HomeGary Mintchell Issue PreviewWatch this short video on what's coming in the January 2012 issue of Automation World.Nov 21st, 2011HomeCPGs Lean on OEMs During the PandemicFrom equipment startups to training to more automation, manufacturers are asking machine builders to adopt new technology and service roles in difficult times.IIoTConnecting Sensors to the CloudThe “last mile” connection of lower-level plant floor devices to the cloud is the focus of a new partnership between ifm and CloudRail.HomeCloudRailCOVID-19Honeywell and Wolters Kluwer Connect Worker Safety TechnologiesIntegrating 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.SensorsVision and Control on One CPUThough 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.ControlWhat 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.RoboticsWhy ABB Recycles Its RobotsRemanufacturing programs for used robots appear to be a compelling business model for ABB, and a flexible option for various end-users.Plant MaintenanceThe Long Term Effects of Remote AccessThe 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.Plant MaintenanceSmart Glasses Ease Troubleshooting CommunicationBeumer 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.HomeRobotics Integration in End-of-Line PackagingShowing how various modules can be integrated into a packaging line with robotic capabilities, Brenton highlighted innovations in case packing and linear servo tracks.PEC 2020Motor/Drive Systems Maintain Speed Regardless of LoadOriental Motor highlighted its BMU and BLE2 series of high-performance, IP66 motors that feature speed and torque monitoring.HomeBlister Machine Features Vacuum System for Reject/TransferIn 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.PEC 2020Guided Analytics Software Streamlines Equipment MaintenanceAveva demonstrates how the guided analytics capabilities of its Insight software alerts users to performance anomalies, directs repairs, and provides deep, user-specific equipment details.PEC 2020Improving Product Quality with Automated TraceabilityOmron Automation demonstrates how it uses the MQTT industrial communication protocol to track work-in-process and finished goods.PEC 2020What 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.HomeOpportunities for Robotics in Omni-Channel FulfillmentFanuc 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.PEC 2020New Edge Computing Platform Combines Data, Analytics, and ControlThe forthcoming PACEdge IIoT controller from Emerson Automation Solutions combines Emerson’s technologies with those from its recent acquisitions of GE Intelligent Platforms and Progea.HomeEnd-of-Line Automation: Risk Reduction Through Digital Twin TechnologySee how digital twin technology can speed design and concept level processes for risk reduction and faster machine development solutions.HomeModular Platform for Healthcare ManufacturingOptima'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.HomeA Cobot for End-of-Line PalletizingYaskawa 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.
