#Electric Automation Panel

[celtex-automation]

Emerging Technologies Transforming the Industrial Automation Sector in 2025

The industrial automation sector is thriving in 2025, with innovative technologies making factories smarter, safer, and more efficient. From advanced robotics to artificial intelligence, these advancements are helping businesses reduce costs and boost productivity.

Let’s explore the key technologies reshaping automation and what they mean for industries aiming to stay competitive.

Smart Robotics and Cobots

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are revolutionizing automation by working alongside humans, improving safety and flexibility. In 2025, cobots have evolved significantly, offering:

Smart sensors: Detect human movements to prevent accidents.

Easy programming: Allow workers to set them up without coding skills.

Versatile tasks: Manage tasks like assembly, packaging, and material transport.

Cobots make automation affordable, enabling smaller factories to streamline operations without large investments.

Artificial Intelligence for Efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming automation by enabling machines to learn and adapt. AI analyzes data to optimize processes, reducing errors and downtime. Key benefits include:

Predictive maintenance: Spots equipment issues before failures occur.

Quality control: Detects defects faster than human inspectors.

Energy optimization: Adjusts operations to save power.

AI is driving efficiency in industries like manufacturing and logistics, making processes smarter and more cost-effective.

IoT and Smart Connectivity

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects machines and sensors, creating smart factories. Similar to residential electrical upgrades that power smart homes, IoT in the industrial automation sector enables real-time data sharing. IoT benefits include:

Live monitoring: Tracks equipment performance instantly.

Workflow efficiency: Syncs production with supply chain needs.

Safety alerts: Warns of potential issues in real time.

At Celtex Electric & Automation, we provide electrical installations and automation solutions, like PLC programming and instrumentation, to support efficient industrial operations.

Upgrading Electrical Infrastructure

Automation relies on robust electrical systems. The new electrical panel cost ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on capacity and wiring needs. Upgrading panels ensures factories support high-tech systems without power issues. Knowing when to replace circuit breaker components is critical, as outdated breakers can disrupt automation, causing costly downtime.

Green Automation for Sustainability

Sustainability is a priority in 2025, with automation driving eco-friendly practices. Green technologies include:

Efficient motors: Reduce energy use in automated systems.

Renewable integration: Support solar or wind power in operations.

Waste reduction: Optimize materials to minimize scrap.

These innovations help factories meet global sustainability goals while lowering costs.

The industrial automation sector is poised for growth, with AI, IoT, and green technologies creating smarter, more sustainable factories. At Celtex Electric & Automation, we’re dedicated to powering these advancements with expert electrical and automation services.

Ready to modernize your facility? Contact us for a free consultation and start building a more efficient future today!

[jselectromec]

Enhance Your Business Efficiency With Automation Solutions From Js Electromec

JS Electromec Ltd is a company based in Tanzania that specializes in electrical distributors and automation systems from Siemens. We are proud to be the official Siemens distributor in Tanzania and have been supplying to the East African region for over 15 years.

The Siemens Electrical Distributors Tanzania division of JS Electromec supplies the best in quality and value. We offer a complete range of electrical products, including circuit breakers, motors, transformers, switches, and fuses, junction boxes, conduits, lighting fixtures, and more. Our service also includes consultation, design, installation, maintenance, repair, and product documentation and support.

The Siemens Automation Systems Tanzania division of JS Electromec is renowned for its high-quality and advanced automation solutions. We provide a full range of automation systems and components, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), drives, motion control systems, networking and communications solutions, and industrial computing solutions. With our exceptional team of professionals, we are highly skilled in delivering tailored automation solutions that are tailored to our clients’ specific requirements.

At JS Electromec Ltd, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient components and systems. We strive to provide the best in quality and value, and our products are cost-effective and reliable. With our vast experience, we provide our customers with the best products available in the market.

Our team is highly experienced in all aspects of electrical and automation systems and provides an excellent level of service. We are committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. We also have a stringent quality control system in place to ensure that all our products are of the highest standards.

At JS Electromec Ltd, we believe in the power of technology and are dedicated to providing our customers with the best in quality and value when it comes to electrical distributors and automation systems. With our experience and expertise, we can help our customers achieve their goals and enable them to make their businesses more efficient. Call us at +255 788 499111 and visit our website at https://www.jselectromec.co.tz/

Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/JS-ElectroMec-Ltd/100063584395430/

Google listing: - https://g.co/kgs/yEVBGJT

[autobotspvtltd]

Comprehensive Guide to Electrical Control Panels in Industrial Automation

Industrial automation is transforming manufacturing and production processes, providing improved efficiency along with greater precision and reliability. Industrial automation becomes possible through electrical control panels in industrial automation that act as focal points for device and process control. This guide discusses the functionality of electrical control panels in addition to their structural elements and advantageous characteristics and choice considerations while emphasizing the importance of dependable Pune manufacturers and prominent automated electrical enterprises in the city.

