More than 500 inventors gathered virtually for Endress+Hauser’s 21st Innovators’ Meeting. Since last year’s anniversary event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, two innovator groups were invited in 2021 to honour the creativity and inventive spirit of the Group.
Endress+Hauser filed 276 new developments for patent for the first time in 2020, 42 less than the previous year. Nevertheless, the overall balance is impressive: The number of patents granted worldwide reached a new high of 738, which is 61 more than in 2019. The intellectual property portfolio is also more extensive than ever. More than 8900 patents and patent applications protect the intellectual property behind Endress+Hauser’s products, solutions and services.
Innovation as a success factor
“The fact that all this was achieved during the coronavirus pandemic, despite particular strain and additional tasks, is a huge achievement,” underlined head of the Group’s intellectual property division, Angelika Andres.
“Innovations drive Endress+Hauser’s growth,” added CEO, Matthias Altendorf. “If nothing else, digital tools helped bridge the physical distance during the pandemic, but people need other people. Virtual exchange cannot replace face-to-face encounters in the long run; relationships and trust are only built through direct contact.”
Progress in many areas
For 20 years, Endress+Hauser has been promoting the protection of intellectual property with its Patent Rights Incentive Program. In this context, the annual Innovators’ Meeting offers the Group’s inventors a platform for meeting and exchanging ideas.
Economically significant patents and particularly creative inventors are awarded prizes and around 50 employees stood (virtually) on the winners’ podium for this event.
“At its heart, innovation is always about customer benefit,” explained CEO, Dr Andreas Mayr.
This benefit can be created by new products and technologies, but also by smoother co-operation or accelerated development projects. For this reason, Endress+Hauser also presents awards for the improvement of processes and the re-use of previously developed solutions. Dozens of employees were honoured for this at the 2021 Innovators’ Meeting.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil Wearcheck
News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.
Read more...SA Instrumentation & Control Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Published by Technews Publishing, SA Instrumentation & Control is
South Africa’s premier ABC-audited information source for instrumentation, systems and automation solutions in southern Africa.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Something completely different Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair is around the corner, and RX Global is ramping up its efforts to make the 2025 exhibition one to remember. More information can be found in their advertisement ...
Read more...Enhancing process efficiency Endress+Hauser South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial process automation, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial. The Endress+Hauser FieldPort SWA50 is a game-changer, offering a seamless integration of Bluetooth and WirelessHART communication for HART field devices.
printer friendly version