered by automation suppliers and its highly specialised nature, SPS is widely regarded as a must-attend event.
Visitors from all over the world will be able to find out about the latest trends and products, listen to expert presentations and panel discussions, and see live demonstrations at the four exhibition forums in Halls 1, 3, 6 and 8. The programme of the Technology Stage, the forum in Hall 3, presented by the German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA) and the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI), will also be broadcast live via the complementary digital platform "SPS on air" and will be available in German and English. The main topics for 2024 are
With around 20 exhibitors, the long-established “Automation meets IT” joint stand in Hall 6 will offer visitors comprehensive insights into this subject as well as the opportunity to receive individual advice from suppliers.
The joint stand will focus on the following specialist areas:
Visitors can find out about new and improved products, processes and services from young, innovative German companies at the "young INNOVATORS" stand in Hall 8, which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. An additional "Start-up Area" will also be located in this hall, where visitors can discover even more innovations from international newcomers to the automation industry.
Pepperl+Fuchs has joined the ctrlX World partner network from Bosch Rexroth. The partner network expands the range of solutions for the modular automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION with hardware compatible with the Linux-based operating system ctrlX OS. As a ctrlX World partner, Pepperl+Fuchs will contribute selected products to the ctrlX OS ecosystem.
As a global technology leader in automation and a driver of IIoT projects, Pepperl+Fuchs has always embraced open systems and standardised interfaces. "Future-proof automation can only succeed if we move away from proprietary manufacturer standards even more than before and remove the barriers between system levels," emphasizes Sebastian Stöber, Vice President Business Unit Systems at Pepperl+Fuchs. "As part of our long-standing collaboration with Bosch Rexroth, we welcome the open architecture concept of ctrlX OS and are pleased to support this promising initiative with our products and solutions."
ctrlX OS is a real-time-capable, Linux-based operating system from Bosch Rexroth that can be used from the field level to edge devices and the cloud. This system software can be used independently of the control hardware. Users benefit from consistently open standards, app programming technology, web-based engineering and a comprehensive IoT connection.
Virtual controllers and devices are a perfect example of the IT/OT convergence which plays a decisive role for PROFINET in automation technology. With the technical advancements being made in virtualization technology and the growing demand for virtual controllers and devices, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) has adapted the PROFINET certification process accordingly and reached an important milestone with the PROFINET Test Bundle V2.45.0 released in August of 2024.
Virtual controller and device instances can be officially tested and certified effective immediately. PROFIsafe can also be used in a virtual context as already confirmed by TÜV Süd with a letter of conformance.
Virtualized PROFINET devices offer the user a number of advantages, for example with regard to flexibility and scalability, high performance and easy integration. Thus, virtualized PROFINET devices run on standard hardware and in virtualized environments, which enables easy scaling and adaptation to different requirements. This reduces the need for special hardware and decreases the overall costs for companies.
Thanks to seamless integration into existing IT infrastructure, virtual controllers boast high performance and reliability. They use TCP/IP and IT standards to ensure stable and efficient communication between the devices on a network. Through corresponding resource management, multiple controller and device instances can be operated at the same time on a single piece of hardware.
These freedoms also come along with challenges with regard to guaranteeing the expected quality and reliability of PROFINET devices. Important aspects here include:
To ensure the expected high level of quality in the form of interoperability and availability despite this variance, the certification approach for virtual PROFINET instances was divided into two steps: In the first step, the PROFINET test laboratory conducts a test based on a simple example configuration of the virtual PROFINET instance. The optionally implemented and obligatory functions are tested based on the corresponding conformance class here. Following successful completion, a certificate listing the reference hardware used at the test laboratory, the virtualization technology and the guaranteed resources can be applied for.
In the second step, implementation of the specific instance is tested on the actual physical system. For this purpose, a tool is being developed which must be used on site by the customer to test the performance of the transport network and the requirements regarding the time behavior (latency and jitter, among other things) and the network load.
Virtualization technology will continue to develop and come along with new requirements to be included in the specifications and certification tests. PI will continue to competently accompany this process.
Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire Altair Engineering Inc., a leading provider of software in the industrial simulation and analysis market. Altair shareholders will receive USD 113 per share, representing an enterprise value of approximately USD 10 billion. The offer price represents a 19% premium to Altair's unaffected closing price on October 21, 2024, the last trading day prior to media reports regarding a possible transaction. With this acquisition Siemens strengthens its position as a leading technology company and its leadership in industrial software.
“Acquiring Altair marks a significant milestone for Siemens. This strategic investment aligns with our commitment to accelerate the digital and sustainability transformations of our customers by combining the real and digital worlds. The addition of Altair’s capabilities in simulation, high performance computing, data science, and artificial intelligence together with Siemens Xcelerator will create the world's most complete AI-powered design and simulation portfolio,” said Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG. “It is a logical next step: we have been building our leadership in industrial software for the last 15 years, most recently, democratizing the benefits of data and AI for entire industries.”
“This acquisition represents the culmination of nearly 40 years in which Altair has grown from a startup in Detroit to a world-class software and technology company. We have added thousands of customers globally in manufacturing, life sciences, energy and financial services, and built an amazing workforce, and innovative culture,” said James Scapa, Altair’s founder and CEO. “We believe this combination of two strongly complementary leaders in the engineering software space brings together Altair’s broad portfolio in simulation, data science, and HPC with Siemens’ strong position in mechanical and EDA design. Siemens’ outstanding technology, strategic customer relationships, and honest, technical culture is an excellent fit for Altair to continue its journey driving innovation with computational intelligence.”