[captainjonnitkessler]

Look, I'm not gonna pretend that I don't get it, when it comes to AI. But it's like this:

In most parts of the US, a residential electrician works only on houses and apartments. They use romex wire, that yellow cable stuff. You run it from the panel to wherever it's going, staple it to the studs, then make up both ends. You need to know basic electrical code but mostly it's pretty simple. A fast learner could be a decent residential electrician inside a month.

I, on the other hand, am a union industrial electrician. I work primarily in hospitals, factories, and research labs. Most of our wire is run in steel conduit that has to be hand bent on the job, which is an art form in and of itself. We work with much higher voltages, much heavier wire, much more complicated equipment, and we need to know much more of the code. Our apprenticeship is 4-5 years and that's only enough to scratch the surface of everything an industrial electrician might do.

And yes - I absolutely get a little defensive when unknowing people compare me to a residential electrician. There's absolutely a knee-jerk impulse to declare that they're not *real* electricians, that they're merely a pale imitation of what I do. But I fight that impulse because it's a *bad impulse*. Resi still takes skill and work, it's just different than mine. We're both electricians. And it's better for us to work together to improve working conditions for all workers than to get into pissing contests about whose job is more "real". And both our jobs are in increasing danger due to the proliferation of low voltage systems that the average homeowner can install and repair without hiring a professional.

So yeah, I do get it. But it has been very, VERY insulting over the last year to hear people repeatedly say "AI was supposed to replace blue collar jobs, not *my* job! My job is ~special~ because it has ~humanity~!"

Your job is not special. It's not more important than my job and it's not more fulfilling to you than my job is to me. And I don't get to insist that everyone start building homes with steel conduit just so less skilled people can't be electricians, and I don't get to yell at people for hiring a handyman to replace an outlet for $50 when my time would be worth $200.

I absolutely understand the instinct that AI art can't be real art because people who use it didn't "earn" it, or that automating art is uniquely damaging in a way automating other jobs isn't because it's "supposed" to be about human expression. But please actually think about what you're implying and who you're throwing under the bus when you say shit like that, and whether it actually holds up to your other values or if it's just a knee-jerk reaction you need to examine.

[renegadeelectrics]

Renegade Electrics Specializes in Remote Gate Automation in New Zealand

Renegade Electrics specializes in Remote Gate Automation in New Zealand, offering advanced solutions for seamless access control. Trust our expertise to optimize your gate systems with cutting-edge technology tailored to the Kiwi market. Elevate security and convenience with Renegade Electrics' top-tier Remote Gate Automation services.

[mitchellisacc]

The Role of a Commercial Electrician

A commercial electrician plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical systems in commercial properties. Their responsibilities encompass installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment. They follow building codes and safety regulations to prevent hazards. Commercial electricians also troubleshoot electrical issues and design electrical systems for optimal efficiency. Their expertise is essential for businesses to maintain a safe and reliable electrical infrastructure, which is vital for daily operations and the well-being of employees and customers alike.

[cliantechsolutions]

Cliantech solutions offers waterless solar cell laser cutter NDC. With this latest technology we can produce solar panel efficiently and with less water usage. This technology have achieved precision and eco-friendliness and has set high standards in sustainable manufacturing.

[deathworlders-of-e24]

Liz, Biotechnician

Part 4

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I still can’t get this stupid arm to work right,” Liz groaned. She’d managed to get to the lab on time today, and she’d been able to get dressed herself, but only barely. Her lab coat and uniform were both disheveled, the new bionic hand unable to get every button resulting in half of them being left undone. She’d ended up having to tie her shoe laces in knots to keep them on her feet because her fingers couldn’t bend the way she wanted or grip the thin laces. The only reason Liz was wearing the lab coat these days was to hide the cross section where her arm ended and the cybernetics began. Looking at it was… upsetting, to say the least.

“It’s only been a few cycles, Human Liz,” Coco said. “It’s my understanding that losing limbs is fatal to most other species of non-botanicals. Having the ability to complain right now is a gift.”

“It’s been over a week,” Liz said. “And I know, everyone keeps reminding me I’m lucky to be alive, you, the captain, Jane, I know how lucky I am, but this,” she waved the hunk of metal she called a hand, “is starting to piss me off.”

“You are upset,” Coco said. They were standing beside the center lab table. Liz couldn’t even see the claw marks the predator creature had left on their trunk anymore. “This is to be expected.”

Coco walked over to their wall computer, avoiding the small automated cleaner Liz had made to tidy up the dirt they tracked everywhere.

“Remind me again, this device you have made to remove the dirt, why have you attached a weapon to it?” Coco asked.

“Thought it’d be funny,” Liz said, “which it was.”

“And you have designated it…?”

“Stabby, ‘cause of the steak knife.”

“Why?”

“Old Earth legend. Makes us humans laugh,” Liz said, smiling as she leaned her chin on her good arm.

“You will have to explain that story to me again some time.” Coco clicked a button on their screen and a wall panel slid up between them, revealing the clutch of 5 eggs they’d taken from MX13 sitting in their tank. They were about the size of baseballs, or stone fruits. Liz had stuck a strip of electrical tape on the front and written ‘arm eating bastard eggs’.

