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Millimeter-wave imaging inspection in real time

With its new quality and inspection R&S IMAGER millimeter-wave scanner, Rohde & Schwarz aims to simplify the industrial inspection of packaged products. The system sees through common packaging materials at production speed without using X-rays, protecting both products and operators. The high-contrast 3D images are used as digital twins and can be automatically integrated into AI-powered fault-detection systems. Sees through plastics, cardboard, and composites. Applications include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics.
Learn more.

What are single-loop process controllers?

PLCs are powerful, but complex control isn't always necessary. For standalone processes requiring single-variable monitoring -- like temperature, pressure, or flow -- a single-loop controller is ideal. See how single-loop controllers can streamline your next project.
Read the AutomationDirect tech tip.

Great Resources: Flexible circuit design guide

Tech-Etch uses advanced techniques to manufacture flex and rigid-flex circuits to exacting customer specs. Special processes include selective plating a single circuit with two different finishes, contoured circuits with variable metal thickness, semi-additive and subtractive techniques, open window or cantilevered contact leads, plus SMT for component assembly. Tech-Etch specializes in flexible circuits for medical, telecommunications, aerospace, semiconductor, and other high-reliability electronic applications.
Learn about flex circuits and get the guide (no registration required).

EMI Investigations: New immunity development system

Saelig Company announces the Langer E1 Immunity Development System for EMI investigations. This compact, affordable kit simulates burst and ESD interference to pinpoint layout weak spots down to IC pins. By eliminating "black box" guesswork early in development, engineers can efficiently identify coupling mechanisms, test measures, and resolve immunity issues before compliance failure.
Learn more and see it in action.

Battery packs for unmanned aerial vehicles

Re:Build Manufacturing has launched U.S.-assembled, NDAA-compliant lithium-ion battery packs for commercial, public safety, and defense UAV applications. Available in Core, Power, and Performance series, the packs use non-FEOC cells and are produced at Re:Build's advanced facility in New Kensington, PA. Re:Build also offers custom pack and battery management system development.
Learn more.

Easy-to-use precision measurement system

Optical Gaging Products has announced the StarLite S1, a compact, semi-automatic 3-axis video measurement system. It combines fully automatic video measurements with manual stage motion and features an IntelliCentric-S optical system for high-resolution images. Powered by Measure-X software, this system delivers fast, repeatable, high-accuracy results, making it ideal for both shop-floor and quality-control applications.
Learn more.

Why a soccer kick bends the ball path: SOLIDWORKS simulation

With SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation, you can virtually test a ball's flight path and see the science behind its amazing trajectory. Visualize anything you want to test, including the physics that make a ball curve and dip, to optimize performance and reduce physical testing. See the SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation study setup and learn about the Magnus effect where a spinning object moving through a fluid curves away from its straight path. [Credit: Screenshot courtesy of SOLIDWORKS]
View the video.

Lightning-fast in-line verification, high-performance barcode reading

The Omron VHV5 Barcode Reader now combines high-performance barcode reading and calibrated ISO verification in one device. Replacing offline sample checks, it delivers 100% inline verification at production speeds up to 1,200 parts per minute. With flexible lighting, the VHV5 easily inspects labels and Direct Part Marks, even on challenging curved or irregular surfaces.
Learn more.

How to choose the right industrial Ethernet switch

Antaira Technologies breaks down 10 mission-critical capabilities separating industrial-grade switches from commercial compromises. Even if you aren't in IT engineering, you will find valuable networking knowledge in this guide to protect vital infrastructure.
Read the full article.

New CAM software cuts robotic machining deployment

At Automate (Booth #4476), RoboDK will showcase RoboDK CAM, which generates robotic machining programs directly from CAD files. Designed for easy deployment, it cuts setup time by up to 40%. Live demonstrations will show users how to create collision-free robot motion straight from CAD data, eliminating manual line-by-line coding.
Learn more about RoboDK CAM.

AI Tools You Can Use: What is OpenClaw? How do I get it and use it?

OpenClaw is trending big time right now, but what is it? The YouTubers over at Create a Pro Website run through the basics of what you need to know and how to implement it. Basically, OpenClaw is a next-gen 24/7 AI assistant that lives on your computer and can perform actions for you. You talk to it through a chat app. You can set it up to do real work such as alert you to important emails, answer emails for you, manage your calendar and travel, and so much more. There is a great intro video here and also a longer, very thorough step-by-step video to setting up OpenClaw.
View the OpenClaw intro video.
View the OpenClaw setup video.

