Cybersecurity: Certified Components: A Strategic Advantage in Cybersecurity
Safety & Cybersecurity: As Geopolitical Tensions Rise AI Is Amplifying the Threat of Global Cyberwarfare
Motors & Drives: How Modern Seedling Transplanting Works
Sensors, Test & Measurement: Underwater Computer Control with Sonar
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Dear Readers,
Batteries are no longer just used to store energy for small electronic devices. They have become a vital component of industry, playing a key role in the storage of renewable energy, electromobility and automated manufacturing processes. Lithium-ion batteries in particular play a central role, offering advantages such as high energy density, fast charging and a long service life. In factories, batteries serve not only as an energy source for autonomous robots, but also as a mobile power supply for portable tools, digital measuring systems, IIoT and other sensors. This makes many production processes more efficient. However, some things need to be considered, such as timely replacement, which is associated with additional labour and costs, and correct disposal and recycling.
In areas where only small amounts of energy are required, such as for storing position information in encoders, energy harvesting can replace batteries. But what options are there for sensors and devices with slightly higher energy requirements that need to operate without a battery or power supply? The article on page 24 describes the possibility of supplying power via OPV (organic photovoltaic) modules, which could be used as an alternative for IoT sensors or other industrial applications.
Cybersecurity is a major topic that nobody can afford to ignore. Therefore, it is advantageous to know what support is available when dealing with this issue. One option is to use components that are already certified for industrial communication. As the article on page 12 shows, this makes it possible to fulfil requirements in less time. I wish you an interesting read.
KayPetermann
Editor IEN Europe
Digital File Requirements available at: www.ien.eu/technical-guidelines/
Intelligent Automation: Maximum Data Transparency Through Intelligent, Secure Identification at Edge Level
Exclusive Interview:
MES Is Not Rocket Science if You Treat It Right At HANNOVER Fair 2025 editor Kay Petermann met Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing, to talk about the benefits of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and why it is helpful for companies of all sizes to have one.
SAFETY & CYBERSECURITY:
Certified Components: A Strategic Advantage in Cybersecurity
As Geopolitical Tensions Rise AI Is Amplifying the Threat of Global Cyberwarfare
& Control
&
From the Sensor to the Cloud: Making Greenhouses Fit for the Future
Motors & Drives: How Modern Seedling Transplanting Works
High-Resolution Encoder Offers Multi-Turn Absolute Feedback at Zero Incremental Cost
More Power in Organic Photovoltaic Technology. Smaller, more efficient, and aesthetically enhanced OPV modules for sustainable, battery-free IoT and industrial applications.
Underwater Computer Control with Sonar. Digitizer cards convert dolphin sonar clicks to mouse clicks.
Endress+Hauser Celebrates Inventors and Their Developments
2024 Endress+Hauser filed first patent applications for 285 inventions. In other words, its employees generated an average of one invention per working day. The company was granted a total of 701 patents in 2024, because inventions were ultimately registered with multiple patent offices. The Endress+Hauser Group’s portfolio of intellectual property rights now includes over 9,000 active patents and patents pending. Endress+Hauser employees who contribute to a patent application – over 430 last year – are invited to the company’s annual Innovators’ Meeting. This year’s Innovators’ Meeting was held at the home stadium of German Bundesliga football team SC Freiburg. “Innovation is a team sport,” Endress+Hauser’s director for IPR Dr Christine Koslowski (pic r.), with told the assembled employees in a nod to the venue. And she had the numbers to back this up: “Ninety-one percent of all innovations generated in 2024 were a team effort. This is an important part of our culture of innovation.” At the Innovators’ Meeting, Endress+Hauser presented its first ever award for eco-design and circular economy. “We want to make our product development even more sustainable,” explained Dr Andreas Mayr (pic l.), chief operating officer at Endress+Hauser. The Endress+Hauser Group’s spending on R&D in 2024 totaled over 275.6 million euros, or 7.4% of sales.
ABB Plans to Spin off Its Robotics Division
ABB announced a process to propose to its Annual General Meeting 2026 to decide on a 100 percent spin-off of its Robotics division. The intention is for the business to start trading as a separately listed company during the second quarter of 2026. Peter Voser, Chairman of ABB, said: “The board believes listing ABB Robotics as a separate company will optimize both companies’ ability to create customer value, grow and attract talent. Both companies will benefit from a more focused governance and capital allocation. ABB will continue to focus on its long-term strategy, building on its leading positions in electrification and automation.” ABB Robotics provides intelligent automation solutions to its global customer base. Customer value is created through the differentiated offering of the broadest robotics platforms, including Autonomous Mobile Robots, software and AI combined with proven domain expertise to a broad range of traditional and new industry segments. More than 80 percent of the offering is software/AI enabled.
The ABB Robotics division has approximately 7,000 employees. With 2024 revenues of $2.3 billion it represented about 7 percent of ABB Group.
New Leaders at Pepperl+Fuchs
Emerson Reveals Strong Product Investments at NI Connect
During the opening keynote of the annual NI Connect conference, Test & Measurement Group President Ritu Favre announced that the company will release its anticipated Nigel AI Advisor for LabVIEW and TestStand by July 2025. A single intelligence trained across the NI software suite and built on Emerson’s secure cloud network, the Nigel AI Advisor is able to analyze code, offer suggestions for changes, and allow users to ask questions in plain language to surface the correct tools across more than 700 functions. “NI has always been at the forefront of test,” said Favre. “But this year, it’s clear that our software-centric, modular hardware approach is breaking new ground thanks to the support of Emerson’s broad resources. We will continue to provide engineers with the latest expert-led tools they need today and into the future at an unprecedented scale. The conference itself featured several demonstrations of the new products, two days of technical panel sessions led by Emerson experts and customers, and a renewed focus on technology development with the inclusion of a special section inside the convention center where visiting researchers presented and discussed academic papers.
