Articles and News

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com You know that feeling when you walk past a machine, and something just doesn’t quite sound right? This article discusses the use of audio analysis sensors and deep learning technology to predict equipment problems and generate alerts for preventative maintenance actions.

The Profibus-enabled, ATEX-rated failsafe Rotork actuators have been installed in critical valve areas to prevent potential spillages by automatically closing-off the flow of fuel on receipt of an overfill alarm signal.

The intention is to present a harmonized standard on the VDW’s “Safety Day” at the EMO Hannover on 19 September 2017.

The effort is designed to give high school and technical school graduates a basic-to-advanced machine tool knowledge that will benefit them in future careers as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists.

The agreement comprises the jointly developed H-system termination boards and associated modules from Pepperl+Fuchs, which are connected through pre-assembled system cables to the connector boards of the HIMax family.

According to the results of the VDMA incoming order and turnover statistics, the European machine vision industry grew by 10 percent in 2016 in comparison with the previous year.

By Peter Martin, Schneider Electric Process Automation Connected products are expected to approach 30 billion by 2020, with utilities, telecommunications and manufacturing as the top three verticals using IoT. The revolution is that finally companies have the real opportunity to move from managing their business to actually controlling it.

Selected in the sensor category, the United Electric Safety Transmitter (ST) incorporates a logic solver and high capacity safety relay output (SRO) in addition to an industry standard transmitter and an explosion-proof enclosure.

In the past year Cypress Ridge sought Exele's help to convert their hardwired TAPI-based telephone alarm notification system to use Voice-Over-IP (VOIP).

As part of Honeywell's INspire program, the two companies will work to achieve a simple-to-use infrastructure that gives customers secure methods to capture and aggregate data so that it can be leveraged by using analytics

The acquisition of Incus strengthens ams’ position in the market for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) solutions where ams is currently a supplier of analog ANC to headphone and earphone OEMs.

The HIMA SIL 3 platform combines all safety functions and machinery control, including overspeed trip and anti-surge control and meets all requirements of API 670 5th edition.

Jordan, who has several patents related to fast alignment techniques, was central in the development of PI's Multi-Channel Photonics Alignment System, a system that automates SiP alignments for packaging and test, operating with nanometer precision and device safety.

By Thomas R. Cutler, Manufacturing Media Consortium The notions of safety and profitability are not mutually exclusive. This article discusses cost-effective ways how automation can help facilitate your organizational safety

The LaserGuardian from SICK and The HawkEye Effect software provides the ability to know the exact location of an intrusion and pinpoint it on an overview of the facility or interior blueprint.

The motor, which provides the plant with finely ground coal dust to meet the plant's primary energy needs, is operated in a hazardous area classified as zone 22.

This year, five individuals were presented with awards at the recent ISA Leaders Meeting by Nicholas P. Sands of DuPont, the 2015-16 Vice President of ISA’s S&P Department.

Strategically located in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, this 3,300 square-foot office adds greater local sales and engineering presence for customers in Ohio and the Great Lakes region.

The presentations will focus on how technology suppliers are working to help food and beverage manufacturers meet FSMA requirements. The in-booth presentation will be delivered at the SICK booth by Erik Phillips, US Director of Sales and Business Development at AutoCoding Systems.

Determining whether to use in-house staff to perform maintenance or to outsource to a contractor is a source of continual headaches for many a company. The decision-making process will come down to three approaches to maintenance management