The Future of Electrical Technology: Automation, AI, and Skilled Trades
Last Updated: 2026-05-29T04:34:57.666-04:00
Chariho Electrical Technology Students Explore Careers in Industrial Automation
Students from the Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class visited ProSystems Integration, an automation company in Westerly, to learn about career opportunities in the industrial side of the electrical field. The tour was led by ProSystems' owner, John Brunelle, and his son Jesse, an engineer at the company and a Chariho alumnus. The students were shown various machines and systems, including equipment used for making medical tubing and control systems for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Jesse Brunelle emphasized the importance of exposing students to the industrial and automation sectors of the electrical industry, which are often overlooked in traditional vocational training. He noted the rapid technological changes in the field and the high demand for young talent proficient with modern computer and tablet technologies. The instructor of the class, Ryan Northup, highlighted the value of such real-world experiences in inspiring students and providing practical context to their classroom learning.
Siemens' New Control System Simplifies Migration and Enhances Cybersecurity
Level Automation, a 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 from Siemens. The migration, which was expected to be a complex process, was completed in just two minutes, according to Martin Ozols, the owner of Level Automation. The ease of the transition is attributed to a new migration tool in the TIA Portal, which automates much of the process. The new Simatic S7-1200 G2 is certified according to the IEC 62443 cybersecurity standard, making it ready for the increased requirements of the NIS2 Directive. This is particularly important for Level Automation, as they primarily serve the water and wastewater industry, which is considered a socially important activity. The new system is also more powerful, more compact, and offers more memory and features than the previous generation.
High Demand for Electrical Engineers in AI, Electrification, and Automation
The increasing demand for artificial intelligence, electrification, and automation is driving a high demand for electrical engineers. Major companies like Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, Intel, and Siemens are actively hiring electrical engineers to develop and manage the power systems behind these cutting-edge technologies. The median annual salary for electrical engineers is approximately $118,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Electrical engineers are crucial for creating more efficient chips and power systems for data centers, developing battery and motor-control hardware for electric vehicles, and designing the systems for increasing levels of automation in factories. The U.S. government's investment of billions of dollars in semiconductor manufacturing and infrastructure is further fueling the demand for these professionals.
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 expanded its technical expertise to handle the increased requests for electrical upgrades, especially in homes built before 1990. The new services include whole-home electrical assessments, panel upgrades, dedicated circuit installations, and the integration of smart home devices such as smart lighting controls, programmable thermostats, and security systems. The company emphasizes the importance of having a trusted partner who understands both traditional electrical systems and emerging smart home technologies.
AI Unlikely to Replace Electricians and Other Manual Trades, Report Finds
A recent report by Planera, a construction scheduling platform, indicates that jobs in the skilled trades, particularly electricians, have a low risk of being automated. The report, which analyzed over 55 manual professions, found that electricians have only a 14% automation risk. This is attributed to the fact that their work requires a combination of human judgment, physical skill, and real-time response, which are difficult to replicate with AI. The report also highlighted the growing demand for electricians, with over 80,000 new positions expected nationally by 2026. This demand is driven by aging infrastructure, the expansion of EV charging networks, and the transition to renewable energy sources. The report ironically notes that AI data centers, which are driving automation fears, require electricians for their construction and maintenance, making the profession "as future-proof as a job can get."
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