By adding Altair’s highly complementary simulation portfolio, with strength in mechanical and electromagnetic capabilities, we are enhancing our comprehensive Digital Twin to deliver a full-suite, physics-based, simulation portfolio as part of Siemens Xcelerator. Altair's data science and AI-powered simulation capabilities allow anyone, from engineers to generalists, to access simulation expertise to decrease time-to-market and accelerate design iterations. Additionally, Altair's data science capabilities will unlock Siemens' industrial domain expertise in product lifecycle and manufacturing processes.
Altair Engineering is a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI) that provides software and cloud solutions in Simulation and Analysis, Data Science and AI, and High-Performance Computing, enabling organizations across all industries to compete more effectively and drive smarter decisions in an increasingly connected world. Founded in 1985, Altair Engineering Inc. went public in 2017 (Nasdaq) and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan (USA). Out of its more than 3,500 employees, approximately 1,400 employees work in R&D.
Takayuki Ito of Fanuc Corporation, who previously held the position of Vice President, succeeds Marina Bill of ABB who has served the rotating post since 2022. "I am proud to continue the work of my predecessor, Marina Bill, who has been a great ambassador for the world of robotics. We are witnessing rapid change in the automation of industrial and service sectors around the world. Together with Jane Heffner of Mobile Industrial Robots as the new Vice President of the IFR, I look forward to our mission," said Takayuki Ito.
Takayuki Ito has a track record of more than 40 years in the robotics industry. He currently holds the position of Chief Technical Advisor at the Japanese robot manufacturer Fanuc Corporation based in Oshino, Japan. Since 1981, Takayuki Ito has worked at the Japanese robot manufacturer in various positions: In 1997, he became Executive Vice President for Fanuc Robotics in North America. He returned to the Fanuc headquarters in Japan in 2002, taking on the role of General Manager for the Robot Technology Center.
The IFR’s new Vice President, Jane Heffner, has more than 20 years of experience in technology-driven industries, including automation, robotics, automotive, and aerospace. She currently serves as Vice President Global Sales at Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), a leading manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots. In this role, based in Detroit, Heffner oversees the company’s global sales strategy and execution. Before joining MiR, Heffner held leadership roles at ABB Robotics and other major industrial companies.
IEN Europe: What major trends do you foresee emerging in the industrial equipment manufacturing sector over the next 5-10 years? How do you anticipate these trends will shape your company’s strategy?
Rick de Vries: There are some major trends we can see. Typically, standard trends in machine building are flexibility, reliability, product speed and connectivity. Machine builders always investigate these areas. We have also noticed a focus on the necessity to develop the processes of circular economy industries.
But the big trend truly is virtualisation. We’re often asked, “How can I change my automation processes and integrate virtual platforms?” or “What benefit does a digital twin bring to a local machine; and how do I obtain a comprehensive digital twin in the first place?” Those are important questions for manufacturers, because PC-based controls are increasingly replacing classical PLC controlled processes.
However, what also needs to be considered is something that’s been overlooked by current trends: the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which is coming up in 2027. A lot of machine builders do not recognise the necessity and the challenges it may give them regarding their machines. In response to this, Advantech is expanding its partner ecosystem. On top of our existing ecosystem, which is already extensive, we are building an ecosystem for brownfield customers. We have developed a complete solution with two major technology players in the security area, so customers can easily plug in and secure their machines to fulfil the requirements of the CRA. We are also adding technologies to our hardware designs and customer designs that will help fulfil the requirements, as well as prove this is being done.
This is a big challenge. But Advantech is pushing forward because we put a lot of energy into platform solutions. Our partnerships are a great example, like the one we have with VMware. They’re a part of the journey to help customers reduce cost, raise efficiency, and deploy services, because you need a network of different experts in today’s market. These are the key trends we’re putting a lot of effort into.
IEN Europe: Next up is a question regarding security. Over the past few months, we have seen that a lot of German companies are neither familiar with the NIS2 requirements, nor what they have to do about them. How do you see the situation, and can you help your customers?
Rick de Vries: This is also something we’ve noticed. Companies don’t readily see how they are affected. It is a big process, and we’re acting on it. One side of the story is how we handle our internal cybersecurity resilience processes. The other is the development of our hardware, and the firmware we have in our systems today. It’s also important to avoid any vulnerabilities, and this is the same with components we buy that have firmware inside. We always must ask ourselves where the vulnerabilities are.
We are building a system within Advantech so that we can easily report data to our customers and partners. Making the software we develop cyber resilient is part of this process, as well as that of our eco-partners. There is also a new law currently being processed relating to the use of AI, so we’re looking into the legality of that as well. There are always two stories. One is how we’d apply the use of AI, but we also must ask ourselves about AI too. We ask questions like; “What are the effects?” and “What do we need to do to make sure that we harden the hardware and firmware that uses AI?”
We do a lot to make ourselves ready for the market. But we also advise, and we have partners who really can go deep into the processes we’ve already spoken about. For example, we're working very closely with Securitas for the Cyber Resilience Act. We will also present this topic at the SPS show in Nuremberg alongside a partner. We’re ready for the discussion to take place; we’re there for our customers, and we’re ready to consult them on how to make machines resultant.
IEN Europe: Another big trend that you haven't mentioned so far, which is very important, is how to make manufacturing sustainable. How is your vision influenced by regulations such as the EU Green Deal, and how do your customers benefit from your efforts?
Rick de Vries: As we are not building whole machines, we are always aware that we’re just one part of the puzzle. Sustainability, carbon footprints and the whole ESG journey involve various processes for all companies, including ours. We have established a comprehensive emissions process and integrated carbon initiatives into our designs. At SPS, we will demonstrate a 45% reduction in our carbon footprint, reflecting our commitment to minimising carbon impacts in both our components and processes. But that also must fit into the journey of our customers. Lifecycle management, for example, is an important part of sustainability. The longer you can use your product efficiently and safely, the better it is, but you also need partners that can work on refurbishments or upgrades. And that is an advantage in philosophy we have already had for many years with our modular concept.
