Articles and News

The Namibia brewing company implemented a Schneider Electric Information Management solution to consolidate data collection and optimize operational visibility across brewing operations.

SoftDEL expands its BACnet stack portfolio by making a state-of-the-art BACnet stack with protocol revision 18 available to OEMs within building automation ecosystem.

Under the slogan "Creating the most from wind – discover the value of digitalization", digitalization and engineering efficiency are main themes of this year's Siemens presentation at Husum Wind.

The partnership, forged in response to the changing industrial security landscape and growing cyber-threats to automation networks and systems, specifically focuses on broadening understanding and adoption of industrial automation security standards.

Technical paper focuses on stabilization problem of a linear time invariant fractional order switched system.

Members of Partners in THINC provide superior technologies that are integrated with Okuma’s CNC machines and controls to deliver advanced manufacturing system solutions.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com Taking place on March 22-23, 2017 in Detroit, MI with over 2,500 manufacturing executives, engineers and enthusiasts, attendees learned about the newest technologies, while exchanging ideas with industry leaders, sharing best practices, and advancing the future of manufacturing in the United States and beyond.

Under the terms of the agreement, Schneider Electric will supply its EcoStruxure system architecture and platform, comprising its EcoStruxure Foxboro distributed control system, Triconex process safety solutions, PIONIR analytical fuels blending systems and a suite of SimSci and Wonderware software solutions at Dangote’s greenfield refinery in Lagos, Nigeria.

Visitors to the Beckhoff booth will again be able to “BYOD”, using their own smartphones and tablets to connect with PC-based control demos – including a wall of IoT-enabled devices, plus articulated robot arms from Stäubli – using any mobile device with a web browser.

By Chuck Rathmann, IFS According a new Enterprise Software Mobility and Digital Transformation study of 200 industrial executives, mobility represents just as large of an opportunity for industrial organizations as it does for the likes of Uber.

The North American robotics market had its best opening half ever to begin 2017, setting new records in all four statistical categories (order units, order revenue, shipment units, and shipment revenue).

This alliance will provide Deloitte with specific tools and platforms to support their Cyber Risk practice, and expand the breadth and depth of their services in the Caribbean and Bermuda region.

The work, being undertaken at Yeo Hiap Seng’s (Yeo’s) tea, soft drinks and sauces production plant in Singapore, sees the development of a system using Siemens PCS7 batch technology for S-88 Standard compliance.

The author argues the expansion of STEM programs in schools.

Groundbreaking on the facility expansion is slated to begin in August of 2017, and is viewed as the first step toward later plans for expanding NuTec’s adjoining production facility by an additional 4,000 square-feet at a future date.

This summer, teams of students from around the world harnessed their programming and hardware skills in a series of robotics competitions known as RoboNation, which Northrop Grumman sponsored.

By Brad (Biju) Oommen, Networking Solutions Consultant With rapid digitization, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Ethernet extenders can greatly benefit PoE enabled network devices such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, IP Paging systems, IP cameras, IP phones, IP Horn Speakers, Sensors and Wireless access points.

The "inherent flow characteristic" is the relationship between valve capacity and valve travel, and it is usually expressed graphically.

Siemens will supply the drive technology for cold rolling mills near Liaoyang in Liaoning Province in Northeastern China, and for a cold and hot rolling mill near the port of Yingkou, which also lies in Liaoning Province.

The ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center opened in Westerville, Ohio. The center will function as the central focal point for resources and for systems that are equipped with ABB technology

Rockwell Automation received the Delphi Pinnacle Award in recognition of its services for the company in 2016. Delphi annually recognizes top-tier suppliers who help the company achieve quality, value and cost-performance improvements.

Prior to joining Indegy, Gaby was executive vice president at Panaya, an Infosys company, where she was responsible for sales and marketing in the Americas.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation In manufacturing, saving energy can be a whole lot simpler and making small but significant changes can drastically reduce energy consumption. This article discusses how three technologies can improve the energy efficiency of industrial robots.

Strategic collaboration between BitFlow and software developers, like National Instruments, has resulted in a library of third-party drivers. BitFlow plug-and-play drivers integrate its frame grabbers within virtually any application environment, eliminating the need for new coding, while helping to achieve more stable systems.

With the new coupler, users can effectively achieve communication between differing parts of a line on separate networks, increasing transparency and integration.

The number of cybersecurity incidents and cyberattacks against industrial networks is growing, and they often go unreported.

The aim of the project is to increase the field's oil production capacity to 65,000 barrels per day (BPD) from the existing capacity of 22,000 BPD.

