News

Honeywell and Analog Devices, Inc. have announced at CES 2024 that they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the digitization of commercial buildings by upgrading to digital connectivity technologies without replacing existing wiring, which will help reduce cost, waste, and downtime. The strategic alliance would bring this new technology to building management systems for the first time.

Many of the commercial buildings in the United States are outdated and inefficient and, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the majority of them were built before the year 2000. Additionally, organizations are relying on networking technology to transmit ever-greater volumes of data, causing a surge in demand for cloud storage and processing speed. Digitizing building management systems will allow managers to reduce energy consumption through real-time decisions, while it will upgrade a building’s network performance and security to current Internet-protocol networks without extensive costs and remodeling.

“For more than a decade, ADI and Honeywell have collaborated on driving the next waves of innovation,” said Martin Cotter, senior vice president, Industrial and Multi Markets and president of ADI EMEA region. “In this next phase of our work together, we are thrilled to see these ADI technologies move beyond factory automation and into Honeywell’s building management system to help customers reduce building energy consumption, which can save money, improve resiliency, and help meet emissions reductions goals.”

“Honeywell is revolutionizing building management systems to help building owners tackle today’s biggest challenges,” said Suresh Venkatarayalu, Honeywell’s chief technology officer. “This collaboration with ADI would offer building owners the ability to upgrade and enhance their wiring without a significant upfront investment, and with less labor and environmental impact.”

Honeywell plans to adopt ADI’s single-pair Ethernet (T1L) and software configurable input/output (SWIO) solutions in its building management systems. ADI’s single-pair Ethernet enables long-reach Ethernet connectivity with the possibility of reusing a building’s existing wiring, reducing installation time and cost, and reducing waste. Single-pair Ethernet complements existing Ethernet connectivity in building management systems, bringing enhanced connectivity from the edge to the cloud, helping eliminate data islands and better utilizing assets.

ADI’s offering would also reduce product complexities by enabling Honeywell to build a single version of the product for different needs, allowing more future-proofed control and automation for when a building is remodeled, or requirements change. This helps increase the speed of product installation, reduces inventory needs, and enables easier and more affordable changes.

After years of research and development, NSK is revising the basic dynamic load rating of many bearings by up to double the equivalent rolling contact fatigue life (with no change in design or materials). NSK is the first company in 60 years to make a significant breakthrough in bearing life calculation techniques, helping end users to improve productivity and boost environmental protection.

Some engineers may be surprised to learn that the fundamental formulas used to calculate bearing life are more or less the same as those defined in a 1962 report by the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA), the precursor to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 2023, over six decades later, NSK has learned a few more things about calculating and predicting bearing life, making it time to reconsider the evaluation techniques for this critical parameter.

The project began around 20 years ago, when NSK noticed a growing gap between the bearing life calculated in the ISO standard and the actual bearing life verified by endurance testing. A more detailed study commenced.

At that time, NSK confirmed that the life of its bearings was approximately 20 times longer than the life expected under ISO standards. And today, in 2024, the life of NSK bearings can be more than 50 times longer. Erring on the side of caution is fine, but longer bearing life is beneficial to improve production efficiency and protect the environment by reducing the frequency of replacement and quantity of waste.

NSK research demonstrated that, under well-lubricated conditions, the composition and quality (amount of impurities) of the bearing steel is a more accurate indicator in predicting how long a bearing will last. However, as the company continued its research, engineers realised that an evaluation method based on fracture mechanics might provide more meaningful insight.

Technology development commenced via an open innovation project between NSK and Kyushu University. The result was the establishment of a quantitative evaluation method that could determine which factors influenced the process of crack propagation in a material, and to what extent. Notably, by combining the new method with an ultrasonic inspection technique that scans the non-metallic inclusions in a large volume of steel, NSK discovered it could predict the life of its bearings with much higher accuracy.

With the establishment of the Micro-UT ultrasonic inspection method, it is today possible to inspect more than 3,000 times the volume of steel compared with conventional microscope methods in just 20% of the time. NSK already has these innovative testing systems in place at its Technology Centres around the world.

The company’s current catalogue contains a very large number of bearing types, and the applications and conditions of use by customers are also diverse. In order to ensure that customers can use NSK bearings with confidence, the company is reviewing the basic dynamic load ratings in consideration of an appropriate safety margin. Customers can rest assured that the updating process will take place based on well-researched methodology supported by extensive empirical data. Any uprated values will be well within the safe range.