What does that mean for our customers? Well, say that I have a CPU, but I want to have a bigger one. We could certainly upgrade it. But if I wanted more memory, or another drive, I’d need to change my WiFi 3 to WiFi 6. However, instead of having to replace everything with a new product, we could instead plug in a new board set. This is the kind of extended functionality we are aiming for, and many customers want that on their machines.
So, how can we help them embrace virtualisation and add computing power to offload processes, without taking everything out of their machine and replacing entire systems? An important part of it all is that Advantech designs everything using standards. An example is IPCs – we use IEEE standards. We’ve demonstrated that well in the semiconductors industry, for example.
But what does that design concept mean for the customer, you might ask? Well, a hypothetical customer could buy a chassis and add it to his machine. There may be an old-fashioned motherboard inside, but they could just take it out and replace it with a new motherboard. They wouldn’t have to renew the chassis, and everything else would still fit. The only part our customer would have to change would be the motherboard, avoiding waste while still being able to renew their CPU. This hypothetical scenario is what our philosophy is all about when it comes to circular industry and sustainability.
IEN Europe: But if the products live longer, doesn’t that also mean the software has to be kept up to date for longer as well?
Rick de Vries: Yes, it does. The software, the OS, the firmware, but not only these. We select partners for components, such as CPUs and GPUs, with that in mind, so that we can choose the right components with the support for sustainability. But there are constantly new topics coming up, and you have to ask; “How do I harden my old hardware for that?” Our partners would tell us something like; “You can’t harden the old hardware anymore. And you can’t go into the hardware to make changes.” But what we can do is create a plugin so that part of the hardware is hardened again and is now controlled by a plugin solution. And it works!
IEN Europe: What role does digital transformation and Industry 4.0 play in the industrial equipment manufacturing industry? How is Advantech adapting to this transformation?
Rick de Vries: That’s also one of the biggest challenges we see in our customer base. There’s a lot of knowledge disappearing, as well as increasing labour challenges. We’re finding ourselves becoming consultants more often, instead of being asked to simply make and deliver products. But we can’t do that alone. We have seen in the past that there are so many sub-elements in a process, just like what you said with Artificial Intelligence. We need the ecosystem I mentioned earlier, and we’re building one to get all the necessary support, processes, and knowledge together to support our machine builders in their journey, because they’ve also realised, they just can’t do it themselves.
Advantech takes the lead by establishing a partnership programme, it helps our customers understand that we are a supplier, and our partners help us find solutions. We create, in this sense, competency. We train our customers to know how to use this kind of technology.
Of course, we have a strong partnership with innovation partners in the chipset technology world. They also bring a lot of knowledge into our company to help train us. It helps us understand what we can do with technology, and how we can optimise processes and make new innovations and solutions on the platform that customers are looking for. We do find ourselves being asked to organise workshops for our customers, especially for machine builders, regarding hardware philosophy. They want to understand the ESG journey and come up with ideas to cut costs and create new machine topologies. As you can see, even though we used to just be a hardware seller, we are slowly finding ourselves in an advisory position for the whole process.
That means we’re in a period of transition, and we need to be able to provide our customers with the right knowledge that applies to their specific situation, challenge sand issues. We’ve also noticed that consultative selling changes relationships. Instead of just having the typical supplier-customer relationship, we’re finding ourselves with much more trusting partnerships.
IEN Europe: So, after creating this network, how many partners do you currently have for tackling these different problems?
Rick de Vries: We already have more than 250 partnerships, and I’m only talking about our European ecosystem of the Industrial IoT division group – not the wider Advantech Europe group! We can split the ecosystem into key partnerships, like Intel, Microsoft, CODESYS, and other software and hardware-related technology partners for our biggest endeavours. But we also have the ISVs (independent software vendors) as well as the system integrators. We need these partners because we train together, which in turn gets the product to better fit the market. They help us identify current challenges in the market, and push us to find the relevant solution. And that’s really starting to work well.
That’s also the flip side of the story. Instead of relying solely on our own sales organisation, we have a network of ecosystem partners who act as our ambassadors and drive sales as well. Of course, we still have the traditional distribution channel, but we're working more and more with the ecosystem partners, the system integrator partners and the consultancy partners, like OBS Orange Business Services for example. Advantech is heading in that direction when, previously, only big players like Siemens were.
As a business, we’re growing in entirely new ways. This is because we now have the right partners to step into the world with us, a world that they know; we have the technology, but they have the knowledge to pitch it in the right way. That's the journey we are in. By focusing both on our verticals and our sector, you learn better, and with an ecosystem, you can obtain a much better approach for both sales and solutions.
It's a slow trend change. But you also see that partners, customers, and machine builders are moving in that direction. It can be difficult for them, because in the past, they did everything themselves, and now they must relinquish control and learn how to trust the supplier and hardware manufacturer to provide an IoT solution that will bring them to the next level of innovation for their machines. It's a learning curve for all parties involved.
IEN Europe: Thank you for your insights!
These new Horner Automation offerings can empower businesses with more robust, scalable, and intelligent automation solutions. At the forefront of Horner’s latest releases is the Canvas Series HMI + PLC Controllers, an all-in-one solution designed for greater flexibility and scalability. These next-generation controllers bring together PLC, HMI, I/O, and networking into a single, cohesive unit, much like Horner’s established OCS controllers, but with enhanced features that cater to modern industrial needs.
In conjunction with the release of the Canvas Series, Horner has also introduced Cscape 10, the latest iteration of its industry-renowned automation software. Known for its ease of use and versatility, Cscape 10 provides engineers with powerful tools to program, configure, and monitor their OCS controllers in an intuitive, drag-and-drop environment.
