Mihails Kusnezoff, Stefan Megel and Sindy Mosch from the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Dresden have developed a high-temperature electrolysis stack that is setting new standards worldwide: It generates hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency, can also operate as a fuel cell and is designed for industrial-scale serial production. The technology has earned the three researchers the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for 2026.
It wasn’t too long ago that hazardous zones and production zones were reasonably well separated. The areas where explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dusts were present tended to stay in their own very specific environments, and the equipment operating in those areas was specified accordingly. Today, however, that distinction is less clear.
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.
Grinding organic waste into pumpable material for stable transport
Compact relay for demanding environments, with screw or push-in connection
In high-pressure fluid systems, inaccuracy is more than a measurement problem - it’s a performance, safety, and cost risk. From hydraulic power units to oilfield chemical injection skids, reliable flow data under extreme pressure is essential to keeping critical systems running efficiently and safely.
Ethernet-APL Switch for Safe Field Integration
Fraunhofer project for better recycling processes of paper packaging
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.
For use in rugged applicactions from -40 to 75 °C
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.
The latest trends in robotics can be experienced at HANNOVER MESSE 2026 from April 20 to 24.
Tomohiro Yoshida is the new FA Business Unit President for Europe.
Reliable switches for mission-critical operations in harsh environments
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.
APC enables capacity increases without new hardware, energy savings and cost reduction through continuous optimization, and more stable product quality under fluctuating conditions.
BASF already produces metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on an industrial scale that can store large quantities of CO₂ and water vapour in a limited space.
smartLink HW-PN V1.04 adds AMS & ABB FIM support
The modern production facility in Stäfa, featuring highly classified cleanrooms for the semiconductor industry, will be built over the next two and a half years and accompanied by the acquisition of land for an additional office building.
Intrinsically safe tablets and smartphones serve as digital and networked hubs for connected workers in the process industry
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
Siemens launches a one-stop security platform for managing communication connections in OT networks. With virtualized network structures it protects shop floor devices from targeted attacks and unauthorized access.
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
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.
The largest oil producer in the Caribbean used Cogent DataHubTM software in a recent project to modernize their SCADA systems and integrate new IoT-enabled well-monitoring devices
Titan Enterprises, a leading UK manufacturer of liquid flow measurement solutions, has had a long-standing supplier relationship with John Guest, part of the RWC family of brands, since designing their first beverage flowmeter in the early 1990s. Following discussions with a customer, the two companies teamed up to develop a streamlined, state-of-the-art single unit for beer dispensing systems, fully integrating Titan’s turbine flow technology within RWC’s pioneering PolarClean connector.
Functionally safe, reliable performance in the toughest industrial environments
Optimized performance with more torque for the same size
Compact and cost-effective for pressure and level measurements
From fertilizer to energy source of the future
Maintaining Compliance with the European Union Methane Emissions Reduction 2024/1787 Ruling Requires Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging
The evaluation of the installed base and its further use is a key decision point in modernization projects. At the same time, Ethernet-based, state-of-the-art field device technology should often be used. For the first time, a product study by Pepperl+Fuchs presented a solution for field devices modern Profinet over Ethernet-APL and those with Foundation Fieldbus H1 (FF-H1) interface at Hannover Messe 2025.
NOA cooperation for efficient and secure vertical communication at process automation production plants kicks off
Fraunhofer researchers have developed sensor systems and measuring equipment that detect leaks in hydrogen lines and tanks. Applications for the new technology include continuous monitoring of hydrogen shipments and facilities in the chemical industry.
Pepperl+Fuchs Integrates RFID Reader Into VisuNet GXP HMI Platform and Enables Authentication up to Zone 1/21
Solution and new hardware now available in six European countries and Brazil
Affordable connectivity for large distances of up to 1.000 m in large plants
Measuring Light Viscosity Fluids in a range from 0.3 to +5000 GPM
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