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Automation.com, January 2013 By Bill Lydon, Editor This article is an update to my 2012 Trends Article and expresses my thoughts on major automation and control trends for 2013 and beyond. These opinions are based on a wide range of inputs from users, suppliers and industry consultants, and from attending numerous events.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) will host an exclusive press event for editors - CEO Round Table Discussion - at AUTOMATE in Chicago on 22 January 2013.

Sales of motion control products have decreased in 2012 in China as a result of overcapacity, and the global motion control market is forecast to decline by 1.9 percent compared to 2011.

The e-Learning series uses real-world video, interactive learning techniques and comprehensive tracking to ensure active employee participation and retention.

Manufacturers worldwide recognize that machine safety can give them a competitive advantage and a good public image, and therefore, opt for machine safety systems despite the economic downturn.

Doug McCuistion, Director of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA, will provide the keynote presentation on the challenges faced and overcome in getting to Mars. The forum will be held Feb. 11.

IMS says the production of industrial robots in Asia Pacific (mostly China) is forecast to grow at a rate of 9.6%, more than any other region in the world.

Catalog contains RFID systems (Tool ID, LF, HF, and UHF), vision sensors, and supporting accessories and cables.

ISA educational scholarships, which fund tuition, related expenses and research initiatives, are distributed annually to undergraduate students in two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and to graduate students.

The H1 ITK is an advanced testing solution benefitting both developers and end users of Foundation fieldbus H1 devices.

Automation IG integrates robots in MIG welding, resistance welding, material handling, vision guided, and offline programmed applications.

Designed for machine builders and operators, the Lenze library simplifies implementation of PackML standards using ladder logic.

Considerable capital investments helped to facilitate the first stages of their strategic growth plan.

Founded in 2004, Ocean Data Systems (ODS) develops software solutions for industrial analytics and reporting.

MPLAB integrates the licensing, resale and support of both Microchip and third-party middleware, drivers, libraries and real-time operating systems.

Free chlorine monitors from Analytical Technology overcome the traditional issues associated with buffered amperometric monitors, such as manhandling 25 litre containers of buffer around sites.

HTS Texas, a commercial HVAC manufacturers' representative, has become an authorized partner of eSight Energy.

By Bill Lydon, Editor Over the last few years a number of automation vendors have announced various services including outsourced maintenance, system integration, manufacturing and business process consulting, and remote operations. I wonder if an automation vendor can continue to be effective as both a product company and services provider.

Wireless Networks for Industrial Automation, by Dick Caro, provides a clear, unbiased view of the emerging wireless communications market, and closely examines the latest advances in wireless technologies for process control.

Codenomicon Defensics and Load Testing platforms are recognized as an approved CRT (Communication Robustness Testing) tool for ISASecure control systems certification programs.