Notable enhancements include:
Cscape 10 is designed to meet the demands of a wide range of industrial applications, from basic automation to advanced control systems, enabling users to program their systems with ease and precision. Cscape 10 can be downloaded free of charge at www.hornerautomation.eu
Horner Automation has also given a preview of two highly anticipated products currently in development: the OCS CPU and OCS 360, both of which are poised to redefine the capabilities of all-in-one controllers.
The Horner OCS that features a combined controller, HMI, I/O and networking has been very successful since its launch in the 1990’s. Horner are now launching CPUs that can be expanded with OCS I/O and viewed and controlled by a remote connected screen or by a web browser. Key highlights include:
OCS360 is Horner Automation’s upcoming comprehensive solution platform for data collection and visualisation which provides end-to-end visibility and remote connectivity, delivering enhanced operational intelligence.
Expected features include:
As businesses face the challenges of Industry 4.0, Horner remains committed to delivering automation solutions that are simple to implement, yet powerful in their capabilities. Whether upgrading existing systems or building new automation infrastructure, customers can rely on Horner to provide the tools they need for success in a competitive and dynamic market.
For more information and to see these products in action, visit us at SPS – Smart Production Solutions 2024 in Hall 7, Stand 151 or visit www.hornerautomation.eu
sps exhibitor 2024: Hall 7/151
"Together with our M12 cable assemblies, sensor-actuator assemblies and Ethernet patch cables, the new remote I/O devices form a perfect overall solution for interlinked systems," says Jürgen Greger, Product Manager Industrial Communication at LAPP. With the remote I/O devices, LAPP enables bidirectional communication up to field level. The new portfolio includes the IO-Link masters UNITRONIC® ACCESS MP08 IOL and UNITRONIC® ACCESS SP08 IOL as well as the IO-Link hub UNITRONIC® ACCESS HUB08 IOL with globally standardised IO-Link technology. This allows digital sensors and actuators to be conveniently integrated into the IO-Link network. IO-Link also allows extended diagnostics of sensors and actuators and facilitates the commissioning and replacement of IO-Link devices thanks to plug-and-play.
A special feature is the wide range of functions and protocol options. The IO-Link master (single protocol), the IO-Link master (multi-protocol) and the IO-Link hub all support IO-Link. The single protocol and multi-protocol variants are available for the Industrial Ethernet protocols PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP and CC-Link IE, depending on the article. The respective protocol is set using a rotary coding switch.
The IO-Link master and the digital module are configured via a web interface. The IO-Link hub is set up using the IO-Link master. Both shielded and unshielded standard cables can be used for IO-Link communication. The maximum length is 20 metres. Jürgen Greger summarises: "Compared to Ethernet communication, IO-Link is more cost-effective and easier to integrate. The digital module UNITRONIC® ACCESS MP08 DIO is available for applications that do not require IO-Link technology.
sps exhibitor 2024: Hall 2/230
Softing Industrial announces the integration of OPC Unified Architecture (UA) Information Modeling into its edge product range as well as the Secure Integration Server (SIS). This OPC UA Information Modeling including the support of OPC UA Companion Standards provides a structured way to represent machine data, making it easier to interpret and share across different systems.
This standardized model enables real-time management and monitoring of digital representations of physical assets, such as machines and sensors.
This is essential for optimizing workflows, improving decision-making, and supporting predictive maintenance.
The integration opens a new dimension of opportunities for manufacturers and industrial operators. Key advantages include:
Softing Industrial’s edgeConnector products enable seamless communication between control systems and the cloud, playing a crucial role in connecting operational technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems in IIoT environments. These connectors offer reliable data collection from field devices and control systems, which can then be transferred to cloud platforms for further analysis and optimization.
The edgeGate further enhances this process by providing robust gateway functionality, ensuring smooth and secure data flow between OT systems and cloud or enterprise applications. It offers built-in features for protocol conversion, edge analytics, and data aggregation.
The Secure Integration Server from Softing Industrial is designed to ensure secure, reliable data transfer between machines, devices, and IT systems. By using state-ofthe-art encryption and security protocols, it safeguards critical machine data from unauthorized access and cyber threats, while also supporting a flexible, scalable integration of IT and OT environments.
This move marks another significant step forward in Softing Industrial’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art solutions for Industry 4.0 and the future of digital industrial operations.
The IF56 converter from Lika Electronic is specifically designed to interface SSI and BiSS encoders and integrate them fully and easily into the most popular industrial Ethernet networks: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, POWERLINK, MODBUS-TCP, and CC-LINK. Compared to the previous model IF55, it offers completely new hardware and adds some new features, such as the integrated web server available for all protocols except POWERLINK, the firmware update function, and the extended range of the resolutions that can be interfaced. Any SSI or BiSS encoder (singleturn and multiturn rotary encoder, linear encoder, or bearingless encoder) can be connected having a singleturn resolution of max. 18 bits and a total resolution of max. 31 bits, the MSB Left Aligned or LSB Right Aligned protocols, and the binary or Gray output codes. In addition, there is no need to make any changes in the hardware or software of the encoder; only the converter needs a simple parametrization to be provided. The encoder will be configured as a Slave device and be able to communicate in the Ethernet network in a complete and efficient manner, in compliance with the specifications of each protocol.
The IF56 gateway is ideally suited for the retrofit of outdated plants or to integrate stand-alone machines. It can be used when the space is narrow and does not allow for larger standard Ethernet encoders and when the integration of small linear encoders and bearingless encoders is required.