“You know I’m half tempted to eat them,” Liz said.

“Please do not engage in predator behavior around me,” Coco asked. “It still makes me nervous sometimes watching you try to swat at insects.”

“Really? Why?” Liz chuckled.

“I know you are more evolved than a simple animal, but when I observe you stalk and hunt down the… mosquitoes? It reminds me of the predators we have on Spryga. It is unsettling.”

Liz stopped and thought for a moment. She hadn’t considered that before. It was probably a normal complaint among former prey species working alongside humans. Whoops.

“Well, sorry. Humans are weird like that, but I’ll try to be more conscious about it,” Liz said.

“Thank you. I do not mean to… step on your hands, but I appreciate it.”

“Step on your toes, hon.”

“Right.”

Liz pulled the tank out of the wall while Coco set the lab up, turning on heat lamps and setting the environmental controls in the room to MX13 standard, except for the air. Upon further analysis of the predator creature from the moon, it didn’t need the methane in the air to breathe. From what was left of its ‘lungs’, they breathed more like frogs, through their skin, stripping oxygen from out of the water they swam in. Apparently they were more reptilian than Liz had expected. There were underground rivers and lakes all across the subsurface of the moon, hunting grounds for the creatures. Liz guessed they came above ground to lay their eggs, away from the competition.

Furry reptiles, Liz thought. Why the hair though? It doesn’t make sense. Maybe to keep warm? The underground water has to be freezing.

“What do you think the GAIL will want to do with them after… if they hatch?” Liz asked.

“Standard procedure would be to return them to their natural habitat after a nano scrub to remove any and all unnatural scent from their bodies, so they can be reaccepted back into their species later,” Coco explained. “But hatchlings would be another question entirely. Perhaps they would be sent to an outpost for further study, or released into a controlled habitat somewhere.”

“What, like a zoo?” Liz asked. “You have zoos in the GAIL?”

“Possibly, I’m not sure what this zoo is.”

“We had them on Earth a long ways back. It was pitched as a way to study animals up close, but it was really just cheap entertainment for the masses. Eventually it kinda grew into a way to help endangered species, but it was still pretty on the line.”

“Then no, we don’t have zoos. What I’m speaking of are rehabilitated planets or moons with an ecosystem created to cater to the needs of the species we simply can’t put back where they are from.”

“That still kinda sounds like a zoo, but I guess if nobody is throwing peanuts at the elephants it’s still an improvement.”

The lab was set up for observation, the eggs were supposedly viable, so while they waited to see what would happen, the two got back to their other work. Reasonably they could’ve just left the eggs in the temperature controlled wall slot, but Liz had said that’d be boring, considering it was ‘the most she’d ever paid for less than a full carton of eggs.’

Coco stepped into their pot and watched the eggs, Liz in her desk chair tinkering with her new arm. She was sure if she could just get the pathways right, she’d be able to get the thing working properly. The cable running from her arm to her computer was annoyingly equated to a leash in her mind.

If I could just open a can of soda by myself, that’d be a huge win.

As they sat there doing important scientific work, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Coco said, unmoving in their corner. The door opened and, oddly enough, another human walked in. He stood just inside the doorway looking around sheepishly. Liz glanced at him and was surprised to see a maintenance droid sitting on his shoulder.

“Hey, I’m sorry to bother you guys, uhh, I’m Thomas, from engineering,” said the man.

“Well, hi, I guess,” Liz said, a little confused. “What are you doing all the way up here Thomas? We didn’t make any maintenance requests.”

“No, you didn’t, but I think you need one anyway,” Thomas said. “See, I was just in the med bay for the last couple cycles, and I overheard the nurses talking about the human who needed a cybernetic arm. I’m assuming that was you and not one of the other two, right?”

“What gave it away?” Liz said dryly, waving her metal hand. “And what are you doing, asking about me anyway? You want to see the robot arm or something, get an upgrade for your little buddy there?”

“Oh, no no no, I’m sorry, I just figured you’d need the fix for it,” Thomas said. He walked further into the room, albeit cautiously. “I asked about the model arm they gave you, the MK6, and there’s a small chance the one you have has a problem.”

“… huh?” Liz said, actually confused now.

“Yeah, the MK6 is a great design, but the company putting out the arms had a faulty inspection system, a couple hundred came off the line with a bug in the wiring.”

“I’ve ran a dozen tests on this thing, I would’ve found any code defect.”

“No, I mean, an actual insect, little crawly thing, in the arm. The factory where they were made had a pest problem so they were fumigating for a while. The whole plant is totally automated, so they didn’t stop production while they did it. Bugs went everywhere trying to escape, and some went into the product to avoid the pesticides. Prosthetics got sealed up, and so did the bugs. It’s probably gunked up the wiring in your arm, that’s why you can’t… you know,” Thomas explained, gesturing to her uniform.

“There… there’s a bug in my fucking arm?” Liz said, disgusted.

“I’m just saying there might be,” Thomas said, hands up like he was going to defend himself.

“Beep.”

“Yeah, I know buddy, but we gotta get permission first.”

“Did the small drone speak?” Coco asked.

