Transforming the Power Grid with Distributed Intelligence

Virtual Presentation: Implementing the Smart Grid involves more than just replacing the existing grid structure. It completely changes the approach to power distribution with the incorporation of renewable energy sources and the ability to send power back to the grid.

David Greenfield

Jul 16th, 2014

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Demonstrating the value of renewable energy to power the electricity grid is causing a shift in how distribution grid operators manage their networks. One case in which significant steps are being taken to bring renewable energy to the grid is a project at Toronto Hydro with Prolucid LocalGrid Technologies. In this project, intelligent nodes are situated in the substation monitoring feeder load, and next to distributed generation sites, where they can monitor and interact with the associated generation controller. In the video below, captured at The Automation Conference 2014, Bob Leigh, CEO of LocalGrid Technologies, and Sushma Narisetty-Gupta, an electrical engineer with the Grid Solutions Engineering team at Toronto Hydro, explained how this transformation is taking place.

National Instruments

Radar Target Generation for System-Level Validation

Radar Target Generation for System-Level Validation

NI Radar Series: Radar Jamming

NI Radar Series: Radar Jamming

NI Radar Series: How to Test a Radar

NI Radar Series: How to Test a Radar

How to Implement Edge Computing—From Concept to Launch

In this episode, we discuss how to successfully plan for and implement edge computing technologies at both OEM and manufacturing/processing facilities with Stratus Technologies' Aric Prost and John Vicente.

MWC, Kraft Heinz, and CTI Foods Named Winners of Manufacturing Innovation Awards

The award-winning food companies will reveal technology highlights of their projects and be honored during a special session at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, September 27-29.

The Alpha Turbo High-Level Bulk Depalletizer is among the machines in the Busse/SJI division that feature a range of new Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) machine health monitoring capabilities.

Machine Condition Monitoring via IIoT

This Arrowhead Systems division is taking full advantage of new IIoT tools that make machine diagnostics readily available and help customers maximize OEE.

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Automation Trends in Food Processing and Packaging: Robotics

According to the Robotic Industries Association and Association for Advancing Automation, orders of robotic systems by food and consumer goods manufacturers grew by 56% in 2020. Read this discussion about robotics in the food industry for more insight.

U.S. manufacturing annual investment in software vs. PP&E (property, plant and equipment). Source: Bank of America

An Investment Firm’s View of Industrial Automation Spending Trends

In a session at this year’s virtual ARC Forum, Andrew Obin of Bank of America offered insights into current and expected software and hardware spending in manufacturing, with a particular focus on implications in the energy sectors.

Steve J. Malyszko, P.E., Chief Executive Officer at Malisko Engineering

Don’t Shortchange Your Operational Technology Network Investment in Your Race to Digital Transformation.

In order for a highly successful digital transformation and return on investment, special attention needs to be paid to OT network design, architecture, configuration, security, and implementation. Discover tips and tricks your factory should consider.

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Automation Trends in Food Processing and Packaging: vFAT

Watch part three of this three-part series on top automation trends impacting food processing and packaging today.

Liquid Metal 3D Printing Makes Its Debut

Xerox’s new ElemX 3D liquid metal printer promises to solve challenges associated with traditional 3D printing methods, though deployment is still in its early stages.

Petasense's VSx vibrations sensor is said to be the first three-in-one industrial sensor to combine vibration, temperature, and speed sensing functionalities.

Sensors Step Up to Industry Demands

From monitoring COVID-19 vaccine temperatures to combining vibration, temperature, and speed in one device, new sensor technology is addressing industry needs on an ever-wider scale.

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Progress Continues on Industrial Open Source Software

With demand for interoperability in the industrial software and hardware space continuing to grow, the Eclipse Foundation releases a report on the status of the organization’s work in several areas affecting industrial technology.

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Users Unite as the Open Process Automation Journey Continues

From the evolving standard to test labs, movement to an interoperable framework is taking shape. But the OPAF group is asking for more help from manufacturers.

CP5 Series 120 W Power Supplies

CP5 Series 120 W Power Supplies

The CP5 series power supplies include seven 120W models with output voltages of 12-15VDC, 24-28VDC and 48-56VDC. This series provides long service lifetime and compact size and expands the series from 120W to 480W.

What's the Difference Between Standard and Inverter Duty Motors?

