Advancements in Sensor Technology: Reducing Costs and Driving Fluid Power Forward

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. Subscribe to the Fluid Power Forum today to never miss an episode. The podcast is available on all of your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. 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. Connect with our guest host, Mike Lietke, at [email protected]. Connect with our guest, Mark Hoffman, at [email protected]. Find and share more interesting fluid power technologies and unique applications using #onlyfluidpowercan and follow podcast and other fluid power industry-related updates at @TheNFPA. #FluidPowerForum #CID #sensors #costreduction