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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.
Fraunhofer project for better recycling processes of paper packaging
Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.
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.
Precision and accuracy are essential for liquid dosing applications to ensure quality and safety. While these factors are vital at the micro level, macro scale applications, involving litres of product, can also make significant efficiency gains by optimising dosing control. To achieve this, selecting the right valve and measurement technology is vital, with the right level of automation.
October marks the 50th year since ABB’s Low Voltage Variable Speed Drive was first brought to market. Developed by Finnish company Strömberg, which went on to become part of ABB, VSD have revolutionized industrial energy consumption and decarbonization
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.
For use with multi-way valve sealing pads
The Hungarian MOL Group has achieved a significant milestone in its SHAPE TOMORROW Strategy by successfully completing its first ISCC PLUS-certified production run using circular feedstock at its MOL Petrochemicals site in Tiszaújváros.
Accurate energy consumption data is essential for companies aiming to achieve climate-neutral production. To support this goal, a consortium of organizations has recently published a groundbreaking specification for interoperable and efficient energy management in industrial and process automation.
Solenoid and process valves for pressures up to 1.000 bar
PROFINET Certification for Virtual Controller and Device Instances
Plasma-coated paper as a plastic alternative for the packaging industry
Siemens named one of the global preferred suppliers for Merck's next-level automation, boosting global smart manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator platform
Leak detection with robust fixed mounted solution for monitoring and advanced analytics
Cleaning systems of industrial large filter systems are often poorly regulated and therefore consume large amounts of expensive compressed air. That´s over now: A new feature of the solenoid valve controller HE 5750 of AXXERON HESCH electronics, allows for an exact setting of the cleaning pressure. We asked the Managing Director, Werner Brandis: How does pre-pressure control work exactly and what are further advantages for the industry?
Digital Twin Platform in Conjunction with Digital Nameplates for the Process Industry Introduced at ACHEMA
In the process of transforming our economy and society towards greater sustainability and climate neutrality, green chemistry can make a decisive contribution. Fraunhofer scientists are playing a key role in supporting industry with practical solutions. At ACHEMA, the world's leading trade fair for the international process industry, 10-14 June, they will present a selection of their current projects and research results at Fraunhofer Stand D49 in Hall 6.0.
Reduction of capital and operating costs in offshore systems above and below water
One focus will be on development of new processes for chemical recycling of plastic waste
To date, the KHS coating of wafer-thin, chemically pure glass on the inside wall of PET bottles was primarily applied to improve the quality and shelf life of sensitive soft drinks and juice. VILSA-BRUNNEN Otto Rodekohr GmbH is now the first mineral water bottling plant to profit from Plasmax technology. The family business is consistently investing in its product quality and the long-lasting freshness protection of its premium beverages – and in doing so is setting standards on the market.
For level measurement in a hygienic environment
As of 1 June 2023, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has taken over the majority stake in the young Swiss company ReseaTech from Burgdorf. Both companies have already been working successfully on joint projects since 2021.
German Fraunhofer researchers have developed an extremely heat-resistant ceramic-based ink. For the first time, this enables metal components processed in the automotive industry at temperatures over 1,000 °C to be marked with a code. This opens up wide-ranging possibilities for designing process chains in the industry more efficiently and reducing their carbon footprint significantly.
Silicon Resonant Water Pressure Gauge for Successful Deep Sea Observation of Sea Level Fluctuations
With SPE interface for consistent IP communication from the field to the automation level
Precise Level Measurement for viscous media and with low dielectric constants
The world is facing a fundamental change to its entire energy supply. All current methods of generating energy are under scrutiny. Nuclear energy has fallen into disrepute for a number of reasons. Meanwhile, hydropower has its own limitations in terms of scope, one of which is its immense impact on the landscape and the associated consequences for flora and fauna. Biomass is another option, but it competes with food production and is also a limited resource. Author: Wolfgang Weber, Pepperl+Fuchs
The basis for the CIP cleaning process is an optimized interaction of the factors mechanics, time and chemistry. Cleaning agents and rinsing solutions are applied to the surfaces of the plant components via a spray head integrated into the equipment. The movement of the spray head ensures that the cleaning solutions completely wet all surfaces and thus clean them.
Ammonia could play a decisive role in the transition from fossil fuels to climate-friendly alternatives if produced from green hydrogen. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM are developing ammonia-based systems for a mobile, decentralized energy supply in the infrastructure, transportation and industry sectors.
Circular corrosion protected M12-connectors
Axel Lorenz has taken over management as of October 1, 2022, former CEO Eckard Eberle moves to Siemens Global Business Services
From a two-man operation to global market coverage: the Leonberg-based pump manufacturer plans to expand company headquarters into an innovation campus
The DCS has been the link to production information from the plant floor for decades. We interviewed Mark Taft from ABB who gives a review on DCS technology, digital transformation, and sustainable production.
The Spanish PUCO2 Project, led by AIDIMME, AIMPLAS and INESCOP, uses R&D to fight the problem of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
The topics to be discussed this year are more relevant than ever. Kay Petermann from IEN D-A-CH interviewed Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG, on the comeback of the fair as a live event.
Specially developed valve for installation with plastic pipes
High temperature stability allows use in CIP and SIP applications
Fraunhofer researchers develop sensors for fire and explosion protection
In the presence of the German Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, a delegation from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (MOEI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi.
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