“Oh my god you’re a Sprygan!” Thomas said, surprised. “I’m so sorry, I thought you were just a houseplant.”

“It’s no problem, I am not offended,” Coco said.

“Uhh, yeah, his name is Roomba, he asked why we don’t just fix the arm and go. We’re still learning patience and manners, apparently.”

“Beep.”

“Apology accepted. Thank you Roomba.”

“Can somebody just check my arm for bugs now please, before I throw up?” Liz half squealed, panicking. She could charge a hostile alien creature no problem, but the thought of insects touching her was enough to make her stomach churn.

“Yup, right, okay, gimme a sec,” Thomas said, coming into the room fully now. “Roll your sleeve up, I gotta remove the casing for this.”

Liz rolled the sleeve of her lab coat up past her elbow, grimacing as she caught sight of the connection plate set into the bone. The skin around it was still red and scarring.

Thomas pulled a small set of tools out of his back pocket and got to work. With a thin pick, he popped the forearm plate up, exposing the circuits running the length of the device, what Liz had in place of muscle tissue now. He took a small pair of needle nose pliers and started poking around, gently moving aside some wires here, around a bolt there. Liz turned her head away. As fascinating as the mechanism was, the idea of seeing an insect inside her body was going to make her sick.

“Okay, talk, bot boy, how come you knew about the defects?” Liz demanded. “I need stimuli to keep from thinking about this revolting situation, so talk.”

“I, uhh, wrote a paper at the academy, about how designers only see solutions to what they think could be the problem,” Thomas said, moving up her forearm. “A lot of people don’t realize they’re smarter than they give themselves credit for, especially actually smart people. Knowing what could go wrong, they start to doubt themselves, and when things do break, they wrack their brains over all the little things they think they did wrong. So I wrote a paper about all the other things that could go bad… like this little guy right here.”

Thomas clamped onto something and slowly fished it out of the device. Liz turned her head even further away, but it didn’t matter. Coco, ever present, and blunt as always, described it to her.

“It appears quite dead. Human Liz, you seem to have had a beetle of some kind in your prosthetic limb,” they said.

“Hon, I love you, but please don’t tell me the details,” Liz said, covering her mouth with her good hand.

“The lady who designed the MK6 is a certified genius, so I used her factory in my thesis paper. After they started getting complaints about some of their prosthetics, they ran every test they could think of, even rewrote the software a few times. It wasn’t until a no name engineer opened one up that they found the problem. Wasn’t anyone’s fault, it’s just a difference between working software and working hardware.”

“And you wrote an engineering thesis paper on that?” Liz asked, dry heaving ever so slightly.

“No, I wrote my psychology paper on that. I wrote my engineering paper on a new WARP drive design I made up.” Thomas threw the dead insect in the trash. “Bigger brains just see bigger problems. Takes a… well, not dumber person, just maybe a different kind of person to see the small problems.”

“Clearly. Anyone with two degrees isn’t what I’d call dumb either,” Liz said, turning her head back.

Thomas used a little brush to clean up the arm a little, squeezing a small tube of sanitizing gel into the empty space between wires.

“Roomba, sterilize this for me, would you?”

The little drone carefully climbed down from his shoulder and dropped onto the table. It held its little hand up as one of its finger tips ignited, making a small controlled torch. Liz held her arm out, looking concerned. The little droid ran its finger over the affected area and after a moment, the little flame went out.

“Beep.”

“Good job buddy. He said it’s totally clean now, 100% sterilized,” Thomas said.

“Oh thank god,” Liz breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks little guy, I owe you one.”

“Beep.”

“He said you’re welcome,” Thomas translated, handing the small droid a data pad. The pad wirred and trilled, and Liz realized the droid was playing a video game.

Odd little fella, huh, she thought.

“You should be able to get the arm working by the end of the day now. It’s had plenty of time to adjust to your neural pathways, it just couldn’t execute any functions till the block was removed. It’ll work just like your old one now,” Thomas said, putting the little tool kit back in his pocket.

“Guess I should say thanks for that,” Liz said, rolling her sleeve back down. “So… thanks. I owe you one too. Any of you guys down in maintenance need a hand, I’ve got a shiny new one to offer.”

“Human Thomas,” Coco chimed in, “thank you for fixing my friend. Your service has been greatly appreciated.”

“You’re very welcome,” Thomas smiled at them, “both of you. I better get back down to the maintenance deck though, we’re still repairing the core room from that flare the other cycle.” Thomas turned to leave, and was almost at the door when Liz called after him.

“Hey, hardware!”

He stopped in the doorway.

“Weird thing to call me, but I can dig it. Yeah?”

“How many degrees do you have?” Liz asked.

“Four, why?” He said.

“Know anything about eggs?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thomas left after a while, saying he’d be back to help build a better inclosure for the hatchlings. Apparently he’d kept bearded dragons as pets when he was a kid, so he knew at least a little about ‘lizards’.

Liz opened a desk drawer and dug out a stress ball, something Doctor Shaw had given her for rehab, and tried to squeeze it. Amazingly, her metal fingers actually curled and the ball morphed out of shape.