ABB has agreed to acquire Canadian company Real Tech, a leading supplier of innovative optical sensor technology that enables real-time water monitoring and testing. Through the acquisition, ABB will expand its strong presence in the water segment and complements its product portfolio with optical technology critical for smart water management. Financial terms of the transaction that is expected to close in Q1 2024 were not disclosed.

Unlike traditional water quality measurement, which can be a time-consuming process, Real Tech’s product portfolio provides critical measurements in real-time. This enables better process control and continuous water quality assurance. Real Tech’s patented solutions cover the entire digital water value chain for water quality monitoring with a focus on data creation and analytics.

Real Tech’s portfolio includes optical sensors, controllers and a suite of optional accessories that allow each system to be configured according to customer needs. Leveraging the power of light, the sensors measure water composition. They use spectrophotometry and fluorescence measuring techniques to move testing from the lab to the process environment for real-time use. Liquid AI®, a proprietary AI software platform, completes the service offering, providing an easy and accurate way to analyze data from Real Tech sensors. The company has approximately 40 employees and is based in Whitby, Ontario.

“We are excited to welcome all our new colleagues to the ABB family,” said Jacques Mulbert, Division President, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “We look forward to jointly driving the innovation and growth journey of Real Tech. Joining forces with ABB will accelerate the deployment of Real Tech’s technologies through the vast ABB global sales and service network, making a step change in access to market. The acquisition is an important part of ABB Measurement & Analytics’ strategy, which includes adding advanced environmental technologies to the portfolio.”

“When we founded Real Tech almost 20 years ago, we were set on developing optical sensor technology that would advance the management of water into a new era,” said Jodi Glover, CEO and co-founder of Real Tech. “Our real-time water quality monitoring sensors and data analytics capabilities are empowering our clients, both utilities and industries that manage water in their operation and manufacturing processes, with the critical insights they need every minute, every day. We look forward to becoming part of ABB with our shared vision to create a more sustainable future.”

According to the UN, 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while more than 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation. At the same time, only 11 percent of the world’s treated wastewater is reused and around half of the world’s untreated wastewater still enters rivers, lakes, and seas. Advancements in water sensor technology and artificial intelligence can aid in efficient water and wastewater management. Investment in water quality monitoring, water treatment and water infrastructure has expanded dramatically worldwide. In the US, an unprecedented $111 billion is being invested in upgrading water infrastructure over a 10-year period.

Valeo, the key technology partner of mobility actors around the globe, and Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, have started a strategic collaboration to bring thermal imaging technology to the automotive industry to enhance the safety of road users.

Together, the team already secured a major contract in late 2023 from a leading global automotive OEM to deliver their new thermal imaging cameras as part of a new generation of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) driver-aide technology to improve vehicle and road safety.

Valeo and Teledyne FLIR will deliver the first Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) B thermal imaging technology for night vision ADAS. This system will complement Valeo’s large range of sensors and rely on Valeo’s ADAS software stack to support functions such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) at night for passenger and commercial vehicles as well as for autonomous cars. The collaboration brings together Valeo, the world’s leader in automotive camera technologies, with Teledyne FLIR, the world leader in thermal imaging technology, to create the next generation of multispectral sensor fusion systems for automotive safety.

Valeo will leverage its extensive expertise in automotive vision systems to integrate Teledyne FLIR thermal vision technology and supply the OEM with a complete solution for night vision, including perception software based on Valeo’s AI and Graphical Visualization stack.
“Valeo has the most extensive portfolio of perception solutions on the market and we are looking forward to working with Teledyne FLIR to add thermal imaging to our offer,” said Marc Vrecko, president of Valeo comfort and driving assistance. “This new camera and its perception software will complement our offer and improve the overall performance of ADAS and autonomous vehicles systems to bring even more safety to road users, especially at night.”

“Teledyne FLIR continues to make tremendous strides in developing and incorporating thermal imaging into automotive safety systems, from aftermarket driver-aid technologies to autonomous robotaxis,” said Paul Clayton, vice president and general manager, Teledyne FLIR. “Our work with Valeo enables us to make thermal imaging technology ubiquitous within transportation, from passenger cars to semi-trucks, allowing more drivers and automated vehicle safety systems to see in complete darkness, in cluttered environments, and in adverse weather where other incumbent sensors struggle.”

