Articles and News

Under the terms of the agreement, Schneider Electric will supply its EcoStruxure system architecture and platform, comprising its EcoStruxure Foxboro distributed control system, Triconex process safety solutions, PIONIR analytical fuels blending systems and a suite of SimSci and Wonderware software solutions at Dangote’s greenfield refinery in Lagos, Nigeria.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced that Executive Director and CEO, Patrick Gouhin, will be stepping down. Peggie W. Koon will serve as Interim Executive Director, while a Search Committee will be formed in the immediate future to identify Mr. Gouhin’s successor.

By John Hayes, Vecna Robotics All those sensors on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) which prevent collisions (with people, equipment, or building structures) are collecting data. Few AGV manufacturers have found a way to concretize these data and make them actionable, predictive, and fundamentally useful.

The webinar, open only to those companies which participated in the study, provided insight into how companies weathered the difficult market conditions in 2016 when depressed oil prices severely affected business in this industry.

As an existing SimSci user, JFE Engineering chose to upgrade to SimCentral to take advantage of its unified platform-based solution, which is expected to result in greater opportunities for efficiency, collaboration and the re-use of simulation assets.

Memosens sensors measure the pH-value in liquids, for example, and transform it into a digital signal while still in the sensor. The data is then passed on via a contactless system and provides measurement results.

Being a sister event of the SPS IPC Drives from Nuremberg Germany, SIAF will showcase a variety of products from its related sectors including robotics, machine vision, sensors and measurements, connectivity systems, drives systems and control technologies, bringing a one-stop marketing and knowledge exchange opportunity to the Chinese industry.

Driven by globalization, intensifying competition and rising customer demand for more options and higher quality products, a connected plant floor has become a necessity. Zebra’s survey shows the number of organizations achieving a fully connected factory is expected to rise dramatically over the next five years.

Under the terms of the agreement, Claroty will market its real-time OT/ICS network monitoring and detection solution to Schneider Electric's customers through the company's Collaborative Automation Partner Program (CAPP).

The specification “PLCopen Safe Motion” version 1.0 – official release – is now available on the PLCopen website for downloading. This new solution is based on an existing functionality as already specified in PLCopen Safety: SF_SafetyRequest.

By Zach Arnold, Arnold Machine Material handling conveyors are often a key element of automated manufacturing systems. They safely and efficiently transfer parts across the warehouse floor from station to station or even through other automated systems.

By Robert Glass, ABB As food manufacturing plants become more connected through the Industrial Internt of Things (IIoT), the threat of cyber-attacks and how much damage they can do, has increased. This article offers advice on how to ensure your manufacturing process is kept secure.

The training course is for Steam Plant Operations, Steam Plant Maintenance Personnel, Steam Plant Supervisors/Managers, Facility Operations/Maintenance Personnel and anyone associated with energy conversion.

By Marianne Williams, Emerson This article explains how the latest generation of vibrating fork level switches feature increased health monitoring functionality, which enables maintenance to be planned and process availability to be increased

5ME’s multi-patented cryogenic machining process is a technology designed to enable higher metal removal rates and longer tool life by delivering liquid nitrogen at 321°F through the spindle/turret, cutter body, cutting tool, and directly to the cutting edge.

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com There is a great deal of hype around IIoT, and much of it may never be realized, but Fluke and their Accelix platform is a real-world solution which may finally deliver the tangible IIoT gains that companies have been yearning for.

As part of a five year, $15 million roll-out investment in technology, Jesse Garant Metrology Center’s latest expansion includes a more diverse range of advanced imaging systems, including industrial CT systems for inspecting large parts and assemblies.

By Tom Bass, Emerson Automation Solutions Pumps in remote locations can be monitored with wireless transmitters in a cost-effective manner to improve uptime, avoid incidents and increase reliability.

In addition to RMR Enclosures, AmerisourceBergen also deployed CPI eConnect Monitored Power Distribution Units (PDUs), cable management and thermal management accessories.

The report highlights a number of challenges and suggests that more technical security testing has a significant role to play in ensuring higher levels of security assurance are met.