Factory | Automation World

Can We Automate from the Cloud?

Factory automation and cloud applications combine to optimize plant processes. Watch this Take Five video for the full story.

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Is a Retrofit the Right Option?

While there is a strong business case for retrofitting many pieces of equipment to facilitate digital transformation, it may not always be the best solution.

Overcoming the Cultural Barriers to Digital Transformation

Even as technology continues to advance, organizational challenges remain the biggest impediments to Industry 4.0.

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Superior signal transmission and increased reliability

Automated operations at Ginkgo Bioworks.

Inductive Automation Explains What’s Next for Ignition

Automation technology trends around mobility and data access are driving quality and process improvements to the Ignition industrial automation platform.

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Cybersecurity Partnership Enables Consolidated IT/OT View

Tripwire and Nozomi Networks partner to provide security controls across IT and operations technology in IoT environments.

Augmented Reality Software to Streamline Operations

A new collaboration that pairs Lenovo’s ThinkReality software platform with augmented reality headsets from RealWear could help facilitate an information pipeline between enterprise planners and frontline personnel.

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Non-Magnetic Coaxial Cable

Superior signal transmission and increased reliability

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The Maintenance-Finance-Safety Connection

Did you know computerized maintenance management systems can be used to mitigate financial and safety risks faced by manufacturers?

'On the surface of the tile, there are a lot of very flat coils; and that's where the name XPlanar comes from. By generating electromagnetic fields, the coils float and propel the mover above the surface. And then, by varying these electromagnetic fields, we’re able create free 2D motion, which allows for six degrees of freedom, enabling the mover to travel in any direction we want.” — Jeff Johnson, Beckhoff Automation

Adaptive Manufacturing Gets Real with New Materials Handling Tech

The ability to easily create custom products requires new technologies to move beyond mass production. Beckhoff’s XPlanar enables lot size one production as well as positioning for labeling, inspection, and other production and packaging operations.

How Can New Material Handling Technologies Support Adaptive Manufacturing Concepts?

In this episode, we connect with Jeff Johnson, U.S. mechatronics product manager at Beckhoff, to learn more about how Beckhoff's XPlanar material handling system uses levitation to move parts and products for assembly and/or packaging applications.

Procter & Gamble Partners with Robotics Startup Incubator

While the specific technologies Procter & Gamble is interested in are hush-hush, mobile robotics technologies appear to be a key point of interest.

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Understanding Maintenance Metrics

The “mean time to repair” and “mean time before failure” metrics can be used to track asset performance as well as maintenance teams and individuals.

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IIoT Connected Assets Guide

Industry IoT Consortium releases a guide designed to help manufacturers network connected assets and products.

EtherCAT provides the optimal fieldbus for synchronizing robotics with mechatronics, like the XTS, which can replace robotic functions in some instances.

How to Streamline Robotics in Packaging

Select open control platforms for easier programming and runtime for various robots, and consider whether other systems make more sense in certain applications.

Aaron Muir, Engineering Manager, Glenmount Global – an E Technologies company.

Ensuring a Safe and Effective Remote Maintenance and Support System

Discover three key considerations when approaching maintenance and support remotely: Security conscious design, stakeholder collaboration, and remote access methods.

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Emerson Combines LNG Inventory Management and Tank Gauging

The Rosemount TankMaster system can predict the release of liquid natural gas vapors to reduce loss of product, safety risks, and failures to meet environmental regulations.

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Industry Support Organizations Adapt to Digital Transformation

The Profibus/Profinet User Organization and the Industrial Internet Consortium announce operational changes reflective of IoT and Industry 4.0-driven changes to the industries they serve.

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Automated De-Powdering for 3D Printed Parts

A new collaboration between Festo and Solukon aims to design a flexible handling system for automated de-powdering of 3D printed components.

CPG manufacturers need to work with retailers, distributors, and supply chain partners to share sales information through the supply chain, from the farmer to the checkout line.

CPGs to Spend $23.8 Billion on Digital Transformation by 2030

As the sharing of information along the supply chain becomes more critical, CPGs are increasingly creating digital threads to inform their production plans with relevant data.

Infosys General

Top Industrial Uses Case for Cloud Computing

A new report from the Infosys Knowledge Institute highlights how manufacturers are using cloud computing to advance operations and for what kinds of applications they’re using the technology most.

Using artificial intelligence, Advanced Analytics detects defect sources at an early stage during the application of paint and high-viscosity materials. Source: Dürr.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to Paint Shop Robots

Dürr expands it use of artificial intelligence to help automotive paint shops incorporate robots into existing operations for quality and plant availability applications.

Skjern Paper started production in 1967 with the idea of manufacturing paper exclusively from old newspaper.

How to Make Sense Out of Difficult Data

Skjern Paper turns to GE Digital’s Proficy CSense for real-time quality control in the production process.