A new chapter began at Pepperl+Fuchs SE on May 1, 2025: Dr. Wilhelm Nehring (l.) took over the role of CEO, Martin Walter (r.) became the new CFO. As part of the overall Management Board, they complete the management team leading Pepperl+Fuchs into the future with strategic vision and fresh impetus. “I see great opportunities for Pepperl+Fuchs to actively shape the industry in the coming years - with the courage to embrace change, a technological focus and a strong team,” says Dr. Nehring. “I would like to thank Dr.-Ing. Gunther Kegel for his extraordinary commitment and look forward to breaking new ground together with the employees on this excellent foundation.” Parallel to the CEO change, Martin Walter is taking over responsibility as CFO. The experienced financial expert brings in-depth expertise in the areas of growth, digitalization and sustainable corporate development. “Pepperl+Fuchs is a company with great future prospects, stable values and an impressive history,” says Martin Walter. “I am very much looking forward to building on Werner Guthier's outstanding work and providing new impetus for further growth."
HYBRIDSAFETYMODULEFORETHERNET/IP OnemodulefordiscreteI/O,safetyI/O,andIO-Link Murrelektronik adds a new member to the MVK Fusion family of hybrid modules with discrete I/O, safety I/O, and IO-Link functionality: MVK Fusion CIP Safety. As the name suggests, it utilizes the "Common Industrial Protocol Safety" - or CIP Safety for short. CIP Safety is a certified extension of the widely used CIP protocol (IEC 61508) that enablesthesafetransmissionofdatainrealtime-withoutthe needforseparatesafetynetworks.ThedevicefeaturesrobustM12 L-codedpowerconnectors,makingitidealforspace-constrained installations.ThenewhybridsafetymodulesforEtherNet/IPalso simplifytheconfigurationofsafety-relatedsensorsandactuators. Configurationishandleddirectlythroughthecontroller'sengineeringsoftware.Thismeansthatnoexternaltoolsareneededto transfertheSafetyNetworkNumber(SNN)ordevicesettings, minimizingsetuptimeandreducingerrors.Thesafetyoutputon PortX3providesunmatchedflexibility.Itcanbeconfiguredastwo sourcingoutputs,onebipolaroutput,oracombinationofboth. The newaredesignedindetailforinstallationclosetotheprocessand useinharshenvironments:TheyareIP67-ratedandfeaturearobust,fullyencapsulatedmetalhousing,makingthemresistantto shock,vibrationandtemperaturesfrom -30°Cto+60°C.
Maximum Data Transparency Through Intelligent, Secure Identification at Edge Level
Leuze SmartID-Edge controls a network of identification systems and sensors for track-and-trace requirements in production and the supply chain. Secure communication between 1D scanners or 2D camera systems takes place at edge level using OPC UA and full integration of the AutoID Companion Specification. The advantage: Each object to be identified is not only represented by its code but also mapped on a virtual tag in the edge system.
Digitization and networking are central topics of our time. In the industrial environment, they shape concepts such as Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Networking plays a particularly crucial role in today’s automation systems in production and logistics. The goal here is to be able to call up the production processes’ exact status at any time and to keep a complete overview of the production-relevant data at field level in a transparent and secure way.
Multiple requirements for efficient identification
Modern automation systems in production or intralogistics have a number of control systems, sensors and actuators. These are networked with each other via Ethernet-based communication or fieldbus systems and can exchange data. Sensors generate event-based signals to activate production processes or provide measurement values to process monitoring. AutoID systems such as 2D camera systems and RFID readers identify objects, load carriers and containers in production and in the material flow.
Modern identification systems typically need to be able to handle variable amounts of data and different code systems, depending on the object to be identified. With classic 1D/2D codes, however, these possibilities are limited because standardized bar codes only provide a defined, unchangeable and rather small amount of data. Furthermore, a bar code always requires access to a higher-level IT system, where the complete data record that the bar code represents is stored. RFID benefits from the flexibility of the data carriers (‘tags’) used, in addition to the physical prin-
ciple’s other advantages. These usually have a freely programmable electronic memory – this means that product and process data required for specific situations can be stored directly on the object. For economic or technical reasons, however, it is not always practical or possible to use RFID. Frequent changes of media from bar code to RFID are also undesirable because they result in increased effort in automation processes and data handling.
SmartID-Edge: Using data more intelligently
This is where the SmartID-Edge concept from Leuze comes in. It uses standardized RFID mechanisms to process and store identification data while retaining the classic optical bar code technology. This is achieved by linking RFID data structures and command sets
with standard bar code scanners and camerabased scanners using OPC UA as the data exchange standard and a fully integrated AutoID Companion specification. Each physical bar code is assigned a virtual RFID tag, which is stored in a database on an edge server. Data is exchanged at field level exclusively between the bar code devices and the edge server. The system’s control system, for example a PLC, has no access to the edge server – the PLC can only access the bar code identification systems, although these behave like RFID systems.
This opens up unprecedented possibilities for enriching data when identifying objects in the production process: In addition to the unique object ID, status information about the identification system as well as reading quality and other process and status data can be stored
Leuze SmartID-Edge offers maximum object and process data transparency thanks to intelligent, secure identification at edge level. Picture: Leuze
Networking plays a crucial role in production and logistics automation systems. This can be designed efficiently, transparently and securely with the SmartID-Edge concept. Picture: Leuze
in a data record. This data record can be accessed directly in real time at field level. Queries to MES and ERP systems are no longer necessary, which relieves data traffic in the networks and frees up system resources at the IT level. Multiple local sensor and AutoID networks can be synchronized via distributed edge servers. This means that all identification events are available throughout the network at all times. Linking these local events with the associated information stored in the edge database over the entire production lifecycle thus provides the basis for the digital twin. This can even be achieved within a supply chain with different suppliers and plants by expanding the edge server with an API and cloud connection.
