Critical Manufacturing Strengthens Industrial Automation MES Growth with Appointment of Sales Market Expansion Leader
Critical Manufacturing Appoints Arnaud Portet to Lead Market Expansion
Cybersecurity in Industrial Automation: Manufacturing Faces Rising AI-Driven Threats in 2025
LevelBlue Research Finds Rising Cyber Threats to Manufacturing Are Driving Leaders to Prioritize Cyber Resilience
Manufacturing Cybersecurity and Industrial Automation Risk Landscape
LevelBlue has released its 2025 research on cyber resilience in manufacturing. The report highlights growing risks across industrial automation environments.Manufacturers increasingly adopt AI, PLC systems, and smart factory platforms. However, this digital expansion also increases cyber exposure.Therefore, cybersecurity now plays a central role in industrial automation strategy. It directly impacts factory automation uptime and operational safety.AI-Powered Threats Targeting PLC and Control Systems
The report shows a sharp rise in AI-driven cyber threats. These include deepfakes, synthetic identity attacks, and automated intrusion tools.However, only 32% of manufacturing leaders feel prepared. In addition, just 30% report readiness for deepfake-based attacks.Industrial automation systems that rely on PLC and DCS networks face higher risk. Therefore, attackers increasingly target control system vulnerabilities.Geopolitical tensions also increase distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Only 37% of organizations report sufficient preparedness.Software Supply Chain Risks in Factory Automation Systems
Manufacturers continue to struggle with software supply chain visibility. The report shows 54% have low to moderate transparency.This creates hidden risks in industrial automation environments. Moreover, control systems often depend on third-party components.Therefore, vulnerabilities can spread across factory automation networks. This includes PLC firmware, SCADA software, and edge devices.Improving supply chain security becomes a critical engineering priority. It directly supports system reliability and operational continuity.Cybersecurity Culture and Industrial Control System Strategy
Manufacturers are shifting toward cybersecurity-first operations. They integrate security goals into industrial automation strategy.Moreover, 65% of organizations now link leadership KPIs to cybersecurity. This creates stronger accountability at executive level.In addition, 70% of companies train staff on social engineering risks. This improves human-layer defense in control system environments.Therefore, cybersecurity is no longer only an IT function. It becomes part of factory automation governance and engineering design.Investment Trends in AI-Driven Cyber Defense Systems
Manufacturers are increasing cybersecurity investments across multiple areas. Machine learning for pattern detection leads at 71%.Moreover, 69% invest in enterprise-wide resilience processes. This strengthens industrial automation infrastructure protection.Generative AI defenses are also rising at 64%. They help counter social engineering and phishing attacks.Application security and supply chain protection remain key priorities. These areas directly affect PLC-based control system stability.Author Perspective on Industrial Automation Cyber Resilience
In my view, cybersecurity is becoming a core layer of industrial automation design. It now influences architecture decisions as much as control logic.Moreover, AI integration increases both efficiency and attack surfaces. Therefore, manufacturers must balance innovation with security discipline.However, many companies still react instead of proactively designing security. This gap creates risk in modern DCS and PLC environments.Stronger collaboration between OT engineers and cybersecurity teams is essential. It ensures safer and more resilient factory automation systems.Application Scenarios in Industrial Automation Security
Cybersecurity affects multiple industrial automation environments. It protects PLC-controlled production lines from intrusion attempts.It also secures DCS-based process industries such as energy and chemicals. Moreover, it strengthens SCADA monitoring systems in large factories.Supply chain security improves reliability in OEM and integrator networks. Therefore, manufacturers reduce downtime and financial risk.These improvements support safer smart manufacturing transformation. They also ensure continuity in mission-critical production systems.