ControlEdge PLC is the first PLC to be awarded the ISASecure Level 2 certification, which builds on the Level 1 capabilities by providing additional security features such as the confidentiality and integrity of data at rest and in motion, detection of unauthorized changes and additional protection against Denial of Service attacks.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com EdgeX Foundry is an open source project to build a common open framework for Internet of Things (IoT) edge computing and an ecosystem of interoperable components that unifies the marketplace and accelerates enterprise and Industrial IoT.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced that Executive Director and CEO, Patrick Gouhin, will be stepping down. Peggie W. Koon will serve as Interim Executive Director, while a Search Committee will be formed in the immediate future to identify Mr. Gouhin’s successor.

This program is designed to address a specific need as Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), or Industry 4.0 applications and projects proliferate.

Siemens PLM Software is a provider of software solutions to drive the digital transformation of industry, creating new opportunities for manufacturers to realize innovation.

Data collected in this survey shows median annual base salary information across multiple industries and disciplines in the field of metrology, and how those incomes differ between educational backgrounds, gender, years of service, job titles, and more.

By John Hayes, Vecna Robotics All those sensors on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) which prevent collisions (with people, equipment, or building structures) are collecting data. Few AGV manufacturers have found a way to concretize these data and make them actionable, predictive, and fundamentally useful.

The combination of Comark and DLI brings the consolidated customer base an choice of industrial computing solutions. DLI’s mobile computing technology is a complement to Comark’s industrial computing solutions.

Yvonne Schneider and David Desharnais were appointed to qBotica's Advisory Board, which is comprised of Fortune 500 business executives, bringing a mixture of business, technology, and operations expertise to the company.

MCE will oversee operations for Ritter Technology, LLC, now renamed RitterTech, and its recently acquired divisions: Primet Fluid Power, acquired in February of 2017; Tri-State Hose & Fitting, acquired in April of 2017; and Fluid Systems Engineering, acquired in May of 2017.

Initially developed to train Bedrock end users and partners in programming applications to the IEC 61131-3 standard, the software and the IDE can be used to build PLC, DCS, and SCADA RTU applications that are cryptographically authenticated to the Bedrock platform.

In plant installations, a key requirement is the ability to smoothly integrate actuators used for opening or closing valves with the automation system.

Bosch Rexroth has made the Sercos SoftMaster available as free open source software on SourceForge.net. They also offer a free Sercos-on-a-Stick livesystem--a complete stand-alone demo Sercos driver package on a USB thumb drive. This includes the SoftMaster based on Intime Distributed RTOS from TenAsys Corporation, and a test application.

By Erik Davidson, Cortet by CEL This article will focus on the IoT-enabled Smart Lighting Control opportunity, which CEL research shows is one of largest opportunities in the rapidly growing commercial-grade IoT control space.

The construction of a new plant to enlarge production capacities was necessitated by a growing demand for high-quality products from FSG. FSG produces sensors for various industrial sectors, among them the rail, ship and crane industries.

Astro Tecnologia is one of Brazil’s manufacturers of cargo securement systems, webbing, lifting slings and supplemental decking equipment.

A distillation tower has feed upsets that are measured and used to create a feed forward signal.

In his new role, Villa oversees the continued development of Schneider Electric’s digitally-enabled solutions and network of distribution partners nationwide to support U.S. industrial customers.

Microscan releases the LVS-9585 Handheld Portable Barcode Verifier, providing verification of both printed labels and direct part marks (DPM). The new LVS-9585 verifies the readability, quality, and data integrity of 1D and 2D printed labels and direct part marks to internationally accepted standards including GS1, ISO 15415/15416, ISO/IEC 29158 TR, and MIL-STD-130N.

As an existing SimSci user, JFE Engineering chose to upgrade to SimCentral to take advantage of its unified platform-based solution, which is expected to result in greater opportunities for efficiency, collaboration and the re-use of simulation assets.

The $8,000 scholarships are payable in $2,000 annual installments over four years. The two will also have paid summer internships with Northrop Grumman during their scholarship years.

Protoduction’s proprietary process, “Concept 2 Reality”, is designed to bridge the gap between design engineering and manufacturing, providing customers with a consultative approach to product development.

The webinar, open only to those companies which participated in the study, provided insight into how companies weathered the difficult market conditions in 2016 when depressed oil prices severely affected business in this industry.

Mr. Van Rassen will cover military and commercial markets for Rajant domestically and internationally, bringing to the company more than 20 years of acquisition experience, both in uniform and as an Army Civilian.

After a technical resource is gone, production efficiency is directly affected when the line has less support to keep it up and running.