“Finally!” She said. “Coco, look! I can squeeze the ball!”

“That is wonderful, Human Liz,” Coco said, the lit photo bar in their branches feeding them synthetic star light. “The human capacity to overcome body altering trauma is fascinating. In my research of non-botanical life, this is very clearly an exception. Other lifeforms would simply perish from such catastrophic damage.”

“Wait until you hear our bones grow back stronger after they break,” Liz said, laughing.

“They do what?” Coco asked, a note of alarm making its way into their voice synthesizer. Liz cackled, throwing her head back and everything. She felt better than she’d had in days, like whatever funk she’d been in was starting to disappear. She suggested they discuss human bone structure while they go get something to eat, saying Coco could gorge themselves on chocolate while she got a sandwich or something.

The mess hall was lively, and various species meant various different cultures and cuisine, so it always smelt different every few minutes or so. They sat and discussed cellular structures, bone density, and the like, how calcium deposits support bone regeneration for a while, making the broken area stronger than ever, for a time at least. Coco was simultaneously fascinated and terrified. They had no idea non-botanical lifeforms were so resilient in the Terran System.

After some time, and a second sandwich, they made their way back to the lab. They’d just stepped off the lift and were a few feet from the door when Liz heard it.

…scchhtt scchtt sschht…

Something was scratching at the door, low to the floor. Something small.

“Coco wait a minute,” Liz said softly, holding out her good arm in front of the Sprygan.

The door opened… and there was a baby arm eating bastard sitting there, looking up at her. The thing looked almost like a big kitten, except for the gator snout and reptilian limbs. Its body was covered in patchy fur, almost like a baby seal. It looked up at the two of them and chirped like a cat before waddling over, sat on Liz’s foot, and began gnawing on her laces.

“Holy shit,” Liz said. “It’s so ugly I love it.”

“I will go call Human Thomas,” Coco said, “we will need the new enclosure now.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time Thomas arrived, the scientists had found two more Armeaters. “Yeah, one word, that’s what I’m calling them,” Liz had said when asked. One had been crawling around in Coco’s plant pot, and the other was sniffling around under the desks. As for the other two eggs, it seemed the three had…

“You mean they ate the other eggs?” Thomas asked, mildly horrified.

“Yeah, we checked the recordings. They sat looking at the eggs for a bit before they, uhh, kinda just crushed the eggs and ate them scrambled,” Liz explained. She was sitting in her desk chair, covered in Armeaters. Coco didn’t put out any body heat, so the little buggers had decided Liz’s lab coat and uniform were the optimal place to get warmth. It was actually pretty cute, in a weird sort of way, as they were all three purring in a guttural manner.

Thomas rigged the big tank the eggs had been in with a little 3D printed ‘rock’ cave, with some spare dirt the Sprygans had on board. The engineer worked hard to make the enclosure as close to the environment on MX13 as possible. By the time he was finished, they even had a little ‘pool’ made out of a file tub they weren’t using.

The problems started when the humans tried to put the creatures in the tank. They didn’t go for it. The moment Liz tried to set them down, they started whining, making this pew sound, much like baby alligators.

“I do not understand,” Coco said. “Why are they doing this? There is food and water in the enclosure, as well as a heating rock to keep them at the optimal temperature.”

“They probably imprinted on Liz when you walked in,” Thomas said. “Lots of creatures think the first thing they see after they’re born is their parent.”

“That sounds… confusing,” Coco said. “On Spryga, we either sprout from the ground near our progenitor, or we are sometimes an offshoot of them when branches or limbs break off and take root on their own.”

“This is just great,” Liz said sarcastically. “Gonna have to get a blow up bed or something, sleep in the lab now. We’re having a slumber party Coco, sorry, but apparently the kids need me.”

“Beep.”

“Because they’re newborns Roomba, they don’t know any better- OW SHIT!”

Thomas looked around, then started laughing uncontrollably. The auto-cleaning device had started its rounds, cleaning up eggshell and dirt. It had nicked his ankle with its knife.

“THERES A ROOMBA WITH A KNIFE!” He howled. “This is amazing! Why didn’t I think of that?”

He looked directly at Liz, more serious than either of the two scientists had seen so far.

“Do you think Roomba can ride the roomba? Can one of the little guys ride with them too?” He asked, so seriously.

“You humans are starting to concern me,” Coco said. “I’m getting more chocolate.”

“Can you grab me a drink too hon? These little guys are sleeping and I don’t want to wake them.” Liz was petting the little creatures when she noticed she was using her prosthetic arm. She hadn’t even noticed, it felt so seamless. She curled the fingers and scratched gently behind one of their ears.

About time, she thought. The funk was over. The new normal wouldn’t be that bad it seemed. She looked at the engineer.

“Thomas, if it’s the last thing I do on this ship, they’re riding the roomba.”

[celtex-automation]

The Future of Industrial Automation: Trends to Watch

Industrial automation has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades. With the advent of Industry 4.0, manufacturers are embracing sophisticated technologies that promise to revolutionize production processes. This digital revolution is reshaping how factories operate, making them more efficient and adaptable than ever before.