Maximum security
Measures for secure communication are essential for trouble-free, smooth use of networked systems. Here, the SmartID-Edge solution offers several integrated security mechanisms. Modern automation components and identification systems with communication via Ethernet-based interfaces or fieldbuses such as ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP or EtherCAT have integrated web servers. The
Camera-based code readers using SmartID-Edge not only provide individual object identification, but also device and status information for each production step. Picture: Leuze
web servers allow convenient access to the devices in the local network. To meet the high requirements for adaptability, precision and performance, any necessary updates to the device firmware must be fast, reliable and secure. Recognized functional improvements can thus be implemented without replacing the device and new functions can be implemented automatically. At the same time, it must be ensured that only authorized firmware is loaded into the device and that the data transfer cannot be manipulated. These requirements for secure data transmission are becoming fundamental cornerstones of modern automation systems that communicate locally in networks and via cloud systems, not least due to the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act. OPC UA provides an interoperable, Ethernetbased communication platform that features integrated end-to-end encryption. In addition, the OPC UA Device Interface Specification Part 100 defines a vendor-independent procedure for performing and managing software updates. The direct loading procedure is recommended for devices with limited hardware resources. The new software is transferred as a file archive, whereby each file is checked by its specific header and installed immediately
after unzipping. After a final check, the device is restarted. All communication via OPC UA and thus also the software download are secured by exchanging certificates between client and server. Automated certificate exchange via an external Global Discovery Server (GDS) ensures central management of applications and certificates in the entire OPC UA network. Communication between the network participants therefore meets the highest security requirements: Data cannot be manipulated. This ensures that each device is always operated with the latest and, above all, exclusively original firmware.
Summary
SmartID-Edge offers a powerful platform for networking identification systems at field level. The special concept of data handling using edge servers and virtual data carriers offers maximum transparency in track-and-trace applications as well as efficient access to object and process data at every point in the supply chain in real time. It also meets the high requirements for cyber resilience thanks to its integrated security mechanisms.
65842 at www.ien.eu
MES Is Not Rocket Science if You Treat It Right
At HANNOVER Fair 2025 editor Kay Petermann met Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing, to talk about the benefits of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and why it is helpful for companies of all sizes to have one.
IEN Europe: How would you describe the main benefits of an MES?
Francisco Almada Lobo: Let’s clear one thing up first—MES isn’t software. It’s a concept, a capability, a set of functions manufacturers use to execute production and operations. Every manufacturer does MES already... whether it's with Excel, clipboards, or homegrown apps duct-taped together. The difference is how well you're doing it.
Now, modern MES software is what digitizes and automates these core execution functions—like scheduling, work instructions, traceability, WIP tracking, and quality management. And when done right? The benefits are massive:
• Visibility: Real-time insight into what’s happening on your shop floor.
• Traceability: From raw materials to finished goods—every step tracked.
• Productivity: Less time spent on admin, more time making product.
• Quality: Built-in checks and validations reduce defects.
• Compliance: Audit trails and e-signatures made easy.
• Agility: Faster changeovers, adaptive scheduling, and smarter responses to issues.
In short, MES turns tribal knowledge into digital workflows. It gives frontline workers superpowers, managers clarity, and executives confidence.
And it sets the foundation for bigger moves like AI, digital twins, and lights-out manufacturing.
Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO of Critical Manufacturing
IEN Europe: Why does every company, even small ones, need a MES in the process of industrial transformation?
Francisco Almada Lobo: “Need” is a relative term.
Technically, no manufacturer needs an MES the same way a fish doesn’t need water filters to survive… but try thriving without it in today's digital ecosystem.
Let’s start with the basics: the core capability of a manufacturer is to manufacture. That
means execution isn’t just important, it’s the core function. Everything else: planning, procurement, quality, supply chain, even finance, exists to support and enable that core: getting the right thing made, the right way, at the right time.
And if you’re trying to digitally transform your business, if you want to plug in all the cool tech like AI, predictive analytics, autonomous scheduling, or even digital twins, guess what they all rely on?
Yep. Solid execution data.
And that means doing MES right—not just checking a box that says you have one.
MES isn’t just another system. It’s the digital foundation for everything that touches production. If your execution is a mess, running on clipboards, spreadsheets, or duct-taped workarounds, then all those shiny technologies won’t help. They’ll just amplify the chaos.
Small manufacturers often think they can wait. But that’s like waiting to build a foundation after the house is up. MES done right gives you the structure, visibility, and control to build something scalable, resilient, and ready for the future. It’s not about getting MES. It’s about getting MES right.
IEN Europe: How complex is the process of integration?
Francisco Almada Lobo: It can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick is to treat MES like a program, not a project.
Yes, you’ll need to connect MES to machines, ERP, quality systems, maybe even warehouse and lab systems. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with a focused scope, deliver quick wins, and build momentum.
Integration complexity depends on:
• Your existing systems and how modern (or ancient) they are,
• How much standardization exists across your sites,
• How clean and structured your data is,
• Whether you’ve picked a flexible MES platform or a rigid one.
Smart manufacturers don't try to eat the elephant. They carve out logical phases. Get one line, one process, or one plant running well,
and replicate. Bonus points if your MES supports out-of-the-box connectors, REST APIs, or OPC UA, it makes the plumbing much easier. Bottom line? MES integration isn’t rocket science. But it’s not plug-and-play either. You need strong leadership, realistic timelines, and an MES partner who’s done this before.
Get those right, and integration goes from scary to scalable.
IEN Europe: Thanks for your time and insights!
