Executive Summary
Today’s industrial automation industry confronts significant economic pressures while advancing critical technical capabilities across multiple domains. Key developments include Omron’s sweeping price adjustments for PLC and robotics products driven by escalating raw material costs, ABB’s Automation Extended program enabling disruption-free modernization of distributed control systems, Beckhoff’s expanded portfolio of high-density analog I/O EtherCAT terminal modules for enhanced measurement precision, Festo’s PL e/SIL 3 certified safety-integrated servo drives for motion control applications, and Kollmorgen’s ATEX/IECEx certified hazardous environment servo motors expanding automation capabilities into challenging industrial environments. These advancements collectively illustrate the industry’s dual focus on managing cost pressures while continuing to innovate in safety, precision, and operational intelligence.
1. Omron Announces Comprehensive Price Adjustments for Automation Products
Date: February 10, 2026
Source: Electronic Enthusiasts Network, Omron Corporation
Technical Focus: PLC Systems, Industrial Robotics, Sensors, Components
Omron has issued formal price adjustments across its industrial automation product portfolio, with increases ranging from 5% to 50% for specific product categories. The company cites sustained pressure on copper and silver prices along with memory chip capacity constraints as primary drivers. Technical analysis indicates copper constitutes up to 40% of industrial motor costs, while silver remains essential for contact materials in relays and switches. Memory component impacts include DDR4 price increases up to 1800% year-over-year and DDR5 price escalation driven by AI data center demand.
Industry Implications:
- Coordinated adjustments across major automation providers
- Fundamental shifts in material economics rather than temporary fluctuations
- Ongoing implications for system pricing and procurement strategies throughout 2026
2. ABB Launches Automation Extended Program for DCS Modernization
Date: February 2, 2026
Source: ABB Official Press Release
Technical Focus: Distributed Control Systems, Separation-of-Concerns Architecture
ABB’s Automation Extended program represents a strategic evolution enabling industrial facilities to modernize legacy distributed control systems without operational disruption. The architectural framework employs a separation-of-concerns design with distinct control and digital environments. Implementation benefits include zero-disruption migration pathways, investment protection through progressive technology adoption, and risk mitigation via structured implementation approaches. The program supports modern connectivity through OPC UA backbone integration and cloud-native architecture with containerized services.
Technical Advantages:
- Structured modernization without production interruption
- Preservation of existing system investments
- Enhanced interoperability through open standards support
3. Beckhoff Expands EtherCAT Portfolio with High-Density Analog I/O
Date: February 3, 2026
Source: Automation.com, Beckhoff Technical Documentation
Technical Focus: Analog Input/Output, 16-Bit Resolution, Precision Measurement
Beckhoff has introduced seven new compact, high-density analog I/O EtherCAT terminal modules designed for advanced measurement and control applications. The expanded portfolio includes specialized solutions for voltage and current measurement with 16-bit resolution ensuring ±0.05% full-scale accuracy. Key modules include the EL4374 combination terminal for simultaneous voltage/current measurement and dedicated 8-channel voltage and current measurement terminals with 10µs conversion times. Design advantages include space optimization through high channel density, enhanced thermal management, and wiring efficiency improvements of up to 40%.
Application Context:
- High-precision measurement for process control optimization
- Quality assurance testing and equipment condition monitoring
- Comprehensive data acquisition within existing cabinet constraints
4. Festo Servo Drives Achieve PL e/SIL 3 Functional Safety Certification
Date: January 29, 2026
Source: Automation Magazine, Festo Technical Documentation
Technical Focus: Performance Level e, Safety Integrity Level 3, Motion Control Integration
Festo’s CMMT-AS-MP-S3 servo drive series has received comprehensive certification for Performance Level e (PL e) and Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) compliance for safety-critical motion control applications. The integrated safety architecture combines high-performance motion control with extended functional safety capabilities, eliminating external safety modules while reducing system complexity and validation effort. Integrated functions include Safe Torque Off (STO), Safe Stop 1/2 (SS1/SS2), Safely Limited Speed (SLS), and Safe Direction (SDI) with boundary enforcement.
Safety Certification:
- PL e according to ISO 13849-1 (Category 4, DCavg ≥ 99%, MTTFD ≥ 30 years)
- SIL 3 according to IEC 61508 and IEC 61800-5-2 (PFH < 10^-7/h)
- Global standards compatibility including ATEX and IECEx
5. Kollmorgen Expands Hazardous Environment Servo Motor Portfolio
Date: February 6, 2026
Source: Plant Automation Technology, Kollmorgen Corporation
Technical Focus: ATEX/IECEx Certification, Zone 2/22 Environments, Explosion-Proof Design
Kollmorgen has introduced the AKME series of hazardous environment servo motors, designed specifically for operation in locations requiring Zone 2 and Zone 22 ratings for potentially explosive atmospheres. The series provides ATEX and IECEx global certification for deployment in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and other sectors with stringent safety requirements. Technical characteristics include high torque density within safety-enclosure constraints, continuous operation from 0 to 6,000 RPM, and optimized heat dissipation for reliable performance in elevated temperatures.
Application Environments:
- Chemical processing with flammable liquids and gases
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing with combustible powders
- Energy sector operations in explosive atmospheres
Technical Trends and Industry Outlook
Today’s industrial automation developments highlight critical technical and economic trends:
1. Economic Pressure Management
Escalating raw material costs are driving price adjustments across the automation industry, emphasizing total cost of ownership considerations in system selection while challenging traditional procurement strategies.
2. Safety Integration Advancement
Convergence of motion control and functional safety achieves the highest certifications through integrated architectures, simplifying system design while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
3. Measurement Precision Enhancement
High-resolution analog I/O technology enables more precise process optimization and comprehensive data acquisition strategies essential for quality assurance and operational efficiency.
4. Modernization Pathways
Structured approaches enable progressive technology adoption while preserving existing investments, balancing innovation requirements with operational stability needs.
5. Environmental Adaptation
Equipment designed for hazardous environments expands automation applications into previously challenging sectors, supporting safer operations in critical industrial processes.
Looking Forward:
These trends indicate increasing sophistication in balancing economic, safety, and performance considerations as industrial automation continues evolving toward more intelligent, resilient, and sustainable operational capabilities throughout 2026 and beyond.
References and Sources
- Electronic Enthusiasts Network – “Omron Price Adjustment Notification”
- ABB Official Press Release – “Automation Extended Program Launch”
- Automation.com – “Beckhoff EtherCAT Analog I/O Terminal Modules”
- Automation Magazine – “Festo Servo Drive Safety Certification”
- Plant Automation Technology – “Kollmorgen Hazardous Environment Motors”
- Festo Technical Documentation – “CMMT-AS-MP-S3 Functional Safety Manual”
- Beckhoff Automation – “EL4374 Technical Data Sheet”
- Kollmorgen Corporation – “AKME Series Safety Certification Documentation”