In the case of old plant retrofit or integration projects, instead of being discarded, an existing SSI or BiSS encoder can be converted and reused in a more modern and integrated communication system. It is also perfect when the space is constricted. Because of their electronics, Ethernet encoders have larger dimensions than SSI encoders, and the minimum size is the 58 mm flange design. Today it is finally possible to install even small 36 mm flange encoders and connect them to the Ethernet network through the gateway. Furthermore, the IF56 converter allows to integrate also minimum-footprint linear encoders and bearingless encoders that cannot be installed in the Ethernet applications because of their physical features.
The IF56 gateway is easy and quick to install and set up. It has a metal housing with an IP65 protection rate and also clips for DIN TS35 rail mounting. Its mechanical dimensions are exactly the same as the previous IF55 model. It is fully compliant with each protocol and the Ethernet technology and offers real-time communication, high speed up to 100 Mbit/s, flexible network topologies, extensive diagnostics, and complete IT integration. It is equipped with the full set of information and configuration parameters and functions (position readout, scaling, preset, code sequence, by-pass, web server, firmware update, etc.), as well as with LEDs for visual diagnostic information in compliance with the specifications of the installed protocol.
The IF56 gateway will replace the previous IF55 model in the near future.
The JUMO digiLine O-DO H10/H20 sensor ensures process reliability for measurements in aqueous solutions. High-quality sensor versions enable use in hygienic and demanding applications. The sensor is used in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology and the food and beverage industry. Thanks to the latest optical technology, the trace and saturation concentration measurement function quickly provides the customer with the required results. What's more, the JUMO digiLine provides a reliable digital means of process control.
Standard or trace measurement range
The sensor is made of high quality stainless steel. In the standard measuring range, the measured values are between 0 and 22 ppm (mg/l) and, if required, up to 45 ppm (mg/l). The trace range covers 0 to 2000 ppb (µg/l). Analogue and digital interfaces allow connection to field instruments and process control systems. Connection to the intelligent, bus-compatible JUMO digiLine system is simple via plug and play. The sensor is factory calibrated and ready for immediate use. Recalibration can be carried out at any time on the JUMO AQUIS touch S/P or conveniently on a PC using the JUMO DSM software.
The precise measurement with long-term stability ensures high process reliability. The sensors require little maintenance and can be easily connected to different measuring systems. Operation via the JUMO digiLine interface allows access to sensor and process data such as the number of CIP/SIP cycles. The evaluation of data enables predictive maintenance and thereby more efficient operation. As a result, the plant operator can predict the delivery of spare parts in line with demand. The same applies to necessary cleaning and maintenance work, which is not based on fixed intervals but on demand.
Moxa announces the launch of its MPC-3000 Series panel computers. Designed to address the diverse needs of industrial environments, the MPC-3000 panel computers offer a range of screen sizes, a robust feature set, and industry certifications aimed at reliability, durability, and versatility in demanding operating environments. The series is powered by Intel Atom® x6000E processors, offering exceptional versatility with six screen sizes ranging from 7 inches to 15.6 inches. Designed for use in harsh industrial environments, these panel PCs come with advanced glove-friendly touchscreen functionality and sunlight-readable displays, and support wide-temperature operations from -30 to 60°C, making them well-suited for a variety of outdoor applications. Whether deployed in oil and gas fields, marine operations, outdoor applications, or other demanding settings, the MPC-3000 panel PCs are reliable and efficient, even in tough conditions.
Furthermore, the modular design of the rugged panel PCs simplifies maintenance and minimizes downtime in demanding industrial environments. By offering a cableless approach on both the front and rear panels, the design reduces complexity, making component replacement quick and easy. This streamlined, modular architecture enhances operational efficiency, ensuring maintenance tasks cause minimal disruption.
Designed specifically for industries such as oil and gas, marine, and outdoor applications, the MPC-3000 panel PCs are certified to meet the rigorous demands of extreme operating environments. Certifications include Class I Division 2, ATEX Zone 2, and IECEx Zone 2 for hazardous locations, as well as DNV, IEC 60945, and IACS standards for maritime operations. These certifications, along with the panel PCs’ rugged construction, ensure dependable performance and safety, making them an ideal choice for mission-critical applications in challenging settings.
One control standard for several applications - this was NORD's aim in developing the NORDAC PRO SK 500P. The result is a control cabinet inverter whose features allow a high degree of versatility and intelligent communication with system components. As a result, NORD users can reduce the number of inverter variants in use.
As with all NORDAC PRO inverters, the integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface is one of the key elements. It allows the control component to be integrated into various networks without the need for retrofitting. These include the Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and POWERLINK protocols. Depending on the model, other protocols are also covered. A USB interface also allows the inverter to be parameterised without voltage.
The integrated PLC reacts automatically to process changes in the system. It can thus relieve the higher-level controller. The POSICON positioning function performs a variety of positioning tasks. It is equally capable of controlling relative or absolute positioning using incremental or absolute encoders. Parameter set switching even allows sequential positioning of up to four axes.
The NORDAC PRO SK 500P enables users to implement a wide range of industry-specific drive applications. The control cabinet inverter features vector control with an overload reserve of 200%. This makes it suitable for controlling geared motors in heavy-duty applications or lifting systems. Its PI controller and integrated compensation control make it the ideal drive for pumps and winding systems. At the same time, the book-sized drive requires very little space in the control cabinet and can be installed directly next to each other without any gaps.
With the NORDAC PRO SK 500P it is possible to control all motor types with and without encoder feedback. NORD is currently working on new sizes of the inverter to make its benefits available in a wider power range.
Belden has announced the release of its new Lumberg Automation Inner M12 Push Pull connectors, which comply with the International Electrotechnical (IEC) standard 61076-2-010. Featuring a secure, quick-locking contact method, the M12 Push Pull connectors are ideal for use in harsh environments to prevent accidental disconnections that cause downtime, disrupt data collection or create safety hazards. As organisations pursue digital transformation, connecting more operational technology (OT) devices and information technology (IT) systems enables them to collect and transfer more data, promote uptime and gain operational efficiencies. The M12 push-pull connector answers the call with its simple, secure contacting method and a portfolio of X-coded, D-coded and A-coded variants to meet a wide range of industrial and transportation use cases.
