Smart Automation Magazine Spring 2026 by MEB Media Publishing (UK) Ltd

A smart home starts with a smart door!

Electrical installations in both industrial and consumer buildings need to meet the new challenges of our growing power needs. To increase the energy efficiency of buildings, while at the same time integrating consumers into the load compensation, will mean that controlling the switching of electrical devices on or off according to external signals, such as time and consumption, will be vital. www.new.abb.com/smartgrids/ smart-grid-technologies/smarthome-and-intelligent-buildings

Based on the Connected Building Platform from Bosch Software Innovations

ASSA ABLoY is the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.

Since its formation in 1994, ASSA ABLoY has grown from a regional company into an international group with about 46,000 employees, operations in more than 70 countries and sales close to SEK 68 billion.

The Group has a leading position in areas such as access control, identification technology, entrance automation and hotel security.

www.assaabloy.co.uk/en/local/uk/

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4 Designing the future

Why smart homes must be simple and seamless

8 Product & Industry News

The latest news and views from the industry

22 Sustainable automation in heritage buildings Energy- and cost-efficient climate control

26 Rising raw material prices

Why upstream volatility is no longer abstract

30 From feel to fact How biomechanics and tactile sensing revolutionised footwear production

34 Power for the dark days Getting the most out of energy storage systems

38 The cost of digital weighing It’s time to upgrade weighing systems

42 Connected by matter Matter promises to deliver smart home interoperability

Designing the future

Why smart homes must be simple and seamless

As the global appetite for smart homes grows, so does the need for simplicity, standardization, and seamless integration.

Raimondo Salandra, Business Line Leader for Home Solutions at ABB Smart Buildings, shares insights from global markets and cuttingedge developments to explore how intuitive design and interoperability can unlock the full potential of connected living.

Home automation is no longer just a luxury, it is fast becoming

a fundamental component of modern living. Homes are evolving into sustainable, cost-effective, comfortable spaces where innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT) empower residents to manage their energy consumption and carbon footprint, while at the same time enjoying the comforts of modern living at their fingertips. This revolution is gaining speed. By 2028, the number of smart home users in Germany is projected to reach almost 40 million[1]. In the UK, adoption is set to reach 50%

of the UK population in the same year[2]. The message is clear: smart integration is no longer optional, it is expected.

However, as the smart home market matures, so does its complexity. For many homeowners, developers and installers alike, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt smart technology, but how to make it simple, scalable and future-ready. Placing simplicity and interoperability at the core of smart home design and implementation is essential to unlocking its full

Simplicity drives adoption

The market today is saturated with disconnected products. Faced with too many choices, consumers often feel overwhelmed. The key to adoption lies in making smart systems intuitive rather than intimidating. A truly smart home isn’t necessarily the one with the most devices; it is the one that solves real needs with minimal friction, without feeling overly technical or complicated. When people find a solution that is simple, affordable and works – when they can just ‘set it and forget it’ – that is when they truly commit.

Prioritize interoperability

Modern eco and tech-savvy homeowners expect a unified experience. ABB’s support of universal protocols like Matter and Thread means that users can manage everything from lighting and electric vehicle (EV) charging to washing machines and heat pumps through a single interface – whether that be Apple Home or Google Home. That is what users want: fewer apps, more

harmony. It is about reducing ‘app clutter’ and making home automation as seamless as flipping a light switch. This is especially important when end-users are managing multiple systems such as lighting, HVAC and energy in one place.

Design with the whole home in mind

A smart system should be planned holistically. From day one, developers and homeowners need to consider comfort, energy efficiency, usability and security, along with the potential for future upgrades. The goal is not tech for tech’s sake, it is about solving everyday problems – saving energy, staying safe or avoiding water leaks while you are on holiday – and creating environments that adapt to the way people actually live. With the ABB-free@home® system, for example, all the functions of the smart home can be controlled from any location via the ABB-free@ home® Next app.

Empower the installer

While DIY devices are on the rise, they are no substitute for a fully integrated home. That is why, at ABB, the installer is still our biggest

influencer and decision-maker. We focus on providing professionals with solutions that are both quick to commission and easy to replicate across multiple properties or developments.

A notable example is the "ZWO" project in Bocholt, Germany, where integrators transformed a former furniture store into 42 energyefficient apartments. ABB’s home automation and smart controls, including over 1,700 sockets and ABB Tenton® control panels, were integrated with TEKLOTH intelligence software to enable seamless management of lighting, blinds, and heat pumps – boosting resident comfort, energy savings, and energy efficiency.

Tech that blends in – and stands out

Smart doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics – design still matters. Connected devices are now part of the decoration of the house, but residents crave both design and tech – it is not ‘either-or’ anymore. ABB’s Busch-art linear® range of wiring accessories reflect this shift, employing tactile, sustainable materials. Made from recycled

material including old headlights and CDs and available in a range of colours, they meet both visual and functional needs, elevating the visual and physical experience of a smart space via integration with ABB smart home systems, ABB-free@home® and ABB i-bus® KNX.

Designing for what’s next: from smarter homes to smarter communities

With technology evolving at dizzying speed, smart homes must be designed with the future in mind. This means not only anticipating the next wave of innovation – like AI-driven predictive comfort or decentralized energy – but also ensuring that the digital foundations are solid. Interoperability and data privacy are essential: residents expect systems to work seamlessly together, without compromising their security. The ability to control your environment

without signing in or sharing data is not just a feature, but a future-proof value proposition. Everything stays in your home. The building blocks are already in place. The challenge now is making them visible, intuitive, and ready to evolve.

But the evolution doesn’t stop at the front door. The next natural step is interconnected smart communities, where intelligent homes collaborate to improve energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability on a larger scale. Sweden’s Brobyholm project exemplifies this shift[3]: a pioneering ‘exhurb’ outside Stockholm where ABB’s free@home® system integrates with Samsung SmartThings to offer residents unified control of their energy, appliances, and security. The entire community grid is balanced and optimized through virtual energy sharing, all in pursuit of a fossil-fuel-free future. Brobyholm offers a tantalizing

glimpse of what’s possible when homes are designed not just for now, but for the ‘what’s next’.

Consumer expectations are evolving – simplicity is king

In today’s smart home landscape, consumer expectations are evolving fast, and in the brave new world of smart homes, simplicity is king. As technology grows more powerful behind the scenes, so, conversely, must usability become more straightforward. Systems need to be intuitive and seamless, as well as easy to install or hand over to a professional.

Sources

1. Statistica: Number of users of smart homes in Germany 2019-2028

2. Statista: Number of users of smart homes in the United Kingdom

3. ABB: Sweden’s Brobyholm project

Energy efficiency in buildings tops organizations’ infrastructure priorities according to Siemens study

Energy efficiency in facilities and buildings has emerged as the No. 1 infrastructure priority for organizations seeking to leverage it for decarbonization and competitiveness, up from 7th place in 2023, a recent Siemens survey and study finds. In addition, a higher proportion of respondents say that onsite renewable energy production and the electrification of heating and cooling are now at mature or advanced stages, compared with previous findings in 2023. The study, Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025, shows that over half of survey respondents plan to increase investment in energy efficiency (57%), smart building technologies (55%), and building electrification (54%) in the year ahead.

Energy efficiency in facilities and buildings has emerged as the No. 1 infrastructure priority for organizations, a recent Siemens survey and study finds.

Despite many retrofits offering a strong return on investment (ROI), the top barriers to progressing with energy efficiency goals since 2023 have been costrelated, including lack of capital, rising energy prices, and the expense of new equipment and technologies. To overcome these challenges, Siemens is offering Energyas-a-Service (EaaS) models, leveraging the in-house financing capabilities of Siemens Financial Services. By aligning payment structures with guaranteed results –such as energy savings and reduced carbon emissions – large upfront capital expenditures (CapEx) can be replaced with outcome-based operational costs (OpEx).

