The word "automation" often conjures images of tangled cables, crowded control cabinets and layers of software, each performing a small part of a larger system. Yet as production lines evolve, this complexity can hold progress back. Here, Bradley McEwan, business development manager at Beckhoff, explains why simplifying control architecture can unlock higher performance, faster development and longer system lifespans.

To help engineers meet the demands of modern machine automation and test stands - such as wind channels or model testing - Hottinger Bruel and Kjaer (HBK), has added a low-capacity model to its sensor family: the MCS10.

Interlock manufacturer Fortress Safety has obtained IO-Link Safety conformance certification, as well as functional safety certification, from TUV SUD on one of its devices. This milestone marks the successful integration of IO-Link Safety into the tGard product range, offering a new level of flexibility in safety data communication and industrial connectivity.

The new Data Service Interfaces (DSIs) from Phoenix Contact are a convenient solution for service work on control cabinets and devices. With various interfaces including RJ45 and USB, the space-saving service interfaces enable the quick and easy connection of additional electrical devices.

Kollmorgen has released a new servo drive and motor, designed to simplify motion system development and speed-up time to market. The new Kollmorgen Essentials servo system, distributed in the UK by motion specialist INMOCO, includes a matched drive and motor combination with integrated absolute multi-turn feedback and single-cable integration.

HMS Networks has launched the N-Tron NT110-FX2, an unmanaged Ethernet switch with 2 fibre ports, the NT111-FX3, an unmanaged Ethernet switch with 3 fibre ports, and the NT112- FX4, an unmanaged Ethernet switch with 4 fibere ports, designed for industrial applications needing dependable performance for mission-critical applications under harsh conditions.

A contract packaging facility is often home to multiple machines from different vendors all use different communication protocols. It would be simpler if one system controlled everything, says Bradley McEwan, business development manager at Beckhoff UK.

The rapid commissioning of modular, decentralised production plants is an important aspect of digitised industrial production. The IO-Link Safety Master PDP67 in the IO-Link Safety System from Pilz is now available for this purpose. It can be used for simple implementation of bidirectional communication up to field level.

Kontron introduces KontronAIShield, a highly integrated AI-powered security platform that covers both existing brownfield and new greenfield environments. The security platform combines classic approaches such as firewall appliances and virus scanners with modern AI support and intrusion detection mechanisms. It addresses scenarios in edge, embedded, and industrial environments.

Moxa Europe announces the launch of its first AI-ready rackmount IPCs, the RKP-C220 Series. The RKP-C220 come with a x16 PCIe slot that supports full-length discrete GPU cards for AI-accelerated performance at the edge.