The most read Control Engineering articles for January covered topics like PID tuning, improving automation designs, the 2026 System Integrator Giants and OT cybersecurity.
As 2026 began, Control Engineering readers zeroed in on both foundational skills and emerging challenges shaping modern automation. January’s most-read articles spanned practical PID tuning guidance, control software engineering best practices, motion control programming and real-world OT cybersecurity. Readers were also looking for industry insights on system integrators, AI, automation mergers and digital transformation. Together, our 10 most-read articles from January 2026 highlight where control and automation professionals are focusing their attention as the year gets underway, balancing proven control strategies with new technologies, architectures and business realities impacting the plant floor.
1. PID spotlight, part 22: Can I tune a noisy PID controller?
If I have a noisy process, can I still use the same tuning methods? Can I get good tuning despite noise, and if not, what can I do to compensate?
2. Introduction to control software engineering, better automation designs
Control software engineers seek control system solutions well beyond computer software programming. Understand seven critical phases of software engineering workflow for control system design and its worst enemy.
3. 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?
4. Automation’s front line: 2026 System Integrator Giants expand capabilities
Average revenue per firm rises about 30% as integrators broaden skills in data, cybersecurity, and robotics.
5. Why zero trust fails on the plant floor — and what actually works in OT
IT-driven zero-trust frameworks break down in decentralized, high-pressure manufacturing environments. Here’s how to build security strategies that fit the realities of industrial operations.
6. Control Engineering hot topics: November 2025
The top articles in Control Engineering this month covered topics like PID tuning, DCS migration and the 2026 System Integrators of the Year.
7. Three ways industrial AI enhances traditional control systems
Artificial intelligence (AI) enables context-aware decision-making, adaptive learning and predictive optimization to extend the value of traditional automation frameworks.
8. Latest automation mergers, December 2025: Controls, digital twins, robotics
The Bundy Group reported 18 automation transactions in its December 2025 summary reports. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below including transactions involving Agile Robots, Averna, Flowserve, SPX Flow and others.
9. Inside look: Automation ecosystem products, software, cybersecurity, AI
Hardware, software, products, applications, motion control, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence updates provided for automation ecosystems. See photos, examples, videos.
10. Ctrl+Alt+Mfg Ep. 6: Digital Transformation – Hype, Reality & What’s Next With Mike Ouellette, Engineering.com
A year-end look at how AI, simulation, edge computing, and a rapidly evolving workforce are reshaping digital transformation strategies and real-world operations on the plant floor.
Check out the top articles from December here.