In this episode, we connect with Brent Kooiman, senior project engineer and design manager at Interstates, to learn about the differences between general purpose and inverter duty motors and the types of industrial applications each are best suited for.

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Work on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Standards Begins

Hoping to clear the path for the development of AI and machine learning standards, the Securing Artificial Intelligence Industry Specification Group has released a report highlighting the field’s predominant challenges.

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Automation Trends in Food Processing and Packaging: Remote Access

Watch part two of this three-part series on top automation trends impacting food processing and packaging today.

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Integrating Process Safety, Visibility, and Cybersecurity

Following its acquisition by Hexagon, PAS explains how its software integrates with Hexagon’s technologies to address critical industrial process operations factors.

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Schneider Electric Calls for Greater Cooperation Around Interoperability

With a software development focus around IEC 61499, a new alliance with Wood, and continued work with the Open Process Automation Forum and ZVEI, Schneider Electric helps push the universal automation concept.

How Augmented Reality Became a Serious Tool for Manufacturing

Making monsters appear in games like Pokémon Go is not the only application for augmented reality these days. Industry is using the technology too, harnessing CAD data for training workers, standardizing workflows, and enabling collaboration.

Cassy Gardner, PMP, Engineering Manager at Banks Integration.

How Workshops Can Help You Plan Your Control System Upgrade

Find out why incorporating all stakeholders into conversations around control system upgrades can increase productivity and facilitate a smooth integration of your new systems.

XPlanar eliminates the need to move the plasma jet; instead, a floating planar mover carries the workpiece into position for precise surface treatment. Source: Plasmatreat

OEM Redesigns Equipment to Incorporate XPlanar Floating Movers

The levitating material handling technology from Beckhoff is being used by Plasmatreat in its equipment to position materials beneath spray nozzles for plasma pre-treatment and coating.

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Automation Trends in Food Processing and Packaging: Robotics

Watch part one of this three-part series on top automation trends impacting food processing and packaging today.

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Device-to-Cloud Communications Bypass the Purdue Model

Endress+Hauser showcased how its Netillion platform bypasses the Purdue Model for more direct device to cloud communication while maintaining critical security levels.

Expected increase in spending in the automation technology areas where no spending decrease is forecast. Source: Automation World survey of industrial automation technology suppliers.

Automation Expectations: Discrete Manufacturing

To help illuminate expected trends in the industrial automation market in 2021, Automation World conducted a survey of technology suppliers to better understand how they see end-user plans developing.

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Injection Molding Machine Interface Bolsters Robot Integration

With the release of its injection molding machine interface, Universal Robots aims to help users of its e-Series cobots better integrate their assets for a smoother production flow.

Dick Slansky, senior analyst, ARC Advisory Group

How the Digital Twin Drives Smart Manufacturing

Discover how the digital twin is significantly impacting how companies implement smart manufacturing, in order to simulate, predict, optimize, and maintain products, assets, and production systems.

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The Logistics of Supply Chain Visibility

Tive and project44 team up to deliver the Open Visibility Network, a way to provide transparency between shippers, logistics service providers, brokers, and customers.

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Assessing Cloud Computing’s Value

When it comes to data analytics for operational improvement, cloud technologies have reduced the hurdles associated with the infrastructure, hardware, maintenance, and capital long needed for such efforts. But is it worth it for smaller manufacturers?

Flexible Robotics Boost Business for Contract Manufacturers

How Rapid Robotics’ Rapid Machine Operator collaborative robot can help small and medium-sized contract manufacturers surmount labor shortages and the traditional high cost of robotics.

With demands caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, West Liberty Foods had to shift more of its production from bulk food service packages to smaller retail packages for consumers.

COVID-19 Provides a Push for Digital Innovation

As food and beverage manufacturers scramble to keep workers safe and shelves stocked, many have moved forward with automation and digital transformation initiatives that might have only been on the radar before the pandemic.

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2021 Leadership in Automation: First Team Honorees

Automation World’s Leadership in Automation program reflects reader input on the companies they recognize as being outstanding suppliers of industrial automation technologies.

Technology Matters: Industrial Network and Sustainability Trends

In this video, we look at how automation technology advances are elevating the importance of industrial networks and how industrial sustainability efforts have—and have not—changed since 2016.

Walmart Ready to Create Automated Local Fulfillment Centers

The company is set to implement a new way to provide the speed and convenience of pickup and delivery customers want.