M12 push-pull connectors provide secure, tool-free contact even in tight spaces, such as on input/output (IO) modules or switches. Simplified installation and maintenance without the need for screw connectors can reduce installation time by up to 80%. The M12 push-pull connector meets the stringent requirements of a wide range of industries, including rail vehicles, ports, intralogistics organisations, supply chain and material handling, as well as traditional automation environments.
With the safe radar system PSENradar from Pilz, it is now possible to implement protection zone monitoring in harsh environments for additional applications. Extended field of view functions make it easier to integrate the radar sensors into different production environments. The flexibility provided by adaptable fields of view is particularly beneficial in confined spaces. It is also now possible to connect to the open Safety over EtherCAT FSoE safety protocol, resulting in less wiring and lower costs.
In addition to the existing radar sensors with a detection range of 0 to 5 metres, the safe radar sensor PSEN rd1.2 sensor F-FOV LR is now also available with a range of 0 to 9 metres. This enables efficient safeguarding of mobile applications.
A new feature of both sensor devices is the option of flexibly configuring the fields of view: in addition to the symmetrical viewing angle, asymmetrical and corridor-like viewing angles can now also be configured. This means that PSENradar can be used reliably in different production environments. It also saves space in the production area, particularly where space is limited, for example where machines are located directly next to each other or where walkways lead directly past the machines. Now that the field of view settings can be configured more individually, the radar sensor can be positioned more flexibly without restricting production. This not only improves safety in harsh environments, but also increases productivity.
Together with the configurable mini PLC PNOZmulti 2 from Pilz, PSENradar provides a safe, complete solution for monitoring protection zones - including safe data transfer with FSoE in the EtherCAT communication system. The new evaluation unit for the PSENradar radar system enables FSoE functionality to IEC 61508 for safety applications up to SIL 3. As FSoEMainInstance (FSoE Master), PNOZmulti 2 combines monitoring of all of a radar application’s safety functions in one device, and establishes connections to safe FSoE SubordinateInstances (FSoE Slaves) in the network. In a complete package consisting of a safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 as FSoE MainInstance with the safe radar system, you can easily implement this safety-related networking as a single-cable solution - with minimum wiring effort.
Wieland Electric's samos© PRO MOTION is a new all-in-one safety controller with integrated motion functionality. A total of six TÜV-certified motion function blocks ensure that up to 60 per cent fewer modules are required than with comparable suppliers, thus creating more space in the control cabinet. Among other things, the compact, programmable controller enables safe standstill monitoring, even for vertical and slow-moving axes, and also scores points with an anti-vibration toolbox for macro- and micro-vibrations.
Whether in mechanical engineering or intralogistics, the compact safety controller from Wieland Electric with up to 70 kHz motion inputs on the base module is suitable wherever reliable standstill, speed, direction and position monitoring is required. The integrated motion function modules include safe standstill monitoring (SSM). This can be implemented with either a speed window or a position window. The limits of the position window or hysteresis can be easily defined using intuitive configuration options. This enables reliable and continuous monitoring of vertical and slow-moving axes, e.g. in construction cranes, lifting platforms, high-bay warehouses or presses.
Also on board the samos© PRO MOTION is an anti-vibration toolbox, available via the samos© PLAN6 software, which supports reliable standstill monitoring during commissioning, calibration, maintenance, cleaning or even tool changes. This is precisely where vibrations can occur, which can be eliminated with the appropriate functions: The "standstill" function module is used for macro vibrations. For micro vibrations, Wieland Electric has integrated a professional "vibration filter" into the motion functions. Within the framework of three options, the user can thus find the optimum compromise between availability and safety. The documentation for the safety controller is also helpful, as it provides a clear overview of which safety level can be achieved with which filter option.
As is the case for the samos© PRO safety controller, Wieland Electric also offers a high-performance programming software for the new samos© PRO MOTION. The intuitive samos© PLAN6 configuration tool has an extensive library of TÜV-certified function blocks containing typical, application-specific safety functions. It is easy to use via drag & drop. This significantly reduces engineering effort, project planning time and the possibility of errors. Users also benefit from easy documentation and save time when it comes to CE declaration of the machine. With the integrated One-Click Documentation, the documents for the CE declaration of conformity are available at the push of a button, saving time in the approval process.
With the launch of the IEP3, FAULHABER expands its product line with an incremental encoder which, thanks to the latest chip technology, achieves a very high resolution and accuracy. With a diameter of just 8 mm, the IEP3 is very lightweight and compact yet still offers a resolution of up to 10,000 lines per revolution – made possible by the latest chip technology with high interpolation. In the standard version, the resolution is freely programmable from 1 - 4,096 lines per revolution. Moreover, the chip technology that is used ensures a high positional accuracy of typically 0.3 °m as well as a high repeatability of typically 0.05 °m thanks to accuracy compensation.
The IEP3 can be powered with a supply voltage of both 5 V and 3.3 V. This makes it suitable for use in battery-powered applications as well, which are typically operated with 3.3 V. A wide temperature range of -40 to + 125 °C likewise opens the door for various possible uses. The IEP3 is suitable for a wide array of applications and is characterized by high accuracy in the smallest of installation spaces. Application areas include, among others, prosthetics in the field of medical technology, optical applications, such as telescopes, microscopes, lasers or cameras, semiconductor production or robotics. The ON-axis encoder with 2-pole-sensor magnet is simple in design and robust. Thanks to its modular characteristics, which FAULHABER already established with the IE3 encoder series, the IEP3 encoder represents a platform for various motors from the drive specialist. The new product can be combined with DC-motors of the 0816SR, 1016SR, 1024SR series as well as with the stepper motors of the AM0820, AM1020, AM1524 series. Various options are available for the electrical connection of the encoder, such as PVC or FEP cables, connector options as well as different cable lengths.
