TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Control Systems
The most impressive technologies often rely on systems we never see. Control systems turn raw inputs into precise actions, allowing industries to achieve reliability, efficiency, and innovation all at once.
IRELAND’S FIRST ETCS-EQUIPPED TRAIN
Ireland’s 22000 Class diesel multiple unit has been outfitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 signaling, replacing legacy ATP and CAWS systems. The onboard unit continuously measures speed, track position, and braking distances, transmitting this information to a central traffic control system.
Integration required coordination with wheel sensors, axle counters, and trackside balises, as well as extensive software verification to ensure compliance with European safety integrity standards (SIL 4). The train now supports automated speed enforcement, real-time traffic management, and conditional overrides for emergency situations.
ETCS installation also provides a foundation for future upgrades to higher levels of automation, aligning with the DART+ project and potential multi-modal rail integration. This deployment demonstrates how digital signaling can incrementally transform operational efficiency and safety across a national rail network.
UC7 PLUS BOOM HEIGHT CONTROL
Topcon’s has introduced a next generation boom height control technology for agricultural spraying applications. The UC7 Plus system uses ultrasonic and inertial sensors to continuously measure distance between the sprayer boom and the crop canopy. Hydraulic actuators respond in milliseconds, adjusting boom height to maintain a consistent spray pattern despite uneven terrain, suspension deflection, or draft from previous passes.
The system’s controller integrates with GPS and precision-farming platforms, enabling data collection for coverage analysis, chemical usage tracking, and field mapping. It supports both retrofitted and factory-installed configurations, with filtering algorithms to reduce false readings from vibration or environmental interference.
By automating height control, the UC7 Plus minimizes chemical waste, reduces drift, and ensures uniform application—critical factors for sustainable, high-precision agriculture. Long-term, collected data can support predictive maintenance and optimize future field operations.
LARGE UNCREWED UNDERSEA VEHICLE
In August, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to develop a large uncrewed undersea vehicle (LUUV). This an autonomous, modular undersea vehicle will be engineered for long-duration missions in challenging marine environments. Navigation combines inertial measurement units, Doppler velocity logs, and multibeam sonar to maintain accurate positioning and generate high-resolution seabed maps. The contract is valued at SEK 60 million.
The LUUV’s payload bays accommodate sensor arrays for environmental monitoring, object detection, and operational data collection. Its energy-efficient propulsion and adaptive mission-planning software allow for extended autonomous deployment, reducing the need for human intervention. Pressure-resistant hull design and modular internal architecture facilitate rapid maintenance and sensor upgrades.
Sea trials are scheduled for 2026 will evaluate endurance, navigational accuracy, and sensor integration, demonstrating the potential for both defense and scientific applications in uncrewed undersea operations.
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TISSUE PRODUCTION
Intertrade Hellas S.A., Greece's leading tissue manufacturer, has contracted ABB to supply its quality control system (QCS) to existing and new tissue machines at Intertrade’s Inofyta facility in Athens.
ABB’s QCS monitors tissue production across multiple parameters, including basis weight, moisture content, and sheet caliper, using high-speed sensors and real-time data processing. Machine-learning algorithms detect deviations from target specifications and trigger corrective adjustments in stock consistency, press pressure, drying temperature, or reel tension before defects propagate. Integration with the tissue machine’s process control network allows continuous feedback and adaptive optimization.
Data is logged for predictive maintenance, resource tracking, and process analysis, enabling operational improvements over time. The system also reduces reliance on manual inspection and monitoring, freeing operators to focus on process innovation and efficiency.
By coupling precision measurement with automated control, the QCS enhances consistency, reduces waste, and increases energy and material efficiency across production lines.
STLA AUTODRIVE
Earlier this year, Stellantis N.V. revealed its first in-house-developed automated driving system, STLA AutoDrive. This autonomous driving platform is designed for controlled road environments, capable of managing steering, acceleration, braking, and situational awareness without continuous human input. The system integrates radar, lidar, and cameras with AI-based perception software to detect vehicles, pedestrians, and static obstacles while maintaining lane position.
Vehicle control algorithms coordinate with chassis, powertrain, and braking systems to execute safe maneuvers in response to traffic patterns and environmental conditions. Connected vehicle infrastructure allows software updates and remote diagnostics, while operational design domains define the scenarios in which the system can operate.
Testing focuses on urban, suburban, and highway conditions to validate safety, robustness, and fail-safe behavior. The system represents an incremental step toward broader deployment of autonomous mobility technologies while maintaining operator oversight where required.
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