Focus on Automation: News, technologies and applications

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Automation Insights

Collaborative robots offer a quick entry into automation, and design engineers are increasingly turning to them. But there’s a right way to deploy them on the factory floor.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. announces leadership transition

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has announced that Scott Summerville, president and chief executive officer (CEO), will retire following a distinguished 46-year career in the automation and industrial technology industry.

Seneca Polytechnic becomes the first postsecondary institution in Canada to issue 1,000 Siemens mechatronics and automation certifications

“This milestone reflects our ability to offer education that responds to industry needs and gives students the knowledge to graduate career-ready and world-ready," said David Agnew, president, Seneca Polytechnic.

Ericsson and NTT DATA partner to accelerate adoption of private 5G networks

NTT DATA and Ericsson have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to accelerate enterprise adoption of private 5G and unlock advanced edge AI and physical AI use cases.

Automation Products

Vention introduces GRIIP, a generalized physical AI pipeline for manufacturing automation

AI-powered software and hardware platform provider Vention has launched the Generalized Robotic Industrial Intelligence Pipeline (GRIIP), and end-to-end physical AI pipeline that enables deployment of autonomous robot cells in highly unstructured manufacturing environments.

ABB introduces SaaS option for industrial energy optimization software

ABB has launched a new software-as-a-service (SaaS) option for its energy management and optimization platform, ABB Ability OPTIMAX 7.0, alongside improved advanced process control software.

Schneider Electric unveils open, software-defined distributed control system EcoStruxure Foxboro SDA

Schneider Electric has announced EcoStruxure Foxboro Software Defined Automation (SDA), reportedly the industry’s first open, software-defined Distributed Control System (DCS).

Festo releases System Configurator to streamline automation system design

Festo has introduced the System Configurator, a free online tool that enables OEMs, systems integrators and distributors to design complete automation systems, including pneumatic and electric motion, remote I/O and IO-Ling devices, in one workflow.

Events

March 31 - April 1, 2026 • Toronto, Ont.
N³ brings together Canada’s advanced industries under one roof.

N³ Summit

April 8, 2026 • Langley Events Centre, Langley, BC
Meet face-to-face with product and application engineers who know their stuff. GET hands-on experience with the products and solutions displayed.

DEX Expo – Langley

April 28, 2026 • Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Meet face-to-face with product and application engineers who know their stuff. GET hands-on experience with the products and solutions displayed.

DEX Expo – Winnipeg

May 11-12 • Montreal
Discover the latest in manufacturing technologies and innovation.

Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show

May 26, 2026 • River Cree Resort & Casino, Entertainment Centre, Edmonton, AB
Meet face-to-face with product and application engineers who know their stuff. GET hands-on experience with the products and solutions displayed.

DEX Expo – Edmonton

May 28, 2026 • Acadia Recreation Complex, Calgary, AB
Meet face-to-face with product and application engineers who know their stuff. GET hands-on experience with the products and solutions displayed.

DEX Expo – Calgary

June 22-25 • Chicago
Discover the latest in automated manufacturing technologies and innovation.

Automate 2026

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