HomeTerry CostlowContributing EditorPlant MaintenanceHow Developing a Batching System’s Phases Is all About BalanceThere are a lot of parts to be aware of when developing a flexible batching system. However, if you want to ensure operational efficiency, developing well-balanced phases is the most integral piece.HomeMotion Controls Market to Exceed $15 billion by 2023Among the sectors helping drive a more positive outlook for motion controls are food and beverage machinery, packaging machinery, robotics, and material handling equipmentRoboticsB&R Integrates ABB Robotics for Machine BuildersThe merger of ABB’s robotics with B&R’s machine control components into one software architecture is designed to ease the component purchasing and development process for OEMs creating highly synchronized automation applications.HomeWood Packaging Producer Achieves Productivity GainsDenmark’s biggest wood packaging producer recently upgraded to a CC-Link IE communications network to achieve an estimated $330,700 USD in annual savings.HomeWhere Are They Now? An Open Process Automation Forum UpdateAs the group readies version 2.0 of its open process automation standard, there’s an overarching feeling of unity but an underlying concern about what this architecture really means for manufacturers and industrial control suppliers in the future.RoboticsMitsubishi Extends Cobot Capabilities to Industrial RobotsThrough a new partnership with Realtime Robotics, Mitsubishi is increasing the capabilities of its collaborative robot technology for use with industrial robots.HomeDigital Maturity: A United ViewAutomation World survey results highlight the importance of corporate and plant floor alignment for digital transformation initiatives.HomeMobile and Collaborative Robots Ratchet Up Flexible PackagingCobots and autonomous mobile robots figured prominently at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, helping to provide more efficient packaging operations. In some cases, automation suppliers are even combining the technologies.HomeRobots and Cobots Chip in to Pack Food for Hungry KidsShowcasing the capabilities of several automation suppliers in the Robotics Zone at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, a PMMI cooperation with Blessings in a Backpack filled more than 6,000 bags of food for kids facing food insecurity.IIoTRockwell Automation Launches Its Digital Partner ProgramAs more industrial companies look to digitally transform their operations, Rockwell Automation is growing its Digital Partner Program to help guide and simplify the deployment of advanced digital technologies.FactoryHarting Highlights Software and Single Pair EthernetNoting a shift in its approach to incorporate data communication related software, Harting also announces the formation of a network of companies committed to advancing the development and application of single pair Ethernet technology.SponsoredDiscover the Secrets of a Successful Automation ProjectLearn about planning and project management, building your machine or automated system, and technologies to improve manufacturing outcomes. Automation World’s free resource features 150 pages on managing automation projects from start to finish.FactoryHow IO-Link Benefits OEMs and End UsersAlready popular in Europe, the IO-Link industrial communication technology is reportedly growing by double digits in the U.S. Learn why this point-to-point data communication method is increasingly preferred across industry for delivering device data.HomeTransforming OEMs into Living BusinessesAs the market changes, it becomes difficult for some organizations to keep up. Transitioning into a living business may be one of the keys to sustaining success in the ever-changing global market.IIoTHow Business Process Modeling can Prepare you for Digital TransformationPlanning to move your organization into a more digital environment can often be complex, but it’s happening whether you like it or not. Business process modeling can help you plan your digital transformation and ease into the digital space.FactoryBosch Rexroth and Siemens Collaborate with Qualcomm on 5GWith 5G in the early stages of deployment across the globe, Europe looks to lead the way in proving the network’s benefit for manufacturing applications.IIoTThe Drive as a SensorGathering more data from machines doesn’t necessarily mean adding more sensors. Lenze highlights how manufacturers can use data from existing drives for applications such as condition monitoring and preventative maintenance.FactoryFoxconn Upgrades Quality with Video AnalyticsUsing HPE Pointnext services to deploy machine learning at the edge, Foxconn is able to address quality assurance issues in its production of highly customizable IT servers.HomeImplementing Modern Technology to Reduce Downtime TroubleshootingIntroducing the newest technology to your facility may come with a steep learning curve, but the benefits are especially large when it comes to a reduction in downtime troubleshooting.FactoryHow An Umbrella System Integrator Helps Consolidate TasksIn any automation project, there are multiple tasks that need to be handled all at the same time. An Umbrella System Integrator can help an organization consolidate these issues and ultimately help manufacturers reach their productivity goals.
