Shop Talk | April 2017

May 9th, 2017

Our writers share insights on the interesting—and sometimes quirky—automation applications they’re covering outside the factory environment. Focus includes personal robot assistants, translation wearables, UPS use of drones and farming in space.

Can MES Replace SCADA?

A look at the overlaps and differences between SCADA and MES technologies and how their functions can be combined, with an example of a manufacturer that has done it.

5G Expands Autonomous Mobile Robot Capabilities

At TCL’s plant in Huizhou, China, improved 5G wireless connectivity enabled the company to add dozens of ForwardX autonomous mobile robots to improve production operations.

Festo uses predictive maintenance in the automotive industry to increase efficiency in the maintenance of servo-pneumatic welding guns by avoiding unforeseen downtimes and service and complaint costs. Source: Festo.

How Festo Applies Artificial Intelligence for Predictive Applications

To showcase the use of AI in its automation technologies, Festo highlighted two use cases involving predictive maintenance and predictive energy.

Based on linear servo track technology, the Orboter has movers called “Probots” on which actuators can be mounted.

Wireless Network for Manufacturing Offers the Reliability of Wired IO-Link

The use of wireless in manufacturing plants is still met with a good deal of skepticism today. Much of this doubt is based on experience with traditional wireless, which is simply not reliable because it’s neither fast enough nor scalable.

Blake Griffin, senior analyst, Interact Analysis presenting on predictive maintenance strategies at PMMI's Executive Leadership Conference.

Live at the ELC: OEMs Can Monetize Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is an emerging technology for packaging and processing equipment that has the potential to disrupt the OEM business model.

Solve Integration Challenges Using Rich Data from Your Instrumentation

Solve Integration Challenges Using Rich Data from Your Instrumentation

Advanced communication protocols enable ultra-fast, real-time information exchange and control between PLC/DCS and intelligent digital instrumentation. Learn how the integration, start-up, and productivity of industrial process systems can be improved.

Randy Otto, CEO, ECS Solutions

Additional Report Parameters Enhance Process Performance

Looking to gain more insight into your company’s quality, cost, personnel, and energy activities to make more informed decisions? Start by contextualizing your data with parameters suggested by ECS Solution’s CEO.

Why the “As-a-Service” Model is Changing Automation Technology Purchases

Learn how software-as-a-service and machines-as-a-service business models are changing how manufacturers purchase, use, and upgrade their industrial automation technologies in this 'Take Five with Automation World' video.

Beckhoff Highlights Material Handling and Machine Vision Updates

Beckhoff’s press conference at Hannover Messe focused on new functionalities for its XTS, XPlanar, and TwinCAT Vision products.

Operator load station application using FreeMove and Fanuc robot.

Safety Certification Issued for Industrial Collaborative Robot Technology

Veo Robotics’ FreeMove system receives ISO 13849 safety certification from TÜV Rheinland.

Applications for this AI-powered imaging system include printed circuit board inspection, detection of foreign objects, identification of surface level metal defects, and product uniformity issues.

Flir Systems and Neurala Develop AI-Powered Industrial Machine Vision

The goal of combining artificial intelligence with industrial vision systems is to enable manufacturers to place automated inspection points anywhere and be able to quickly reconfigure them for new applications as needed.

Check out The Cobot Spot from Universal Robots

Check out The Cobot Spot from Universal Robots

Looking for automation solutions for packaging and palletizing? This is your destination for all things cobot. Whether it’s webinars, video case studies or product information, you’ll find it all in this one spot.

Cybersecurity Concerns Grow in Post-COVID Era

As industrial networks migrate to the cloud, cybersecurity threats in the manufacturing sector are increasing in tow. Watch this Take Five video to find out what industries are being targeted, who these e-criminals are, and how to protect your factory.

How Intelligence is Powering Supply Chain’s Next Wave

Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are behind a host of emerging applications, especially for manufacturing demand planning and warehouse applications.

The future of AI includes semantically aware cognitive robots.

A New Class of Machine Will Be Born Robotic

In the future every machine will be an intelligent and “understanding” robot if it’s using the code-free Robust.AI cognitive engine.

Digital twins can be used to help optimize production lines, including motor and drive configurations.