The dramatic influx of connected industrial automation and manufacturing technology is providing the opportunity for manufacturing companies to drive their industries forward, while surpassing the competition. Yet with money seemingly always being tight, how does an organization manage the necessary expenses to push forward?

ISA President Steven Pflantz notes the vast majority of people do not have a clear understanding of what industrial automation is and why it is important.

Siemens announced the expansion of its Technical Application Center (TAC) which offers machine tool dealers, importers and end-users of Sinumerik CNCs a range of learning opportunities including classroom training, online instructor-led training, and online self-paced training.

Participants viewed cutting demonstrations on more than 15 machine tools and were educated on technologies that can give them a competitive edge. Demonstrations featured exotic material cutting on titanium as well as stainless steel and aluminum and were focused on the automotive industry.

In this role, Nick will be responsible for developing and executing ABB’s Measurement & Analytics Next Level growth strategy for their business in the Americas Hub that comprises of North and South America

PDI will operate within the GATE Energy portfolio and collaborate with other GATE Energy companies to provide streamlined service to their clients. GATE Energy will retain all management staff following the acquisition. Founder Lee Iver will continue as President of PDI Solutions.

With IFS Applications 9, GERHARDI will implement a unified and modern solution that supports the processes of all its divisions and locations. It will also cover the international requirements of the newly established US production site as well as ensure transparency across the entire group.

This year’s CeMAT RUSSIA, a Russian Federation intralogistics trade show, will open on 19 September with around 150 exhibitors

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation Science and technology go hand-in-hand in solving the world’s problems and robotics and automation are the latest innovations to tackle one of our biggest issues – poverty. This article explores how technology can be used to create sustainable solutions and tackle world poverty.

Learn how to use key PID features that can greatly expand what you can achieve. Includes innovative application examples for feedforward and rate limiting.

By Joanna Sommer, InformedMag Leveraging technology to automate workflows is what Business Process Automation (BPA) is all about. The objective of BPA is to reduce human intervention as much as possible to save time and money. “Side effects” such as improved service levels and cost savings help build loyalty through customer satisfaction.

The magnetic flowmeter conductor (fluid in pipe) moves through a magnetic field; a voltage is produced relative to speed of the conductor & magnetic field.

Memosens sensors measure the pH-value in liquids, for example, and transform it into a digital signal while still in the sensor. The data is then passed on via a contactless system and provides measurement results.

The production team engineers at Peacock Productions used three FUTEK Donut/Through Hole load cells as well as FUTEK instrumentation to test a great white shark’s bite force.

IDTechEx Research finds that in 2017, the total RFID market will be worth $11.2 billion, up from $10.52 billion in 2016 and $9.95 billion in 2015. This includes tags, readers and software/services for RFID labels, cards, fobs and other form factors, for passive and active RFID.

The video is designed to serve as a great resource to share with the younger generation, particularly those in middle and high schools who are exploring potential career paths. It can also serve as a resource for those individuals looking to transition into a new field.

Cranes can be fitted with both CP Automation and Magnetek products as an integrated package, including power delivery systems, radio remote control transmitters, motor gearboxes, failsafe brakes and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

The MAQ20 data acquisition and control system uses a Python API; this employs an object-oriented approach for communicating with MAQ20 systems, thereby providing an interface where the low-level Modbus commands are hidden from normal use.

The option allows PLCs running the Modbus industrial automation protocol to connect to Alicat instruments over Ethernet cable.

Teledyne DALSA provided 2 Genie cameras for the mission. The primary payload, a Genie TS-C4096 provided coverage of surveillance regions with high ground resolutions for effective target detection and characterization. A second Genie Nano C1940 model provided color imaging from a multirotor. In 2018, both teams plan to deploy the Genie Nano C5100 as their primary imaging payload.

Hitachi Rail had selected HARTING from among more than 150 suppliers. HARTING is considered preferred connectivity supplier.HARTING develops and manufactures cabling for car transitions (so-called jumper cables) for Hitachi’s AT200 and AT300 trains.

The agreement between RS and Crowdcube marks an important expansion of the third-party services available to UK-based DesignSpark members. Members applying through DesignSpark, to be considered by Crowdcube for equity crowdfunding, will benefit from a 10% discount in Crowdcube’s standard fees, if accepted.

This is a handy reference and consultation handbook written mainly for operators who verify and calibrate measuring instruments.