Improving Roadway Safety for Vulnerable Road Users

In the United States, preliminary data from the Governor Highway Safety Association found that 2022 marked the deadliest year on record for pedestrians since the organization began tracking such data in 1981. The record number of pedestrian deaths, with three-quarters occurring at night, highlights the need to do more to protect vulnerable road users, which also includes bicyclists and large mammals. In response, regulators in the United States are introducing proposed rulemaking for stricter testing standards for automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, including requiring testing at night. However, existing AEB systems do not include thermal imaging, which is crucial for detecting and classifying living objects in low-light conditions and inclement weather.

To learn about the Teledyne FLIR automotive program, visit https://www.flir.com/adas.

Happy New Year everyone! As we move into 2024, PowTechnology asked CEO, Dave Oakes, to review 2023, our first year as ‘PowTechnology’ and to give us a preview of 2024.

“2023 was our first year operating as PowTechnology and what a year!

Our new name generated an incredible energy across the organisation, building on the growth and diversification that went before.

 2023 was our strongest year ever and we are extremely optimistic for continued success in 2024, with new colleagues, new technologies, new sectors opening up and a very exciting new partnership with Siemens.

PowTechnology have been intelligent automation specialists for over 30 years. We have always been innovators in harnessing data from sensors and machines to the cloud.

In 2023, I believe our success was based on the expansion of both our technical sales and our development teams, allowing us to progress further into edge processing, AI and anomaly detection technologies.

The results have been incredible! We successfully delivered projects which helped customers optimise asset reliability, enhance performance and boost sustainability. There are now around 40 case studies on our web site. What an amazing endorsement of our digital transformation capabilities!

For me, the Ardent Fuel-It project really exemplifies our current IIoT capabilities. Ardent is a multi-category rental equipment specialist, which has historically differentiated itself through digitalisation.

They came to us with a vision for their Fuel-IT smart fuel tank and within six months they had a proof of concept!

Now, they have a market-leading digital transformation solution, which collects level, flow, dispense and GPS location data, as well as offering authorised dispersals, with users identifying themselves and the asset being fuelled. Ardent have differentiated themselves within the rental market, with delighted customers reporting 50% reductions in fuel consumption via dispense control and successful challenges of fuel suppliers who charge for more product than supplied.

I love it when PowTechnology helps customers to solve their real-world problems! 

I’m also delighted that PowTechnology was recognised once again by industry peers. We were proud to be a finalist in the Instrumentation Excellence Awards in the category ‘Digital Transformation Award’. We were also delighted to be Industry Update Magazine’s Industry4.0 Company Of The Year!

It’s a fitting testament to the PowTechnology team and their determination to help customers optimise their processes, whether that be to promote safety, sustainability, service or strategy.

Our recent appointment as a Siemens Solutions Partner is an incredibly exciting development!! This partnership represents the formalisation of our long-term relationship with Siemens.

PowTechnology are now deploying easy retro-fit, scalable, fully customised and integrated Industry4.0 solutions involving Siemens instrumentation. It’s a true symbiotic relation, whereby Siemens are able to use PowTechnology to deliver solutions requiring remote connectivity.

The PowTechnology-Siemens synergy is strong across many sectors, including chemicals, mining, aggregate and cement. The use of IIoT solutions for abstraction and discharge of mine water, data analysis of bitumen and belt weighing, as well as the tank/silo level for which we are better known, delivers major benefits.

With these sectors in mind, we will be exhibiting at Hillhead 2024, the biggest exhibition of its kind in the aggregates, recycling and construction products industries.

We will also be exhibiting and speaking at Instrumentation Live in a couple of weeks and other industry-specific events to be announced shortly.

IIoT solution development has also been ongoing throughout 2023 and we have a number of launches planned as well as further expansion of our engineering and development resource.

Q2 should see us launch Metron5, the next evolution of our proven Metron4 telemetry hardware. It will interface with a broader range of smart sensors and offer greater edge processing capabilities.

PowTechnology have also been working on our MetronView platform and will be launching a range of new features including greater versatility to customise views, incorporate graphics and mapping and deploy new communication protocols.

We are also moving our website to a new platform to make it faster and easier to navigate.

In summary, 2023 was a truly exceptional year and we are better placed than ever to build on that! I’m really excited and confident for 2024!

