ABB has secured a contract with the West Sea Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, to equip six new Portuguese Navy offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) with an integrated power, propulsion, and automation system to ensure optimal efficiency. The vessels are planned to be delivered between 2027 and 2031. The new vessels will have the Azipod…
ABB launches ‘RoboMasters’ personalized training app
ABB has introduced RoboMasters, a new app-based training tool that offers flexibility in learning the skills required to program and operate ABB robots. The app allows users of all experience levels to create customized learning paths at their own pace, and it offers access to a wide range of ABB robot training courses presented in…
New digital static meter offers precise measurement and easy use
Static electricity isn’t just a nuisance; it seriously threatens manufacturing efficiency, product integrity, and workplace safety. Unchecked static can lead to costly downtime, product defects, material jams, and even hazardous employee shocks. If static interferes with your processes, EXAIR’s upgraded Model 7905 Digital Static Meter offers an essential first step in identifying and eliminating the…
ABB adds AI to robotic Item Picking family for fashion and logistics
ABB is expanding its portfolio of robotic solutions for logistics and e-commerce supply chains by adding two new AI-powered functional modules to its Item Picking family. Featuring ABB’s AI-based vision technology, tested by world-leading fashion retail and logistics companies, the Fashion Inductor and Parcel Inductor offer solutions for two of the most critical logistics processes:…
SMART researchers pioneer first-of-its-kind nanosensor for real-time iron detection in plants
Researchers from the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) of the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have developed an inventive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of simultaneously detecting…
ABB survey predicts growth in EV production despite doubts on meeting ‘full EV’ deadline
ABB Robotics’ third Automotive Manufacturing Outlook Survey, in partnership with the leading global industry publication Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, has provided key insights into how automotive manufacturing leaders and key suppliers view EV production objectives. “This year’s survey found that overall, automotive manufacturing professionals are optimistic about EV production growth in 2025 but unsure about reaching…
ABB Robotics and AUAR to build climate-neutral research facility
ABB Robotics and construction technology company AUAR are working together to build “ConstrucThor,” a research facility in Belgium showcasing the future of sustainable construction. The project will harness AUAR’s micro-factories technology and is assembled using an automated construction process powered by ABB robots. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will serve as a living laboratory dedicated…
Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle is rated for clean rooms
The Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle is rated Class 5 for clean rooms and controlled environments per ISO 14644-1. It produces ionized compressed air to neutralize static and remove troublesome particulates during clean processes, test procedures, and sensitive assembly work. With a +/-30-volt balance, the Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle was designed to use minimal compressed air…
Emerson software adds advanced capabilities
Emerson has announced the release of PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, the integrated development environment software used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems programmable logic controllers (PLCs), QuickPanel human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and more. This update represents the latest and most advanced version, elevating the user experience with a significant leap forward in…
EXAIR’s new catalog 36 now offers BETE products and a guide to industrial solutions
Ensuring efficiency and safety in industrial environments has never been more crucial as manufacturing processes evolve. That’s why EXAIR has introduced Catalog 36 — a full-color, in-depth resource designed to help businesses tackle conveying, cooling, cleaning, blowoff, drying, coating, and static control challenges. This latest edition features an expanded selection of products, technical guides, certifications,…
Motion to purchase industrial distributor in Hawaii, strengthening service in Pacific
Motion Industries, a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a provider of industrial technology solutions, has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the net operating assets of Maguire Bearing Company, an industrial distributor based in Hawaii. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close at the end of…
Static eliminator neutralizes and cleans wide surfaces
EXAIR’s Super Ion Air Knife neutralizes static electricity while blowing away dust and particulates from printed surfaces, paper, plastics, and three-dimensional shapes. The wide laminar airstream, full of static-eliminating ions, is effective at high speeds and provides superior cleaning up to 20 ft away. Thus, poor print quality, dust attraction, tearing, jamming, and equipment downtime…
OES rotary stages offer high-resolution and substantial load capacities
The AY110-200-04 Rotary Stage (pictured) features a 200 mm diameter table, 3.6 arcseconds (1/1000 of a degree) resolution, and 100 Kg (220 lb) load capacity. This high load capacity, high precision Rotary Stage from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems) is just 83 mm (3.268 in) high, and the footprint is only 250 mm by 267 mm…
