NFPA News

New Episode of Fluid Power Forum: Advancements in Sensor Technology - Reducing Costs and Driving Fluid Power Forward

Written by Ben Brown | Mar 12, '26

This special episode of Fluid Power Forum features a recording of NFPA’s inaugural Controls, IoT, and Data (CID) council webinar from February 2026, hosted by Mike Lietke with guest Mark Hoffman, Senior Vice President of Rota Limited. Hoffman outlines Rota’s history and focus on transducers and high-end sensors used in hydraulic cylinders and beyond, including rotary sensing and tank applications, and explains how product development is driven by both customer needs and internal innovation.

The discussion compares mobile and oil & gas requirements, emphasizing hazardous-area certifications, extreme-environment robustness, and the importance of collaboration among end users, cylinder manufacturers, and sensor suppliers. Hoffman describes industry shifts toward non-contact sensing, increased electrical robustness, and cost-reduction trends such as lower gun-drilling costs and material/assembly changes, and previews Rota’s expanded manufacturing capacity and new rotary sensor product.

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Additionally, we’re launching Fluid Power Forum Plus, offering premium, members-only content designed just for our listeners. When you sign up on the NFPA website, you’ll unlock a host of rewards, ranging from exclusive content to live panels and networking receptions.