My fellow Directors and I would like to thank the whole PowTechnology team for their enterprise and commitment and congratulate them on the success that it continues to deliver!”

What can PowTechnology do for you?

Please browse PowTechnology’s web site and get in touch with any queries you have or applications you would like to discuss. +44 1827 310 666 sales@PowTechnology.com or use this contact form.

Instrumentation Live, sponsored by IndySoft, is coming to the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on 17 January 2024. This brand new table top event is the ideal platform for showcasing your latest technology in the fields of test, measurement and control. Taking place alongside Electronics Live, the NCC will be the place to be come 17 January 2024.

Taking place during the event are the seminars. Throughout the day, visitors to the exhibition will be able to find out more about electronics and instrumentation in the seminar theatre.

• 11.40am: PowTechnology, Will Brown, The Sense In Sensing: What Can The Industrial Internet Of Things (IIoT) Do For Me?

  This presentation is aimed at any sensor supplier, integrator or sensor user, who could derive greater benefit from collecting and channelling sensor and instrumentation data to optimise processes.

  Our post-pandemic world demands connectivity to remain relevant and digitalisation is now a necessity for organisational success. Yet, perceived cost & complexity remains a barrier for many. 

  We’ll be using real applications to demonstrate how intelligent deployment can deliver dramatic results, even with modest investment. Measuring a few key parameters can be extremely effective to optimise efficiency, maximise resource and minimise waste.

  Whether you are measuring level, flow, pressure, temperature, vibration, humidity or monitoring energy usage, understanding your processes can help you to optimise them. Benefits include:

  • Lowering operational & energy costs
  • Preventing breakdown before it occurs
  • Maximising resource and reducing waste
  • Compliance with legislation
  • Improving service to customers
  • Differentiation from competitors
  • Introducing new revenue streams

  Reliable sensor data can promote safety, sustainability, sales and service. If you are a sensor supplier wishing to add connectivity to your offer or a manufacturer wishing to maximise benefit from new or existing sensing technology, this presentation will provide you with a proven path to success.

• 1.40pm: Sensor Technology, Mark Ingham, New Developments in Torque Measurement and Display
  
  Expert Mark Ingham from Sensor Technology takes to the stage at 1.40pm to outline what is new in the measurement of Torque and how that data is available for observation and analysis. For over 40 years, Sensor Technology has researched and developed solutions for customers’ torque and load measurement problems, developing its own unique technologies for the instrumentation, test and OEM markets worldwide.
  
  
• 3.00pm: Sensing Innovation Leadership Council, Peter Loftus, UK Sensing Innovation Ecosystem
  
  The UK has a rich history of innovation in Measurment, instrumentation and sensing technologies yet is not a leading nation in the manufacture of sensing systems. The impact that may have on UK end users of sensing systems is poorly understood but the Sensing Innovation Leadership Council was established to help identify opportunities to enhance the overall process of innovation and application. The talk will provide a brief resume of the Council’s efforts in this direction to-date and the opportunities that we see for the future.
  

Instrumentation Live is a free-to-attend event that aims to attract key decision makers that are looking to source the latest products and solutions and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Visitors benefit from the unique opportunity to see all of the instrumentation market leaders under one roof while exhibitors enjoy an incredible ROI from the highly-targeted and relevant crowd that the exhibition will attract. Exhibitors already signed up to be at the event include Michell Instruments, Micro-Epsilon, ION Science, POWTechnology, Calex Electronics, Trafag, Dewesoft, Asset Instruments Engineering, Luso Electronics, Rheintacho, D.A.T.S., Status Instruments, Winters Instruments; Sensing Innovation Leadership Council;Alphasense; Magnaflux; Mettler Toledo; Display Technology; Indysoft; GI Systems; Acoustic Camera; Strainsense and European Springs and Pressings.

To register for free to attend Instrumentation Live, please visit instrumentationlive.co.uk.

TTI, Inc. – Europe, a world leading specialty distributor of electronic components, has signed an authorised distributor agreement with Rosenberger, a leading manufacturer of impedance-controlled and optical interconnect solutions in high-frequency, high-voltage and fibre-optic technology. TTI Europe now stocks Rosenberger products, so electronics designers can access a more in-depth portfolio to find the perfect solution for their application.