AI and Machine Learning Integration

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into manufacturing automation systems marks a significant leap forward. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, quality control, and real-time optimization of manufacturing processes. Just as a homeowner might search for an electric contractor near me to upgrade their household systems, manufacturers are actively seeking expertise to implement these advanced solutions.

IoT and Connected Systems

The Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) is creating unprecedented connectivity on factory floors. Similar to how people often wonder what does a GFCI do when considering electrical safety, industry professionals are exploring how IoT sensors and devices can enhance workplace safety and efficiency. These connected systems provide valuable data that drives decision-making and process improvement.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Industrial automation is increasingly focused on human-robot collaboration. Cobots are designed to work alongside human operators, combining the precision of automation with human intuition and problem-solving abilities. As factories upgrade their infrastructure - much like a residential electrical panel upgrade - they're creating spaces where humans and robots can work together seamlessly.

Digital Twins and Simulation

Digital twin technology is revolutionizing how manufacturers design, test, and optimize their production processes. These virtual replicas of physical systems enable companies to simulate changes and improvements before implementing them in the real world, reducing risks and costs associated with production modifications.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The future of manufacturing automation strongly emphasizes sustainability. Smart factories are incorporating energy management systems, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction technologies. These innovations help companies minimize their environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency. Celtex Electric & Automation provides sustainable energy solutions to help your factory reduce its carbon footprint.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

As manufacturing becomes more connected, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern. Companies are investing heavily in protecting their automated systems from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and security of their operations.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, we can expect manufacturing automation to continue evolving at a rapid pace. The integration of 5G networks, edge computing, and advanced analytics will further enhance manufacturing capabilities. Companies that embrace these innovations while maintaining focus on security, sustainability, and human-centric design will be best positioned for success in the manufacturing landscape of tomorrow.

This transformation represents more than just technological advancement - it's a fundamental shift in how we approach manufacturing, promising greater efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability for future generations. For industrial automation solutions, you can get in touch with Celtex Electric & Automation.

[autumnrainwrites]

The Witch and the Lighthouse

It was a terrible night. Wind howled down upon the coast, pregnant with rain and spitting tongues of forked lightning. Across the city by the sea, people and witches and their dolls huddled together in darkness, left without electricity by the hand of the gods.

High up on a headland overlooking the bay, the lighthouse witch sat in her dining room, reading old pulps on her tablet and listening to the hum of the backup generator below. On the table before her, the last mouthful of tea cooled in her cup beside a crumb-filled dish. 

Across the table, by the door, her doll stood waiting, a demure smile on its lips and a yellow rain hat on its head. It was a night like many others the two had faced. Most likely, the tower's automated systems would be enough, but there was always a risk of-

beeeeeeeeeeep!

beeeeeeeeeeep!

beeeeeeeeeeep!

The witch stood at the first sound of the alarm rang out, setting down her tablet and pulling her raincoat about her shoulders. Wordlessly, the doll handed her the wide-brimmed hat in its hand, and followed her up the narrow stair.

At the top of the tower, they found darkness, and the blaring alarm. 

"Lantern, dear," the witch said, her tone brisk as she stepped into the glass cupola. Rain beat heavy against the thick panes, filling the space with a rattling din. A second later, a soft yellow glow filled the chamber, radiating from an electric lantern held in the doll's hand. In the light, the witch knelt and opened a maintenance panel under the great, dark tower lamp.

A whispered incantation sent her mind into the wires, flying at the speed of electric thought through the whole structure of the lamp. There. A bit of water damage, a few corroded wires. It should be an easy fix. 

"Cut power, Minaret."

The witch shuffled on her hands and knees over to another panel, this one set into the floor. A tap of her witch key opens the latch, even as her other hand impatiently pulled at the handle. She waited just long enough for her doll to pull the lever shutting off the electric current before plunging her hand into the wires. A few seconds later she had the damaged cords in her grasp. For a witch like her, it was nothing at all to spell-solder them together with a flame chant. 

She gave her doll a nod, and Minaret threw the switch back closed. Nothing happened.

Twice more, the witch diagnosed the lamp's system, and twice more her emergency repairs failed to revive the light. They were running out of time. Both witch and doll knew that there was a ship expected tonight, and that the ship needed the light of the tower to safely enter the bay. 

"Miss Havershem," Minaret said, its voice soft and quivering, "they will need us. We don't have a choice."

She looked up at it, eyes widening in realization. "No! I will not risk that. We will not risk that. I forbid it."

But the spell-words did not connect, dissipating in the face of a doll's Purpose. Her ban denied, the witch rose to her feet in fear, reaching for her doll, turning to the only other tool she had. Love.

"Minaret, I can't risk what you ask of me. We've given too much to make this life we have together. What if it goes wrong? What if you-"

"Miss," the doll said, smiling with sad resolve, "This one needs you to unbind it."

Wordlessly, the witch clutched her doll and sobbed. Then, with a trembling hand, she pushed her key into the doll's heart, turned, and opened up its being.

