The most read Control Engineering articles from February covered topics like C++, cyberattacks with physical impact, software-defined control and AI in MES.
February’s most-read articles on Control Engineering reflect a clear focus on turning digital transformation into measurable results. Readers explored advanced motion control programming, software-defined architectures and cloud analytics, alongside practical strategies for AI and MES integration. Cybersecurity, digital twins and insights from the 2026 State of Automation report also stood out, highlighting how manufacturers are balancing innovation with resilience and ROI. Together, February’s top articles underscore how smarter, more agile manufacturing is about building the right architecture, data foundation and strategy to support long-term performance.
1. How to use C++, datasets for motion control programming
As machine controllers take on more responsibility beyond traditional control tasks, systems are expected to handle motion control, data processing and decisions in one platform. How can control architectures enable advanced functionality on the controller? How integrated programming helps real-time performance and system design?
2. Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Ep. 9: When cyberattacks go physical, with Ian Bramson of Black & Veatch
Why clean builds, supply-chain visibility, AI-driven defense and a back-to-basics approach are becoming essential for securing industrial operations.
3. Use software-defined control to get smarter, faster, more agile manufacturing
Software-defined control is revolutionizing process manufacturing by enabling the use of server and virtualization technologies to deliver greater computing power, which can be used to provide AI-driven insights, advanced analytics, and improved real-time decision-making. See three benefits graphic.
4. Why thoughtful integration beats quick AI fixes in MES
As life sciences manufacturers turn to AI to streamline recipe creation and simplify complex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) environments, a measured, strategic approach — rooted in a trusted automation ecosystem — will deliver greater long-term value than hastily adopted bolt-on solutions.
5. How to leverage cloud analytics to maximize industrial data
Improving collaboration, cloud and hybrid analytics platform helps adopters gain a competitive advantage by reducing information technology (IT) overhead, ensuring regulatory compliance and standardizing operations across entire enterprises.
6. Research: Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2025
The most-read Control Engineering stories of 2025, ranked by Google Analytics pageviews, reflect reader interest in automation fundamentals, AI, cybersecurity and open systems.
7. Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Ep. 7: Digital twins explained — how virtual plants are transforming manufacturing, with Matt Wise and Cole Switzer, E Tech Group
Insights from E Tech Group’s Matt Wise and Cole Switzer on scaling digital twins, building the data backbone and turning simulation into measurable ROI.
8. State of Automation 2026: Which technologies give early adopters the edge?
What are early automation adopter benefits? Examine State of Automation 2026 analytics, emerging technologies in Control Engineering’s research report.
9. Digital transformation in print manufacturing: from manual processes to smart production
How a traditional print production process modernized into a smart, scalable system that reduced errors, improved traceability and increased throughput.
10. Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Ep. 8: Inside the 2026 State of Automation Report, with Mark Hoske, Control Engineering
Data from Control Engineering’s latest research reveals where automation is delivering real ROI, why adoption is growing more cautious, and how manufacturers are balancing efficiency, risk and workforce challenges.
Check out the top articles from January here.
