**From Classroom to Smart Home: The Latest in Industrial Automation and Electrical Engineering Trends**
Last Updated: 2026-05-31T02:13:07.773-04:00
Chariho Electrical Technology Students Explore Careers in Industrial Automation
Students from the Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class recently visited ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, to learn about career opportunities in industrial automation. The tour, led by owner John Brunelle and his son Jesse, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at the company, showcased the production floor and various custom-built machines. The Brunelles explained that their work is customer-driven, with projects ranging from medical tubing equipment to control systems for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Jesse Brunelle, who organized the visit, emphasized the importance of exposing students to the industrial side of the electrical field, which he felt was underrepresented in their curriculum. Instructor Ryan Northup praised the real-world application the visit provided, stating that it could inspire students to pursue careers in this specialized area.
Siemens' New Control System Simplifies Migration and Enhances Cybersecurity
Level Automation has successfully upgraded its control systems from the Simatic S7-1200 to the new Simatic S7-1200 G2, a process that owner Martin Ozols described as "ridiculously easy" and took only two minutes. The new system is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it compliant with the upcoming NIS2 Directive. This is particularly important for Level Automation's clients in the water and wastewater industry, who will be affected by the new regulations. The migration was streamlined by a new tool in the TIA Portal that automates much of the process. In addition to improved cybersecurity, the S7-1200 G2 is also more powerful and compact than its predecessor.
Demand for Electrical Engineers Surges Amidst AI and Automation Boom
The increasing demand for AI, electrification, and automation is creating numerous opportunities for electrical engineers. Companies like Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Siemens are actively hiring engineers to develop the power systems and hardware necessary for these technologies. Electrical engineers are crucial in designing and managing the power systems for data centers, developing battery and motor-control hardware for electric vehicles, and creating the infrastructure for industrial automation. The median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $118,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Post Electric Expands Services to Include Home Automation and Smart Technology
Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor in Southwest Missouri, is expanding its residential services to include home automation and smart technology integration. This move comes in response to growing demand from homeowners looking to modernize their electrical systems. The company has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and training to handle the installation of smart home devices, panel upgrades, and dedicated circuit installations. The expansion is timely, as many older homes in the region require significant electrical upgrades to support modern appliances and technologies.
Wago Commits to Matter Standard for Smart Home Products
Wago, a German electrical engineering manufacturer, is launching its first Matter-enabled products under the "WAGO Home Automation" line. Strategic Product Manager Manfred Lehmann stated that the company sees the Matter standard as the key to making automation more accessible to electricians in residential construction. Wago's new products, which include flush-mounted actuators with VDE certification, are designed to be easy for electricians to install and for homeowners to expand upon. The company will offer two wireless versions of its products, with a primary focus on Thread as the communication standard for the future of smart homes. Wago plans to continue developing its Matter-enabled offerings, with a potential focus on electrical cabinets in the future.
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