Digital technologies are also proving critical to accelerating this transformation. Over half (55%) of respondents say digitalization has a strong or transformational impact on energy efficiency, with 56%

expecting it to reduce costs, and 55% stating it can improve workforce health and safety.

“Buildings are increasingly recognized as strategic assets in the infrastructure transition, with technologies such as AI, digital platforms, and autonomous systems acting as catalysts,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO Buildings at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “When it comes to autonomous systems, organizations clearly expect breakthroughs in energy efficiency, smarter anomaly detection, stronger physical security, and healthier, more comfortable spaces for occupants. This is exactly the path we’re charting at Siemens; creating human-centric, autonomous buildings that serve people better.”

However, only half (50%) of organizations currently have the data they need to make informed decarbonization decisions – emphasizing the need to implement building technology. Followed by a strong ROI, increasing transparency is seen as the second-biggest benefit of smart building technologies, helping organizations understand their energy and emissions profiles, plan refurbishments, and optimize maintenance.

The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2025 explores the evolution of the infrastructure transition, highlights its urgent priorities, and lays the pathahead for business and government leaders. The report is a biennial study commissioned by Siemens, surveying 1,400 senior executives and government representatives in 19 countries across energy, buildings and industries. The buildings chapter explores the progress, priorities, and challenges involved in the decarbonization of real estate.

ViewSonic expands Pro AV Ecosystem with industry partners to accelerate true end-toend deployment

ViewSonic strengthens interoperability across displays, software, and partner technologies to simplify largescale, multi-space Pro AV installations for enterprise, education, and public environments.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, today announced further advancement of its integrated Pro AV ecosystem, as it strengthens collaboration with industry partners to enable seamless, end-to-end deployments. ViewSonic bridges display products and integrated software with validated interoperability across control systems, AV-over-IP (AVoIP), cabling, networking, and content platforms. ViewSonic builds cohesive Pro AV frameworks designed to simplify large-scale, multi-space installations.

“As enterprise environments become more distributed and custom-built, the integration complexity of building-wide installations has emerged as one of the biggest challenges in Pro AV,” said Dean Tsai, General Manager of Pro AV Solutions Business Unit at ViewSonic. “In response, ViewSonic is deepening collaboration with partners to build an open, interoperable Pro AV ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with diverse platforms and technologies. Our focus is on delivering flexible Pro AV architectures that are easy to deploy, centrally manage, and expand over time.”

From Display Solutions to Integrated Pro AV Projects

ViewSonic evolution in the Pro AV market is underpinned by a long-standing design philosophy focused on simplifying complexity at the display endpoint level, complemented by integrated software and validated interoperability. This approach transforms displays into easy-to-integrate building blocks within broader AV ecosystems, reduces installation risk, and streamlines deployment and management for organizations.

Backed by one of the industry’s most comprehensive display portfolios—spanning pen displays, projectors, interactive displays, commercial displays, and all-inone direct view LED solutions from 5 inches to 500 inches—ViewSonic supports a wide range of Pro AV use cases across corporate, education, public facility, and commercial environments.

Interoperability is validated through ViewSonic’s Pro AV Lab, where a frictionless integration model is tested to ensure reliable and secure performance. As a result, ViewSonic solutions support centralized control, lowlatency performance, and a scalable architecture that allows infrastructure expansion and upgrades without disrupting existing workflows and operations.

Real-World Demonstrations at ISE 2026

At ISE 2026, ViewSonic brings this ecosystem strategy to life through real-world, fully integrated Pro AV installations that demonstrate how better end-to-end deployment performs in practice. From reception areas and meeting rooms to hallway signage and large-format video walls, the exhibits highlight cross-space visual deployments enabled through close collaboration with industry partners.

Demonstrations at the show feature products from Matrox Video for AVoIP encoding, decoding, and multisource visual distribution, Lindy for high-quality cable connectivity, and NETGEAR for AVoIP-optimized network switching. On ViewSonic displays, Manager delivers centralized device monitoring and management. This Pro AV ecosystem empowers AV and IT professionals to move beyond fragmented deployments and confidently deliver consistent audiovisual experiences across different spaces.

Cold, clever, convenient – Früchte Jork puts new deep-freeze warehouse into operation

Früchte Jork GmbH from Baden-Württemberg, Germany

– a family-run fresh food wholesaler – has reached an important milestone: Its new, fully automated deep-freeze warehouse is in operation. What may look like ‘just’ another high-bay warehouse to outsiders is a quantum leap for the company: faster order picking, optimized processes and significantly improved working conditions for employees. The project was implemented by the intralogistics experts at Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH.

Why the new warehouse was necessary

As one of the leading food wholesalers in the region, Früchte Jork supplies over 13,000 items to around 600 restaurants and hotels within a radius of 180 kilometers. The company’s steady growth brought the previous manual deep-freeze warehouse, in which order picking was carried out with forklifts at minus 22 degrees, to its limits. Together with Klinkhammer, Früchte Jork developed a concept that takes storage capacity, picking performance, and energy efficiency to the next level. “In recent years, we have evolved from a traditional fruit and vegetable wholesaler to a fresh produce service provider. The automated logistics center is another milestone in our growth strategy,” says Maximilian Jork, Managing Director of Früchte Jork GmbH.

Automated deep-freeze warehouse with over 26,280 tray storage locations. (Image source: Früchte Jork)

Five lanes at full power

The new, automated deep-freeze warehouse has 26,280 tray storage positions. The goods are stored efficiently in terms of both space and energy – and leave the warehouse as automatically as they came in. Goods-

to-person picking delivers the trays directly to the workstation at an ergonomic height. This means less bending, less lifting, and less time in the frosty storage area.

Precise and safe – even at minus 30 degrees

The Leuze FBPS 607i bar code positioning system increases efficiency and reduces costs in automated warehouse operations. Klinkhammer has been using the FBPS 607i from Leuze for positioning its stacker cranes since 2022. The first safe bar code positioning system with redundant SSI interface and integrated heating enables use even at temperatures as low as -30°C. Connected directly to the drive’s frequency converter, the system reacts in just 10 milliseconds. At the same time, the FBPS meets the stricter requirements of the new machinery directive: Where two separate devices were once needed to achieve the required performance level, today a single FBPS does the job. This saves time during installation and integration and also makes the solution economically attractive.

Further expansion

The new deep-freeze warehouse is just the beginning. In the second expansion phase, automatic shuttle warehouses for chilled and dry goods were put into operation, which automatically combine orders. This makes the entire logistics process even more efficient. With this investment, Früchte Jork is not only boosting its competitiveness but also making a clear statement: Modern automation can increase productivity and save energy – all while ensuring better working conditions.

For further information please visit www.leuze.com

Connected access for smarter working

PP C&A signals £100m global expansion with new acquisition push

Global expansion is on the agenda for one of the UK’s leading manufacturing outsourcing specialists after it announced a major acquisition drive.

PP Control & Automation, which works with over 20 of the world’s leading machinery builders, is heading towards a record £40m sales in 2026, with the longerterm aim of hitting £100m within four years.

This growth will be achieved both through organic opportunities in clean energy, defence and life sciences and the potential purchasing of complementary manufacturing companies in Europe, the US and Asia.

The M&A activity will be led by new CEO Pinaki Banerjee, with discussions already taking place with targets in Italy, Eastern Europe, India, and the United States.

“2025 brought with it a lot of global economic challenges, yet we still managed to achieve strong performance across new sectors and put in place foundations to achieve over £40m sales over the next twelve months,” explained Pinaki, who previously held global roles at Rubix, Hoffman Group and Pilkington.

“Our £40m target is based on high confidence in the sales pipeline and positive market signals in segments we’ve identified for growth in the UK. Our higher growth ambitions will come from international markets and customers looking for a trusted partner that offers world class performance and the ability to scale quickly/bring new technologies to market.”

