Automation World's Most Popular Articles

The most popular online articles, as selected by the editors of Automation World.

Automation World's editors rounded up our best read articles featuring content discussing:

  • Flexible Manufacturing
  • Machine Learning
  • The rise of Linux

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Machine Learning Software Applications Continue to Expand
DataProphet’s Prescribe software uses machine learning algorithms to predict defects, faults, and quality errors, while prescribing control parameters to improve production.
Dec 2nd, 2020
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How Shell Global Manages Data Across Numerous Sites
Aveva’s Engineering Data Warehouse and its digital twin models are being used by Shell Global to achieve that much sought-after goal of data management—a single source of truth.
Dec 1st, 2020
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Using Time-Sensitive Networking to Improve Productivity
Explaining this new technology’s application in four industry verticals applications, Tom Burke of the CC-Link Partner Organization highlights the variety of ways in which Time-Sensitive Networking can boost production.
Dec 1st, 2020
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Flexible Feeding System for High Mix, Low Volume Manufacturers
By integrating robotics, vision, and intelligence, Engineered Vision’s Flex-Bot is designed to help surmount the specific challenges faced by small batch manufacturers.
Nov 30th, 2020
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CPGs Lean on OEMs During the Pandemic
From equipment startups to training to more automation, manufacturers are asking machine builders to adopt new technology and service roles in difficult times.
Nov 24th, 2020
CloudRail.Box features enable direct sensor-to-cloud connections.
Connecting Sensors to the Cloud
The “last mile” connection of lower-level plant floor devices to the cloud is the focus of a new partnership between ifm and CloudRail.
Nov 24th, 2020
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Nov 24th, 2020
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Honeywell and Wolters Kluwer Connect Worker Safety Technologies
Integrating workforce management and environmental health and safety technologies provides the flexibility and intelligence companies need to operate safely during the pandemic and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Nov 23rd, 2020
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Vision and Control on One CPU
Though combining multiple control functions on one controller is not particularly new, the high compute and bandwidth requirements of vision have typically required it to exist on a separate controller. Technology advances are changing that reality.
Nov 18th, 2020
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What is the Advantage of Combining Vision and Control Technologies?
In this episode, we connect with Daymon Thompson of Beckhoff USA to learn about the trend of combining previously separate automation functions into one system for ease of access and use, specifically the combination of vision and machine control.
Nov 18th, 2020
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Why ABB Recycles Its Robots
Remanufacturing programs for used robots appear to be a compelling business model for ABB, and a flexible option for various end-users.
Nov 18th, 2020
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The Long Term Effects of Remote Access
The virtual world is creating new end user expectations around how products are delivered and serviced, requiring OEMs and technology suppliers to partner in new ways.
Nov 16th, 2020
Using Beumer Smart Glasses provides operators with hands-free troubleshooting, and helps to mitigate the costs of a technician traveling to the customer site.
Smart Glasses Ease Troubleshooting Communication
Beumer has added augmented reality to the tools available to its customers while servicing equipment, enabling faster, easier support. The OEM even used the smart glasses technology to commission and install new equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nov 13th, 2020
The Brenton RP1000 robotic palletizer with integrated Orion MADX stretch wrapper.
Robotics Integration in End-of-Line Packaging
Showing how various modules can be integrated into a packaging line with robotic capabilities, Brenton highlighted innovations in case packing and linear servo tracks.
Nov 13th, 2020
Bryan Nguyen, engineering manager at Oriental Motor, demonstrates the BMU and BLE2 series of brushless motor and drive systems.
Motor/Drive Systems Maintain Speed Regardless of Load
Oriental Motor highlighted its BMU and BLE2 series of high-performance, IP66 motors that feature speed and torque monitoring.
Nov 13th, 2020
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Blister Machine Features Vacuum System for Reject/Transfer
In the compact TF1pro blister machine, a vacuum arm lifts ‘good’ blisters, precisely lowering them to the transfer actuator. Another key safeguard: an upper seal plate that retracts when web motion stops to prevent unnecessary heat exposure.
Nov 13th, 2020
With Aveva Insights, users can see details showing the specific operating parameters that have been crossed by the motor, the consequences of motor failure to the line, and prescriptive actions he can take to solve the issue.
Guided Analytics Software Streamlines Equipment Maintenance
Aveva demonstrates how the guided analytics capabilities of its Insight software alerts users to performance anomalies, directs repairs, and provides deep, user-specific equipment details.
