46 n NEW PRODUCTS January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com The cable-maker Lapp has launched its own remote I/O devices in the form of IO-Link masters and hubs, bringing active components to the field level. The company says it can now offer complete industrial network infrastructures, including active and passive components, and end-to-end connections from sensors to controllers, or the cloud. Lapp’s Unitronic Access devices are available in single- or multi-protocol versions. The multi-protocol devices support Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCat, Modbus TCP and CC-Link IE, as well as four IoT protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, REST API and CoAP). The IP67- and IP69Kprotected devices can be installed directly in plants, saving space, reducing wiring, and lowering susceptibility to errors. Simple plugand-play commissioning and automatic parameterisation when replacing sensors cut installation and maintenance costs. Robust metal housings and an operating temperature range from –40 to +70°C are said to ensure reliability under harsh conditions. Lapp says its new remote I/O devices are not a one-off project, but part of a strategy to expand its portfolio – for example, with diagnostic and visualisation systems. Lapp 07860 320149 www.lapp.com Photoelectric sensors are the first with digital twins Siemens has announced version 21 of its TIA Portal engineering framework for machine-builders developing innovative machines, and discrete manufacturers seeking more powerful and reliable production. The new version addresses challenges such as shorter product lifecycles, increasing variant diversity, and the shortage of skilled workers. The new version also accelerates the transition to software-defined automation. It combines all automation tasks in one environment, offers open interfaces for IT/OT integration, and supports testing and simulation functions, including digital twins. It offers users a choice of deployment models – on-premises, by subscription, or in the cloud. A new export format allows version control systems such as Git to be integrated for the first time. This applies to LAD, FBD, SCL, data blocks, PLC data types and mixed-language blocks, and many others. It allows Step 7 users to benefit from optimised continuous-integration workflows and simplified versioning, resulting in shorter project runtimes and traceability of any changes. Siemens www.siemens.com Sick has released a range of photoelectric sensors with enhanced detection capabilities, even in harsh conditions. The W12NextGen sensors are the company’s first with true digital twins, allowing users to model and develop complete production lines or machines, and interact with PLCs for design and virtual commissioning. The family includes diffuse proximity, retroreflective and through-beam sensors. Multimode sensors can cut inventory levels, and simplify set-up and commissioning. A push-turn button simplifies parameterisation, while Sick’s Sopas software can be used via IO-Link for precise commissioning. The sensors are said perform well even in challenging conditions such as high ambient lighting, shock, vibration or high/low temperatures. A new teach-in process, including foreground and background suppression, allows fast set-up onboard the device, while AutoAdapt technology allows the sensor to adapt to changing conditions. The sensors use a hybrid LED technology for better positioning, as well as state-of-the-art spot size recognition (SSR) for the retroreflective versions. OpticalExperts enhance detection at high speed on dark, shiny, flat, uneven, transparent or perforated objects, and those with difficult angles. ClearSens technology provides reliable detection of transparent objects, while LineSpot handles structured and uneven surfaces. Sick www.sick.com Rockwell Automation has launched a free design tool for its Micro800 micro control systems. The FactoryTalk Design Workbench (version 1) provides a unified workspace for programming, configuring and troubleshooting the controllers. The software gives machinebuilders and manufacturers working on compact, standalone systems, a consistent, efficient way to develop automation systems. It streamlines processes from programming to deployment, while supporting multiple devices simultaneously to simplify system management. The software offers multidevice support for Rockwell’s Micro810 and Micro800 Lx0E controllers, allowing easy access to multiple controllers at the same time to simplify troubleshooting. It is also claimed to improve download speeds and online workflows. Future versions will expand support beyond the Micro800 controllers. Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com Cable-maker offers active components for the first time TIA Portal v21 accelerates transition to software-defined automation Free tool helps to design and troubleshoot micro control systems
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