Celebrating 75 Years of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society: A Legacy of Innovation, Knowledge, and Global Impact
In 2026, the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking three quarters of a century of technological innovation, professional collaboration, and global leadership in industrial electronics.
75 Years of Advancing Industrial Electronics
From its origins in the early days of industrial automation to its current role at the forefront of power electronics, intelligent systems, industrial informatics, cyber-physical systems, robotics, renewable energy, and smart manufacturing, the Society has continuously evolved to meet the technological challenges of each era.
This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey of the Society, the achievements of its members, and the impact IES has had on industry, academia, and society worldwide.
A Rich History of Growth and Transformation
The roots of the Society can be traced back to 21 February 1951, when the first meeting of the IRE Industrial Electronics Group was held. A few months later, on 8 May 1951, the organization became the IRE Professional Group on Industrial Electronics (PG-IE).
In August 1953, the group published the first volume of its Transactions, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most influential publication portfolios in industrial electronics (future TIE).
A major milestone occurred in 1963 when the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) merged with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) to form the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Following this historic merger, the Professional Group on Industrial Electronics joined forces with the Group on Control Instrumentation, forming the Professional Group on Industrial Electronics and Control Instrumentation (PG-IECI).
The Society continued to evolve as industrial technologies expanded:
- 1964: Became the Group on Industrial Electronics and Control Instrumentation. (GIE-CI).
- 1978: Renamed the Industrial Electronics and Control Instrumentation Society (IECIS).
- 1982: Adopted its current name, the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES).
Over the decades, the Society expanded its technical scope from traditional industrial control systems to emerging areas such as robotics, intelligent manufacturing, renewable energy integration, industrial communications, cyber-physical systems, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
The leadership of the Society has been guided by generations of dedicated volunteers, beginning with its first president, Eugene Mittelmann (1951–1953), whose contributions are commemorated through the prestigious IEEE IES Dr.-Ing. Eugene Mittelmann Achievement Award.
Today, under the leadership of Juan José Rodríguez Andina, the Society continues to grow as one of IEEE’s most vibrant technical communities, serving thousands of members across all IEEE Regions.
Publications: Building a Global Knowledge Platform
One of the most visible successes of IES has been the development of a world-class portfolio of publications that disseminate cutting-edge research and technological innovations.
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics (TIE) – since 1953.
The Society’s publication journey began with the Transactions of the IRE Professional Group on Industrial Electronics. This publication evolved through several title changes before becoming the IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics (TIE) in 1982.
Today, TIE is recognized as one of the leading journals in electrical engineering and industrial technology, publishing pioneering work in power electronics, motor drives, control systems, renewable energy, and industrial applications.
As the field expanded, IES launched additional flagship publications:
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics (TII) – established in 2005, addressing industrial communication systems, intelligent manufacturing, industrial AI, and cyber-physical systems.
IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine (IEM) – launched in 2007, providing accessible technical overviews and perspectives on emerging technologies.
IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics (JESTIE) – introduced in 2011 to highlight rapidly developing research areas and interdisciplinary topics.
IEEE Open Journal of the Industrial Electronics Society (OJIES) – launched in 2020, expanding open-access publishing opportunities.
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems (TICPS) – established in 2023, reflecting the growing importance of connected industrial systems and digital transformation.
IE Technology News (ITeN) – New website was launched in 2019, providing society news, technical highlights, member achievements, and community engagement.
Beyond its own publications, IES has played an important role in numerous co-sponsored journals, contributing significantly to fields such as mechatronics, microelectromechanical systems, smart grids, sustainable energy, photovoltaics, and wireless power transfer.
Together, these publications have created a comprehensive ecosystem for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and connecting researchers and practitioners worldwide.
Conferences: Bringing the Global Community Together
Conferences have always been at the heart of the Society’s mission to foster collaboration and accelerate technological progress.
The flagship conference, IECON, has become one of the world’s premier events in industrial electronics.
The first IECON was held in Philadelphia in 1975. Prior to that, industrial electronics activities were primarily organized as sponsored sessions within other IEEE conferences.
Over the years, IECON evolved from a largely North American event into a truly global conference series:
- Expanded to Asia with conferences hosted in Japan and later Singapore.
- Reached Europe with IECON 1998 in Germany.
- Extended to Oceania with IECON 2011 in Australia.
- Continued to rotate among regions worldwide, reflecting the global nature of the Society.
Alongside IECON, IES now sponsors and co-sponsors numerous international conferences covering power electronics, industrial informatics, smart grids, robotics, energy systems, industrial communications, factory automation, and cyber-physical systems.
The growth of these conferences mirrors the expansion of the Society itself. Attendance has increased dramatically over the decades, attracting researchers, industry leaders, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from around the globe.
These conferences serve not only as venues for presenting technical results but also as catalysts for collaboration, networking, standards development, and the creation of future technologies.
A Community Recognized Worldwide
The success of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society is ultimately measured by the accomplishments of its members.
Throughout its 75-year history, IES members have received some of IEEE’s highest distinctions and many prestigious international honors. Society leaders and volunteers have served as IEEE Presidents, Vice Presidents, Division Directors, Technical Activities Board leaders, and Fellows Committee members, contributing significantly to the broader IEEE community.
These recognitions reflect the exceptional talent, dedication, and influence of the IES community.
Looking Toward the Future
As the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society celebrates its 75th anniversary, it also looks ahead to the next generation of technological challenges and opportunities.
With rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, industrial cyber-physical systems, electrification, renewable energy, smart manufacturing, robotics, autonomous systems, and sustainable technologies, IES remains uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of industry worldwide.
The Society’s history is a story of innovation, collaboration, and service. Its future will be shaped by the creativity and dedication of thousands of members who continue to advance technology for humanity.
Seventy-five years after its founding, the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society remains stronger than ever—building on a proud legacy while shaping the future of industrial electronics.