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A controller uses a quantitative process model and modifies controller tuning based on how the process responds in relation to the model prediction.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation An organization’s business model sets out how it will create and deliver value.Over the years, such models have increased in sophistication depending on advances in technology. Emerging, innovative technology can change existing business models or create new ones altogether.

As part of a corporate initiative, Columbia Tech and Cogmedix were both investing in new systems to help the companies grow, enhance consistency, and improve quality and traceability. This included upgrading their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and adopting Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.

Swissbit produces industrial-grade flash memory products and memory cards with security features for embedded systems in its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Berlin. The new site will be ready for the volume manufacturing of the Norwegian company Hiddn Solutions’ products.

The report reveals how cities will even achieve independence in water, food and energy: they may still import but they can export too and be secure against increasingly violent weather and increasingly risky supply in the meantime.

GE Ventures also will host an additive manufacturing panel discussion, featuring thought leaders focused on innovations in 3D printing for the industrial sector.

This device can monitor digital on/off status, actuate relay outputs, and transmit or receive 4–20 mA signals over distances up to 20 miles. The I/O signals can be mirrored at other stations in the wireless network or mapped to Modbus RTU for integration into a Modbus host system.

Driven by the company’s KLA05 Linear Actuator, the product requires AC or DC electrical power to operate, and allows for displacement or pressure control when additional sensors are used.

Ruggedized to meet IEC 60068-2-6 (Vibration), IEC 60068-2-27 (Shock), MIL-STD-810F (Thermal Shock) and UL 62368-1 approved extends the application base of these power supplies into industrial markets.

Based on a patented microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tunable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), these light sources include an active power control that maintains constant output power over the lifetime of the laser.

Applications for the AT20-300 Motorized Vertical Lift Stage include: Positioning of Flasks, stirrers, hotplates, and other lab equipment, testing, inspection, assembly, sampling, laser drilling and machining in a broad range of industrial, medical, semiconductor, and research applications.

This year, Moxa competed with over 6,300 entries produced by designers and manufacturers from 59 countries. A jury of 40 experts assessed the submissions based on criteria such as degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, longevity and ecological compatibility.

Novotek’s future of automation event, on October 11, 2018, will cover a range of subjects related to the industry, encompassing everything from manufacturing intelligence and data visualisation to securing industrial processes and the role of machine learning in industrial plant management and maintenance.

By Robert Glass, Food & Beverage, ABB Food safety has been one of the top priorities for food manufacturers and consumers for many years. This article explains how smart technologies are helping manufacturers exceed food safety standards.

I was impressed by a tour of the Valpak Manufacturing Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, hosted by Siemens, which is a great example of a company applying Industry 4.0 make to order manufacturing concepts.

Weighing less than 10kg, and capable of being mounted from a ceiling, table and wall, this addition to the YuMi family offers increased flexibility to help meet high-mix, low volume production in short cycles.

The drives operateat ambient temperatures from –30 °C to +60 °C. Torque fluctuations are minimal thanks to the special rotor design. This provides for torque synchronisation and a low noise level.

Zero-Max Crown drives feature heat treated AGMA Class 10 spiral bevel gears. This combination of bearing design and lubrication formulation ensures maintenance free operation for industrial applications.

The Boundless Switching function supports extended desktops with up to eight monitors when two switches are daisy-chained, speeding up switching between computers.

NORD’s NSD TUPH surface conversion system is designed for many food and beverage industry applications, where drive technology is exposed to extreme ambient conditions and highly corrosive environments.