65755 at www.ien.eu
POWER MEETS CONTROL
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• Application engineering for custom adaptation
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• Exclusively in small quantities at ACE
Certified Components: A Strategic Advantage in Cybersecurity
How IEC 62443-4-2 Devices Help Machine Builders Boost Efficiency and Compliance
In the face of growing cybersecurity threats and tightening regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), machine builders must rethink the role of industrial network devices. Cybersecurity is no longer just a feature. It is a prerequisite for market access, operational continuity, and brand reputation. IEC 62443-4-2 certified devices are emerging as key enablers in this new landscape. They not only support compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks but also simplify certification efforts, reduce integration risks, and promote long-term efficiency.
This article explores how IEC 62443-4-2 certified components contribute to hardening machines, support CE/UKCA certification processes (i.e., CE marking for the European market and UKCA marking for Great Britain, which confirm that products meet safety and
performance standards), and offer a futureproof path to CRA compliance.
IEC 62443-4-2: A practical path to hardening machines
IEC 62443-4-2 defines cybersecurity requirements for individual components such as routers, switches, protocol converters, access points, industrial computers, and more. Certified devices meeting Security Level 2 (SL2) provide robust protection against intentional misuse by attackers possessing moderate resources and skills. This level aligns well with the threat models most machine builders face in real-world industrial settings.
For machine builders aligning their systems with IEC 62443-3-3, which focuses on system-level security requirements, integrating certified components becomes a strategic shortcut. Each IEC 62443-4-2 certified com-
ponent brings predefined capabilities that fulfil key system-level requirements, simplifying the builder's path to compliance.
Using certified components means a machine is built on a known, tested, and independently verified security foundation. Each certified device brings capabilities like authentication, access control, secure boot, signed firmware, encrypted communication, and more. The advantage extends beyond the product. It hardens the machine itself, streamlines audits, and supports third-party system certification efforts.
Even when using non-certified versions, the benefits are tangible. All Moxa products are developed under an IEC 62443-4-1 certified process, meaning the elevated security baseline applies across the entire portfolio. Certified components uplift the overall ecosystem by enforcing better design practices,
Features to be taken care of for a secure development and product life
The scopes of IEC 62443
consistent patching routines, and structured response protocols.
Going beyond compliance: Built-in features that deliver real value
IEC 62443-4-2 compliance transcends mere labelling; it embodies a design philosophy that prioritizes security. Key features include:
• Routers and Wireless Access Points: Equipped with embedded firewalls and integrated IDS/IPS with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to detect anomalies in industrial protocols.
• NAT Functionality: Supports network segmentation and conceals internal IP structures, reducing the attack surface.
• Serial Device Servers: Provide encrypted communication for legacy equipment, improving protocol security without requiring complete infrastructure upgrades.
• Protocol Converters: Not only bridge old and new systems securely but also protect against protocol abuse by verifying and controlling data exchanges between differing standards.
• Managed Switches: Enable granular traffic control, logging, and access policies features that unmanaged switches lack but are increasingly necessary for compliance and audit readiness.
A good example is the use of IEC 62443-4-2
SL2 certified ARM-based industrial computers, which provide a secure foundation for software integration. Such platforms help customers align with security-by-design principles. Moreover, policies such as "update without upgrade" ensure that the certification status remains intact over time, avoiding unexpected revalidation work.
To illustrate the practical benefits of certified components, consider the following scenarios. In a typical automotive manufacturing environment, integrating Moxa’s IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certified industrial secure routers, such as the EDR-G9010 and TN-4900 Series, can help strengthen cybersecurity across automated assembly lines. These devices offer strong protection against cyber threats while supporting CE and UKCA certification processes. By using certified components from the outset, manufacturers can reduce integration risks and improve operational efficiency, all while aligning with regulatory requirements. Similarly, in a representative industrial automation setup, deploying IEC 62443-4-2
certified Ethernet switches, like Moxa’s EDS4000/G4000 Series, enables better network visibility, traffic control, and access policy enforcement. These capabilities are increasingly important for meeting the technical and documentation standards required by the Cyber Resilience Act and other industry regulations. Machine builders using unmanaged switches should migrate to managed and certified options for enhanced security. Greater visibility, policy enforcement, and traceability help meet CRA and other regulatory requirements that demand documentation and incident response capability. Machine builders using unmanaged switches should migrate to managed and certified options for enhanced security. Greater visibility, policy enforcement, and traceability help meet CRA and other regulatory requirements that demand documentation and incident response capability.
Security built into the organization:
Long-term CRA readiness
IEC 62443-4-1 certification ensures the implementation of secure development processes. This is particularly important for CRA compliance, which mandates long-term support, vulnerability management, and transparency. In the context of the CRA, machine builders must also ensure the security of their supply chains. This elevates the importance of choosing suppliers who are IEC 62443-4-1 certified ensuring that components are developed, maintained, and supported under a
IEC 62443-4-2 certified Ethernet switches of Moxa’s EDS-4000/G4000 series
mature security framework.
Key benefits include:
• Structured patching and vulnerability management procedures.
• An active Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT).
• Availability of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), which allow machine builders to identify and track known vulnerabilities in third-party components is critical for risk assessment and compliance.
• Supplier transparency and traceability throughout the product lifecycle, as required by the CRA.
Looking ahead: Certification as a business enabler
IEC 62443-4-2 certification isn't just for component manufacturers. Machine builders can also seek certification for their own systems. By starting with already-certified components, the overall scope of testing and documentation can be reduced significantly. More importantly, CRA enforcement is expected to be strict. Compliance may soon determine who can sell in the European market and who cannot.
Certification transcends risk avoidance, serving as a significant market advantage. Choosing suppliers and technologies that are already compliant simplifies the journey and reduces long-term operational costs.
