News
PLM and AAS – Bridging the Gap to Digitalization
The survey by KEM and Industrie-Digitalisierung is currently underway. All six PLM providers contacted are participating. And one thing is already clear: the data connection between PLM and the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) must ultimately flow in both directions. The tension is mounting. Who will build the secure bridge? The survey, conducted...
Using PLM Data for AAS
An initiative by KEM and Industrie-Digitalisierung.com The benefits of using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) can be significantly enhanced for users when product data from the systems is automatically made available in the open data standard Asset Administration Shell (AAS). KEM and Industrie-Digitalisierung are asking providers for their...
Eplan Next26 in Munich: A Boost for the Open Standard AAS
Eplan’s first major international event was a resounding success. It drew 1,500 attendees—including customers and partners from 36 countries—to Munich on May 20 and 21. In addition to the public launch of Eplan Copilot and the announcement of the new Eplan Platform 2027, Eplan highlighted the Asset Administration Shell (AAS).In addition to the...
Future-Proof Automation – Part 2
A series in collaboration with KEM: Why it's worth switching to open, Linux-based platforms now This is the second part of the series on "Future-Proof Automation," which I am co-authoring with Michael Corban, editor-in-chief of KEM Konstruktion/Automation. This second part focuses on the use of Linux platforms for existing hardware...
Linux For Industry For 20 Years
Interview with Managing Director Dr. Wilfried Wessner For several years now, there has been a growing consensus that Linux can be an excellent solution for the industry’s digital transformation. Linutronix recognized this as early as 20 years ago. With IGLOS, the company now offers a standardized platform that enables more than just automation....
The Original Linutronix Now Also Available In Smart Automation
For 20 years, Linutronix has been one of the leading drivers of real-time Linux for industrial applications. The company is now also featured in the Smart Automation market overview with its IGLOS platform. In addition to the open, Linux-based platform, the company’s offerings include consulting and services, particularly with regard to ensuring...
Workshop: Open Control Architectures
OT-ready IT technologies in mechanical engineering The Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Systems (ISW) at the University of Stuttgart is hosting a one-day workshop on March 31, 2026, in which, together with its partner Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation, it will demonstrate in a practical setting how IT...
Market Overview Smart Automation: Update 2026
This is the third update to the Smart Automation Market Overview. One of the vendors has discontinued sales of its platform. Two revised comparison tables provide greater transparency regarding the differences. And one table that was not sufficiently informative has been removed. It is now clear that open, Linux-based platforms provide a strong...
Future-Proof Automation – Part 1
A yseries in cooperation with KEM: Why it’s worth switching to open, Linux-based platforms now This article kicks off a four-part series on the topic of "Future-Proof Automation," for which I am co-operating with Michael Corban, editor-in-chief of KEM Konstruktion/Automation. In parallel, KEM is conducting a trend survey titled "Do open,...
SPS 2025: Open Automation On The Rise
Open Linux-based automation platforms gained even more prominence at this year's SPS trade fair in Nuremberg. Numerous developments and entire trade fair presentations, including press conferences, suggest that the imminent enactment of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is also a real boost for open platforms. SPS has grown again. 1,175 exhibitors...
Eplan Platform 2026 – Tailored To The User
Eplan has launched the new Eplan Platform 2026: a fundamental revision of all products and a portfolio that is more tailored to the user and his needs. And some previously optional extensions are now standard in some expansion stages.Jan Fleming, Vizepräsident Customer Journey (Foto Eplan).Jan Fleming, VP Customer Journey at Eplan, summarizes the...
ctrlX AUTOMATION: On The Right Track In Difficult Times
The 7th trade press conference on the open, Linux-based ctrlX AUTOMATION platform from Bosch Rexroth made it clear that the right strategies are the basis for visible success, even and perhaps especially in economically and politically difficult times. From the operating system ctrlX OS and ctrlX CORE to apps, soft safety and specific AI...
Is The Industrial Location Missing Its Chance?
The "Composable Software" background series is now complete. With an article in which I focus on the great opportunity that the Smart Automation platforms from Germany and Austria offer the industrial location of Germany and D,A,CH (final article in background series Composable Software). At the moment, this seems to me to be the most important...
Eplan Forum 2025 On September 23 And 24, Live In Cologne And Hybrid
As in previous years, Eplan invites you to the Eplan Forum on 23 and 24 September, which is once again organized as a hybrid event. The international event is an industry get-together with a focus on digitalization and automation in engineering. Renowned companies from Europe will share their best practices. Visitors can be inspired by...
iTAC And Red Hat Agree On Strategic Technology Partnership
In a press release dated July 23, 2025, iTAC Software AG announced a strategic technology partnership with Red Hat. The aim is to create a future-proof, modular platform for production management based on the iTAC.MOM.Suite and the Red Hat Advanced Compute Platform, based on OpenShift - operable from edge to on-premises environments to the cloud....