We use cookies to provide you with personalized services and improve our website. More info Ok
As digital transformation increases demand for data from automation systems – driven by new digital innovations such as advanced analytics, AI and expanded connectivity – maintaining system integrity has become a challenge. ABB’s Luis Duran explores how the concept of “separation of concerns” protect the core of the automation system in a cyber-secure way, while enabling new digital value without compromising operational performance.
In many conveyor systems, worn coatings cause unnecessary failures – whether in the food and beverage industry or in material handling. For this purpose, igus offers powder coatings made of high-performance polymers called iglidur coating, which make surfaces significantly more wear-resistant and durable. To make it easier for users to retrofit existing systems, the company now also offers coated plates and wire mesh that can be flexibly cut to size and installed. The range is complemented by IC-05PF, the first PTFE‑free coating, which is intended in particular for applications with high hygiene requirements.
Compact series for more efficiency and performance in an expanded range of applications
Wireless scanner in different variants for multiple operating scenarios
Sometimes, digitalization is really straightforward. For example, retrofitting existing water treatment plants to enable transfer of measurement and sensor data to the cloud is now as simple as plugging in an expansion card.
AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is leading IRION, a European research and innovation project aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient green hydrogen value chain.
Measurement of flow and temperature with flexible configuration
Easy-to-maintain solution provides opportunity for massive energy savings
Inductive heating is rapidly gaining importance in food processing and food-related packaging systems. The technology enables reproducible temperatures and short response times while meeting high hygiene standards. Kendrion consistently applies this proven principle to food and packaging machinery: with scalable systems for inductive heating and industrial surface heating. They generate heat exactly where it is needed: during transport, in the heating plate, in the container, or in the roller. Energy consumption is up to 50 percent lower than with gas or oil heaters.
With SIL 2 certification for limit switches and 4…20 mA output
Fraunhofer project for better recycling processes of paper packaging
Ultra-thin barrier layers on packaging effectively protect food and medicine from oxygen, moisture, and contaminants. The Film-Inspect sensor, developed at Fraunhofer IPM, measures the quality of these barriers during the coating process, enabling process control for the first time.
Extended functionalities for stable plant operations and improved maintenance efficiency
The Endress+Hauser Group’s generational handover continues. The Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist has already announced a sweeping refresh of the Executive Board made necessary by the planned retirement of several long-serving members.
A new wave of more efficient, adaptable and intelligent plant operations is emerging as conventional control systems evolve into modern, open and modular automation ecosystems. Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President ABB Automation Technology, explains how ABB’s Automation Extended allows industrial organizations to fully embrace the opportunities of digitalization while futureproofing their operations.
Intuitive user interface for operation in four languages
Cost-effective alternative for applications without need for IP68 approval
Metering and emptying solution for IBCs in the food and beverage industry
In September 2025, a ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace interrupted check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, heavily impacting Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attackers never breached the airport’s core IT – they didn’t need to. One compromised supplier was enough to paralyze a critical service. Here, Stephan Nobis, business development manager at automation supplier COPA-DATA, discusses why Europe’s critical infrastructure must move from compliance to continuous cybersecurity – or face severe risks.
Maximum safety and availability for demanding industrial applications
APC enables capacity increases without new hardware, energy savings and cost reduction through continuous optimization, and more stable product quality under fluctuating conditions.
Inline Ultrasonic Concentration Measurement and Bubble Detection System
Valuable energy is lost in pressure reduction stations, exhaust steam pipes and condensation systems. With Energify system, the company CFT GmbH offers a simple and robust solution for the cost-effective conversion of even slight pressure differences into energy. This saves electricity costs and lowers CO₂ emissions. The system performance is controlled precisely with sliding gate valves from Schubert & Salzer.
Thermoprocessing solution with comprehensive hardware and software components
Intrinsically safe tablets and smartphones serve as digital and networked hubs for connected workers in the process industry
Elimination of measurement blind spots with safe and easy-to-install solution
Increased safety through clarity in challenging situations for the process industry and railway sector
Versatile senor with certification for use in hygienic applications
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) will mark its 25th anniversary at SPS 2025 in Nuremberg from 25th-27th November. Visitors are invited to live demonstrations on CLPA’s key technology, CC-Link IE TSN and more
Optimised fixed-focus and zoom lenses, designed to operate in the ultraviolet spectral region (200-400 nanometres)
Accelerated PLC integration without need for programming
Field tests with end-users in the process industry show positive results in test installations
Looks matter, but they aren’t everything: long before croissants, biscuits or waffles are placed in protective packaging, manufacturers need to ensure that their contents are exactly as they should be. In upstream steps, producers pave the way for the highest quality, safety and shelf life of ready-to-eat products. Ingenious technologies that work towards this goal are always part of the packaging process.
Structured Data for faster workflows and better decision making
With the growing complexity of technical plants, demographic shifts in the workforce, and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, traditional methods of risk assessment are reaching their limits. To meet these challenges, TÜV SÜD has developed a digital approach, called iaHAZOP, that builds on established risk assessment methods and extends them into the digital domain. The process industry now has a tool that redefines the state-of-the-art in technical risk management. Authors: Michael Pfeifer, Senior Expert Adaptive Safety and Alexander Kurdas, Expert for Machinery and Electrical Safety. TÜV Süd
Niederrhein-Gold Tersteegen GmbH & Co. KG in Moers, Germany has been relying on automated guided vehicles (AGV) from ek robotics. After the system was expanded in 2019 to include vehicles for transporting industrial pallets, new transport robots were added in 2024, opening further functional areas and ensuring even higher throughputs and efficient material flows with their continuous operation.
As the world urgently seeks ways to decarbonise, James Clements from Signal Group explains how gas analysis will perform a vital role – particularly in carbon capture, and not just for CO2 but for all of the important greenhouse gases.
This paper includes a summary review of three phase power systems, the characteristics of common three phase heating loads, and a comprehensive discussion of three phase SSRs and their application relative to such loads.
Ethernet-APL enables fast, standardized Ethernet communication down to field level, even in hazardous areas. While the technology simplifies engineering, commissioning, and diagnostics, the real value lies in integrated solutions. With engineered, certified systems tailored to customer needs, operators benefit from reduced complexity, faster deployment, and higher system availability.
Zoom lenses, available in motorised and manual versions
Digital Edition Download PDF
