Electrical Tech, Smart Home Standards, and Industry Shifts: The Latest in AI, Automation, and Development

Electrical Tech, Smart Home Standards, and Industry Shifts: The Latest in AI, Automation, and Development

Last Updated: 2026-05-28T10:41:24.830-04:00

Here is the latest in AI, programming, and development:

A recent field trip for Chariho Electrical Technology students to ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, Rhode Island, showcased the real-world applications of their studies. The visit, hosted by company owner John Brunelle and his son Jesse, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at the company, provided students with a firsthand look at the industrial side of the electrical field. The students observed the manufacturing of equipment for a variety of industries, including medical tubing, and even systems for companies like Hershey Chocolate and Krispy Kreme. The Brunelles emphasized the rapid technological advancements in the field, particularly in controls, and the increasing demand for young talent proficient with modern technology. The instructor, Ryan Northup, highlighted the inspirational value of such visits, stating that they provide a "perfect real-world application" for the students' classroom learning and can spark interest in specialized career paths.

In other news, German electrical engineering manufacturer Wago is embracing the Matter standard with the introduction of its first Matter-enabled products. In an interview, Strategic Product Manager Manfred Lehmann explained that this move aligns with Wago's strategy to empower electricians for long-term success, particularly in residential construction. Lehmann believes the Matter standard will be a key driver of change in the electrical industry, bridging the gap between consumer electronics and professional building installations. He sees a trend away from rigid, pre-programmed smart home systems towards a more flexible model where electricians install a foundational system that homeowners can then expand upon themselves. Wago will be offering its new product line with both Thread and Wi-Fi connectivity options, expressing a strong belief in Thread as the future of smart home communication.

For those seeking to enter or advance in the field, several top companies are actively hiring electrical engineers. With the rise of AI, electrification, and automation, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can design and manage the power systems that fuel these technologies. Companies like Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Siemens are all seeking electrical engineers to work on a range of projects from developing more efficient chips and power systems for data centers to designing the hardware for electric vehicles and industrial automation. The median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $118,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In Missouri, Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor, has expanded its services to include comprehensive home automation and smart technology integration. This expansion is a direct response to the growing demand from homeowners to modernize their electrical systems and incorporate connected home technologies. The company has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and expanded its technical expertise to handle everything from whole-home electrical assessments and panel upgrades to the integration of smart home devices such as lighting controls, thermostats, and security systems. The company noted that many older homes are not equipped to handle the electrical load of modern appliances and technologies, making such upgrades increasingly necessary.

Finally, a success story in migration comes from Level Automation, which recently upgraded its control systems from the Simatic S7-1200 to the new generation Simatic S7-1200 G2. The company's owner, Martin Ozols, reported that the migration was surprisingly fast and easy, taking only two minutes thanks to a new migration tool in the TIA Portal. The new system is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it ready for the increased requirements of the NIS2 Directive. Ozols expressed confidence that this upgrade will keep their automation cabinets at the forefront of the industry and provide a secure advantage for their customers.

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