He continued: “Acquisitions will form a big part of our approach. Serving global clients will require a footprint on the ground in key territories and the best way to do this quickly is to absorb like-minded businesses - with shared values and strong manufacturing capabilitiesinto our group.

“Talks are progressing nicely with a joint venture in India and a possible target in Italy, whilst there are some interesting routes we can go down in Eastern Europe and via the recent appointment of M&A advisors in the US.”

PP Control & Automation, which employs over 200 people at its state-of-the-art facility in the West Midlands, helps build machines that robotically milk cows, provide everyday packaging solutions, protects phones from water damage and cut parts that are used in F1 cars and the world’s airlines.

The company has introduced a four-pillar business strategy to support its expansion plans, starting with the M&A activity and expanding through to sales and marketing and operations.

Digital transformation is the final element and will include investment in introducing Artificial Intelligence further into the company and exploring how PP C&A can support early-stage design with clients.

Pinaki continued: “This is a really exciting period as we attempt to move to a truly global strategic manufacturing outsourcing specialist.

“The UK will always be our HQ and the nerve centre of our operations, with investment already signed off to implement more automation and to offer significant CPD opportunities and new internal training programmes to our outstanding team.

“However, the time has come to create a network of manufacturing operations around the world, and the search is gathering pace for the right partners. If all goes well, we’d like to get at least three deals finalised by the end of the year.”

For further information visit www.ppcanda.com.

Russelectric, a Siemens Business, highlights RTSCD commercial duty service entrance rated transfer switches

Cost-effective service entrance option with Russelectric quality and reliability

Russelectric, A Siemens Business, a leading manufacturer of power control systems and automatic transfer switches, announces its new RTSCD-SE Commercial Duty Service Entrance Transfer Switches, a cost-effective option ideal for commercial spaces.

Educational campuses, high-rise complexes, industrial plants, and manufacturing facilities can rely on the RTSCD-SE to combine automatic power switching with the necessary disconnecting, grounding, and bonding required for use as service entrance equipment.

Built to the same exacting standards around reliability and ease of operation for which Russelectric is well known throughout the industry, RTSCD-SE offers a superior product at an attractive price point.

The RTSCD-SE transfer switches incorporate a user-friendly operator interface panel that features a keypad with text and icons and comes standard with an historical event log. The product is available in 2, 3 and 4 pole models, with solid or fully rated switched neutral. Featuring rapid and reliable arc quenching, the front connected RTSCD-SE offers manual transfer with rapid arc interruption, as well as a permanently

affixed manual handle and mechanically held contactor. Contacts are easily accessible for convenient inspection.

Like all Russelectric transfer switches, the RTSCD-SE switches feature preloaded springs and electric operator-driven over-center mechanism that result in extremely quick switching operation. This unique design instantaneously opens and closes the contacts, providing rapid full arc interruption, even under maximum voltage and amperage. This design considerably reduces contact erosion and effectively increases the switch’s useful life.

The RTSCD-SE switches meet UL1008 up to 480 (VAC) and comply with NFPA 110, NEC Articles 700, 701, 702, Enclosure UL Type 1 and IBC 2018 and CBC2019 seismic standards.

Optional accessories include a power monitoring package, auto/load test key switch and load shed relay, selector switch for auto/manual, pushbuttons for manual transfer, and a space heater/thermostat.

For more information, visit https://www.siemens. com/us/en/products/energy/russelectric/products/ transfer-and-bypass-switches/rts-cd-ats.html.

Smarter maintenance, resource-efficient operations with AI-based condition monitoring

Unplanned downtime costs manufacturers billions of euros in lost revenue each year. Idle process lines cause product loss, extra cleaning, production delays, wasted water and potential damage to machinery. The AI-based condition monitoring solution ClariotTM from Alfa Laval provides 24/7 surveillance and actionable insights that enhance uptime and optimize resource efficiency.

“We developed our next generation condition monitoring solution ClariotTM based on our extensive experience from more than 3,000 condition monitoring units already operating worldwide”, says Torsten Pedersen, Commercial Head Condition Monitoring at Alfa Laval Fluid Handling. “With Clariot, we offer a complete digital handshake, tailored for use in even the most demanding hygienic processes in food and pharma.”

Every minute counts

In hygienic processing, unplanned downtime is not just costly, it is disruptive to quality, safety and compliance. Clariot™ provides 24/7 monitoring, alerts and diagnostics for pumps and other rotating equipment.

“Our customers are on the lookout for solutions that ensure high uptime and reduce resource waste. Online condition monitoring with Clariot has proven to make a difference, proactively detecting machine failures before they occur and allowing process lines to run at full capacity without unnecessary interruptions”, says Torsten Pedersen.

From insight to foresight

Online condition monitoring is an important next step in the accelerating digitalization of hygienic production

environments and in implementing predictive maintenance.

“We firmly believe that predictive maintenance is the future, enabled by sensor data, AI-driven insights and digital connectivity. Time and again we have seen how our condition monitoring solutions have alerted operators to potential failures before they happen and formed the basis for effective predictive maintenance strategies”, says Torsten Pedersen and gives an example of the potential gains.

“In a setup with 50 pumps, just one unplanned stop per quarter can result in annual losses up to 80,000 euros. Clariot costs less than one tenth of that scenario and our experience shows that the solution is paid back very fast”, says Torsten Pedersen.

Clariot is a standalone system, enabling maximum cybersecurity by operating independently from internal business-critical systems. The user interface is intuitive, installation is simple, and Clariot™ is compatible with most equipment brands.

Comprehensive Buyers Guide available

To assist decision-makers and buyers, Alfa Laval has developed a Buyer’s Guide to condition monitoring in hygienic industries with detailed information about maintenance strategies, selection and implementation of the right solution and highlighting customer benefits. The guideline is available for download at www.alfalaval. com/clariot

Between history and the future: Hospitality at Hotel Monte Cervino meets Vimar technology

At the foot of Monte Rosa, in the heart of the Val d’Ayas, stands the imposing Hotel Monte Cervino. Built in 1930 on the initiative of Alessandro Favre, at a time when Champoluc was becoming a popular summer tourist destination, the building's architecture is a fine example of traditional Alpine style that integrates perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

From the stone cladding to the characteristic red and white wooden balconies, whose windows afford panoramic mountain views, the height of the attic-style building arose from the need to make the best use of the steep terrain. This allowed for a sufficient number of guest rooms which, in the 1950s, began to attract visitors for winter holidays following the construction of the first ski lifts. Managed by the same family for four generations, the hotel now offers 22 rooms. While preserving the authenticity of the original structure, the hospitality floors have recently been renovated with a modern and innovative design. A striking dialogue between past and present welcomes guests. On the ground floor, the communal spaces preserve the warmth of the past, steeped in intimate atmospheres and details that evoke the history of the location. On the upper floors, the perspective shifts. With suspended beds and larch cladding, the rooms feature a sleek and contemporary design, enveloping guests in modern comfort that renews tradition through the harmonious use of natural materials and technology.

It is precisely in this context that Vimar plays a key role, offering a concrete example of system integration. Specifically, the By-me Plus home automation system was chosen synergistically to manage lighting, temperature control and electricity consumption. Completing the installation is the multisensor from the Linea XT Platform in black, which incorporates controls for climate management, along with thermostat and humidistat functions. Equipped with four sensors and an

LED matrix for monitoring environmental parameters, the device allows for the detection of internal and external temperature, relative humidity, and air quality. Inside the rooms, a card inserted into the transponder pocket activates the utilities (lights, current socket outlets, and climate control). Through the system, this choice not only optimises the climate control and lighting balance for ideal energy savings, but it also promotes sustainable well-being by preventing unnecessary waste. This technology ensures completely matching styling throughout. At the Hotel Monte Cervino, the Arké Classic wiring series in the total look black version, featuring a linear profile and sharp corners, integrates elegantly with the wooden wall cladding.

