Industry News: Electrical Automation, Cybersecurity Upgrades, and Smart Home Expansion
Last Updated: 2026-05-28T11:17:09.035-04:00
Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class visited ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, to learn about career opportunities in industrial automation. The students, led by instructor Ryan Northup, were given a tour of the facility by owner John Brunelle and his son Jesse, an engineer at the company and a Chariho alumnus. They observed various machines and systems, including equipment for making medical tubing and 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. He aims to show that the field is more varied than students might think and that there are significant opportunities in automation, especially with the rapid advancements in technology. Northup noted that such real-world experiences are invaluable for students, providing practical context to their classroom learning and inspiring them to explore different career paths within the industry.
Siemens has launched the Simatic S7-1200 G2, a new generation of its control system that is certified according to the cybersecurity standard IEC 62443, making it compliant with the NIS2 Directive. Level Automation, a Swedish company specializing in electrical and automation cabinets, recently migrated from the previous S7-1200 to the new G2 system. The company's owner, Martin Ozols, reported that the migration process was surprisingly simple and fast, taking only two minutes thanks to a new migration tool in the TIA Portal. The new system is also more powerful, has more memory, and a more compact design. Following the successful PLC migration, Level Automation plans to upgrade its HMI panels to Simatic WinCC Unified.
Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor in Southwest Missouri, is expanding its residential services to include home automation and smart technology integration. The company has seen a rise in demand for these services and has invested in new equipment and training to meet it. The expanded offerings include whole-home electrical assessments, panel upgrades, dedicated circuit installations, and the integration of smart home devices such as lighting, thermostats, and security systems. The company's Master Electrician, Ryan, noted that many older homes in the area require significant electrical upgrades to support modern technology. The new services are available in several cities, including Pierce City, Springfield, and Monett.
Wago, a German electrical engineering manufacturer, has introduced its first Matter-enabled products under the new WAGO Home Automation line. Strategic Product Manager Manfred Lehmann stated that the move is part of the company's strategy to support electricians in the residential construction sector, an area where Wago's automation technology has not been prevalent. He believes the Matter standard is a key trend that will transform the electrical industry, bridging the gap between consumer electronics and professional building installations. Wago is focusing on Thread as the primary communication standard for its new products, citing its mesh network, range, and low energy consumption as key advantages. The company is also providing support and training for electricians to adapt to the new IP-based requirements of Matter. The new product line begins with eight products and Wago plans to expand its offerings in the smart home market.
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