Siemens Kicks Off 2025 Training Year to Empower Next-Gen Industrial Talent
Digital, Value-Oriented and Fit for the Future: Siemens Launches Training Year 2025
Expanding Career Opportunities for Young Professionals
In 2025, Siemens welcomes over 1,700 young professionals across 18 training centers in Germany. This cohort continues Siemens’ commitment to developing digital expertise, responsible AI use, and a strong ethical framework. Therefore, the company equips Gen Z with skills to thrive in the evolving industrial automation landscape.Integrating AI and Digital Skills in Training
Siemens emphasizes AI-supported teaching, immersive technologies, and practical factory automation experience. Moreover, trainees gain hands-on knowledge of PLC, DCS, control systems, IoT, and cybersecurity. By combining digital tools with critical thinking exercises, Siemens ensures participants can apply industrial automation technologies effectively.Fostering Social Responsibility and Core Competencies
The training program prioritizes teamwork, resilience, and values-based decision-making. In addition, initiatives like Xplore provide projects that strengthen democratic awareness and societal commitment. As a result, Siemens develops professionals who can navigate technological change while contributing positively to society.Digital Agreements Streamline Onboarding
Siemens continues to innovate by providing training agreements digitally. With e-signatures, trainees can complete agreements quickly and remotely, reducing administrative delays. This approach increases efficiency and promotes sustainability while modernizing the onboarding process for industrial automation careers.Engaging Students Through SIEYA@School
Through SIEYA@School, Siemens brings STEM education directly to classrooms using gamified web apps. Moreover, the initiative offers interactive learning modules aligned with school curricula, inspiring over 21,000 students annually to explore careers in engineering, automation, and control systems.Comprehensive Training Reach and Investment
Currently, approximately 4,200 apprentices and university students participate in Siemens’ work-study programs in Germany. The company invests €442 million globally in professional development, supporting trainees at Siemens AG, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Healthineers, and partner organizations. This demonstrates Siemens’ leadership in fostering skilled talent for industrial automation and factory operations.Author Insight: Preparing Industry Leaders for the Future
Siemens’ holistic approach reflects broader trends in industrial automation education. Embedding AI, PLC, DCS, and digital factory technologies into training programs equips the workforce for tomorrow’s smart factories. Companies adopting similar strategies can expect enhanced operational efficiency, innovation, and workforce readiness.Application Scenarios and Solutions
- Smart Factory Training: Practical PLC and DCS exercises improve operational skills.
- AI Integration: Trainees learn responsible AI application in manufacturing processes.
- STEM Career Pathways: Early exposure through SIEYA@School enhances technical literacy and talent pipelines.
Brushed DC Motors in Industrial Automation: Reliability and Precision by Dunkermotoren
Brushed DC Motors From Dunkermotoren Lead the Way
Enduring Importance of Brushed DC Motors in Industrial Systems
In industrial automation, brushed DC motors remain essential for PLC and DCS applications. Their simple construction reduces maintenance requirements while providing reliable motion control. Moreover, these motors deliver predictable performance across multiple industries, ensuring uptime and operational consistency in factory automation environments.The GR Series: Optimized for Performance and Longevity
Dunkermotoren’s GR Series combines robust engineering with cost-effectiveness. These motors operate across a wide voltage range from 12V to 230V, allowing seamless integration into diverse control systems. In addition, the series avoids rare-earth magnets, offering stable performance without relying on limited resources. High starting torque enables efficient operation in applications with frequent starts and stops.Modularity and Customization for Diverse Applications
The GR Series supports angular and planetary gearboxes, encoders, brakes, and external controllers. Therefore, engineers can design tailored motion solutions that match specific control requirements. This modularity enhances PLC and DCS integration and facilitates flexible system upgrades, reducing downtime while improving diagnostics and serviceability.Proven Industrial Applications Across Sectors
Brushed DC motors excel in sectors requiring precision and reliability. In medical automation, they deliver quiet, controlled operation for pumps and diagnostic devices. In building automation, they drive sliding and revolving doors smoothly. Industrial and food processing systems benefit from consistent, high-performance operation, while agricultural machinery gains rugged reliability, even under harsh environmental conditions.Engineering Insights: Why Brushed Motors Remain Relevant
From an engineering standpoint, brushed motors combine simplicity, affordability, and operational reliability. Moreover, their high modularity and flexible voltage range make them compatible with modern industrial control systems. These factors explain why GR Series motors continue to be preferred in factory automation and turbine control, where uptime and precision are critical.Commitment to Innovation and Customer-Centric Solutions
Dunkermotoren continually innovates, improving motor efficiency, durability, and integration capabilities. In addition, the company collaborates with clients on custom designs, addressing specific automation challenges instead of enforcing standard solutions. As a result, GR Series motors provide scalable, future-ready solutions for industrial automation projects.Application Cases and Solution Scenarios
- Medical Technology: Smooth, precise operation in portable and benchtop equipment, including pumps.
- Building Automation: Reliable motion for sliding, swing, and revolving doors.
- Industrial and Food Automation: Consistent performance in printers, packaging, and processing lines.
- Agriculture: Robust motors for seeding machines and other high-demand applications with IP protection up to IP69K.