For access control, the View Wireless smart system was selected as the ideal solution for small to medium sized accommodation facilities. Via the View cloud portal, the operator can activate or deactivate access permissions and authorise new users with specific validity dates. In addition, each room is equipped with a Tab jr. entryphone with handset, connected to a reception switchboard and paired with a Tab 7S Up video entryphone, allowing calls to be received directly on a smartphone. Outside, the Roxie video entrance panel manages access in conjunction with the card readers installed throughout the facility. From the By-me Plus home automation system to the View Wireless connected system, with remote control via the View App, the facility can therefore be monitored from anywhere through a simple, user-friendly interface.

Thanks to Vimar technology, Hotel Monte Cervino can look towards the future of hospitality without sacrificing the Alpine authenticity that tells its story.

For more information visit www.vimar.com

Somfy launches Rollixo® Premium io to simplify roller garage door installations

Somfy has launched Rollixo® Premium io, a new all-in-one control solution designed to simplify the installation, commissioning and operation of motorised roller garage doors for professional installers.

Developed around io-homecontrol® technology, Rollixo Premium io combines flexible installation options, built-in diagnostics and advanced safety features in a single universal controller. It also offers low standby power consumption for enhanced energy efficiency, features an energy-saving LED light strip for optimal illumination, and provides the option to connect an external light for added convenience and flexibility.

“Installers are looking for solutions that reduce time on site without compromising on safety or compliance,” said Alex Dickenson, Key Account Manager, Somfy UK.

“Rollixo Premium io has been designed to make installation more straightforward, with clear diagnostic feedback, flexible safety edge compatibility and digital tools that support installers from commissioning through to ongoing maintenance.”

Designed to make installation quicker and more reliable

Rollixo Premium io has been developed with real-world installation challenges in mind. The controller supports wired or wireless safety edges, including optical and resistive solutions, allowing installers to choose the most appropriate configuration for each project.

Rollixo Premium io integrates with Somfy’s professional digital ecosystem, helping installers work more efficiently on site and beyond.

For installers and retailers, Rollixo Premium io also provides a way to differentiate their offer in a competitive market. By combining enhanced security features, smart home compatibility and connected services, professionals can offer homeowners a more complete, future-ready solution that goes beyond basic garage door operation.

Enhanced safety, security and smart control for homeowners

For end users, Rollixo Premium io delivers everyday convenience alongside advanced safety and security features. These include an integrated 100 dB alarm sounder to deter unauthorised access, holiday mode to disable remote controls when activated, and motor stall detection to stop roller door operation if excessive weight is detected.

The system is also compatible with Somfy TaHoma®, enabling smartphone control, real-time door status information and integration with wider smart home scenarios.

Built to last and designed responsibly

Rollixo Premium io is supplied with a 5-year warranty and follows Somfy’s eco-design approach. With standby power consumption below 0.5 W and independently verified environmental performance, it meets current sustainability and regulatory requirements.

For more information visit www.somfy.co.uk.

New programme launch aims to strengthen green construction skills pipeline

A NATIONAL training programme designed to upskill construction educators in retrofit and sustainable building and address the sector’s skill shortage has been brought to England for the first time by leading social housing consortium Efficiency North.

Built Environment - Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), host of both Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre and the Mass Timber Centre of Excellence, delivered the training for Efficiency North in February, building on its two years of development and delivery of the programme across Scotland.

The programme was aimed at further education (FE) sector tutors and managers from six colleges across Yorkshire and the Humber and took the form of a four-day course at Barnsley College’s newly-opened Clean Energy Training Centre, with enrolment later extended nationally across England.

The course will support FE tutors and curriculum managers to strengthen green construction skills teaching, with a focus on building physics, retrofit, the application of digital methods of construction and modern methods of construction (MMC) to reduce skills imbalances in the sector.

Simeon Perry, head of ESG at EN:Procure, the procurement specialist arm of Efficiency North, said: “With the government’s new Warm Homes Plan investing £15 billion to help upgrade up to five million homes by 2030, delivering energy-efficient retrofit at scale demands a workforce with the right skills and confidence. This is no longer an area where half measures will suffice.

“By partnering with BE-ST, Efficiency North has chosen to invest at the very start of the skills pipeline, equipping educators with the expertise to prepare the next generation of retrofit-ready construction professionals and supporting colleges to meet both immediate and long-term green skills demand.”

Designed as a leadership-focused course, the

programme directly addressed the acknowledged shortage of skills within the FE sector.

It takes a whole-house approach to retrofit, with a strong emphasis on building physics and the relationship between insulation, ventilation, moisture control and energy performance. Participants also explored how emerging digital tools, including artificial intelligence, are shaping construction delivery.

One of the learners, Richard Favell, carpentry and joinery lecturer at Grantham College, said the course gave him in-depth awareness and discernment of the challenges and opportunities the sector is currently facing: “From the building physics sessions to the retrofit principles, technology in construction and exploration of new and emerging materials, I’ve come away with plenty of practical ideas and insights to apply in my work.”

The programme prioritised hands-on learning, with delegates applying theory through practical activities and live demonstrations. Structured networking sessions enabled knowledge-sharing between colleges and supported the development of consistent, highquality retrofit training across the sector. Delegates also received comprehensive resource packs to support future course delivery within their own institutions.

Hanna Lundstrom, impact manager at BE-ST, said: “It has been great partnering with Efficiency North to deliver this programme in England. All attendees have brought great enthusiasm in both the practical exercises and the educator-to-educator discussions. From experience delivering the course in both Scotland and England, it is key for educators to get the time and space to identify and share resources on how to embed their learnings into the curriculum.”

For more information on Efficiency North please visit: www.efficiencynorth.org

For more information on BE-ST please visit https://www.be-st.build/skills-training.

Delta to acquire Delta Controls Germany GmbH to strengthen building automation system integration capabilities in Europe

Delta Electronics, Inc. (“Delta”), a leader in power management and smart green solutions, today announced that through its subsidiary Delta International Holding Limited B.V. (DIH), it has acquired Delta Controls Germany GmbH. The transaction strengthens Delta's system integration capabilities, generating significant synergies across sales and service channels for its building automation solution business.

Hong Wu, General Manager of Delta's Building Automation Business Group said, “ Smart buildings and smart cities are pivotal to sustainable development and represent a core strategic focus for our company. With over two decades of deep expertise in building automation business and system integration, Delta Controls Germany has collaborated with us to successfully deliver building automation solutions. With Delta Controls Germany joining, we look forward to creating even more value for our customers through excellent system integration and services.”

Dusko Lukanic-Simpson, Managing Director of Delta Controls Germany GmbH, said, “Intelligent buildings

play an increasingly important role in today’s market, given their energy-saving potential. We have been providing Delta’s building automation offerings to a wide range of industries in Europe through our system integration services and sales channels for years. Through this transaction, we will unlock greater synergies by leveraging the Group’s comprehensive solution portfolio and market resources to better fulfill our customers’ diversified needs.”

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Germany, Delta Controls Germany GmbH specializes in building automation system integration solutions. It maintains partnerships with over 50 system integrators across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. Its strong system integration capability enables the seamless integration of multi-vendor subsystems across HVAC, energy, security, and building management platforms that support a wide range of sectors including commercial offices, public institutions, education, healthcare, industrial facilities, and retail environments.

For more information visit www.delta-emea.com.

Sustainable building automation in heritage buildings

Modern building control technology is a central element of energy- and cost-efficient climate control in buildings.

Particularly in heritage buildings, sustainably functioning building automation requires a great deal of sensitivity when it comes to choosing the right products and technologies. When modernizing the building services and improving the air conditioning in the Bellevue Hotel Dresden, those responsible also relied on products that use EnOcean energy harvesting technology.