Rugged Toggle Switch Series is ready to ship
APEM announces the worldwide launch of its CT Series toggle switches, which will be available through service distributors. These toggle switches and accessories, offered in familiar form factors with fresh options, integrate thoughtful design details for improved performance and incorporate the features and approvals needed for industrial-grade applications in agriculture, material handling, heavy equipment, and…
New Varistat Benchtop Ionizer removes static at a distance
The award-winning EXAIR Varistat Benchtop Ionizer is a powerful fan-driven static eliminator that neutralizes static charges on surfaces in demanding industrial environments. This Ionizer delivers a consistent stream of ionized airflow, effectively removing static and particulates without needing compressed air. The Varistat is now available in 230 volts to meet the requirements of industrial locations.…
KUKA to debut new heavyweight AMR at PROMAT 2025
KUKA Robotics will unveil the latest heavyweight addition to its line of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the KMP 3000P, at PROMAT 2025, March 17 – 20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. In addition to the new AMR, KUKA is spotlighting pick-and-place material handling solutions that help manufacturers increase efficiency and productivity Visitors to KUKA’s booth #N7307…
ABB launches AppStudio no-code tool for robot interface programming
ABB has launched AppStudio, an intuitive, no-code software tool allowing users of all experience levels to create customized robotic user interfaces easily. Its intuitive functionality and features, including a collaborative cloud-based library that enables users to share application templates, will reduce setup times by up to 80%. “A growing shortage of skilled labor requires the…
Emerson introduces DeltaV Edge Environment 2.0 to enhance batch data integration
Emerson has launched DeltaV Edge Environment 2.0, the latest iteration of its edge technology designed to integrate operational technology (OT) control systems with enterprise information technology (IT) applications. The updated platform enables batch processing industries like life sciences and chemical manufacturing to access and use critical operational data for analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine…
AutomationDirect adds Endress+Hauser’s vibration rod level switches to detect bulk solids
AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Soliphant vibration rod level switches to detect fine- or coarse-grained, non-fluidized bulk solids in silos, hoppers, and bins. They can even detect solids underwater, such as sediment buildup in a tank. These robust switches are insensitive to buildup, providing maintenance-free operation and easy setup with no calibration required. They feature rugged plastic…
EXAIR’s line of Air Knives provides an air curtain that can be used for many applications
EXAIR’s family of Air Knives (Super Air Knife, Standard Air Knife, and Full-Flow Air Knife) provides a laminar air curtain for blowoff, cleaning, drying, and cooling applications. Independent laboratory tests certify that EXAIR’s Air Knife Systems have met the rigorous safety, health, and environmental standards of the European Union to attain the CE mark. Plus,…
igus marks 60 years with recyclable bike, highlighting commitment to sustainability
To mark its 60th anniversary, igus has launched its innovative and environmentally friendly bicycle, the igus:bike, on a world tour, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Made from recycled plastics, the bike will travel through 16 countries for a year, signaling a new form of urban mobility while demonstrating the success of a circular plastics economy.…
DigiKey expands product portfolio through partnership with MediaTek
DigiKey, a global commerce distributor offering technical components and automation products, has announced it has expanded its product portfolio through a worldwide distribution partnership with MediaTek, the world’s fifth-largest fabless semiconductor company. MediaTek develops tightly integrated, power-efficient systems-on-chip (SoC) for embedded systems, mobile devices, home entertainment, network and connectivity, automated driving, and IoT. “MediaTek is…
Eplan and Siemens expand data interoperability in machine engineering, expanding efficiency
By significantly expanding data interoperability between their offerings, Siemens and Eplan will improve the efficiency of customers’ engineering and production processes in machine and line building. The automated interaction between Siemens’ Teamcenter X software, TIA Portal, Eplan Electric P8, and Eplan Pro Panel makes engineering information available right in Eplan and vice versa. Customers will…
Motion Industries enters into agreement to purchase conveyance company
Motion Industries, a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of International Conveyor and Rubber (ICR), a U.S.-based company. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close at the end of December 2024.…
DigiKey debuts Season 3 of the Supply Chain Transformed series
DigiKey, a global commerce distributor offering technical components and automation products, announces the release of Season 3 of the Supply Chain Transformed video series, sponsored by Omron Automation and onsemi. The new season will focus on innovative technologies, including IoT, fueling the logistics industry’s future. The world of logistics is undergoing a widespread digital transformation. To streamline operations and…