Emerson has expanded the capabilities of its Rosemount 928 Wireless Gas Monitor by adding combustible gas detection, enabling percent lower explosive limit (%LEL) monitoring over the secure WirelessHART platform. The update helps users monitor combustible hazards in remote or hard-to-wire locations without the need for additional power or costly signal wiring.
Safety technology in machine building is much more than just meeting stringent standards – it is a strategic success factor. Modern safety systems not only protect people but make responsibility visible, stabilize processes and increase profitability. It is precisely at this interface that protection of people and system availability meet: Where functional safety creates trust: smooth processes, high availability and long-term competitive advantages follow. At the same time, the requirements on simple, flexible and easy to integrate solutions are growing. Machine building companies are faced with the challenge every day of balancing safety, efficiency and flexibility. Maintenance and service require consistent, clearly diagnosable control platforms. Safety representatives ensure compliance conformity, while engineering teams need to design processes to be more efficient and safer. Added to this is the expectation of fast project planning, short commissioning times and a modular, scalable integration – all supported by rugged and cost-effective technologies.
Alongside the proven technology of the first generation, I/O systems PSSuniversal with head modules and corresponding I/O modules, the remote I/O system PSSuniversal 2 is continuing the success story. Improvements to mechanics, handling and diagnostics show the way to the new universal generation. The communication modules PSSuniversal and PSSuniversal 2 are used for decentralized networking and for transferring safety-related and non-safety-related signals at field level. Using PSSuniversal, a wide range of applications can be implemented by connecting up to 64 I/O modules. You can connect the communication modules to the PLC controllers PSSuniversal or other higher-level controllers.
When robotic cells must handle a range of variable products within the same machine, mixed-product environments often require repeated programming, application-specific integration, and expensive 3D camera setups. These demands can slow deployment, increase integration cost, and make it difficult to scale automation across operations. To address these challenges, Festo introduces GripperAI, a universal AI-based software that enables robots to handle a range of items without custom programming. The software operates locally at the cell on a standard industrial PC with a connected 3D camera and automatically adjusts for mixed products without programming or template loading between SKUs.
In automotive manufacturing, precision directly affects performance, cost, and customer perception. A deviation of just a fraction of a millimeter can lead to noise, vibration, premature wear, or failed inspections. Over time, these small issues become large ones, leading to warranty claims, rework, and inefficiencies. That’s why manufacturers are increasingly focused on zero-defect production, eliminating variation at the source rather than correcting it later. Achieving precision no longer requires complex systems. Solutions like OMRON’s ZP-L enable reliable defect detection, strong repeatability and reliability, and consistent performance across materials using non-contact sensing and non-color dependent detection, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Whether for small-volume sampling in a cabinet, for in-line measurement or sensor immersion in depths as low as 10 metres, the newest Endress+Hauser flow assemblies are designed for easy installation and simplified, even reduced maintenance in clear water monitoring. Each of these three new models and their compatible sensors assure efficient and online measurement with fast response time to ensure process safety and reliability.
The EM600 Series represents a significant evolution in Carlo Gavazzi’s energy-metering portfolio, introducing dual Ethernet connectivity, fast data refresh, and an enhanced user experience designed for advanced industrial and building energy management applications. Developed as the natural successor to one of Carlo Gavazzi’s top-selling products, the EM24 series, the EM600 features a modernized design with a 128 × 96 backlit matrix LCD display, an intuitive quick-setup wizard, and dual Ethernet ports that allow daisy-chain connections without external switches — all within a compact DIN-rail housing.
Emerson has announced the release of its Emerson Synchros Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform, a new suite of technologies that expands asset health visibility and improves maintenance decisions through a flexible wireless architecture designed for rapid deployment across existing facilities. Across many operations, maintaining and tracking assets still depend on periodic manual rounds due to cost and logistical issues. This often leaves gaps where developing issues can go undetected. The Emerson Synchros platform addresses this challenge by providing a more practical and scalable approach to continuous monitoring. Maintenance and operations teams can now digitize inspection points and extend visibility using a flexible wireless architecture built on WirelessHART technology.