65802 at www.ien.eu
As Geopolitical Tensions Rise AI Is Amplifying the Threat of Global Cyberwarfare
Armis, the cyber exposure management & security company, is warning that AI-powered cyberwarfare attacks are now becoming a supercharged cyber weapon and urges organizations to immediately close the divide between current cybersecurity programs and future proactive preparation as threats will increase.
New data from Armis Labs’ third annual global Cyberwarfare report, Warfare Without Borders: AI’s Role in The New Age of Cyberwarfare, shows the threat of AI has increased for organizations and governments worldwide in the past year. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of IT decision-makers globally express concern about nation-state actors using AI to develop more sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks.
“AI is enabling nation-state actors to stealthily evolve their tactics to commit acts of cyberwarfare at any given moment,” said Nadir Izrael, CTO and Co-Founder of Armis.
“At the same time, threats are emerging at overwhelming rates from smaller nations and non-state actors leveraging AI to elevate to near-peer cyber threats. It is imperative that cybersecurity leaders shift their programs left of boom, enabling them to stop cyberattacks capable of crippling their operations before there’s any impact to their organization.”
81% of IT leaders say moving to a proactive cybersecurity posture is a top goal for their organization in the year ahead but nearly 3 in 5 (58%) organizations admit that they currently only respond to threats as they occur, or after the damage has already been done.
Staying ahead of threats
Market consolidation, complex regulatory landscapes and gaps in legacy security tool stacks have challenged organizations’ abilities to stay ahead of threats. While many wish to implement AI-driven cybersecurity tools in a proactive defense move, half of IT decisionmakers surveyed acknowledge their teams lack the necessary expertise to implement and manage the technology.
73% of decision makers in Germany believe that AI-powered attacks pose a significant threat to their organization.
“Current industry dynamics create an appealing environment for malicious actors to intensify their efforts through automated AI offensive driven technologies,” said Michael Freeman, Head of Threat Intelligence at Armis. “Organizations that leverage proven AI security solutions will realize a greater impact in their ability to equip their teams with the resources and time they need to anticipate the tactics that could be used against them and harden their environments in response. Embracing a more proactive approach to threats has never been more important, and closing that divide between intention and
ample preparation is within reach thanks to significant advancements in cyber exposure management.”
The 2025 Armis Cyberwarfare Report is based on a study of over 1,800 global IT decisionmakers and proprietary data from Armis Labs. Read the full report from Armis, including a comprehensive breakdown of the findings for each region of respondents and IT decisionmakers from different verticals here: https://www.armis.com/cyberwarfare-2024/
65863 at www.ien.eu
21
17 COMMUNICATION: LoRaWan Connectivity to the Cloud SENSOR TECHNOLOGY: Rugged High-Temperature Level Sensor
From the Sensor to the Cloud: Making Greenhouses Fit for the Future
Agriculture is facing major challenges today. Climate change, increasing demands on sustainability and the pressure to achieve higher yields with lower resource consumption require innovative solutions. Greenhouses offer a controllable environment that can be made even more efficient through technological advances such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Efficiency is not only a crucial topic in industrial production, JUMO and Weidmüller demonstrate how smart sensors and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) simplify monitoring and control in greenhouses and also optimize resource use and increase yields.
Sensor technology as the key to success
The basis of every successful greenhouse operation is the precise monitoring of the ambient conditions. This is possible with the innovative hydroTRANS sensors from JUMO. The sensors record essential parameters such
The SPE switch connects SPE sensors over distances of up to 1,000 meters and enables Ethernet-based forwarding of sensor values to the cloud.
as temperature, humidity and CO2 content. These values are crucial for the optimal development of the plants.
A special feature of JUMO solutions is the integration of Single Pair Ethernet technology. SPE enables direct and lossless data transmission from the sensor to the cloud - without complex intermediate systems such as edge gateways. Liquid fertilizer can also be monitored using a magnetic-inductive flow meter with an SPE interface, which increases efficiency and minimizes waste.
Single Pair Ethernet: The technological basis
Single Pair Ethernet is a pioneering transmission method that was specially developed for industrial applications. It is characterized by the following advantages:
• Extended range: With a range of up to 1,000 meters over a single pair of copper wires, SPE far exceeds conventional Ethernet. This is particularly important in large-scale greenhouse systems.
• Direct data transmission: Data goes directly from the sensor to the cloud without any intermediate steps, which reduces installation effort and increases data integrity.
• PoDL functionality (Power over Data Line): In addition to data transmission, SPE also enables the sensors to be supplied with power via the same cable. This eliminates the need for additional power lines - a clear advantage in the warm, humid environment of a greenhouse.
Cloud-based solutions for maximum efficiency
The data recorded by the sensors is transferred directly to the JUMO Cloud via SPE.
JUMO hydroTRANS S20 intelligent SPE sensor for temperature, humidity and CO2
There, greenhouse operators have access to intuitive visualization and analysis tools. These not only enable real-time monitoring, but also predictive control. For example, irrigation and fertilization plans can be adjusted based on the current plant health and environmental conditions.
Weidmüller supports this process with its SPE switches. These enable a seamless connection between sensors and the cloud. Weidmüller's "unmanaged switches" in particular
make installation and integration easy, even for users without in-depth IT knowledge.
More yield through targeted automation
The collaboration between JUMO and Weidmüller impressively shows how IIoT solutions not only increase efficiency, but also contribute to more sustainable agriculture. The precise control of water and fertilizer resources minimizes waste while ensuring better yields. "These intelligent solutions are revolutionizing the way greenhouse operators work. They
make it possible to manage resources in a way that conserves resources while increasing productivity," explains Dr. Thomas Bürger, Head of the Automation Products and Solutions Division at Weidmüller.
In practice, the integration of SPE and sensors means that water shortages or excessive CO2 levels can be immediately detected and regulated. The precise dosing of water and nutrients ensures that plants only get what they really need. This creates optimal growth conditions that directly translate into higher yields.
