Hydraulics

Lanke: IoT Has A Key Role in NFPA Technology Roadmap

Jan. 21, 2022

The NFPA Technology Roadmap points to an increased need for data and IoT capabilities in fluid power.

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The National Fluid Power Association's (NFPA) Technology Roadmap is a document which asses technology needs in the fluid power industry and provides guidance on how those can be achieved.

During the last update to the roadmap — a process which takes place every other year — it was cited the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly important for the fluid power industry and its customers. As such, there will be a need for more expertise in this area and how it can be paired with hydraulics and pneumatics.

Eric Lanke, president and CEO of the NFPA told Power & Motion that one key future hiring need for association members will be those capable of managing the sensor data and IoT technologies that will lead to greater fluid power system efficiencies. “There's no doubt we need more data scientists and we need more electrical engineers, to kind of help the industry through some of those challenges,” Lanke said. “A lot of players in our membership have already adapted well and are delivering effective IoT-based products into the supply chain. But I think there's a lot of extra advantage that can come with even more development in that space.”

About the Author

Bob Vavra | Senior Content Director, Power & Motion and Machine Design

Bob Vavra is the Senior Content Director of Power & Motion and its sister publication Machine Design. Vavra has had a long career in publishing, media and events. He has covered all aspects of manufacturing for the past 20 years and is a regular attendee at events such as IMTS and Hannover Messe. Vavra is also a sought-after webcast moderator and event emcee, and has presided over events in the U.S., Germany and China.