Trio Motion Technology is launching a new machine controller for large machines with control for up to 128 servo drive and robot axes over high speed EtherCAT. The new quad-core Flex-7 Flexible Machine Controller also increases machine automation capabilities by expanding network connectivity and data processing power, combining control flexibility and compact dimensions. It features dedicated cores for high performance communications and motion. The new Flex-7, a single controller for machine, motion, and robotics, precisely coordinates high axis counts while optimising control and integration with expanded automation systems. The multi-axis machine controller is designed for large applications in manufacturing automation, packaging, and material handling.
Providing powerful machine control, Flex-7 features high-speed Ethernet to give fast, reliable data exchange, optimising communications with wider controllers and networks. This is achieved with two, 1Gbps Ethernet ports, compatible with Industrial Ethernet protocols including Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP. The Flex-7 increases control to 128 servo or robot axes and provides the high precision motion coordination that Trio is renowned for. Flex-7 achieves EtherCAT update rates as fast as 125µs for up to eight axes, and the full 128 axes are coordinated with update rates down to 4ms. Ensuring consistent motion synchronisation for large machines, Flex-7 features <5µsec jitter and can control a wide variety of EtherCAT devices including servo drives and I/O.
A theme of Trio’s Flex controller range is compact size, and this is continued with the Flex-7. Just 51mm wide, 147mm high, and 107mm deep, the DIN rail-mounted machine controller enables simple design integration and installation. Machine control functionality can be added directly with Trio’s range of click-in Flexslice I/O modules that communicate with the Flex-7 using EtherCAT via the Ebus interface. Flexslice I/O slices give machine builders flexibility in adding required functionality while minimising space and cost.
Flex-7’s motion synchronisation capability is powered by Trio’s Motion-iX motion engine. Motion-iX is based on a command set for servo and robot axes, including multi-axis coordination in multiple dimensions, as well as numerous kinematic models for robotics. The motion engine is accessed through Trio’s Motion Perfect software interface, and programming can be achieved with Trio Basic, designed to speed-up development through its English language-based approach, as well as IEC languages including ST and LD, as well as PLCopen.
The new SICK W10 stands for versatility and a high degree of flexibility in application design. This opens up a wide range of applications for the photoelectric proximity sensor across numerous industrial sectors, for example in the robust and reliable detection of objects with different or challenging surface properties such as gloss, color or structures.
Slide switches, potentiometers, knobs - the W10 does away with them all. This is made possible by the touch screen display. Speed, standard or precision modes, foreground or background suppression, individual teach-in settings, pre-configured parameters and limits - the operator can select, recall, adjust and save everything intuitively. A special security feature of the W10 is the screen lock , which protects settings from unauthorised access or changes. Alternatively, the W10 can be easily set up via IO-Link . It can also communicate via this interface. The W10 has two digital outputs for outputting switching signals.
The W10 combines a high-precision Class 1 laser light source - whose focused beam produces only a small spot of light on an object - with a fast and accurate receiver evaluation line. Thanks to this technology, the sensor achieves very precise detection results with high repeatability, both in the short-range version with working distances between 25 mm and 400 mm, and in the long-range version with ranges from 25 mm to 700 mm: ideal for precise object and position detection. In speed mode , the response time is 1.8 ms, ensuring reliable switching even at high machine speeds.
By using dynamic algorithms developed for specific applications, the W10 achieves high reliability and good repeating accuracy ex works. The photoelectric proximity switch offers individual teach-in options for specific adaptations. In addition to the standard 1-point teach, which detects objects at a defined distance, a 2-point teach allows objects of different heights to be detected. A manual mode extends the teach options and provides even more flexibility. Both the short-range and long-range versions of the W10 are available in two housing variants: one for standard mounting with a 1" hole and one for hybrid mounting via the M18 thread on the front or the 1" hole on the side. With just two versions - each with two colour LEDs to indicate operating status - the W10 offers a high degree of mounting flexibility. This makes it suitable for the most common installation situations. The IP69k stainless steel housing makes all W10s extremely robust, able to withstand harsh operating environments, aggressive media or frequent cleaning cycles. This ensures maximum uptime and avoids long application downtime.
The CMMT 3-axis magnetic field/temperature sensor with IO-Link is the third sensor type that Turck has developed specifically for easy-to-use and retrofittable condition monitoring applications. It complements the existing range consisting of the CMVT vibration/temperature sensor and the CMTH for humidity and temperature measurements. The combined measurement of magnetic field and temperature with the CMMT enables simple detection of faults on motors or in processes with magnetic components. The new sensor also opens up applications that were previously impossible, such as the contactless detection of the rotation and movement of metal objects without visual contact.
Thanks to its high sensitivity of five microtesla, the sensor also detects the earth's magnetic field, but can hide this if required by setting the parameters. The device outputs measured values individually or as a vector sum via IO-Link. Users can also assign two independent switching outputs. The CMMT supports the Smart Sensor Profile 4.1.4.
When commissioning the CMMT, users are supported by the Turck Automation Suite (TAS) Magnetic Field Monitor app. This application visualizes the sensor data live in the web browser and can be used via any Turck IO-Link master without additional software. The device functions are also set via TAS or other IODD interpreters. Besides the process values, additional information such as operating hours and switching cycles can also be output via the digital interface.
The TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator from Beckhoff is aimed at automation and process experts and extends the TwinCAT 3 workflow to include the automated creation of AI models. This enables users to handle the entire process from data acquisition to the trained model themselves - without any AI expertise. The finished model is optimally adapted to the real-time requirements of the control environment in terms of latency and accuracy.