Conclusion: The future of agriculture is smart The combination of modern sensors and Single Pair Ethernet is setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in agriculture. JUMO and Weidmüller have shown how innovative technologies can make greenhouses future-proof. With solutions that not only increase yields but also minimize the use of resources, they are making an important contribution to the agriculture of tomorrow.
For pure compressed air with optimum energy efficiency
The new double-stage air compressors of the DS series from AERZEN compress absolutely oil-free in accordance with ISO 8573-1, class 0 and guarantee outstanding performance in almost all application areas at differential pressures between 5.5 and 10.5 bar. Applications in sectors such as the food and beverage industry, chemical and process engineering as well as medical and pharmaceutical technology place the highest requirements on compressed air quality. After all, impurities in the compressed air such as dust, moisture, oils or microorganisms have an impact on product quality and the production process. With its DS series, AERZEN now offers new smart and efficient air compressors for oil-free compression.
Exceptionally high energy efficiency
The new double-stage screw compressors are available in nine sizes from 55 to 315 kW and volume flows from 180 to 2,920 m3/h. They reliably provide 100% oil-free process air (certified according to ISO 8573-1 Class 0) and achieve energy savings of up to 12% compared with the best-performing compressor models currently available on the market. This leap in efficiency is achieved by innovative bare-shaft compressors with new, highly efficient 4+6 rotor profiles in the low and high-pressure stages and motors with energy efficiency class IE4 or IE5. A variable frequency drive is integrated and guarantees optimum operation with a large turndown. The DS series is equipped with a direct drive
using a coupling and gear drive for optimum drive efficiency and has stainless steel rotors in both stages to prevent corrosion.
Maximum reliability and durability
The compressed air packages have been designed for maximal reliability and durability, and they achieve outstanding performance even in extreme climatic conditions. An effective sealing concept for the drive shaft and conveying chamber minimises natural seal wear. The smart oil concept with oil cooler, electrical oil pressure switch for a constant oil level check and a mechanical oil pump contribute to the high level of robustness and energy efficiency. The oil-lubricated anti-friction bearings with pressure lubrication achieve a service life of at least 40,000 hours.
Secure, efficient and environmentally friendly compressed air generation
Maximum energy efficiency, quality, durability and reliability, paired with minimal maintenance effort/costs and low noise levels - these are the new double-stage, oilfree screw compressors in the DS series. The process air generation is of course PFAS-free, without compromising on performance and durability. Thanks to the extremely compact design, the machine footprint is small. The smart package concept even facilitates sideby-side installation, as maintenance can be carried out from both the operating and the rear sides. The entire package can easily be transported using a pallet truck, forklift truck or crane.
Da Ros Srl, an Italian company, specializes in manufacturing agricultural machinery for nursery and vertical farms. One of their tools, a transplanter, provides assistance in day-to-day operations, as do the FAULHABER drive systems that are incorporated in this machine.
The image of a person plowing their fields with oxen and a harrow is a thing of the distant past. This laborintensive work has been almost entirely taken over by large agricultural machines, which farmers can operate comfortably. These machines are now indispensable—the demand for food and feed has reached new heights, necessitating the cultivation of fields and greenhouses on an unprecedented scale.
With more automation and robotics in agriculture, the way food is grown is changing significantly. This brings numerous benefits, including improved efficiency and productivity, as well as more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Additionally, automation reduces physical strain and enhances safety for workers by handling
heavy, repetitive, and physically demanding tasks. Not least, the use of robots and machines helps address labor shortages. Continuous technological innovation is crucial not only for staying competitive in the market but also for meeting the increasing demands of Industry 4.0.
Smart Farming with the Transplanter
Thanks to advanced devices and machines, areas or individual plants can be precisely managed according to specific conditions. Smart farming allows sections or entire areas to be cultivated in a computer-assisted and automated manner. Networked processes ensure ease of use and efficient workflows.
One of the machines offered by Da Ros is the new transplanter, the "TRAPIANTATRICE Model TP-24."
Suitable for all types of horticultural, floral, and forestry plants. It carries out the transplant operation using special grippers, taking the seedlings from the small cells of the germination trays without damaging them, and then placing them in trays with larger spaces, which support the continuation of the growth process. However, even modern machines and systems face challenges that must be overcome to maximize productivity in precision agriculture. They need to be quickly and easily set up and must operate accurately and reliably, especially for repetitive tasks.
The Italian company Da Ros Srl is dedicated to the design, construction, and commissioning of highly functional agricultural machines. Founded in 1986, the company addresses the requirements, workflows, and unique challenges faced by the agricultural sector. With innovative technologies and modern products, Da Ros offers solutions for automation and optimization aimed at sustainable and efficient farming.
Whether sowing, transplanting, potting, or watering, their high-performance machines provide not only standard solutions but also
Taking the seedlings from the small cells of the germination trays into bigger units without damaging them is an important step in growing plants. Picture: FAULHABER
Motion Controller with EtherCAT communication. Picture: FAULHABER
A brushless motor from the 2250...BX4 series(upper part) with integrated feedback and a planetary gearhead from the 22GPT series (lower part) ensures reliable gripper operation. Picture: FAULHABER
alternative and customized options for diverse agricultural needs.
More than a motor
FAULHABER drive systems are used for optimal gripper handling in the TP-24 transplanter. Thanks to their compact size and high dynamics, the minimum distance between individual grippers is just 22 mm, allowing up to 24 grippers to fit in the machine. A brushless motor from the 2250...BX4 series with integrated feedback and a planetary gearhead from the 22GPT series ensures reliable gripper operation. The gearbox is characterized by a high continuous torque and a high speed. Thanks to these speeds, the machine can work extremely productively. Control is managed via
a FAULHABER Motion Controller MC 5004 P, which communicates via EtherCAT. The machine is also designed with a modular concept, enabling easy adaptation to different customer production requirements.