“Rosenberger is very well respected in the market for its advanced technology, and we are delighted to have signed this EMEA distribution agreement with them, giving our customers access to a wider product portfolio in high-frequency, high-voltage and fibre-optic technology,” said Ronald Velda, Supplier Marketing Director Europe – Connectors & Emech for TTI. “Our significant stock package investment demonstrates our dedication to both Rosenberger and to providing better technical solutions for our customers, making us thrilled about the future and about growing together.”

“We are excited to expand our EMEA channel strategy with this new agreement,” says Frédéric Klein, Sr Vice President Global Sales Interconnect at Rosenberger. “We share a mutual focus in industrial, aerospace & defence and transportation markets, as well as a strong cultural alignment, which will set the course for common growth and future success. We are confident that our strengths in cutting-edge technology and highly efficient manufacturing processes coupled with TTI Europe’s extensive sales network and strong stock commitment will form a powerful partnership, adding real value for customers that rely on the precision and reliability of our products.”

TTI Europe looks to build strong partnerships with its trusted manufacturing associates so electronics engineers have access to the best products and expertise all from a single source. The expansion of TTI Europe’s portfolio means customers can benefit from the high availability of connectivity solutions so they can advance their designs while also realising the convenience and efficiency advantages of purchasing from a ‘one-stop shop’.

Rosenberger offers high quality standardised and customised connectivity solutions for mobile communication networks, data centres, industrial test & measurement, automotive electronics, high-voltage contact systems, medical and industrial electronics, as well as aerospace engineering. The product range includes RF coaxial connectors, components and accessories, RF measurement products and cable assemblies.

For further information on the latest Rosenberger products available from TTI Europe, please visit https://www.ttieurope.com/content/ttieurope/en/manufacturers/p-s/rosenberger.html.

A&T Enclosures Limited, a bespoke electrical enclosure manufacturer based in Brierley Hill has announced the appointment of two new directors as the business continues to grow year on year.

Tracey Owens who has been with the company since 2015 has accepted the position of Commercial Director and Wayne Mansell who has worked for the organisation for twelve years has accepted the role of Operations and Facilities Director.

The move will see Tracey and Wayne bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across all departments throughout the company and will ensure that A&T Enclosures Limited continues to thrive in the coming years.

Tracey and Wayne commented ’We feel this is a milestone in our careers, and we would like to express our deepest thanks to each and every one of you who has played a significant role in our journey. We are excited about the challenges that lie ahead and confident that we can drive our company forward towards further heights of success.’

The appointment of these two new directors is yet another significant milestone for the Black Country business, who just last year celebrated their thirtieth year in business with a commemorative visit from the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street MBE and the Mayor of Dudley, Sue Greenaway.

The organisation continues to be a leading provider of bespoke electrical enclosures and with the additional support of both Tracey and Wayne in their new roles, we have no doubt that the company will continue to thrive for many years to come.

Instrumentation Live, sponsored by IndySoft, is coming to the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on 17 January 2024. This brand new table top event is the ideal platform for showcasing your latest technology in the fields of test, measurement and control. Taking place alongside Electronics Live, the NCC will be the place to be come 17 January 2024.

The free-to-attend event aims to attract key decision makers that are looking to source the latest products and solutions and stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Visitors benefit from the unique opportunity to see all of the instrumentation market leaders under one roof while exhibitors enjoy an incredible ROI from the highly-targeted and relevant crowd that the exhibition will attract. Exhibitors already signed up to be at the event include Michell Instruments, Micro-Epsilon, ION Science, POWTechnology, Calex Electronics, Trafag, Dewesoft, Asset Instruments Engineering, Luso Electronics, Rheintacho, D.A.T.S., Status Instruments, Winters Instruments; Sensing Innovation Leadership Council;Alphasense; Magnaflux; Mettler Toledo; Display Technology; Indysoft; GI Systems; Acoustic Camera; Strainsense and European Springs and Pressings.

Also taking place during the event are the seminars. Throughout the day, visitors to the exhibition will be able to find out more about electronics and instrumentation in the seminar theatre:

• 11.40am: PowTechnology, Will Brown, The Sense In Sensing: What Can The Industrial Internet Of Things (IIoT) Do For Me?
• 1.40pm: Sensor Technology, Mark Ingham, New Developments in Torque Measurement and Display
• 3.00pm: Sensing Innovation Leadership Council, Peter Loftus, UK Sensing Innovation Ecosystem

To register for free to attend Instrumentation Live, please visit instrumentationlive.co.uk.