One of the main applications for the versatile TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator (TE3850) is AI-supported image processing for quality assurance. This, along with various other applications, takes advantage of the ease and standardisation of creating AI models for automation via no-code development platform. It not only leverages open standards, interfaces and best practices, but also delivers trained models in the open standard ONNX format. These latency-optimised AI models for control applications are specially adapted to run on Beckhoff IPCs and with TwinCAT products, although they can also be used as ONNX models outside the Beckhoff product world.
With TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator offering fully automated AI model creation, the potential of artificial intelligence is now available to all – including smaller companies – offering a competitive edge and much-needed solutions for the growing shortage of specialist skills. And for seasoned AI experts, this solution serves to streamline their workload considerably while also minimizing the potential for errors. The ability to speed up project development processes offers yet another clear advantage, particularly as the development tool provides extensive and transparent methods for displaying the behavior of the models created and comparing them with each other. Users can also benefit from automated report generation, which supports auditing processes for AI model creation. Another crucial aspect is that the required application-specific data remains protected, since it does not leave the company.
With their slim design, Bachmann’s intelligent M100 I/O system modules already save a lot of space. However, the HD (High Density) modules, available from mid-2025, set a new standard in channel density: With up to 1.5 times the number of channels packed into the same space as standard modules, the HD versions simplify the implementation of applications where there is limited space in the control cabinet.
The new DIS136, DOS136 (each with 36 channels, compared with 24 in the standard version), AIO116 (16 channels instead of 12) and UIO108 (8 channels instead of 6) digital and analog I/O modules enable extremely compact I/O configurations. They are specifically designed for applications that need to process a large number of digital or analog I/O signals. Extended climate versions will also be available.The HD modules offer the same intelligent functions of the standard M100 I/O modules - PWM, counters, timestamps, oversampling and direct module-to-module communication.
The condensed modules reduce system costs and help to make manufacturers more competitive: Material and assembly costs can be reduced, and control cabinets can be designed more compactly, which is particularly beneficial in applications with limited space. Reduced heat dissipation protects the hardware inside the cabinet and even extends its life
Wherever inert gases need to be precisely controlled, the mass flow controller VEFC from Festo is the right choice. Thanks to piezo technology, it is compact and flexible, and offers an excellent price/performance ratio. It is especially suitable for use in electronics manufacturing, food production, and anywhere in machine building where shielding gas is required. The mass flow controller VEFC from Festo is one of the most compact on the market, while capable of a flow rate of 200 l/min. Thanks to digitalization, the flow rate remains constant.
This means that this dynamic, directly controlled piezo valve for inert gases doesn't have to be adjusted manually. It only takes milliseconds to precisely adjust the flow rates and their settings, and they remain tamper-proof. This provides users with the flexibility they need for their production processes. In addition, the VEFC allows them to continuously monitor processes since the flow rate and output pressure are always transparent.
Reliably controlling the flow of inert gases such as nitrogen is particularly important in the semicon industry in order to avoid damaging wafers. By focusing on inert gases without media separation, the VEFC proves to be a favorable alternative to other solutions on the market when controlling nitrogen in load ports or EFEMs.
Different flow rates can be controlled in the individual purge steps by having VEFC in the load port. It ensures that only the absolutely necessary amount of nitrogen is used, whether during pre-blowing, pre-purge, process purge and post-purge. Users thus save nitrogen and shorten the processing time until the dry shielding gas atmosphere has been reached.
Kontron is presenting a new railway-compatible Ethernet switch, which offers maximum flexibility in terms of the number of individually required Ethernet ports and performance from Fast Ethernet to 10GbE thanks to its modular design. Designed and manufactured in Europe, the KSwitch R20 with robust push-pull M-12 connections enables interference-free data transmission even under difficult conditions, such as use in public transport, where vibrations, shocks, extreme temperatures or temperature fluctuations can occur.
The highly scalable and PTP-capable (Precision Time Protocol) KSwitch R20 enables TSN (Time Sensitive Networking) applications and the flexible, modular use of up to 28 Power-over-Ethernet ports with 100Mbit/s / 1 / 2.5 / 5 / 10 GBit/s and thus an individually scalable bandwidth utilisation of up to 6Gbps. The fanless Ethernet switch was developed in compliance with EN50155, i.e., suitable for railway applications, and offers particularly high shock and vibration resistance. With its extremely robust design and the possibility of operation in an extended temperature range between -40 °C and +70 °C (+85 °C for a maximum of 10 minutes), the fanless KSwitch R20 is therefore suitable for particularly demanding applications in the railway environment, such as rolling stock.
Increasing network security requirements are already considered in the design with secure configuration management via SSH, an encrypted configuration dongle and a secure operating system. Thanks to the high bandwidth with PTP support, the KSwitch R20 is designed for a broad data throughput and time-synchronised operation. All management switching and routing features, such as unicast/multicast switching, forwarding, VLANs, IGMP snooping and querying etc. are supported. The KSwitch R20 module can be monitored via SNMP over a serial line or Ethernet. Web-based management and a comprehensive command line interface enable layer 2/3 management including full IPv6 support. Functions such as IP forwarding & multicast, routing & switching, quality of service, VLANs etc. enable complex network routing.
The KSwitch R20 can be operated in line with 24VDC to 110VDC +/- 20% and supports up to 90W PoE power, which can be flexibly distributed to the ports. This means that small consumers, such as cameras or operating terminals, can be supplied directly. Up to 600W PoE power can be distributed to the ports via an additional power feed. The modular concept allows any configuration based on FE (Fast Ethernet), GbE or 10GbE modules, which can be used to realize customized solutions in addition to the standard KSwitch R20 configurations.
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