The Da Ros team is impressed: “We were looking for a small brushless motor. At FAULHABER, we found expertise and helpfulness, especially in the early stages of the project when we were unsure about the application specifications. From the beginning of the project to its commissioning, we were supported by a qualified and competent team that advised us on selecting the best products for our technical requirements.”
High-Resolution Encoder Offers Multi-Turn Absolute Feedback at Zero Incremental Cost
Kollmorgen servo motors are now available with a new generation feedback device. Offered at no additional cost over erlier models, this encoder offers four times greater positioning accuracy and uses energy-harvesting technology to track absolute multi-turn positioning even when the system is powered off.
Kollmorgen introduced the new SFD-M (Smart Feedback Device, Multi-Turn). It allows machine builders to achieve highresolution multi-turn feedback with absolute positioning information available at system startup. Designed to work with AKDTM and AKD2G drives, the SFD-M absolute multi-turn encoder can be integrated into Kollmorgen housed servo motors at no additional charge compared to the SFD3 single-turn absolute encoder, providing multi-turn performance, four times greater positioning accuracy and fifty times lower EMF noise. With the SFD-M, customers can achieve substantial savings in machine designs that perform at the highest levels of precision, efficiency and effectiveness.
Precise and productive motion
The SFD-M measures the position of the rotor shaft throughout each 360º rotation without requiring reference to a home position, and it registers the total number of rotations the shaft has made in either direction. This absolute multi-turn positioning capability is ideal when precise tracking of position is required over large rotational distances, such as in machine tool positioning, packaging machines, material handling, satellite tracking and many other applications. Additionally, the SFD-M maintains absolute positioning information in real time even when the system is powered down, eliminating the need for timeconsuming homing sequences upon startup. Energy-harvesting technology for batteryfree operation absolute multi-turn encoders from other providers often require a battery to retain positioning information when the
The SFD-M absolute multi-turn encoder provides higher performance without additional charge compared to the SFD3 single-turn encoder
system is powered down or during a power failure. These external batteries require replacement and can be subject to failure. Other alternatives use mechanical gear trains, which are noisy, backlash-prone and add size to the motor.
The new Kollmorgen SFD-M eliminates these issues, instead using energy-harvesting technology to reliably maintain positioning information with no need for batteries or gear trains. Battery-free operation eliminates maintenance issues while also supporting efforts to reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimize waste.
Exceptional performance
The SFD-M is highly accurate, offering a 24 bit resolution, that is 16,777,216 counts per revolution or 0.0772 arc-sec per count. The multi-turn absolute range is 16 bits, representing 65,536 motor revolutions and the typical accuracy is < +/– 1 arc-min typical at 25ºC, or < +/– 3 arc-min worst case. The new encoders offer a huge benefit for precision and productivity at a savings of hundreds of dollars per motor and potentially several thousand dollars in a complex, multi-axis machine.
Smaller, more efficient, and aesthetically enhanced OPV modules for sustainable, battery-free IoT and industrial applications
Dracula Technologies, a leader in ambient light energy harvesting, announces a significant advancement in its LAYER® technology, delivering 15% higher power efficiency along with new aesthetic improvements. This breakthrough enables manufacturers to integrate smaller Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) modules while maintaining the same electrical performance or achieve greater power output at the same size, meeting industry demands for compact, battery-free solutions. Additionally, a new aesthetic coating enhances the module’s appearance, allowing seamless integration into various product designs.
Aesthetic and Functional Enhancements
A new aesthetic coating will be applied to the upper surface of the module to improve its appearance and conceal any potential defects. Customers will be able to choose from various
finishes according to their preferences, with a catalog of available options to be released soon. This addition ensures that LAYER® modules not only deliver superior performance but also blend seamlessly into product designs. Furthermore, the new silver bus bars enhance the module’s visual appeal while also playing a role in boosting efficiency.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Compact, Sustainable Energy Solutions
As industries seek to minimize battery reliance, the need for efficient, maintenance-free energy solutions is growing, particularly in IoT, smart labels, and industrial automation. Batteries increase device size, require replacements, and contribute to electronic waste. The latest iteration of LAYER® enhances energy harvesting efficiency, generating sufficient power even under very low-light conditions
Flexibility is one of the benefits of the LAYER® modules
(<100 lux). This enables device manufacturers to reduce power constraints, extend product lifespan, and eliminate battery-related maintenance, making self-powered electronics more viable than ever.
Enabling Battery-Free IoT, Smart Buildings, and Retail Applications
With improved efficiency and compact design, LAYER® empowers manufacturers to create truly autonomous IoT sensors, smart building automation devices, and electronic
shelf labels. In retail, this translates to sustainable, cost-effective solutions for electronic price tags, while logistics and asset tracking benefit from reliable, battery-free energy sources. Industrial automation applications, such as smart sensors and process monitoring, also gain increased energy autonomy, reducing operational costs and supporting energy-efficient operations.
A Step Forward in OPV Innovation
Jérôme Vernet, VP Sales of Dracula Technologies, commented: "With 15% higher power efficiency, a more compact design, and enhanced aesthetics, we’re addressing the growing demand for smaller, more autonomous, and visually adaptable energy solutions in IoT and smart devices. This advancement helps reduce costs, increase design flexibility, and achieve sustainability goals. By leveraging cutting-edge material science and manufacturing innovations, we continue to push the boundaries of energy harvesting, reinforcing our leadership in the field and commitment to sustainable solutions."