A white light filled the space, blinding her entirely. She heard the sound of glass cracking as she fell to the floor, felt wind and wet against her face, heard the howling gale and pounding rain and the memories of a song unsung. The light overwhelmed everything. It burned her on the inside, even as she shut her eyes tight. Her selfishness, her greed, her cruelty, her lust, her drive to dominate and desire to abuse, everything in her which could be called wicked: all of it turned to agony under the touch of the light. But to her kindness and her compassion, her loyalty and her love, the light felt like nothing so much as the kiss of the sun on a sleepy afternoon.

Minutes, hours, she didn't know how long had passed, when the light began to dim at last. For a few seconds, she could not even remember why that was so important. Then, she opened her eyes in dread. 

Three panes of the glass wall were gone entirely, or nearly so. Others bore cracks. The rain fell slowly, and in the east the witch could make out the light of false dawn. Shards of glass covered the rain-slicked floor. And by the gap in the wall, next to where a hollow manikin of porcelain and lace lay, there stood the angel.

It had been staring out to sea, but turned at the sound of the witch's stirring, its golden eyes unreadable, ancient... weary? Above its head, a simple halo slowly spun. The space around it was still bright, still painful to look at, but the witch refused to avert her eyes again.

"Minaret-"

"That is not my name, witch."

She flinched, started over: "Joyous Song Resounding from the Minarets in the City of God's Delight, did I not fulfill my promise?"

The angel said nothing.

"We had a covenant. I ask you, was I false to you?"

Still, it remained silent.

"Why are you leaving me?"

At last, the angel simply said, "I have a Purpose to fulfill."

The words hurt. Almost, the witch closed her eyes again, but she resisted. She must not lose sight of the angel, for even a moment.

"You wanted to be rid of it. You wanted my Purpose, not His. I gave you what you wanted. I protected you from this, from Him. I thought I made you happy. Minaret, did I not make you happy?"

Tears mingled with rainwater on her cheeks, hot against cold. But the angel only turned away, spreading its wings. So, with nothing to lose, the witch gathered up all her power and stretched out her arm. A chain of darkness shot from her hand, wrapping around the angel's ankle even as its wing beat once, then twice, then three times. 

Then they passed from that space, to another.

Worlds and stars and nebulae whirled past them. The light grew more intense, until it blinded the witch once more, then more intense still. Her whole being burned, body and mind and soul. She realized in terror that she could not hold the angel back, only slow it by the minutest amount. A part of her despaired; a part of her laughed. Imagine that, a witch dragged face-first into Heaven by an angel's shackle. She might even have time to pay respect to the cracked corner of the High God's throne before He smeared her essence across the stars. 

In that moment, her only regret was not telling Minaret enough times how much she loved it. So, she said it once more.

"I love you."

Time sped and slowed and spun out of all reasoning. She passed in and out of consciousness. Golden eyes stared deep into her own. She sung something, an old song. Only... who had taught her? She was young and old again. The universe forgot she existed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The witch awoke mid-chant. She was in the lighthouse again, kneeling beside her doll's vessel with her witch key in hand. Chains of shadow and black light and blood connected her body to a white flame studded with golden eyes, but a blue chain connected it to the sky. Somehow, she knew the flame was fighting with her against the blue chain. She redoubled her efforts, singing her spells with every mote of magic in her being, drawing in more and more from the tower, from the electricity in the wires, from the ground below. Slowly, painfully, she forced the flame into the opening in the vessel. Then, she snapped it closed, pushed in the key, and turned the lock.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Neither Raleigh Winters nor Melissa Havershem said anything for the moment, once they'd shared their stories. Instead, the two witches drank their tea in silence, exhaustedly enjoying the clean air and bustle of the city after a rainstorm. Raleigh had the peppermint tea they favored, and Havershem the black tea she needed.

Finally, Raleigh cleared their throat and asked, "So, what of the lamp and the cupola?"

"I tell you about the most harrowing spellwork in my life, and you ask about if I got the windows fixed?" Havershem chuckled, then finished her tea. "I have a work team up there right now. The city's handling it, since despite the issues I did get that cargo ship in safely. And how's Euthamia today?"

Raleigh shrugged. "Better. Still a bit fragile, but you know how dolls can be. I have Aster looking after it, to make sure it doesn't push itself too hard to make up for last night."

The two lapsed into silence again. When Raleigh finished their tea, they smiled at Havershem and said, "Well, I'd best be getting back to them."

"I imagine so. Managing six dolls sounds like a lot."

"It is, but they're all very dear to me. Speaking of, I doubt I'd need to tell you twice to get back to Minaret and give it a good hug."

And so with a few farewells, the witches left the cafe and returned home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the bedroom of the lighthouse, a doll rested in the arms of its witch. It nearly lost her, but it didn't. And nothing made it happier.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Automated microscope tracks directional heat flow in thermoelectric materials for green energy

Scientists have developed a new microscope that significantly improves the way heat flow in materials can be measured. This advancement could lead to better designs for electronic devices and energy systems. Measuring how heat moves through materials is crucial for developing efficient electronics and energy devices. For example, better heat management can lead to faster and more reliable computers, as well as more efficient solar panels and batteries. "Finding the right materials for electronics is crucial in developing the devices we need to support the green transition. For instance, when turning heat into electricity—or vice versa—we need materials that lose very little heat but at the same time are great electrical conductors," says Nini Pryds, a professor at DTU Energy.