Motors and Drives Come Together for Motion Efficiency, Performance, Reliability

Beyond the advances made to both motors and drives in terms of energy efficiency, safety, cleanability, and more, suppliers emphasize the importance of how they work together in a complete motion system.

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Nozomi Networks’ Cybersecurity Added to ABB and Tempered Networks’ Products

Nozomi’s real-time network visibility becomes part of ABB’s distributed control system and Tempered Network’s Airwall technology.

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Spatial Computing and Digital Twin Drive Interactive AR Simulations

PTC’s Vuforia Engine Area Targets brings augmented reality and digital twin technologies together to create interactive, photorealistic simulations of factory environments.

HP 3D printers at Ford.

Ford and Nissan Use HP 3D Printing to Address Production Sustainability

Used 3D-printed powders and parts are being turned into components for Ford’s Super Duty F-250 trucks; the technology is also being used to create replacement parts for older Nissan models.

Why the Age of IIoT Demands a New Security Paradigm

As manufacturers modernize for data-driven business, industrial automation has become a target for cyber attacks. Here’s how companies should assess and plan for a new cybersecurity landscape.

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Tim Ingalls, Project Engineer, Superior Controls

Protect OT from Cybersecurity Attacks

A Superior Controls’ project engineer shares their insights into determining how vulnerable your factory is to cybersecurity threats, changes you can take to secure your company, and understanding the IT/OT convergence.

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Industrial Cybersecurity Concerns Heat Up in The Era of COVID-19

A look at how specific cybersecurity threats have grown precipitously in the past two years, according to a new report from CrowdStrike.

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Automation Investment Trends in Discrete Manufacturing | Schneider Electric Calls for Universal Automation

In this 'Take Five with Automation World' video, you’ll find out which automation technologies are expected to receive the heaviest investments in 2021 and why Schneider Electric is calling for industry to embrace the concept of universal automation.

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Is Your Company Prepared to Make the Digital Transformation?

Emerson’s new Digital Maturity Quick Index tool combines financial and business objectives data to create a picture of where digital transformation programs can have the greatest impact.

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Fanuc and Rockwell Automation Create Apprenticeship Coalition

With skilled labor shortages remaining on the horizon for most manufacturers, Fanuc and Rockwell Automation have partnered to develop an apprenticeship program to foster an automation-savvy workforce.

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Why CPG Manufacturers Are Embracing the Technology Service Model

For both software and equipment, consumer packaged goods manufacturers are increasingly adopting the “as-a-service” model for its scalability and continuous improvement capabilities.

Luigi De Bernardini, CEO at Autoware and President of Autoware Digital.

Is the Pandemic Changing the Client Supplier Relationship?

COVID-19 has transformed individual's and businesses' approach to technology, production, and community. However, these changes will last beyond the pandemic, continuing to impact the approach businesses must take to the client supplier relationship.

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Connected Hardhat for Hazardous Environments

Guardhat’s IECEx and ATEX Zone One safety certified IS-HC1.1 Communicator Hardhat is helping to overcome the challenges associated with using Internet of Things technology in distant, dangerous locations.

ServiceNow combines data from equipment and systems to align operations, maintenance, quality, safety, and reporting processes.

How Digital Workflows Improve Manufacturing Operations

Operations workflow software is about more than directing workers from point A to point B; it can also dramatically reduce downtime, improve cybersecurity, and reduce labor and maintenance costs.

What Are Digital Workflows for Manufacturing?

In this episode, we connect with James Destro of ServiceNow to learn how digital workflow software can provide visibility into plant floor equipment and direct operations on a day-to-day basis to connect people, functions, and systems.

In KUKA Robotics’ machining operations department, the company manufactures components used for the production of its own robots. Here, robots are used to produce 14 components that are installed in the adjacent robot assembly shop. Source: KUKA Robotics

How to Assess the Value of Robot Investments

According to robot supplier KUKA Robotics, determining the value of a robot depends most heavily on total cost of ownership.

Brian Fenn, Vice President of Operations, Avanceon.

Defense Against the Dark (PID Tuning) Arts

Learn more about the intricacies of PID Tuning and the questions that can plague System Integrators even after tuning a loop.