Modernizing building services and efficiently designing room air conditioning

The Bellevue Hotel Dresden looks back on an eventful history. Built between 1723 and 1727, the only remaining building complex on the famous Große Meißner Gasse was also the scene of politically significant events, including the reunification of Germany in 1989 and the G8 summit in 2007. The new owner of the now heritage-listed hotel with 328 rooms decided to comprehensively modernize the building services. Particular focus was placed on correcting the manual regulation of the room temperature via the radiators as well as the outdated fan convectors, which were also in operation when guests were absent and had been proven to lead to energy losses and increased energy costs. Arndt Badsanierung GmbH & Co. KG was awarded the contract for the installation of energy- and cost-efficient room air conditioning solutions. For the implementation,

the company relied on room thermostats and radiator valves from Thermokon's "EasySens" wireless system, which makes use of the EnOcean energy harvesting solution.

Integrating room air conditioning into the building management system

"The key to the energy- and cost-efficient design of the room air conditioning was the decision to equip it with state-of-the-art technology and integrate it into the building management system. As a result, the hotel's technical service is now able to centrally control all room statuses and device functions," says Mario Arndt, Managing Director of Arndt Badsanierung. To ensure resource-efficient operation, the fan coils were replaced with fan coil units with energy-efficient ec motors and low noise levels. The radiators and fan coil units were linked to the presence detector and are now controlled depending on the occupancy status of the rooms: if the presence detector detects that a room is empty, a defined standby temperature is activated via the building management system. If a guest is present, on the other hand, the system enables individual control by the guest.

"The use of high-quality sensor systems from Thermokon, in particular the combination of the JOY room thermostat with Modbus interface and the EnOcean-based energy self-sufficient SAB+ electronic

radiator valves and SRW03 wireless window contacts, was essential for the successful automation of the heating technology," emphasizes Timon Deisel, Thermokon Sales Manager Germany. With its flat housing, scratch-resistant acrylic glass surface and backlit LCD display, JOY blends in with the look of the room and makes controlling the indoor climate simple and precise. Communication with the building management system takes place via the integrated Modbus interface. Networking with the SAB+ radiator valve and the SRW03 window contact is radio-based and therefore also wireless. Thanks to their solar cells and intelligent energy harvesting, the two solutions reduced the installation work at the Hotel Bellevue to a minimum. By eliminating the need for regular battery changes, they also reduce the hotel's personnel costs during operation. The energy savings during ventilation are also impressive: as soon as the status monitoring of the window contact detects an open window, the room air conditioning is automatically deactivated.

Added value through energy harvesting, battery-free wireless switches and window contact sensors

"This project demonstrates the benefits of our energy harvesting technology and our sensor products. The use of alternative energy sources from the environment,

such as temperature, movement, and light in this case, as well as our integrated battery-free wireless switches and window contact sensors, which provide information about open windows, for example, have contributed to increasing the energy and cost efficiency of the Bellevue Hotel Dresden," summarizes Markus Florian, CCO at EnOcean. Savings were also achieved during the modernization by reducing downtimes, saving on cabling and through external pre-assembly of the components. In addition, Thermokon worked with Wago to develop a concept based on ready-to-plug-in

cabling of the components via Winsta-Box. That way, commissioning in the rooms could be carried out quickly, safely, and error-free via plug & play.

Solutions for building automation in existing buildings

The Building Energy Act 2024 (GEG) aims to promote the use of renewable energies in the building sector and also to end the use of fossil fuels by 2045.

Sustainable building automation in listed buildings poses a particular challenge in this regard, especially when it comes to anchoring

energy- and cost-efficient room air conditioning. The modernization of the building services at the Bellevue Hotel Dresden demonstrates the potential that can be realized when all parties involved work together in a goal-oriented and responsible manner. Together with its partners, EnOcean will continue to support owners and tenants of houses, buildings and industrial facilities with high-quality products and sustainable IoT solutions, especially in the area of retrofitting and energy optimization of existing buildings.

Integrated Building Automation Solutions for

System Integrators

What rising raw material prices mean for electronics

Why upstream volatility is no longer abstract for design and procurement teams

If you feel like you’re paying more for your electronic components, you’re not imagining it. Thanks to upstream pressures, rising prices for key commodities used across electronics and manufacturing are filtering down into everything from copper-heavy printed circuit boards (PCBs) to metal-backed passives.

Here, Chris Withers, sales director at Zel Components, an alternative electronic parts supplier, explains how engineers can respond more quickly to market volatility.

On the London Metal Exchange (LME), copper reached record territory in early January 2026, pushing above $13,300 per tonne.

That’s more than 20 per cent higher than the late 2025 average as stock tightness and strong industrial demand combined.

That matters because copper isn’t just a metal you read about in commodity news. It’s used extensively in printed circuit boards, internal connectors and wiring, as

well as across many power and signal paths in electronics. As a result, movements in copper pricing directly influence the cost of the boards and assemblies engineers design and build.

Precious metals are also impacting pricing dynamics. Gold recently surged above $5,000 per ounce, reaching a series of record highs in the first few weeks of 2026 amid market volatility and safe-haven demand. While gold isn’t in every bill of materials, it’s used in contact plating and specialist components where performance meets reliability.

Likewise, aluminium has traded firmly above $3,000 per tonne on global benchmarks and is forecast to remain well supported given current market dynamics. Even when commodity analysts suggest prices might ease later in the year, the

near-term story is volatility, which introduces risk.

When inputs move

Engineers regularly buy copper foil, laminates and boards priced off copper’s movement. Over 2025 and into 2026, manufacturers of copper-clad laminate — the base material for almost all FR-4 boards — began issuing public price adjustments directly linked to rising raw materials.

Some supplier notices describe increases of up to 30 per cent across all thicknesses of copper-clad laminate and prepreg, driven by higher copper prices, glass cloth costs and processing expenses.

This is the kind of upstream movement that doesn’t stay upstream. It filters through every layer of a PCB quotation, especially in multi-layer designs where copper

and prepreg content is higher.

The wider passive component landscape tells a similar story. Industry analysis shows price increases across capacitors, inductors, ferrite beads and related passives. These range from single digit to double-digit percentages for early 2026 deliveries, often citing metals and process cost inflation among the drivers.

This doesn’t mean you should panic buy every part in your current bill of materials (BOM). However, it does mean that the old “waitand-see” strategy is getting riskier, particularly if you’re dependent on a single branded source for key sections of your design.

Alternative sourcing

Second sourcing is moving back into focus, not as a cost-cutting exercise but as a form of risk management.

Pin-for-pin alternatives, for instance, allow engineering teams to maintain electrical and mechanical compatibility while reducing dependence on individual manufacturers, whose pricing or lead times may be more exposed to raw material volatility. This approach is particularly effective for widely used regulators, discretes, interface devices and passives, where functional equivalence is well understood and

validation cycles are manageable. As volatility increases, having approved alternatives already mapped can significantly reduce disruption when prices shift or allocations appear. When suppliers combine local stock with extended inventory and effective cross-reference tools, response times improve. During a time of uncertain input costs, that flexibility is as valuable as unit price, provided performance remains consistent.

Prices might ease at some point, but it’s difficult to predict when. Volatility isn’t going away, and when raw material costs feed into electronics pricing, it’s the teams that design and source with flexibility in mind that are better positioned to respond when conditions change.

For more information on pin-for-pin alternatives and ways to reduce sourcing risk across current designs, visit the Zel Components website

How

revolutionised footwear production From feel to fact

biomechanics and tactile sensing

When footwear testing specialist Heeluxe were looking to change the way shoe fit is measured, they turned to tactile sensing pioneer PPS. Initially, the search was for high precision sensors to help improve

shoe fitting, but it has since evolved into a six-year partnership that produced SmartLast, a world-first precision measurement system that replicates and quantifies human shoe-fit perception.

