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29 March, 2024

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Fluke adds asset management specialist to its portfolio

29 September, 2016

The test tool giant Fluke has acquired US-based eMaint Enterprises, which specialises in computerised maintenance management software (CMMS). The terms of the deal have not been released.


MV motor prices fall for the first time in ‘more than a decade’

29 September, 2016

Prices of medium-voltage motors are falling for the first time in more than a decade, according to the market analyst, IHS Markit, which expects average selling prices for MV motors to drop by 2.3% year-on-year by the end of 2016. It attributes the fall largely to lower materials prices, especially for copper, steel and wire cable.


USITC investigates Rockwell patent allegations

22 September, 2016

Following a complaint lodged by Rockwell Automation, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to start an investigation into certain industrial control software, systems and components. The products at issue are programmable industrial controllers and associated software used for the automation of industrial processes.


Rockwell buys ACP to boost its Connected Enterprise strategy

13 September, 2016

Rockwell Automation has acquired US-based Automation Control Products (ACP), which specialises in centralised thin-client, remote desktop and server management software. ACP’s two core products, ThinManager and Relevance, help to manage information and streamline workflows in connected manufacturing environments.


Danfoss claims lead in hydraulic motors by buying White

12 September, 2016

Danfoss claims that it has become the world leader in hydraulic motors following approval from the competition authorities for it to proceed with its acquisition of US-based White Drive Products. The bid was announced in July. No financial details have been revealed.


New service will accelerate drive and motor deliveries

09 September, 2016

The drives-maker Control Techniques (CT) and the motor manufacturer Leroy-Somer (LS) - both part of Emerson Industrial Automation - have launched a new service, called Express Availability, designed to cut European delivery times for their motors, drives, servos, geared motors, options and accessories, in ratings from 0.09–500kW. The companies are committing themselves to shipping products in one to ten working days inside Europe, with the option of a 24-hour service in emergencies.


Industry groups join forces to work on IIoT standards

31 August, 2016

Three automation industry groups – Omac (the Organisation for Machine Automation and Control), the OPC Foundation, and PLCopen – have joined forces to help advance the communications protocols needed for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The organisations develop and promote standards to improve manufacturing efficiency, but until now they have been working in parallel on different aspects of automation standardisation.


Global LV motors market ‘is set to shrink by 13%’

24 August, 2016

The global market for low-voltage motors will plummet by nearly 13% between 2015, when was worth $11.8bn, to 2017, when sales will total $10.3bn, according to a new assessment by IHS Markit. It says that sales of integral horsepower motors up to 690V have suffered since the third quarter of 2014 as the market has faced “numerous economic and political headwinds”.


Emerson buys Pentair Valves & Controls for $3.15bn

19 August, 2016

Emerson is buying Pentair’s Valves & Controls business for $3.15bn in cash. It says that the acquisition will establish its global presence in control, isolation, pressure relief valves and actuation, as part of a larger strategy to build a broader automation portfolio.


Vulnerability could give attackers control of Rockwell PLCs

16 August, 2016

Cisco’s “threat intelligence organisation” Talos has discovered a vulnerability in Rockwell Automation’s MicroLogix 1400 PLCs that could allow cyber-attackers to take control of affected devices and to manipulate their settings, replace their firmware or disrupt their operation in other ways.


Rockwell accuses two companies of infringing patents

12 August, 2016

Rockwell Automation has filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that the Taiwanese controls manufacturer, Advantech, and 3S-Smart Software Solutions, the German developer of the Codesys automation software, are infringing one or more of eight of its US patents covering industrial control systems.


Industrial Ethernet cable sales growing faster than 17%

11 August, 2016

The global market for industrial Ethernet cables is expanding with a CAGR of more than 17%, and will be worth $941m by 2020, according to a new study by Technavio. Although copper cables still dominate – with a market share of more than 77% in 2015 – fibre optic cables are the fastest-growing technology, due to their ability to operate at gigabit speeds over long distances and to withstand radio and electromagnetic interference. They are the preferred technology in the oil and gas, and pulp and paper industries.


Chinese firm takes control of German robot-maker, Kuka

08 August, 2016

In a controversial deal, the Chinese appliance manufacturer Midea has acquired almost 95% of the shares in the German robot-maker Kuka.


Nidec pays $1.2bn for Emerson’s motors and drives businesses

02 August, 2016

The acquisitive Japanese motor-maker Nidec has agreed to pay $1.2bn in cash for Emerson Electric’s Motors & Drives and Electric Power Generation businesses. The acquired operations include the Welsh-based drives manufacturer Control Techniques and the French motor- and generator-maker, Leroy-Somer. A key driver for Nidec is a desire to reduce its current dependence on its small precision motors activities.


GE and Microsoft join forces to put Predix on the cloud

12 July, 2016

GE and Microsoft have announced a partnership that will make GE’s Predix platform for the industrial Internet available on Microsoft's Azure cloud for industrial businesses. The move marks the first step in a strategic collaboration between the two companies that will allow customers to capture intelligence from their industrial assets and take advantage of Microsoft’s enterprise cloud applications.


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