Articles and News

By Bill Dehner, AutomationDirect.com A recent study by the Identity Theft Resource Center concluded that in 2016 U.S companies and government agencies were breached 1,093 times. That’s a new record and a 40% increase from the 780 breaches in 2015.

By Cory Fogg, Automation.com Smaller manufacturers wishing to automate, may not have all the specialists they need on staff. With hiring processes taking days or weeks, the FactoryFix automated platform is working to connect these manufacturers with specialists in minutes

The Rate-Predictive Control (RPC) algorithm earned a United States patent in 2016 and is an inherently adaptive (or “naturally self-tuning”) process control algorithm.

This follows the acquisition of the Automated Technology Group (ATG), one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of control and power solutions for industrial automation, in September 2015.

Nemaska Lithium is developing the Whabouchi spodumene deposit to meet the growing global demand for lithium batteries to be used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as in various consumer electronics.

The AMCI by IDEC product line includes controllers, stepper motors, and integrated solutions for the FC6A MicroSmart PLC. Integration is a combination of two or more components that usually make up a system.

Red Trident, an industrial control systems (ICS) cyber security and process automation firm focused on protecting critical infrastructure, has joined the Bedrock Automation Systems Integration Network.

AES needed an expert integrator who knew the demands of recycling firsthand, with an engineering staff that could coordinate the equipment and automate the entire facility. Vecoplan, an industry provider of building and automating recycling technology, knew it could take on that project.

By Jonathan Wilkins, EU Automation This article discusses the evolution of the programmable logic controller (PLC), and predicts what the future might hold for this crucial piece of equipment.

With the integration of the OPC Unified Architecture Standard (OPC UA) into operation and control systems, both existing machines and new designs can be made IoT ready, and so can be integrated into the Smart Factory environment.

The goal of the project is to minimize adverse effects and make sure associated industry players are represented as the Swiss government makes important decisions that promote a sustainable environment.

By Alex West, IHS Markit Early this month ABB; a supplier of robotics, process automation, and electrification components, acquired B&R Automation, an industrial software and automation hardware company. So what does the B&R Automation acquisition mean for ABB?

By Dan DeYoung, Rockwell Automation Implementing a smart manufacturing approach requires an automation system that can keep up with these demands – a system that integrates all smart devices on a single network with one control platform. Automation systems must be able to deliver the promise of smart manufacturing

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com As automation technology gets more advanced, with more capabilities, so to does it come with an increasing number of cyber security vulnerabilities. As such, this week’s Deep Dive will revolve around Deloitte's new cyber risk platform

By Don Pham, IDEC New laser scanner technology allows plant personnel to address safety challenges with more comprehensive coverage zones and configurations. This article will explore some of these technology advancements and discuss how they help improve safety and optimize operations.

Automated Control Concepts, Inc (ACC), announced that key executive team members have been promoted to advanced roles within the company as the company founder, Robert Tomasetta, retires from the operational role he has held for 34 years to serve as Chairman of the Board.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com Connecting the manufacturing plant floor with the business enterprise through a single, open network has been an elusive goal in today's automation industry. Many industrial automation people believe that TSN will become a high volume, low cost technology with adoption by automotive and consumer industries

Teel Plastics was inspired to find a solution that would allow operators to control all pieces electronically and reduce human error. They ultimately found that Kepware’s IoT Gateway for KEPServerEX provided the way to control all the essential components.

The combination is intended to result in a comprehensive offering for customers of industrial automation, by pairing B&R's products, software and solutions for modern machine and factory automation with ABB’s offering in robotics, process automation, digitalization and electrification.

Dr. Wade—who has more than 50 years of experience designing, applying and installing process control systems—says the updated edition builds upon the real-world experiences and process knowledge of engineers and technicians to demonstrate the application of successful regulatory control strategies and techniques.