Renee Bassett

Managing Editor

Operator safety

Safety Engineering Meets Behavioral Science

Technological advances might require safety engineers and machine operators to rethink safety needs. The latest Automation World survey reveals how the human side of safety engineering is evolving, and what challenges lie ahead.

This thermoforming machine from Fabri-Kal manufacturers drinking cups.

From Sustainable Packaging to Sustainable Packaging Machines

PC-based control of plastic thermoforming machines enables one packaging machine maker to enhance overall data collection, enjoy easier programming, and enable better machine performance.

Keithly Project Manager Zach Bryson uses a Fluke CNX compatible infrared camera to inspect fuses and power capacitors while the iFLY system is under load.

Lessons Learned: Preventive Maintenance Keeps Skydivers Flying

Visual inspections, multiple electrical tests, and infrared inspections of the electrical system for a vertical wind tunnel help avoid costly downtime.

Los Alamos Laboratories technology is being licensed by Whitewood Encryption Systems.

Promise of Real-Time Encryption at High Data Rates

After 20 years of development, Los Alamos National Laboratories is licensing cybersecurity technology based on quantum systems. If implemented on a wide scale, quantum key distribution technology could be the next frontier for truly secure industrial data systems.

More from Renee Bassett

Beckhoff Automation's Graham Harris (left) and Aurelio Banda

Beckhoff North America Names New President

Aurelio Banda takes over the helm as the subsidiary’s current president, Graham Harris, assumes a regional management role as part of a planned transition.

Wonderware SmartGlance MyAlerts Watch

Superheroes of Industry Eye Wearable Tech

Smart watches take mobility to the next level, shrinking a machine interface down to the size of a tea bag. Industrial applications for wearable tech are starting to emerge, and the possibilities are intriguing for plant managers, engineers and technicians.

Belden to Acquire Tripwire

Belden to Acquire Tripwire, a Leader in Cybersecurity, for $710 Million

The company expects to incorporate Tripwire technology into selected Belden products to help customers deploy and secure the Internet of Things.

John Genovesi, Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation Appeals to Users Seeking a ‘Modern DCS’

The message from Rockwell Automation during its 2014 Process Systems Users Group meeting was “we heard you” as it unveiled the new features of its PlantPAx process automation system at PSUG 2014.

Sharing is good

Collaboration Makes Automation Software More Accessible

Makers of industrial automation products are discovering that closed software development environments may be a thing of the past. But there is something besides open source development. The PACTware Consortium demonstrates the benefits of a “shared source” business model.

Opto 22 groov View app

Mobile HMI: Facilities Technician Accesses Essential Information

A compact operator interface running on an Android smartphone securely monitors and controls compressors, lighting, air conditioning units and more.

Eaton Pro-Fx software

PC-based Control and ‘Smart Valves” Improve Machine Hydraulics

By embedding intelligence into hydraulic products, Eaton is helping create more intelligent machinery.

Rockwell Automation wants to help food, beverage and pharma plants better manage their batch processes.

Help for the Most Difficult Type of Manufacturing

Abnormal situation management for continuous processing is normal operating procedure for batch processing. A new starter kit from Rockwell Automation can give batch control programmers a leg up on coding the complicated starts, stops and holding steps in food, beverage and pharma process operations.

Low moisture foods include nuts, cereals, chocolate and more.

Hygienic Equipment Design for Low Moisture Foods

The Alliance for Innovation and Operational Excellence (AIOE), founded in 2011 by PMMI—The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, brings together CPG production and engineering professionals with suppliers to address issues of common concern. Their latest guidance document covers hygienic equipment for low moisture foods.