Read more.

[almondenterprise]

The Difference Between Low, Medium, and High Voltage Switchgear

Switchgear plays a critical role in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. It ensures safe and efficient operation by controlling, protecting, and isolating electrical circuits and equipment. But not all switchgear is created equal — low, medium, and high voltage switchgear are designed for different voltage levels and applications.

Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for electrical engineers, electricians, project managers, and anyone involved in power systems. In this article, we break down what sets them apart in terms of voltage range, components, applications, design, and safety considerations.

What is Switchgear?

Before diving into the differences, let’s clarify what switchgear is.

Switchgear refers to the combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. It is essential for de-energizing equipment for maintenance and for clearing faults in the power system.

Classification by Voltage Level

Low Voltage Switchgear (LV)

Voltage Range:

Up to 1,000V AC (typically 400V/690V in 3-phase systems)

Key Components:

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs)

Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCBs)

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Contactors and relays

Busbars, metering, control panels

Applications:

Residential and commercial buildings

Data centers and office spaces

Light industrial automation

Control panels and motor control centers (MCCs)

Characteristics:

Compact and easy to install

High frequency of operation

Relatively simple maintenance

Often enclosed in modular panels

Standards:

IEC 61439

NEC (National Electrical Code)

Medium Voltage Switchgear (MV)

Voltage Range:

1kV to 36kV (sometimes up to 72.5kV)

Key Components:

Vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs)

SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) insulated switchgear

Current and voltage transformers (CTs, VTs)

Protective relays

Grounding switches

Applications:

Electrical substations

Large factories and industrial plants

Railways and airports

Renewable energy farms (wind/solar)

Characteristics:

Higher insulation and safety requirements

More robust protection systems

Often installed indoors or in compact outdoor enclosures

May use gas-insulated or air-insulated designs

Standards:

IEC 62271–200

IEEE C37 series

High Voltage Switchgear (HV)

Voltage Range:

Above 36kV (commonly 66kV, 132kV, 220kV, up to 765kV)

Key Components:

SF₆ circuit breakers

Air blast or oil circuit breakers (older systems)

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)

Disconnectors and earthing switches

High-end protection relays and SCADA integration

Applications:

National and regional power transmission networks

Power generation plants

Interconnecting large substations

Critical infrastructure (e.g., large data centers, airports)

Characteristics:

Complex installation and high-cost infrastructure

Requires rigorous safety procedures and specialized training

Often installed outdoors or in GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) format

Includes extensive monitoring and automation

Standards:

IEC 62271–100 (HV circuit breakers)

IEEE C37.06

ANSI C37 series

Safety Considerations

Always follow local electrical codes, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct routine maintenance regardless of switchgear type.

Conclusion

Choosing the right switchgear type is critical for ensuring safe and efficient power distribution. Whether you’re designing a residential panel or a high-voltage substation, knowing the difference between low, medium, and high voltage switchgear helps you make informed decisions about equipment, safety, and performance.

Mastering this knowledge isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for anyone serious about a career in the electrical field.

[renegadeelectrics]

Renegade Electrics - Control Panel Design New Zealand

Renegade Electrics crafts brilliance in every control panel design, setting the stage for seamless operations in New Zealand. Our precision and innovation redefine control experiences, making us the go-to choice for excellence. Elevate your systems with Renegade Electrics—a beacon of innovation in every wire and circuit.

[simlicious]

Some impressions of my main island in Anno 1800

Here are some impressions of my main city in the Old World, which is still pretty small and does not (yet) have a large city feel. I play with lots of mods and all available DLC.

The workers are hosting a pumpkin harvest festival along the river.

The worker block is divided from the rest of the island by the old city wall. The old tower ruin is now a destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Some prefer to sunbathe and picnic instead of reading the information panels...

Nearby, you can grab a tasty fish sandwich together with a newspaper. Or make a very important phone call. Or maybe all three at once, if you are an important businessperson or something.

Meanwhile, the farmers are hard at work in the grain fields. Tractors really do make a difference!

The fishing industry has recently discovered sweetwater fishing in the river.

Tourists are busy discovering the city by bus

Oil powers the electricity on the island.

The impressive docklands harbor

Tourists like novel things, like this automated bathouse in steampunk look!

If they are all wrinkly from bathing, they might prefer to go to the Chinese Dragon Festival or even dare to ride the rollercoaster.

The bourgeoisie prefers the orchestra.

Entertainment seekers can also visit the nearby zoo, in which the zoo keepers definitely have everything under control, and absolutely no crocodiles have gone missing lately, nope!

I might do another one of these screenshot posts. Maybe in another region like the New World with its South American flair, or the African-inspired Enbesa, if you guys like this!