Digitalization is commonly defined as using digital technologies, such as on-board processors, to enable or improve processes. In fluid power and other motion control technologies, this trend is taking many forms such as greater integration of sensors for the collection of performance data to improve maintenance practices. As the pieces collected in this month’s newsletter show, digitalization is bringing about new technological needs including the use of different networking and communication protocols.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are an important piece of the digitalization puzzle as well, although their use in fluid power components is still in the early stages. Are you currently using, or see opportunities for use of, artificial intelligence and machine learning in hydraulics and pneumatics? Take our brief survey to let us know and help inform future content on the topic.

-Sara Jensen, Editor, Power & Motion