Festo introduces intelligent end plates for the CPX-AP-A Remote I/O Platform. This solution extends system communication, diagnostics, and power across multiple machine zones. For machine builders managing modular machines with multiple zones, these intelligent end plates simplify remote I/O expansion by reducing wiring complexity for speedier setup and commissioning. With intelligent end plates EPLI and EPLI-S, machine builders can scale remote I/O systems across independent machine sections without redesigning controls or duplicating power and networking connections. The location of I/O and pneumatic valves can be optimized to the point of use. The AP architecture maintains high-speed communication, unified diagnostics, and clean grounding across all segments. The intelligent end plate capability supports modern modular and hybrid system architectures, reducing cabinet density, shortening wiring runs, and speeding up machine building.
The Proline Promag H with “0 x DN full bore” meets the highest hygienic standards. The stainless-steel sensor housing complies with 3-A requirements. The PFA lining is media-resistant and CIP/SIP-compatible. Numerous hygienic process connections enable standard-compliant integration into existing systems. This makes the device suitable for applications in the processing of milk, juices, soft drinks, beer and other sensitive liquids, as well as for bioscientific processes.
High efficiency is only feasible with an optimized network. Balluff offers a comprehensive Ethernet/IP line of products such as the BNI004F, for your high-efficiency system. As a standard for network technology recognized worldwide, Ethernet/IP has already replaced Devicenet in many areas. The Ethernet-based technology is significantly faster and enables the integration of drive technology. Balluff BNI004F network blocks for Ethernet/IP also score points for their high user-friendliness. Only Balluff Ethernet blocks can block IP addresses and protect against accidental changes. This increases your security and simplifies maintenance.
Durable safety sensors enable high installation tolerances and can therefore be installed quickly on the machine – a key factor in ensuring reliable machine application and consistent delivery quality. At the same time, simple, fast wiring options such as safe series connection or IO-Link Safety integration significantly reduce the installation effort and also save valuable space on the plant. Integrated diagnostic functions such as LED displays or the diagnostic system SDD reduce downtimes and simplify repairs. This is because any error messages that occur are detected quickly, analyses are available and errors can be rectified quickly.
Endress+Hauser announces the complete lineup of iTHERM ModuLine, the latest generation of modular thermometers for industrial applications, is now available in Canada. This innovative product line aims to reduce complexity and achieve simplicity, with unparalleled performance and safety. Comprised of only seven models, ModuLine is designed to replace over 50 legacy models offered by Endress+Hauser in the industrial realm. iTHERM ModuLine thermometers are ideal for industries such as chemical, oil and gas, power and energy and water/ wastewater. By delivering precise and reliable data, these thermometers help optimize processes, reduce operational risks and enhance overall efficiency. Innovations like iTHERM QuickNeck, the quick disconnection technology previously available only as an option for iTHERM hygienic thermometers, are available with all ModuLine models. QuickNeck makes it possible to do a fast, easy calibration – without unwiring and rewiring the sensor.
The Alberta Electrical Alliance (AEA) is dedicated to enhancing the image, knowledge, opportunity, and environment of the Canadian electrical industry, and I was able to experience an excellent example of this at their AEA Electrical Learning Expo that took place Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. During the event, attendees had the chance to speak with industry experts, explore cutting-edge tech and connect with insightful experts in the business. Whether you are an electrical pro, a supplier, or simply eager to stay ahead of the game, this event presents a beneficial way of staying current in the Canadian electrical and lighting industries.
Littelfuse has announced the launch of the Littelfuse/C&K TDB Series, an ultra-miniature, half-pitch surface-mount DIP switch family engineered to support high-density PCB designs where space, reliability, and manufacturability are critical. As electronic systems continue to shrink, design engineers face growing challenges fitting configuration and addressing switches into increasingly compact layouts without compromising electrical performance or assembly yield. The TDB Series addresses these challenges by significantly reducing the internal mechanism size, delivering a 1.27 mm half-pitch footprint that enables higher component density while maintaining robust electrical and mechanical reliability.
Festo introduces the SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter. This sensor replaces multiple sensing components with a single compact device that delivers analog, digital, and IO-Link outputs. This new sensor provides OEMs with a flexible solution for monitoring the position of pneumatic cylinders and grippers in applications such as good/bad product selection, press-fitting, riveting, and ultrasonic welding. By sensing the magnetic piston, cylinder position is transmitted to the PLC with a repetition accuracy of 0.2 mm.
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