By Gregory Wilcox, Rockwell Automation Obstacles to adopting industrial remote access have included security concerns, insufficient connectivity and a lack of collaboration between IT and operations personnel. This article provides 8 key steps for implementing remote access in industrial operations

The control system migration of the mill’s Flakt Dryer machine from a mixture of legacy ABB MOD300 and Allen Bradley PLC’s to PlantPAX was the fifth PlantPAX control system installed by GPA in the Pulp & Paper industry specifically.

After the acquisition of Etasyn, the PULS group will be able to provide standard devices for DIN rails, modified standard devices as well as products that are completely custom-designed.

mplsystems is a provider of omni-channel contact center and customer engagement software. Field Service Management Limited, an implementation specialist of Field Service Management solutions in the UK and Ireland will bolster IFS Service Management sales, consulting, and support organization in the region.

The centre, which is located in the Changshu Industrial Development Zone in Changshu city, Jiangsu Province, supports manufacturing and R&D, as well as the development of human resources, in cooperation with companies, universities and research institutes.

Being a sister event of the SPS IPC Drives from Nuremberg Germany, SIAF will showcase a variety of products from its related sectors including robotics, machine vision, sensors and measurements, connectivity systems, drives systems and control technologies, bringing a one-stop marketing and knowledge exchange opportunity to the Chinese industry.

From September 11th- 13th in Moscow, NUST MISIS and Cognitive Technologies will hold the first university hackathon on artificial intelligence and computer vision with an available prize fund of more than $30,000.

Driven by globalization, intensifying competition and rising customer demand for more options and higher quality products, a connected plant floor has become a necessity. Zebra’s survey shows the number of organizations achieving a fully connected factory is expected to rise dramatically over the next five years.

Under the terms of the agreement, Claroty will market its real-time OT/ICS network monitoring and detection solution to Schneider Electric's customers through the company's Collaborative Automation Partner Program (CAPP).

Panduit’s IntraVUE and SynapSense edge data collection capabilities and Uptake’s predictive analytics product suite and advanced data science capabilities will provide a solution delivering actionable manufacturing plant condition monitoring analytics.

The Red Dot Award tracks the most prominent trends and appraises the best products worldwide. The award is divided into three disciplines: Product Design, Communication Design, and Design Concept.

BitFlow aims to help shape the future of the region's machine vision technology and standards in conjunction with EMVA partners, as well as to leverage its membership to expand distributor relationships and boost demand for its frame grabbers.

Following the acquisition, Mr. Massimo Banzi becomes the new Chairman and CTO of Arduino. Dr. Fabio Violante will be appointed as the new CEO, replacing Mr. Federico Musto who will pursue other opportunities outside Arduino AG.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com Too often - in today’s industrial environment - management, investors and executives are looking for the single “silver bullet” that will lead to company success. The secret of longevity however, takes far more planning and innovation.

An efficient decentralized iterative learning tracker is proposed to improve the dynamic performance of an unknown controllable.

Hon Hai Precision Industry also known as Foxconn, and Rockwell Automation announced that they are collaborating to implement Connected Enterprise and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts for smart manufacturing in Foxconn's new U.S. facilities.

Housing additional 200 workplaces, as well as test and measurement laboratories, clean rooms and environmental chambers, and an auditorium for seminars and training events, the Center brings together PI’s development teams into one shared space to promote interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration in a creative workspace.

Indianola Municipal Utilities is located in Indianola, Iowa and provides the city with electric, water and network services. The Indianola community has enjoyed the benefits of a locally owned, not-for-profit utility since 1890.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation This article discusses how automated guided vehicles have advanced from simple materials handlers to intelligent autonomous robots.

This partnership is intended to allow IVD manufacturers around the globe the opportunity to integrate their test kit assembly and packaging processes.

A transfer function is a mathematical representation of the relationship between the input and output of a system.

By Antony Bourne, IFS In the recent Digital Change Survey commissioned by IFS covering 750 professionals across a range of industries, 80% saw themselves as ‘enabled’, ‘enhanced’ or ‘optimized’ to leverage DT. Even more impressively, 89% said they had ‘advantageous’ or ‘adequate’ funding in place for digital projects—a clear acknowledgment that the time of disruptive technologies is here, and that the vast majority of firms are realizing that they need to invest. But why are businesses investing?

By signing on to this commitment, Rockwell Automation is pledging to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion topics.

By Robert Glass, ABB As food manufacturing plants become more connected through the Industrial Internt of Things (IIoT), the threat of cyber-attacks and how much damage they can do, has increased. This article offers advice on how to ensure your manufacturing process is kept secure.

The training course is for Steam Plant Operations, Steam Plant Maintenance Personnel, Steam Plant Supervisors/Managers, Facility Operations/Maintenance Personnel and anyone associated with energy conversion.