Siemens Smart Infrastructure has expanded its portfolio of industrial control and protection technologies with new developments aimed at improving electrical safety, operational reliability and sustainability in industrial environments.

The company has enhanced the capabilities of its semiconductor-based circuit protection technology while also introducing a refurbished soft starter developed under circular economy principles. The announcements reflect a broader push by Siemens to combine advanced electrical engineering with environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Central to the update is the continued development of the SENTRON Electronic Circuit Protection Device (ECPD), which was first launched in 2024. The device uses semiconductor technology to perform electronic switching far faster than traditional protection systems, helping to reduce short-circuit energy and safeguard connected equipment.

The ECPD can deliver switching speeds up to 1,000 times faster than conventional solutions. It also integrates more than ten configurable functions into a single unit, allowing operators to significantly reduce the space required within distribution boards while enabling software-based configuration.

Siemens plans to expand the product range with a single-phase version that will include integrated residual current monitoring. This function enables continuous supervision of electrical circuits to detect faults at an early stage without disrupting operations. Such monitoring is particularly relevant for facilities that require high levels of reliability, including data centres, exhibition venues and lighting installations, where uninterrupted power supply is essential.

A three-phase version of the ECPD is also under development to address higher-voltage systems operating at 400V and 32A. This model is expected to support a wider range of infrastructure and industrial applications, including conveyor systems, elevators, heat pumps, air conditioning installations and event power distribution networks.

According to Andreas Matthé, the company’s use of semiconductor technology is reshaping industry expectations for circuit protection by delivering faster response times, compact designs and improved system uptime.

Alongside the circuit protection developments, Siemens has also introduced its first refurbished soft starter designed according to circular economy principles. The SIRIUS 3RW5 -Z R11 refurbished soft starter is created through a controlled refurbishment process in which used devices are thoroughly tested, key components replaced and performance validated to meet the same standards as new equipment.

This remanufacturing process typically reduces carbon emissions by as much as 50% compared with producing a new device, primarily due to lower resource consumption. Environmental Product Declarations document the environmental benefits and ensure transparency.

The refurbished soft starter retains full compatibility with new units in terms of installation, parameterisation and functionality, enabling straightforward integration into existing systems. The product also incorporates traceability features such as a QR-based ID Link, allowing lifecycle monitoring across both its initial and refurbished service phases.

Siemens is showcasing the technology at the Light + Building 2026 in Frankfurt, where the company is highlighting how digitalisation and circular design can work together to support more sustainable industrial operations.

Airlines and aviation authorities across the Middle East are adjusting operations as regional tensions and airspace restrictions continue to disrupt travel, forcing carriers to reduce schedules while governments coordinate support for affected passengers.

Emirates confirmed it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of some regional airspace. The airline said it plans to run more than 100 flights to and from Dubai on 5 and 6 March in order to transport passengers and move essential cargo such as pharmaceuticals and perishables.

A spokesperson said the carrier will progressively rebuild its timetable as more airspace becomes available and operational requirements are met. Safety, the airline emphasised, remains its primary priority while it continues to monitor developments across the region.

Passengers have been advised to travel to the airport only if they hold confirmed bookings and to check the airline’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has resumed flights across parts of its network but is currently operating a scaled-back schedule. The airline said it is gradually adding services as restrictions on regional airspace begin to ease.

However, flight times may be longer than usual as aircraft are temporarily rerouted to avoid restricted zones. The airline also urged customers not to travel to the airport without confirmation of a booking or rebooked flight. Travellers connecting through Dubai will only be accepted if their onward flight is operating.

Despite wider disruptions, aviation activity in Jordan has remained comparatively stable. The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission reported that airports across the Kingdom continued operating normally on Wednesday despite the closure of airspace in several neighbouring countries.

According to commission chairman Deifallah Farajat, Queen Alia International Airport recorded 67 inbound flights and 58 departures during the day, with national carrier Royal Jordanian accounting for the largest share of operations. Authorities said technical teams remain on standby to respond to any developments affecting airspace safety.

Elsewhere, the government of Oman has begun assisting foreign nationals stranded across the Gulf as the travel disruption intensifies. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said the country is working with governments and international airlines to organise flights for travellers seeking to leave the region.

Omani authorities are coordinating with diplomatic missions and carriers to ensure safe and orderly departures for affected passengers. The initiative reflects the Sultanate’s longstanding diplomatic approach of prioritising humanitarian assistance during regional crises.

The aviation disruption follows the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has prompted several countries to close or restrict their airspace. Airlines have been forced to cancel services or divert aircraft along longer routes to avoid conflict zones.

Industry observers warn that flight disruptions could persist in the coming weeks if hostilities continue, with travellers across the Middle East advised to monitor airline updates as schedules remain subject to rapid change.

Digital concrete technology company Giatec has announced a commercial partnership with specialty chemicals manufacturer Sika aimed at accelerating the adoption of data-driven solutions across the global concrete value chain.

The collaboration will combine Giatec’s digital monitoring and analytics platforms with Sika’s extensive global presence and expertise in construction materials. Through the partnership, the companies intend to expand the use of intelligent technologies in concrete production, transportation, placement and long-term performance monitoring.

Sika operates in more than 100 countries and offers a broad portfolio of construction solutions, including high-performance concrete admixtures and advanced building systems. By integrating Giatec’s digital tools into Sika’s global network, the two companies expect to broaden access to technologies that help construction firms optimise quality control, efficiency and sustainability.

Ivo Schädler, Head Construction at Sika, said the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to support the industry’s transition towards more digitally enabled operations.

“By combining Sika’s materials science and construction expertise with Giatec’s innovative digital concrete solutions, we aim to help the sector move away from reactive methods towards proactive, data-enabled decision-making,” he said. “This approach can improve project quality, boost productivity and support more sustainable construction outcomes.”

The announcement comes as the construction sector increasingly embraces digital tools and artificial intelligence. Industry forecasts indicate that the global market for AI-driven construction technologies could expand significantly over the next decade, driven by demand for improved productivity, cost control and environmental performance.

Giatec’s technology ecosystem includes wireless concrete sensors, artificial intelligence-based software platforms and in-transit monitoring tools designed to provide real-time data on concrete behaviour during transport and placement. According to the company, these systems help contractors and producers improve consistency, reduce material waste and make faster operational decisions.

Pouria Ghods, CEO and co-founder of Giatec, described the agreement as a key step in expanding the company’s global impact. He noted that combining Sika’s global reach with Giatec’s digital expertise will help address long-standing challenges related to efficiency, performance and sustainability within the construction sector.

“Together we can deliver measurable value for producers, contractors and project owners by providing greater transparency and insight into concrete performance,” Ghods said.

Both companies are showcasing their technologies and discussing the partnership with industry stakeholders at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, where representatives are presenting solutions designed to support the digital transformation of construction practices.