Manufacturing and automation headlines: acoustic AI, OT security, frame grabbers, and more from June 2026

A concentrated wave of product launches, partnerships, and conference previews swept through manufacturing and automation news on June 10–11, 2026, according to Manufacturing Tomorrow's news stream. The announcements span industrial acoustic AI, machine vision hardware, OT cybersecurity, warehouse software, sustainable packaging robotics, and welding equipment. Much of the activity is timed to Automate 2026 in Chicago, scheduled for June 22–25.

Acoustic AI targets connector defects on the factory floor

Deeply's 'Listen AI Industrial' platform has recorded 99.87% accuracy detecting connector engagement defects on production lines operated by a global automaker—referred to as Company H—in Korea and Mexico, the company reported via Manufacturing Tomorrow. The foundation model was trained on 2.1 million hours of factory noise, enabling it to distinguish first and second connector locking sounds even when air guns and metal friction create competing acoustic signals. Deeply plans to demonstrate and consult on the solution at Automate 2026, where it expects to expand adoption among North American original equipment manufacturers.

Pleora brings high-bandwidth GigE Vision to lower-cost platforms

Pleora Technologies introduced the iPORT GEV-TB, an external frame grabber that converts GigE Vision 2.x camera output into a PCIe stream and delivers it at up to 22.5 Gbps over a standard Ethernet cable to a Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB4 (USB-C) port. The design removes the requirement for an internal PCIe slot or dedicated frame grabber card, according to the company's release on Manufacturing Tomorrow. As a result, high-performance GigE Vision cameras can connect directly to laptops, embedded PCs, industrial systems, and single-board computers—cutting system size, cost, power draw, and integration complexity.

Rockwell expands SecureOT and reports steel-producer cost savings

Rockwell Automation announced expanded cybersecurity assessment and managed service capabilities within its SecureOT portfolio, aimed at helping manufacturers maintain resilience, secure remote connectivity, and maintain continuous professional support, per Manufacturing Tomorrow. Separately, Rockwell reported that global steel producer Gerdau saved $30,000 in development costs and reduced manual work by adopting Plex Process Flows, the company's low-code automation tool. The pairing of security and operational-efficiency news underscores the dual pressure manufacturers face to harden infrastructure while accelerating digital workflows.

Warehouse software update addresses high-volume scan performance

Insight Works released Warehouse Insight v2.16 for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, completing assembly output workflows on mobile devices and improving high-volume scan performance through a Store & Forward capability, according to Manufacturing Tomorrow. The update also expands the App Designer module with new blocks intended to give operators tighter control over custom warehouse application logic. The release targets manufacturers running Business Central who need device-level workflow completion without round-trip server dependency.

Robotics and sustainable packaging converge at Automate 2026

PAC Machinery, CMES Robotics USA, and FANUC America plan to demonstrate an AI-driven pick-to-pack system at FANUC's booth (S-1001) during Automate 2026, Manufacturing Tomorrow reported. The integrated cell pairs PAC Machinery's Rollbag R3200XL Fulfillment Paper Automatic Bagger—running Fiberflex curbside-recyclable paper mailers—with CMES Robotics' AI Vision System and a FANUC collaborative robotic arm. The collaboration positions recyclable paper packaging as operationally viable within automated fulfillment at production speeds.

Power modules and welding systems round out the hardware announcements

MicroPower Direct introduced the MPM-100SVI and MPM-150SVI encapsulated AC/DC power modules, delivering 100 W and 150 W respectively with 4,300 VAC isolation, UL recognition, and an operating range of -40°C to +85°C, per Manufacturing Tomorrow. Fronius Welding issued four separate product and partnership notices covering its Fortis and TPS/i MIG/MAG system, the Artis 300 TIG DC welder rated for stainless steel applications, the new Ignis 250 MMA welder supporting up to 250 amperes, and a strategic partnership with biomass-heating manufacturer Hargassner focused on energy-transition technology. The breadth of welding announcements reflects ongoing capacity investment at small and mid-sized fabrication and maintenance operations.

IMTS 2026 conferences and broader ecosystem activity

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) announced its 2026 conference lineup featuring nine conferences and more than 90 sessions covering advanced technologies, job shops, additive manufacturing, investor tracks, and industrial AI, Manufacturing Tomorrow reported. DigiKey also confirmed its presence at Automate 2026, where it plans to host live supplier demonstrations and expert consultations connecting engineers with automation components. USG, meanwhile, announced a new wallboard manufacturing plant in Alberta, Canada, described as one of the company's most significant investments in the country and designed with zero-waste initiatives and state-of-the-art production technology.

Innovation access for small and mid-sized manufacturers

Wazoku and Nterprisers announced a partnership aimed at giving U.S. small and medium-sized enterprise manufacturers access to enterprise-grade open innovation capabilities for the first time, according to Manufacturing Tomorrow. Wazoku contributes its open innovation network while Nterprisers provides a manufacturing connection and intelligence platform. The partnership addresses a persistent gap in which innovation infrastructure has largely been accessible only to large-enterprise customers.