NEWS E EUROTHERM BY WATLOW AT SPS 2025
urotherm by Watlow’s presence at SPS 2025 in Nuremberg marked a significant milestone in industrial automation, spotlighting the company’s leadership as a complete thermal loop provider. The event, held from 25–27 November, attracted industry leaders eager to explore technologies shaping tomorrow’s connected, efficient, and sustainable factories. At the heart of Eurotherm by Watlow’s stand was the Edge Process Management (EPM) Data, a data-centric, distributed solution that connects machines, people, and processes. EPM Data empowers operators with real-time analytics, robust data integrity, and cybersecurity. Its intuitive HMIs, modular I/O, and multi-protocol connectivity support digital transformation and simplify compliance with global regulations like AMS2750, CQI9, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11. A highlight of the stand was the integrated thermal loop demonstration, which showcased how Watlow’s comprehensive portfolio—spanning advanced control, data management, and high- performance heating technologies—delivers a fully coordinated, efficient, and responsive system. The live setup featured WATROD, FIREBAR, and D-Series heaters, as well as flange tubular and duct heaters, illustrating how Watlow’s solutions
optimise thermal performance, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainability goals. This demonstration made clear that Watlow is uniquely positioned to provide every element of the thermal loop, from precise sensing and control to robust power switching and innovative electric heating.
Watlow’s vision for the Factory of the Future is rooted in decarbonisation and digitalisation. By replacing fossil fuel-based heating with advanced
electric solutions, manufacturers can reduce energy use and carbon emissions while improving process reliability and control. The technologies on display help companies achieve energy transition goals, optimise efficiency, and simplify compliance. Throughout SPS 2025, Eurotherm by Watlow’s stand was a hub for customer engagement, offering interactive demonstrations, expert consultations, and networking opportunities. Attendees experienced firsthand how Watlow’s integrated approach, combining edge intelligence, data management, and a complete range of thermal solutions,
enables smarter, greener, and more connected manufacturing. Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with many recognising the practical benefits of a single-source provider for the entire thermal loop.
As SPS 2025 concluded, Eurotherm by Watlow reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for change in industrial automation. The company’s end-to-end solutions offer a clear path to efficiency, compliance, and sustainability, empowering manufacturers to build the Factory of the Future today.
Eurotherm by Watlow
www.eurotherm.com/epm/
FESTO ADDS FIRST EDGE DEVICE FOR INDUSTRIAL MOTION AND IOT APPLICATIONS
F
esto has added the first edge device to its range of AX Controllers. CEPE is a high-performance industrial PC and control unit designed for industrial motion and IoT applications. It uses the Festo AX operating system (OS), which is based on PLCnext Technology and offers an open ecosystem for modular automation and easy programming.Festo adds the first edge device for industrial motion and IOT applications to its AX operating system CEPE is designed to control and automate assembly lines and machines, as well as production processes. Highly configurable, CEPE enables the programming and monitoring of production processes, including motion applications such as ‘pick & place’, palletising and servo presses. It can also support machine visualisation and IoT data acquisition and analysis. Festo AX Controls combines many software modules, such as operating system, motion, visualisation, high-level languages and low code development tools through to commissioning software with a scalable hardware platform. The AX suite consists of the Festo AX OS, Festo AX Motion control software, Festo AX Machine Visualisation software and now the CEPE edge controller. CEPE combines high processing power with a wide range of interfaces and software functions. It can gather and analyse local data, program its own applications and install third-party applications via various app stores. Thanks to its Linux-based operating system, users are also free to develop their own applications using familiar platforms like C++, C#, Python or the IEC61131 family. Equipped as standard with an Intel i3 processor and a wide range of communication interfaces such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT or Festo’s own AP network, the CEPE edge controller can be optimally connected to different control architectures. The company’s entire electrical and pneumatic portfolio can be seamlessly integrated using this device, so customers can always use the right
6
technology for their application. OPC UA is included for secure, cross-platform and interoperable data exchange in industrial automation and control systems. Combining industry-proven hardware with open control architecture, the CEPE offers many
development options for different software applications.
Festo AX OS is based on PLCnext technology from Phoenix Contact. Developed specifically for industrial environments, it enables real-time applications, programming with modern programming languages and seamless cloud connectivity. The containerised runtime environment enables an open and modular software architecture and the integration of modern AI-based software, as well as robust cybersecurity. This creates the basis for accessing, evaluating, archiving and reusing valuable process data. Festo AX Controls amplifies these benefits, enabling users to develop individual solutions and seamlessly integrate existing systems to meet the requirements of various industrial applications. Development cycle efficiency can also be increased through the use of open source software and apps, with no limits to future extensions. The company already provides a wide selection of apps, including CODESYS, Multi-axis motion, Python, Node-RED and the proprietary Festo AX Industrial Intelligence, a powerful AI predictive maintenance tool. All these software apps and licences will be available via the Festo online catalogue or for purchase via the growing PLCnext Store in future.
Festo
www.festo.com
Autumn 2025 UKManufacturing
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
