HomeMichael BelfioreAutomation World Contributing WriterRoboticsHumanoid Collaborative RobotDigit is a collaborative robot that can work alongside humans in factory environments to perform a variety of tasks.AnalyticsThe Benefits of Off-The-Shelf SOP Management SoftwareBeing able to keep track of every step and every bit of data is a major necessity to every organization. An off-the-shelf standard operating procedure software is one way to implement new processes and keep track of a business operating standards.AnalyticsUnderstanding Analytics Software for IndustryFrom knowing the difference between basic and advanced analytics to applying the technology to address operations ranging from production to human resources, understanding analytics is fast becoming critical to the manufacturing and processing industries.ControlBardstown Bourbon Upgrades HMI for Strategic ConnectivityMoving to a new HMI built from Inductive Automation’s software platform allows Bardstown Bourbon to automatically deliver work orders from its ERP system, implement a custom batch tracking system, and deliver data to mobile devices.WorkforceDon’t Forget the Operator—The Importance of Proper Training With New SystemsWhen designing a new system, there are many things that need to be considered and thoroughly planned out. But one aspect of a system is typically thrown to the wayside, and that is its user-friendliness.WorkforceWearable Sensor for Worker SafetyThe Fuse sensor is designed to be worn by workers to capture data up to 300,000 times per shift for safety analyses.IIoTIs Our Approach to Artificial Intelligence Wrong?Will our use of AI doom humans to Alan Turing’s prediction that machines will one day take control, or can a different approach to the technology still deliver the benefits without endangering us?HomeAre Virtual Assistants Headed to the Plant Floor?Intelligent agent technology promises to boost operations and engineering efficiencies by delivering ready access to critical data and encouraging more natural interactions with industrial equipment.HomeAn Appeal to Support Our Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure WorkersThe COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be a tremendous global challenge that we must work together to defeat. Now, our essential and critical workers are being relied upon to provide the services we expect every day and we must do everything to support them.SensorsPlug-and-Play Safety SensorsThe installation of safety sensors has, traditionally, been a long and expensive process, but newer safety sensor models are changing the requirements of this process.HomeDistilleries Refit to Fill Hand-Sanitizer GapDuring World War II, Ford made tanks instead of cars and Maytag made plane parts instead of washing machines. With hand sanitizer being the small-arms munitions of today’s pandemic crisis, cosmetics and distilleries are joining the war effort.COVID-19The Potential of ERP Amid a PandemicAutomation on the plant floor can keep production flowing to refill store shelves. But the biggest problem manufacturers face right now is a disruption to the supply chain.AnalyticsHow to Get a Quick ROI from Analytics SoftwareIn this episode, we connect with Matt Boese of Columbus Global to better understand how to assess analytics software and how manufacturers and processors can effectively apply analytics for a fast return on investment.DesignFord Motor Drives COVID-19 Medical MissionResponding to the Coronavirus crisis, the automotive manufacturer teams up with 3M and GE Healthcare to expand production of much-needed medical equipment.Plant MaintenanceMaintenance Leads Dana Inc.’s Digital TransformationA look at how Dana Inc. is digitizing to improve production operations, reduce costs, and train workers using Fluke’s emaint CMMS as a core tool in the process.HomePackaging and Processing Industry COVID-19 ResourcesPMMI collated resources for the industry to navigate business in uncertain times.MotionNord Gear's Condition Monitoring SoftwareDan Breitbarth of Nord Gear demonstrates how the company’s condition monitoring software works on Nord’s variable frequency drives, which have internal PLCs for data analysis and Ethernet communication capabilities to transmit data to dashboards.HomeModular Machine Maximizes Production With Linear Transport TechnologyWith modular machines making their way onto the factory floor, the Swiss machine builder and system integrator, Credimex, took advantage of linear transport technology to enhance production and create flexible and expandable processing stations.HomeOEM Covid-19 Response #4: Morrison Container & F.R. DrakeSpecial UnPACKED with PMMI podcast series offers operational best practices for dealing with the pandemic.CommunicationWhere Ethernet (Still) Isn’tAutomation World’s latest poll revisits our 2016 survey on the state of industrial Ethernet adoption. The numbers seem to suggest nothing much has changed. But is that what’s really going on?