Nov 13th, 2020
Brian Jeppesen, automation engineering supervisor at Omron Automation’s Technology Center, explains the Traceability 4.0 concept.
Improving Product Quality with Automated Traceability
Omron Automation demonstrates how it uses the MQTT industrial communication protocol to track work-in-process and finished goods.
Nov 12th, 2020
Machine-centric robotics is about merging the robot controller into the machine controller so that users can manage servo control, I/O, and visualization from one industrial PC.
What Is Machine-Centric Robotics?
End users’ increasing retrofits of machines to process more SKUs is driving the integration of ABB’s robots with B&R’s control system to speed up cycle times, minimize dwell times, and eliminate extra hardware like external encoders for tracking.
Nov 12th, 2020
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Opportunities for Robotics in Omni-Channel Fulfillment
Fanuc shares stats on e-commerce growth as well as provides insight on the opportunities for using robotics in a number points along the logistics supply chain.
Nov 12th, 2020
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Rich Carpenter, general manager, product management of machine automation solutions at Emerson Automation Solutions, demonstrates the capabilities the Movicon.NExT software adds to the forthcoming PACEdge IIoT.
New Edge Computing Platform Combines Data, Analytics, and Control
The forthcoming PACEdge IIoT controller from Emerson Automation Solutions combines Emerson’s technologies with those from its recent acquisitions of GE Intelligent Platforms and Progea.
Nov 12th, 2020
Shawn Cheney, Chief Controls Engineer at Pearson Packaging Systems,
End-of-Line Automation: Risk Reduction Through Digital Twin Technology
See how digital twin technology can speed design and concept level processes for risk reduction and faster machine development solutions.
Nov 12th, 2020
The new machine platform offers complete versatility: High performance, flexible formats and functional modules, including the OPTIMA Zero L1 for feminine hygiene and light incontinence products.
Modular Platform for Healthcare Manufacturing
Optima's new Zero machine platform offers extreme flexibility in packaging for a range of products in one system, including feminine hygiene and light incontinence products.
Nov 12th, 2020
Yaskawa Motoman HC20XP
A Cobot for End-of-Line Palletizing
Yaskawa Motoman’s HC20XP collaborative robot with a 1.7 meter reach is IP67-rated, easy to program, and safe and flexible enough to work alongside people or move between conveyors.
Nov 12th, 2020
B&R uses four of its technologies to create an adaptive machine: AcoposTrak, integrated machine vision, machine centric robotics, and digital twins.
The Adaptive Machine for Mass Customization
B&R’s adaptive machine concept includes its AcoposTrak, integrated machine vision, machine centric robotics, and digital twin technologies.
Nov 11th, 2020
The Alvey890i palletizing system from Honeywell Intelligrated analyzes real time and historic data to detect any condition that could impact performance.
Palletizer System with Built-In Analytics
The Alvey 890i series from Honeywell Inteligrated is a fully automated palletizing system that also analyzes real time and historic data to detect any performance-impacting conditions.
Nov 11th, 2020
Kate Cramer, automation engineer at Omron Automation, explains the features and functions of the new HD-1500 autonomous mobile robot.
Autonomous Mobile Robot
Omron’s new HD-1500 mobile robot is guided by sensors and laser technology to move safely around production environments to pick up and drop off materials and products.
Nov 11th, 2020
Aaron Donlan, product manager at Epson Robots, explains the features and capabilities of the new C12XL robot.
High-Payload, High-Reach, Lightweight 6-Axis Robot
The C12XL 6-axis robot from Epson Robots is the company’s highest payload, highest reach robot and can be used for packaging, kitting, machine tending, or palletizing.
Nov 11th, 2020
Nord Gear's LogiDrive system includes a high efficiency Nord gearbox, IE4 or IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motor, a decentralized variable frequency drive, M12 signal connectors, and an incremental encoder.
Modular Drive System with High-Efficiency Motor
With an eye toward reducing total cost of ownership, the new drive system from Nord Gear features high-efficiency components such as Nord’s high efficiency gearbox and compatibility with IE4 or IE5 motors.
Nov 10th, 2020
Worker using Honeywell Intelligrated's TechSight to receive guided maintenance assistance.
Audio-Visual Headset for Maintenance and Repair
TechSight from Honeywell Intelligrated allows for hands-free visualization of maintenance and repair procedures with remote support.
Nov 10th, 2020
ABB's IRB 390 has a 35% faster pick speed and 45% increase in payload (up to 15 kg), compared to ABB’s IRB 360-8/1130 FlexPicker.
Delta Robots for Packaging Line Optimization
New pick-and-place robot from ABB picks faster, handles higher payloads, and operates with software that uses digital twin technology to optimize packaging station design.
Nov 10th, 2020
Lenze's i950’s drive-based motion includes two of the servo drive’s modes: drive parameterization using Lenze’s pre-configured FAST software application and custom configuration using IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
IIoT-Enabled, Multi-Purpose Servo Drive
The new i950 servo drive from Lenze features three modes, providing flexibility to OEMs to use the drive in multiple standard and custom-configured packaging machine applications.
Nov 10th, 2020