Industry Roundup: Automation, Smart Home, and Electrical Engineering Trends
Last Updated: 2026-05-28T13:07:08.382-04:00
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 ProSystems' owner John Brunelle and his son Jesse, a Chariho alumnus and engineer at the company, showcased the various systems and machines the company develops. These systems are used in a wide range of applications, from manufacturing medical tubing to creating control systems for local infrastructure like the Mystic River Bascule Bridge.
The visit aimed to expose students to the industrial side of the electrical field, which often receives less attention in their curriculum compared to residential and commercial work. Jesse Brunelle emphasized the vast career opportunities available in automation, a field that is constantly evolving with new technologies. John Brunelle highlighted the growing demand for young talent who are proficient with modern tools like computers and tablets, which are integral to the industry. The instructor, Ryan Northup, noted that such real-world experiences are invaluable for students, providing them with practical applications of their classroom learning and inspiring them to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
Siemens Eases Migration to New Control System for NIS2 Compliance
Level Automation, a Swedish company specializing in electrical and automation cabinets, has successfully migrated from the Simatic S7-1200 to the new generation Simatic S7-1200 G2 control system. The transition was surprisingly simple, taking only two minutes thanks to a new migration tool in Siemens' TIA Portal. This tool automates the process of finding hardware counterparts and identifying migratable program elements, saving significant time compared to previous manual upgrades.
The new Simatic S7-1200 G2 is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it compliant with the increased requirements of the NIS2 Directive. This is particularly important for Level Automation's clients in the water and wastewater industry, who are subject to these new regulations. The new system is also more compact, powerful, and offers more memory and features than its predecessor. Following this successful PLC migration, Level Automation plans to upgrade its HMI panels to Simatic WinCC Unified, utilizing another of Siemens' streamlined migration tools.
Top Companies Hiring Electrical Engineers Amidst Tech Boom
The demand for electrical engineers is surging as technologies like AI, electrification, and automation drive advancements in modern hardware. Companies are actively seeking engineers to design and manage the sophisticated power systems and chips that underpin these innovations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of approximately $118,000 for electrical engineers, reflecting the high demand for their skills.
Several major companies are at the forefront of this hiring trend. Nvidia, a key player in the AI infrastructure space, needs engineers to work on power delivery and high-speed connections for their large-scale GPU systems. Apple is looking for engineers to contribute to the in-house design of hardware for their vast ecosystem of devices, including the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro. Tesla requires electrical engineers for its electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and humanoid robots, focusing on battery management, motor controls, and power electronics. Other top employers include Intel, which is hiring for both chip development and manufacturing, and Siemens, which is seeking engineers for industrial automation and electrification projects.
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 is in 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 training to handle a range of services, from whole-home electrical assessments and panel upgrades to the installation of smart devices like lighting controls, thermostats, and security systems.
The expansion is particularly timely, as many homes in the region, especially those built before 1990, have outdated electrical systems that cannot support modern appliances, electric vehicle charging stations, and smart home technologies. Ryan, the Master Electrician at Post Electric, stated that the company's goal is to be a trusted partner for homeowners, offering expertise in both traditional electrical systems and emerging smart technologies. The new services are available immediately throughout their service area, which includes Monett, Springfield, and other nearby towns.
Wago Commits to the Matter Standard for Smart Home Automation
Wago, a German electrical engineering manufacturer, is embracing the Matter standard with its new "WAGO Home Automation" product line. The company aims to empower electricians to succeed in the growing smart home market by providing them with the tools to integrate professional building installations with consumer-friendly Matter devices. Wago's Strategic Product Manager, Manfred Lehmann, explained that the company sees a clear trend away from rigid, pre-programmed smart home systems and towards a more flexible approach where electricians install a foundational system that homeowners can expand upon themselves.
Wago's new product line will be offered in two wireless versions, with a primary focus on Thread as the communication standard for the future of the smart home. The company will also offer Wi-Fi-based products for households with older Matter controllers. A key feature of Wago's offering is a two-app system for commissioning: one for the electrician to set up and document the installation, and another for the homeowner to import the project and integrate the devices into their chosen Matter ecosystem. Lehmann emphasized Wago's commitment to quality, with all modules being VDE certified, and to creating a sustainable smart home market in collaboration with electricians.
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