Founder Dr Geoffrey Gray had one simple goal for this technology: make

shoe comfort measurable in a way that genuinely reflects how people feel in their shoes.

“We’ve always believed that comfort shouldn’t be guesswork,” Gray explains. “If someone can feel tightness, slipping or pressure, then we should be able to measure it. The

challenge is building the right tools and making them work at scale.”

That belief led Heeluxe to explore tactile sensing technology and ultimately connect with PPS. What started as a search for high-precision sensors to support human fit testing soon grew into a long-term development partnership. Together, the companies created SmartLast –the world’s first automated system that can replicate and quantify true human shoe-fit perception.

By combining PPS’s tactile sensing technology with Heeluxe’s biomechanics knowledge, the two teams built a system that delivers laboratory-level accuracy at production speed. SmartLast reduces test time from days or weeks to just 30 seconds, transforming how the world’s footwear is evaluated and refined.

Based in Santa Barbara, California, Heeluxe works with major footwear brands to analyse comfort, performance and fit. In 2014, the company developed a pressuresensor methodology that captured the human experience of tight and loose fit across different shoe categories. This work led to categoryspecific standards for running shoes, dress shoes, casual footwear and

hiking boots. Within a year, Heeluxe’s fit evaluation method had become one of its most requested services. However, the success highlighted a fundamental limitation: the approach still depended on human testers. “It worked really well but it simply couldn’t scale,” Gray says. “You can only test so many shoes with real people, no matter how good your process is.”

The role of PPS

PPS partners with industries requiring high-reliability measurement systems. Its collaboration with Heeluxe has evolved from sensor supplier to strategic development partner through a relationship dating back to 2018. Though Heeluxe had extensive experience building custom sensor systems in-house, the team was immediately impressed by PPS’s quality and their customer-focused approach, which prioritised building to real-world requirements rather than pushing technology for its own sake.

Heeluxe was introduced to PPS through a footwear brand already using its sensing technology. When Gray saw PPS’s sensors up close, the decision became clear. “We’ve built

our own systems in the past, so we know when hardware is good,” he explains. “PPS’s sensors were more precise, more consistent, and better suited to the kind of measurement we were aiming for.”

Physical proximity played a part too. With Heeluxe in Santa Barbara and PPS in Los Angeles, the teams could work closely, iterate quickly and collaborate in person. “When you’re creating something that’s never existed before, being able to get in the same room, troubleshoot and refine together makes a huge difference,” Gray adds.

Scaling-up from subjectivity

SmartLast was developed in a climate where technology was often viewed with scepticism. “The footwear industry is incredibly small and interconnected,” Gray explains. “There’ve been tools in the past that promised to measure fit and comfort but didn’t hold up in the real world. When that happens, people remember.”

That meant SmartLast had to be exceptionally reliable. “If even one system failed in the field, we’d lose trust immediately,” says Gray. “Reliability wasn’t a target, it was survival.”

PPS helped ensure development stayed focused on practicality and scale. From day one, their approach centred on what Heeluxe and its customers truly needed.

“PPS never tried to dazzle us with tech for tech’s sake,” Gray says. “They kept us focused on what mattered: performance, consistency and results for brands and their customers. Anytime we drifted toward ‘nice-to-have’ features, they pulled us back.”

“By focusing on practicality, performance, and scalability, PPS helped turn SmartLast from an ambitious idea into a globally deployable system trusted by more than 60 leading footwear brands,” Gray added.

According to Zappos catalogue analysis, a typical timeline for a full human-based testing approach would take 34 years. SmartLast was launched in 2020 after just two years of strategic planning and development.

Today, more than 60 footwear brands use SmartLast annually for fit analysis, with systems deployed not only in California but in Canada,

Japan, China, Vietnam, the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates. Alongside SmartLast, Heeluxe has built the FITGALAXIE database containing over 9,000 scientifically measured shoes. The data has become an invaluable resource for brands and retailers, helping them benchmark fit, analyse competitors and make data-led design decisions.

SmartLast has also driven a substantial reduction in fit inconsistency. Before its launch, Heeluxe’s human testing revealed variation of ½ to 1 full shoe size between models – even within the same brand. SmartLast’s sensorbased measurements reduced typical variation to between ¼ and 1/8 of a size. This has improved consistency, fit confidence and end-user comfort while boosting brand trust.

As Gray explains: “SmartLast allows brands to guarantee that a customer’s size will feel the same every time they buy, regardless of the shoe type.”

Continued collaboration What began as a single sensor

supply project has grown into a long-term innovation partnership between Heeluxe and PPS. “We’re both companies full of curious people,” Gray says. “As well as the PPS brings ideas, challenge us and help us push things further. That makes our products better.”

A joint roadmap is already in motion, including hardware upgrades to introduce factory-level fit tracking, integration of customer-feedback and online review data, and exploration of a Kids SmartLast system for youth footwear testing.

These ongoing developments reflect a partnership built on trust, where PPS’s reliability and technical precision continue to support Heeluxe’s mission to make the world’s shoes fit better.

“PPS became a valuable innovation partner,” concluded Gray. “Their reliability made it possible for us to help improve the footwear industry.”

To find out more about the applications compatible with PPS’s tactile sensors, visit its case studies on its website.

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Power for the dark days

Getting the most out of energy storage systems

During the 2016 CERAWeek conference in Houston, the MIT's Yet-Ming Chiang and a Tesla executive discussed the critical issue of storing solar and wind energy output for extended periods. Since then, Form Energy's has developed an energy storage system using iron-based batteries, with plans to build a new commercial-scale battery manufacturing facility to meet the demand. However, Stephen Hayes,

managing director of automation and control technology specialist, Beckhoff UK, argues that it requires control technology to maximise the use of stored energy and ensure grid stability.

With the intermittent nature of renewable sources, like solar and wind power, the ability to store excess energy during peak production periods and release it when demand is high is needed to ensure grid stability and reliability.

This is where advancements in energy storage technology, such as Form Energy's iron-based batteries, holds great promise.

Form Energy is working on developing a new type of battery technology that is specifically designed for storing renewable energy for extended periods. Here, the aim is to store energy for days or even weeks, with these batteries providing a reliable power source during periods of low renewable

energy generation, such as cloudy days or calm nights.

Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, Form Energy's iron-air battery system relies on cheap and abundant materials, making it potentially more cost-effective and scalable. Although this technology could transform the way renewable energy is stored and used, the role control automation plays in optimising energy storage systems must not be overlooked.

Charging and discharging ESSs

By implementing sophisticated control algorithms, the charging and discharging of Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) can be optimised to align with the fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources.

Ultimately, this ensures that the ESS is charged during periods of excess renewable energy generation

and discharged during periods of high demand, thereby maximising the use of stored energy.

In fact, an ESSs chargingdischarging strategy proposed a smart strategy for managing the charging and discharging of ESSs in response to changes in solar energy output and evening peak loads.

The research delves into a sophisticated strategy that considers the State of Charge (SoC) of the ESS, which assesses the amount of energy currently stored in the batteries, along with the expected duration of charging and discharging cycles. This strategy ensures that the ESS is used optimally, aligning its operations with the fluctuating outputs of solar panels and the varying energy demands throughout the day.

What's particularly impressive is that this optimisation process is conducted on an hourly basis. As a

result, precise adjustments can be made to minimise energy losses in the distribution system and mitigate the intermittent nature of photovoltaic (PV) based Distributed Generation (DG) outputs.

Crucially, this is achieved because of a genetic algorithm (GA) that factors in energy demand, renewable energy patterns and system constraints. Not only does this aid grid stability but it also promotes sustainable energy systems too, offering potential for ESS applications like voltage support, peak shifting, regulation and increased reliability.

Distributed generation

As well as ensuring storage devices are charged when there is excess renewable generation and discharged when there’s a deficit, control technology is also needed for

active network management (ANM).

