The industrial controls specialist TIC and the enclosure-maker Spelsberg have entered a partnership under which TIC is presenting Spelsberg’s enclosures on a new e-commerce Web site, enabling fast and simple product selection and purchase. The partnership will also offer industrial controls protected by enclosures that can be customised for specific requirements. The tieup means that TIC can provide complete control systems with durable, non-metallic enclosures. The companies are also working together on projects, combining their expertise to offer complete systems. Also on offer is Spelsberg’s customisation service that uses CNC machining to design and create bespoke housings. www.tic-direct.com Paper examines pros and cons of using the cloud for OT The International Society of Automation (ISA) has published a position paper that establishes a stance on when and how to use cloud technologies responsibly in OT (operational technology) systems. Called Cloud Computing in OT Environments, the paper provides guidance on the benefits and risks of using the cloud for automation, and how to implement such systems. It emphasises that real-time, closed-loop control should remain near the physical process due to availability, reliability and latency requirements. It also highlights the benefits of the cloud in appropriate OT applications, including improved data management, enhanced analytics, cost efficiency, scalability and better collaboration across distributed teams and sites. www.isa.org/position-papers Updated portal allows virtual commissioning of drives Nord Drivesystems has relaunched its myNord portal, which customers can use to configure drive systems and components. Visitors can now commission configured drive systems virtually. They can request a simulation model and insert it into a simulated system, allowing configurations to be tested online, thus speeding up deliveries. The product configurator has been simplified and all configuration steps are now done on one page. Search options include speed, torque and power. The portal also allows users to download documentation. https://www.nord.com/en/home-uk.jsp Free course offers introduction to robot standards ASTM International has launched a free introductory eLearning course on robotic standards. It is aimed at emerging robotics professionals, giving them an understanding of the role of standards. The course’s five modules include: Why robot standards matter; Core standards of industrial and collaborative robots; Mobile robots and AMRs; Emerging standards; and Compliance, certification and future trends. The course includes case studies, safety overviews, and explorations of what future robotics standards will entail. https://robotstandards.training.astm.org/#/ 48 n NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA January 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com Pilz has announced new versions of its PSENmgate safety gate system: one with optimised wiring for faster installation; and another with extra functions. The former has a cable outlet that is routed upwards, simplifying wiring and assembly, and speeding up commissioning. The latter has a longer housing with space for more elements, such as pushbuttons and keyswitches. It also has a built-in e-stop and the option of an escape release. There is also a new door handle module for swing gates. It comes in two sizes. www.pilz.com/en-GB Steute’s Controltec division has expanded its range of wireless footswitches to include a variant for heavy-duty applications such as welding stations. In such applications, the lifetime of cabled footswitches can be limited due to weld spatter damaging the cables. The cables can also be a tripping hazard. Steute has engineered a large, robust protective steel shield that is fixed to an RF GFS 2 XL wireless footswitch, and provides enough space to operate both pedals even when wearing safety shoes. The sWave wireless technology has a range of up to 45m indoors www.steute.co.uk TIC and Spelsberg join forces on new Web site Phoenix Contact has released a range of compact LED signal lights for use on machinery. The PSD-SL lights are available in two designs – point and tower – and with three or seven colours. Animation sequences such as flashing and colour changes are available for different signalling tasks. The lights are connected via a five-position, A-coded M12 connector, and are controlled by 24V DC signals using four-bit switching. Mounting is simple with an M22 opening. Protection options include IP66, IP67, IP69, IP6K9K and UL Type 4/4X. The lights are suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and have an operating temperature range of –40°C to +70°C. Phoenix Contact 01952 681700 www.phoenixcontact.co.uk RARUK Automation is offering a choice of two simple approaches to end-of-line palletising automation from the Canadian end-of-arm tooling manufacturer, Robotiq. It says that the PAL Ready and PAL Series palletisers makes palletising easier for both large manufacturers and SMEs. PAL Ready is a productionready palletiser, that is assembled, tested and ready to run. It includes everything needed to get started, including a vacuum gripper, a mobility kit (which allows the cell to be moved to different lines), a safety package, and a smart infeed roller conveyor. It works with Universal Robots cobots. The PAL Series offers a more modular approach for users with custom needs. There is a choice of five models, and optional components such as grippers, safety packages, mobility kits, interlayer racks and more. Both versions allow businesses to scale easily, and both are based on the same software, building blocks and design logic. A Palletising Fit Tool can generate a report based on questions about the potential application. RARUK Automation www.rarukautomation.com Cobot-based palletising systems speed up deployment Animated LED signal lights mount on machinery
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