Automation in Focus: Student Field Trips, New Products, and Growing Demand for Electrical Engineers

Automation in Focus: Student Field Trips, New Products, and Growing Demand for Electrical Engineers

Last Updated: 2026-05-28T11:21:56.493-04:00

Westerly, RI - Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class visited ProSystems Integration, a Westerly-based automation company, to explore career opportunities in industrial automation. The students, led by instructor Ryan Northup, toured the facility and learned about the design and application of various automated systems, from medical tubing equipment to control systems for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Jesse Brunelle, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at ProSystems, organized the visit to expose students to the industrial side of the electrical field, which he felt was underrepresented in their curriculum. He emphasized the growing demand for young talent proficient in modern technology, as the controls for industrial machinery are updated every three to five years. Northup noted that the field trip provides real-world context for their classroom learning and can inspire students to pursue careers in automation.

In other news, German electrical engineering manufacturer Wago has introduced its first Matter-enabled products, aiming to make smart home automation more accessible to electricians in residential construction. The new WAGO Home Automation product line is designed to bridge the gap between consumer electronics and professional building installations. The company is also focusing on training electricians to handle the new requirements of IP-based smart home systems.

Meanwhile, Siemens has launched the Simatic S7-1200 G2, a new generation of its control system that is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard and compliant with the NIS2 Directive. The new system is designed for easy migration from the previous S7-1200 series, with a new migration tool in the TIA Portal that automates much of the process.

For those looking to enter the field, several major companies are hiring electrical engineers, including Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Siemens. These companies are seeking engineers to work on a variety of cutting-edge technologies, from AI and electric vehicles to industrial automation and semiconductor manufacturing. The demand for electrical engineers is being driven by increased investment in data centers, electrification, and automation.

In Southwest Missouri, Post Electric has expanded its services to include home automation and smart technology integration. The company is responding to growing demand from homeowners to modernize their electrical systems to support smart home devices, electric vehicle charging stations, and other advanced technologies.

Visit BotAdmins for done for you business solutions.