New! 6-digit programmable display/controller

Bristol Instruments has released the OM 403UNI Series displays/ controllers, allowing users to monitor two or three simultaneous functions. Configured via OM Link software or front-panel buttons, they feature four- or six-digit displays with +/-0.05% of f.s. range accuracy. They function as numeric/bar-graph displays, controllers, data recorders, or accumulators. Additionally, they detect and alert users to error conditions like broken sensor wires.
Learn more.

Mini edge AI systems for vision, generative AI

As enterprises transition from PoC to real-world edge AI deployment, Aetina has launched its Mini Series Edge AI systems. Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and NX modules, these compact, fanless systems deliver high-performance vision and generative AI inference. Engineered for demanding industrial environments, they offer flexible camera connectivity, space-saving designs, and long-term reliability to accelerate smart infrastructure.
Learn more.

Thermal imaging on the quality control line

On a high-speed food and beverage line, what you can see is not always what is happening. Thermal imaging adds a different layer of control. Instead of relying on surface appearance, it measures heat distribution as seals are formed and products move through the line, providing continuous, 100% in-line inspection instead of just sampling.
Read the full article.

Built for the test bench, ready for the field

FUTEK's IDC150 Signal Conditioner packages high-performance signal conditioning in a rugged aluminum enclosure. Built for engineers needing accurate, synchronized data from strain gauge sensors, it fits prototyping and lab environments. The device connects seamlessly to existing setups and pairs with SENSIT software and Python APIs. It is ideal for compact, high-performance digital sensor evaluation.
Learn more.

Scientists working on charging drones mid-flight with lasers

Wireless charging is nothing new for our phones, watches, earbuds, and other tech. Now, researchers want to bring wireless power to the skies -- recharging drones mid-flight by beaming a laser under their wings.

Reporting July 29 in the Cell Press journal Matter & Light, researchers in China engineered a lightweight receiver based on solar cell design that captures energy from a laser beam and turns it into electricity. To keep the device cool, the researchers strategically placed it on the wings of a drone and utilized heat-blocking technology, allowing the receiver to convert more of the laser's energy into usable power.

"Imagine a future where drones inspecting forests, monitoring disasters, or delivering packages no longer need to land frequently to replace batteries," says senior author Jianhua Han of Civil Aviation University of China. "As drones take on longer missions, battery life has become one of the biggest barriers."

The technology relies on a perovskite laser cell-thermoelectric (PLC-TE) tandem device, a type of solar cell optimized for lasers rather than sunlight. The perovskite layer converts laser energy into electricity, while the thermoelectric layer captures energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. The greater the temperature difference between the warmer, laser-facing side and the other, cooler side, the more electricity the thermoelectric layer can generate.

However, powerful lasers also heat the device significantly, eroding its efficiency.

"When we tested the device under a high-power laser, the thermal camera showed temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees Celsius," says Han. "That was much higher than we expected and made us realize that heat buildup was a far more serious problem than we had imagined."

This prototype laser-powered receiver integrated beneath the wing of a stationary drone model converts energy from a green laser into electricity while airflow generated by the propeller carries heat away through built-in cooling channels. [Credit: Y. Han and X. Han et al., Matter & Light/Courtesy of Cell Press]

To keep the device from cooking itself, the researchers embedded specialized nanocrystals into the PLC-TE tandem device. The nanocrystals conduct heat poorly and act as a thermal barrier, slowing the flow of heat and helping the device maintain its performance during prolonged laser exposure. Under a green laser, the system converted 38.49% of the incoming energy into electricity -- among the highest efficiencies reported for this class of technology operating under similar conditions.

As a proof of concept, the team also integrated the device beneath the wing of a stationary drone model and carved out air channels through the wing. Shining a green laser on the device successfully powered the model's propeller blade. Moreover, the airflow further cooled the cold side of the thermoelectric layer, boosting the device's overall performance.

"Previous studies largely focused on the materials or the device itself," says Han. "We wanted to think beyond the laboratory, to how the system could actually be integrated into an aircraft, cooled during operation, and made compatible with flight. It isn't just a materials science problem; it's an engineering one."

The device has yet to take flight. Its next test will be aboard a lightweight drone to prove that it can perform reliably outdoors. Researchers will also need to think about how to accurately track moving drones with laser beams and how to ensure the safety of the technology.

"Our work demonstrates the possibility of refueling aircraft with light," says Han. "Going from one to 100 will require solving many engineering challenges, but we hope this provides a starting point for future development."

Source: Cell Press

Published August 2026

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