ANM operates by continuously monitoring critical electrical parameters at specific locations within the network. Deployed in power distribution grids, its primary function is to regulate flexible demand and renewable energy generation to maintain grid stability. However, DG adds another layer of complexity to grid management.

Just look at the power outage incident on August 2019, in the UK, which highlighted various shortcomings in the electricity system's management and operational readiness. Although the incident was triggered by a lightning strike, its impact was worsened by failures in managing DG and responding to system disturbances effectively.

DG introduces decentralised

generation points, like solar panels and wind turbines, that are often interconnected with the grid at various voltage levels. In turn, grid operators need to monitor and manage a larger number of connection points.

After all, in the UK Energy Research Centre’s report about the 2019 power outrage, co-director Keith Bell observed that “it was concerned by the ways in which resources are controlled and the system is operated.”

One way plant managers can tackle the issues presented by DG, along with getting the most out of their energy storage systems, is by implementing advanced control and automation technologies.

For example, ee technik GmbH, a German company specialising in wind farm infrastructure design,

uses Beckhoff's control technology to facilitate grid integration of renewable power. As a result, ee technik can manage network fluctuations effectively, ensuring grid stability amidst varying renewable energy outputs.

Control technology, and that of Form Energy's iron-based batteries, are both crucial in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of renewable energy systems. Together, energy is not only stored for extended periods but is also optimised to manage grid stability effectively too, helping to provide power even during the darkest days.

For more information about Beckhoff’s secure communication protocol, TwinCAT and other control technology, visit www.beckhoff.com

The cost of digital weighing

It’s time to upgrade weighing systems for more efficient and error free production

The old saying ‘time is money’ reaps true across many industries. However, in the world of food processing, good quality control is money, with errors the costly enemy. By implementing smart and adaptable weighing technology in plant machines and equipment, Stephen Hayes, managing director of automation and control technology specialist, Beckhoff UK, explains why food manufacturers require control automation to increase efficiency and prevent avoidable costs.

From logistics and transportation to food manufacturing and agriculture, weighing technology plays a crucial role. Yet, in the past, these industries relied on manual methodologies and traditional measurement techniques.

Weighing scales, predominantly mechanical in nature, operated through spring or lever mechanisms that required manual adjustments and calibration. Such systems were susceptible to inaccuracies, stemming from factors like friction and wear, with operators carrying out

labour intensive practices that made them manually position objects on scales before visually interpreting measurements.

The resulting documentation and record keeping involved paper-based methods, which are not only prone to errors but time consuming too. All of these factors made quality control very challenging, often resulting in discrepancies, delays and increased risk of regulatory non-compliance.

Increased efficiency These challenges have influenced

the advancement of digital weighing technology. In fact, the global industrial weighing equipment market is predicted to expand over 1.7X between now and 2033, due to the increasing demand for automated weighing solutions.

As an advanced technology, these replace the traditional analog weighing systems, offering accuracy and ease of integration for the food processing industry. In blending operations, for instance, digital weighing systems use digital signals for measurement, allowing for more precise weight readings and optimal mixing performance, even with challenging formulations.

Just look at how system integrator, Taylor Controls, helped a grain blending company to upgrade its existing semi-automated to increase throughput and support more rapid changeovers between recipes. They relied on auger feeders, start-stop motor controls and weigh

cells for production, which lacked flexibility for recipe changes, meaning that the existing system was pushed to the brink and exhibited unexpected errors.

Without self-learning capabilities too, the fluctuating material behaviour in the feeder, which is influenced by type, quality and moisture content, ultimately led to deviations in weighments.

Through control technology, the process required each recipe ingredient to be dispensed into a weight scaled vessel individually. The feeder operated at high bulk speed initially before transitioning to low dribble speed near the setpoint for precise weight attainment. In addition, the system also autonomously learns the free fall amount post-dispensing to accommodate fluctuating conditions, ensuring accurate and consistent ingredient measurements.

To achieve this, motor controls

were upgraded from simple starters to a variable frequency drive (VFD), which networked with the host programmable logic controller (PLC) via Ethernet, enabling precise speed control.

In cooperation with the PLC, a human-machine interface (HMI) platform was also integrated. Its user friendliness and large graphical space allowed for visuals on batching and mixing status, dry ingredient auger free fall calculations, formula selection and dry ingredient recipe configuration.

Quality control

Accurate weighing is a crucial part of the process within food manufacturing applications. From the initial raw material inspection to the final product shipment, sometimes they span the full process.

Interestingly, they influence how every batch looks and tastes too, with inaccurate weighing of raw

ingredients causing food products to be out of specification. And that’s before factoring other potential slip ups, like issuing raw materials into a batch that has not passed its quality control checks or incorrectly adding raw materials to a production batch.

All of these mistakes cost money and come at an unwanted price. Unfortunately, there have been several food product recalls because of these types of errors, where a lack of intelligent equipment across processes resulted in severe consequences.

For example, Whole Foods Market recalled more than 30 food products that had undeclared food allergens in 2020. From this, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that manufacturers should ensure they have controls in place to prevent the unintentional addition of allergens during manufacturing processes.

The good news is that, one, these costs are avoidable, and

two, manufacturers can not only prevent them but also increase overall operational efficiency (OOE) too. This comes as McKinsey Digital revealed that digitalising information intensive processes can cut costs by up to 90 per cent and improve turnaround times by several orders of magnitude.

One way to start is by looking at automation, like the TwinCAT 3 Weighing Library (TF3685), which can integrate a scale directly into the PC-based control system to streamline the weighing process and optimises machine efficiency.

Moreover, it also offers features like high-speed signal filtering, automatic measurement triggering, zeroing and taring, which are essential for accurate and efficient weighing in food manufacturing applications.

Elsewhere, EtherCAT and PC-based control technology can also be used to optimise optical food

inspection. For example, industrial equipment supplier, ProSpection Solutions, designed the IP69K-rated Low-Density Foreign Material Detection and Removal System for greater accuracy and efficiency in detecting contaminants in food products. By implementing Beckhoff’s EtherCAT and PC-based control technologies, the inspection system increased foreign object detection rates up to 500 per cent.

After all, quality control in this industry is money, because errors can have significant financial repercussions. Manufacturers have the means to mitigate the risks of unwanted costs and, therefore, must ensure that they have the necessary controls in place, as advised by the FDA.

For more information about Beckhoff’s secure communication protocol, TwinCAT and other control technology, visit www.beckhoff.com

Connected by matter

Matter promises to deliver smart home interoperability By Vince Hagen, Business Development Manager, Nordic Semiconductor

Matter is delivering unprecedented interoperability, simplicity, reliability, and security to the smart home, providing confidence to product developers and consumers alike

People have talked about convenient, time saving home devices for over 100 years, but while our homes have become increasingly utilitarian—and almost universally connected—they still aren’t that smart. Today, 97 percent of U.S. homes have Internet access[1], and while connectivity has been transformational, the use of smart devices isn’t the reason. The ability to read and send emails, navigate the web, stream videos, perform home banking, and engage on social media, all outstrip smart device use in the list of our weekly connected

activities and use[2]. And it’s not as if smart home devices are a new phenomenon. For years it’s been possible to use smart home technology to lock or unlock your door, turn on your lights or HVAC, or lower your blinds, but the uptake has been slow. There are cost, security, and privacy concerns behind the inertia, but a core issue is a lack of compatibility.

As anyone who has tried will know, setting up and maintaining a fully integrated smart home is hard work. Products built for one ecosystem, won’t work as planned with another. Multiply that by hundreds of brands and dozens of device types, and it is easy to see why consumers can’t be bothered to try and overcome standardization and interoperability concerns. After all, it’s not that big a deal to close your own curtains. The

arrival of Matter has brought about a rethink.

