n NEWS October 2026 www.drivesncontrols.com 8 TWO INDUSTRIAL GROUPS that spent years arguing for opposing approaches to SinglePair Ethernet (SPE), have decided to merge to form a new body that will represent more than 130 manufacturing and technology companies around the world. They say the merger launches “a revolutionary era in industrial automation”. For more than five years, the two previous groups – the Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance and SPE Industrial Partner Network – disagreed over the specifications for a technology designed to transmit industrial data over a single twisted pair of wires, for industrial communications, automation and IIoT applications. But a year ago, the groups decided to work together on a single technology that would save space and costs for both cables and connectors, and simplify industrial automation installations. They said they would coordinate their activities to accelerate the uptake of SPE. Now, they are merging their organisations to form the Single Pair Ethernet Association. They describe this as “a bold decision, approved unanimously by the leadership of both networks”. They plan to consolidate their expertise, activities and memberships under the new identity, to build momentum and accelerate the development, standardisation and global market adoption and implementation of SPE. Single Pair Ethernet streamlines Ethernet connections by transmitting data at high speeds over long distances through a single twisted pair of wires, instead of the traditional two or four pairs. It can save weight, space and costs. The new SPE Association aims to boost global visibility of SPE-enabled industrial automation and to support an industry, user and research forum, allowing a close alignment of technical content, market activities and international initiatives. Members of the two earlier groups have been integrated into the new association. https://singlepairethernet.com/en Rival industry groups merge to form single SPE body NORTHERN IRELAND’S £97m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has been opened officially in Belfast. The Centre, which has been operating since April 2026, is predicted to create up to 1,500 jobs across Northern Ireland, contribute £1.3bn to the economy, and support the training of 300 apprentices by 2050. AMIC has been designed in response to the needs of Northern Ireland’s burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector. In its first six months, the Centre has provided businesses from Northern Ireland and beyond with access to cutting-edge facilities, engineering expertise and collaboration opportunities. The £97m investment includes around £78m from the UK Government, £10m from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, £8m from Queen’s University Belfast, and £1.3m from Ulster University. The Centre is part of a £230m innovation programme, led by Queen’s and supported by the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal. AMIC’s team will help businesses to explore and adopt technologies that may not otherwise be available to them inhouse, and to address future technologies, skills and sustainability issues. The businesses and industry partners will help to shape the Centre’s capabilities. AMIC engineers are already deploying technologies including robots, automation, advanced materials, digital twins, AI, metrology and machining to help businesses improve their productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Among the initiatives already underway is the £9.5m Project 4Ward, which focuses on advancing welding automation in partnership with Hyster-Yale, Terex, 4DNI, Nugent Trailers and Datum Tool Design, with support from Invest NI. Alongside automation, the Factory of the Future team is also tackling other issues – from energy efficiency, to circularity and the use of resources. Speaking at the opening of the Centre, Northern Ireland minister Sarah Owen said: “AMIC is a beacon for innovation which reinforces Northern Ireland’s reputation as an ideal hub for global investment and is key to an exciting future for manufacturing in Northern Ireland. This world-class centre bridges the gap between groundbreaking academic research and real-world commercial application, bringing together Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and industry partners under one roof. John Irwin, chair of AMIC’s industry board, added: “AMIC’s strength is the partnership it supports between industry and academia, providing a world-class research facility, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, staffed with highly experienced people, and critically, shaped by real manufacturing needs. It provides capabilities that were previously not readily available in Northern Ireland, enabling companies to test and validate innovations before investing, reducing risk, accelerating growth, and strengthening the competitiveness of Northern Ireland manufacturers. AMIC has listened and is now delivering.” Belfast’s £97m ‘factory of the future’ opens its doors to industry Belfast’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre is predicted to add £1.3bn to the Northern Ireland economy
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