Technical Advancements: More Efficient and Aesthetically Adaptable
This technological advancement replaces the previous copper bus bars with screenprinted silver, allowing for precise control of the line width, down to 1 mm, which increases the active area and enhances power generation by up to 15%. This improvement offers either a more compact design with the same power output or higher power with the same surface area, reducing costs by up to 15%. The use of screen printing ensures durability and stability, as it handles the dense silver paste more effectively, producing robust, long-lasting bus bars. In addition to these efficiency improvements, the aesthetic coating further enhances the module’s integration into product designs, ensuring both functionality and visual appeal.
Lux is the lighting recommendation for an
need 100 Lux to work.
TCO-reducing factors:
Designed for longevity, the LAYER technology offers considerable advantages for the straightforward power supply of sensors, particularly in challenging installation situations. This also has a positive effect on overall costs. No battery replacement costs: OPV-powered sensors eliminate the need for battery replacement and the associated logistical challenges, making them ideal for large-scale deployment.
Minimised maintenance: Fewer components, such as batteries, require maintenance, so companies can reduce the manpower and resources required.
Scalability: OPV-powered sensors are a more cost-effective solution for large-scale IoT networks as they require minimal maintenance and support. This makes them ideal for multisite deployment.
For those interested, Dracula Technologies offers demo kits for product designers to order and build prototypes.
About Dracula Technologies: Headquartered in Valence, France, the company pioneers sustainable energy solutions with its LAYER® technology, revolutionizing power sources for low-power electronics. Its organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules, manufactured using patented digital printing, harvest ambient light, eliminating reliance on traditional batteries. LAYER®Vault complements the company’s existing OPV harvesting product line, transforming it into a 2-in-1 product, combining low-light energy harvesting and storage on a single, flexible film ensuring uninterrupted device functionality, empowering Smart Buildings, Smart Homes, Smart Asset Tracking, and other related applications. Supporting its mission is its new "Green Micropower Factory"—a state-of-the-art, fully automated facility, the largest of its kind in the world with a capacity of up to 150 million cm² of printed OPV devices per year.
65871 at www.ien.eu
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office working place. the LAYER® modules
sensors, test & measurement
Underwater Computer Control with Sonar
Digitizer cards convert dolphin sonar clicks to mouse clicks
Dolphins have an amazingly precise echo location system that allows them to focus on a small area when hunting for food. The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) in the Florida Keys is designing a project using an array of 15 hydrophones to listen to the dolphin’s sonar clicks. The signals are captured with a 16-channel digitizer system by Spectrum Instrumentation. The data is then processed using a custom AI program to determine, from the different signals, the location the dolphin has focused on. In a second step, at the end of this year, this setup will be used to control a cursor on an underwater screen. The dolphins can then move the cursor and see the results. Jesse Fox, Director of IT at the Dolphin Research Center, explained, “I am passionate about this project because it will open up many more avenues of communication. Currently, we are limited in objective methods of gathering responses from the dolphins to stimuli or, ‘questions’ if you will. The concept behind this new setup has been around for a few years, and it’s the equivalent of pressing a button but on a much higher level. A real-time moving cursor, that is guided by a dolphin, will open a whole new area of animal cognition and understanding of dolphins! We hope to reach this stage by the end of 2025, and the first thing I want to do then is to write a paint program for the dolphins to play with!”
Data for precise localisation
The project recently changed its digitizer cards because the previous ones gathered too much data, creating a buffering issue that prevented real-time data processing. “The Spectrum cards capture the perfect amount of data
needed to pinpoint the echo location information and, crucially, gather enough ambient sounds for the AI to parse them out. We use Spectrum’s SBench 6 software to control the cards, which is really easy to set up and use,” said Jesse Fox.
Two Spectrum M2p.5913 digitizer cards, each with 5 MS/s sampling speed, 8 channels and 16-bit resolution, are connected together via a Spectrum Star-Hub module to ensure they are perfectly synchronised. This allows the processing of the 15 hydrophone signals to precisely determine the spot on which the dolphin has focused its echo location on. The large on-board memory of the ADC cards can gather and pass on the data for processing without any buffering. It is projected that this
Two M2p.5913 digitizer cards provide 16 acquisition channels using only two PCIe slots. The M2p.59xx series by Spectrum Instrumentation offers 24 different card variants with 5 to 125 MS/s sampling speed, 1 to 8 channels per card and 16-bit resolution.
A
combination of hydrophones, digitizers and a custom-developed AI is able to locate the focus of the dolphin’s sonar clicks.
will deliver more than 8 TB of data per week that will be uploaded to Google Drive for later analysis and training of the AI.
Learning by trial and error
An obvious problem is that humans cannot show dolphins how to move the cursor. Fortunately, dolphins are incredibly curious and can be asked to echo locate in a particular place. The plan is to encourage this, let them experiment and see what happens. Juvenile males are particularly good at this and should be able to learn for themselves how to move the cursor on the screen. Dolphins also learn from each other, so they will soon hopefully pass this new skill on to the other dolphins. After the initial paint program, Fox plans to create numerous games to entertain and enrich the lives of the dolphins. “They are so
ABOUT DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER:
The Dolphin Research Center on the island of Grassy Key in Florida was founded in 1984. The first dolphin at the Centre was the one who played Flipper in the 1963 film, and her descendants are still there thanks to the Centre’s breeding program, along with dolphins that have been rescued and could not be returned to the wild. The dolphins live in a lagoon by the Centre with special breakaway fences that are safe for dolphins but keep predators out. Learn more under https://dolphins.org
much like us and yet so different,” he commented. “This project will enable us to better understand how they think.” He added that the dolphins have different interests and motivations, and, as with humans, this varies from individual to individual. One example of this is an experiment where two dolphins had to press a button with their snouts at roughly
the same time to release some fish. Once the pair had worked this out, one stopped participating on her own as there was no praise from a human, which was her motivator more than food. “After all, a star needs her applause,” Jesse explained.
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