The Matter difference

Matter is an open-source connectivity standard for the smart home developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It works by building on top of existing and established smart home wireless connectivity technologies—Wi-Fi, Thread, and Bluetooth LE—as well as Ethernet, and is Internet Protocol-(IP) based. IP is a proven, widely adopted technology which is essentially a network layer communication standard for rapidly moving data across the Internet. The advantages of this are clear – every supported device has its own IP address, and interoperability with the protocol makes it very easy to connect each smart-home product

to the Cloud. With this flexibility, smart-home applications can be very powerful and flexible. IP also provides developers with a common and well established foundation for communication.

In a typical smart home setup, lower power Matter devices would typically run across a Thread network, while devices with higher power and data bandwidth needs will use Wi-Fi. Matter supports the Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet protocols for device-to-device communication, while Bluetooth LE is used for commissioning new devices to a network.

Wi-Fi is one of Matter’s primary connectivity protocols because it is established in hundreds of millions of homes and Wi-Fi 6 (which includes power-saving technology that allows designers to trade-off some throughput for longer battery life), makes it even better suited to smart-home applications. Thread was selected because it is a secure wireless mesh network that seamlessly integrates with larger IP networks without the need of a gateway, while at the same time being tuned for reliability and low latency. Bluetooth LE is interoperable with smartphones which form the ideal interface for commissioning and configuring new smart-home products.

Matter itself provides a unifying application layer—in essence a ‘common language’—across these technologies, that manufacturers can develop to, supporting compatibility and interoperability of their products across disparate ecosystems. By providing interoperability across ecosystems from major suppliers such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung, Matter promises to kickstart smart home technology adoption by providing consumers with confidence that whatever piece of smart home kit they buy, it will work with any other Matter-certified device. While Matter may not have entered the general public’s consciousness quite yet, it soon will because not only is it backed by the aforementioned heavyweight smart home technology platforms, but there are also another 340 or so companies behind it too, including wireless connectivity specialists, chip vendors, and big name smart home brands.

This should provide Matter with enough powerful backers to ensure consumers shopping for smart home solutions bearing the ‘Matter Certified’ seal of approval will have their minds put at rest over smart home reliability and performance concerns.

Everything is smart

Since its launch, ongoing revisions to the Matter specification have delivered improvements that have brought new layers of interoperability, simplicity, reliability, and security, while unlocking new use cases and features for the future. The latest version Matter 1.4 released in November 2024, includes support for new device types that extends Matter’s reach to practically

any smart home device you could care to imagine, including lighting, home security, HVAC, televisions, window covers, refrigerators, dishwashers, smoke alarms, washing machines, robot vacuums, ovens, laundry dryers, cooktops, extractor hoods home routers, access points, and water heaters.

Updates have also introduced new features and core improvements that enhance the Matter end user experience. For example, Matter now includes support for ‘scenes’ and ‘command batching’. This enables users to create a desired state for devices, rooms, or their whole home, by combining settings in devices that can be triggered with one command. For example, a user can set a scene that defines a color and

brightness for each of a number of lights, and they can deploy that state synchronously across multiple lights with one command.

The promise of simplicity

In addition to bringing interoperability to popular smarthome wireless technologies, Matter is supporting manufacturers to overcome other well-known smart home pain points, such as the setup of new devices. For instance, Amazon has worked with leading brands to launch its ‘zero-touch’ Frustration-Free Setup (FFS) on its Matter-certified devices. FFS makes it easy for customers to set up new devices by leveraging existing devices or apps to automatically fill in network credentials, register the devices, link Alexa skills, and link to device-specific apps. In a best-case scenario, FFS can setup a device without any customer interaction and allow them to simply take a device out of the box, plug it in, and wait for automatic connection to the smart home network.

Another feature of the Matter spec, ‘Enhanced Multi-Admin’, enables cross system control out-of-the-box. This feature lets users share smart home devices with others in their household, regardless of their preferred voice assistant or phone operating system. The status of the device is synchronized across all platforms, and each user can retain their own existing scenes and automation preferences, without any compatibility concerns.

Alongside addressing consumers’ reliability and controllability concerns, Matter also embodies best practices around security. For example, each Matter device includes a unique identity, ensuring only the user’s authentic and certified devices are permitted to join the network. Data is encrypted to protect confidentiality. Fine-grained access control policies ensure each device can only perform the operations it needs to perform.

Chipmakers optimize hardware and software

Despite its many advantages, designing a Matter-compatible product will add complexity to product design, and require an upgrade in chip capability from

silicon providers. For example, a Matter-compatible device requires both Bluetooth LE and Thread connectivity (in case of a Matter over Thread device) or Wi-Fi (for a Matter over Wi-Fi device) as well as enough computing power and memory to run the Matter protocol. For over-the-air device firmware updates the solution will demand up to twice as much nonvolatile memory compared with the application software alone, and there will come a time when smart home solutions will also need to leverage the capability of machine learning (ML). Chipmakers have not stood still and have been busy optimizing both hardware and software with the new standard in mind.

Next generation Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) integrate multiple processors, each of which can be optimized for a specific type of workload and can support edge processing that assisted by software can help run ML models. Such models can optimize smart-home product performance affected by external factors; for instance, making corrections to HVAC humidity settings because members of the household have all arrived home together, or making a gradual adjustment to window blind closure time as the sun begins to set earlier each day. Best-in-class multiprotocol radios are also now breaking new barriers on RX sensitivity and TX power, delivering longer range and better robustness, allowing

consumers to extend their network of devices for stronger integration throughout the smart home, including outdoor areas.

State-of-the-art security has also become a prerequisite, with today’s latest SoCs exceeding the requirements of PSA Certified Level 3 (the highest in the PSA Certified IoT security standard) – including secure boot, secure firmware update, secure storage, and protection against physical attacks. That will make smart-home products among the most secure devices on the market.

With these hardware and software improvements, and as the standard itself is tweaked to further improve interoperability, simplicity, and reliability, device manufacturers can focus more on driving improvements in product quality and developing new features, and less on apps and architectures to support onboarding of devices to divergent networks and ecosystems. When this happens, the promise of the smart home will finally become a reality.

Author biography

Vince Hagen is a Business Development Manager at Nordic Semiconductor and is based in Oslo, Norway. He supports the Nordic sales team in creating innovative solutions together with leading partners and customers across different industries.

Vince Hagen

SMART CITIES: IS YOUR CITY KEEPING UP?

The Bosch Smart Home range includes both Single System products and System Solution products. Test the range of smart solutions to understand how these products are able to assist you in your daily lives; offering additional comfort, security for peace of mind and energy efficiency, saving you money within your home. Connectivity is more than just technology, it is now part of our every-day lives making life easier and allowing more time for the things that really matter! www.bosch-smarthome.com

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eQ-3 Group is one of the leading innovation and technology companies for home control and consumer electronics. eQ-3 provides the largest product portfolio in the industry and has placed more than 21 million wireless home control devices in almost one million households in the market. eQ-3 is the European market leader in smart home with regard to the installed base of whole home solutions and electronic radiator thermostats. www.HomeMatic.com

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EcoStruxure™ With Innovation At Every Level, we are redefining power and automation for a new world of energy. We operate in over 100 countries with around 144,000 employees worldwide. www.schneider-electric.com

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A Fortune 100 company, Honeywell invents and manufactures technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, security, productivity and global urbanization. Our connected portfolio of products, services and software spans multiple industries and is able to deliver end-to-end solutions that improve quality of life for people around the globe.

www.honeywell.com

NorthQ is a Danish IoT manufacturer which specializes in developing home automation and energy management solutions. Company’s products serve as an innovative tool to track, control and optimize energy consumption. Our vision, A New Way of Living, entails responsibility for the environment and conscious decision-making regarding the energy we use on a daily basis. Our newest product, the Q-Reader is a universal meter reader providing real-time data from various electricity, gas, heat, and water meters. www.northq.com

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