Mark T. Hoske
Articles
ProMat 2023: Intralogistics, software and motion in focus
By forming the Siemens Intralogistics vertical, the company can focus hardware, software and services for distribution centers, warehousing and motion control and material handling for manufacturing.
Automation reliability requires reliable power: ChatGPT tips
Power protection is important to ensure the reliability of automation, controls, and instrumentation systems. See 5 tips for power reliability.
Six ways system integration unifies and optimizes automation projects
Appropriate system integration adds value to automation, controls and instrumentation projects by increasing efficiency, productivity, quality and lowering costs, said ChatGPT.
Digital twins advance digital transformation, control system integration
Control system integrators explain how simulation and digital twin software can advance competitiveness by enabling ideas, design, testing, training, installation, upgrades and optimization of automated systems. ChatGPT artificial intelligence software adds seven tips for using simulation software for automation and controls.
5 fast facts on exclusive Control Engineering research: How to apply controllers
Five fast facts about Control Engineering research on how to apply controllers follow. See link for the report.
More sensors, despite strained supply chain
With a nearly 25% increase in new buildings and machinery, automation and measurement company Endress+Hauser delivered more sensors than ever in 2022 despite a strained supply chain. The April 4 annual media conference also noted record highs for incoming orders, sales and employment.
Advice on how to apply controllers: Control Engineering research
Controllers should have easier to use software and be easier to program, according to Control Engineering subscribers providing advice for “How to apply controllers” research.
Learning what is possible in warehouse robotics
A panel from The Robotics Group of MHI discussed “What’s possible now in warehouse robotics” at ProMat 2023, covering topics including workforce training and implementation, system integration, safety and cost.
How software helps manufacturers better manage mobile robot fleets
Mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are helping manufacturing, distribution centers and warehousing applications move materials more effectively. Software can help manufacturers with design, implementation and management of mobile robots and AGVs fleets.
What are 5 ways to digitalize an OT-data infrastructure?
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) digitalization benefits include connectivity, consolidation, context, collaboration and cloud access.
Wireless updates: LoRa Alliance LoRaWAN standard, 6G challenges
In separate wireless developments, LoRa Alliance discussed progress of the LoRaWAN standard and many organizations are sorting out challenges of 6G wireless band selection and technologies.
How control-system integration advances competitiveness
As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, two system integrators highlighted in the Global System Integrator Report explain how integrating automation and controls can advance competitiveness. The March 8 webcast is archived for 1 year; summary advice follows.
How EtherCAT helps industrial communications
Automation trends and applications such as need for interoperability and determinism have shaped industrial Ethernet use. EtherCAT structure, advantages, communications, functional safety, diagnostics and related information are covered by Bob Trask, EtherCAT Technology Group, in three videos with Control Engineering.
Advantages of edge computing platforms in controls-related applications
Expert interview series: Edge computing use for industrial automation and controls implementations, differences from other computing options, when to use edge computing, software and programming, projects and lessons learned were topics of a Control Engineering interview with Emerson’s Darrell Halterman.
Industrial edge helps turn big data into smart data
Industrial edge computing and cloud computing can help motion control, CNC and other applications by providing higher-level analytics for smart manufacturing applications as CNC processors focus on tool path and motion control. Control Engineering interview with August (Gus) Gremillion, Siemens, discusses edge computing advantages. See Siemens edge computing video interview for more.
How the control engineering profession helps sustainability
Visibility into the control loop (sense, decide and actuate) delivers sustainability goals.
How to determine ROI and get buy-in for workforce digital transformation
How can you gain buy-in for a digital transformation project by proving return on investment (ROI) and creating a clear case for adoption? Examine data, insights and experiences needed to empower the workforce for operations, in the field and in controls and maintenance departments. The Feb. 22 webcast, archived for a year, offers digital transformation advice and case studies.
Digital manufacturing, smart manufacturing, enable sustainability efforts
ZF Group, an automotive manufacturer, provides motion controls for automotive, industrial, wind power and is using digital transformation on the way to smart factory implementation to meet sustainability requirements.
Petrochemical company shifts attention to digitalization, optimization, sustainability
Digitalization with smarter automation and instrumentation is helping with sustainability as the energy industry faces a transition and new challenges.
More answers about how next-generation automation will help in 2023
Experts provide more answers about how next generation automation will help in 2023. As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, three firms selected as 2023 System Integrator of the Year explain how and what next-generation automation including artificial intelligence, integrating new technologies and cybersecurity. Presenters provide answers to audience questions not answered during the Jan. 18 webcast, archived for 1 year.
Automation, IT convergence, standards at ARC Industry Forum
Industrial digitalization can drive sustainability, energy transitions and improved performance and information shared at the 2023 ARC Industry Forum, Feb. 6-9, and online Feb. 27-March 27, aims to help with that.
System integration, edge computing tips for automation
System integrators are using edge computing platforms to create simple, scalable, repeatable and protected automation and control architectures. Jan. 25 webcast, archived for a year, offers tips and other information.
How next-generation automation will help in 2023
As part of the 2023 “How to automate series” of webcasts, three firms selected as 2023 System Integrator of the Year explain how and what next-generation automation they expect will help their clients in the coming year. A preview of the Jan. 18 webcast, archived for 1 year, follows.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2022
Think Again: Automation product awards, motors and drives, automation salary and career information, Engineering Leaders Under 40, IIoT implementation help, tutorials on HMIs, SCADA and PLC programming help were among the hot topics of 2022. See top 3 covers and top 10 articles posted prior to 2022.
System integrators: Automation glue
Control system integrators serve as the hardware, software and networking glue to help plan, design and integrate automation and controls projects.
Contribute expertise in 2023
It’s been on your career-advancement list: Share your knowledge with Control Engineering peers in 2023 on the most important topics research identified for automation and controls.
IMTS: Machine tool hardware, software, efficiency, integration tools
Siemens machine tool announcements at IMTS aim to simplify operations, increase productivity, manage machine tool resources, advance related ecosystems and digital thread, with collaboration to integrate additive and subtractive CNC machining technologies.
Networks, computing purchasing for automation
Purchasing Industrial Computing and Networking, August 2022: Control Engineering research says one-third of buyers would switch vendors; half would consider given good reason; just 15% were very satisfied. For responses to a write-in question, honesty was most important.
Digitalization, interoperability help with industrial sustainability
Think Again: Industrial challenges such as carbon emission reductions, increased capacity and skilled labor shortages require factory automation and process control users apply more digitalization and require interoperability.
15 pieces of automation advice from ROKLive 2022
Automation can help optimize industrial operations, as noted at ROKLive, a recent conference on industrial operations, maintenance, engineering, and enterprise-wide solutions automation, linking operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Factories born digital save 10x conversion cost
A digital-first smart-manufacturing plant to recycle polypropylene is expected to save 10 times the cost compared to facilities that convert from manual or analog in a digital transformation process.
Building interoperable control systems
Mixing control system components from different manufacturers often took more integration time than practical. Efforts from Open Process Automation Forum are leading to interoperability among controls manufacturers.
Automation helps combat labor shortages
Think Again: Are automation and controls helping to fill the growing manufacturing skills gap? Control Engineering research, “Purchasing Considerations for Automation Systems & Control Systems” shows an increase in spending for the next 12 months in most categories.
Modern machine control system design in 7 steps webcast preview
Seven steps can help with modern machine control system design: Get a preview below of a June 15 webcast providing more detail.
Use digital design tools to elevate machine design
Webcast explains advantages of designing modern machines with digital engineering software tools. Machine design concepts, proposal, system and automation design, testing training, startup, operations and maintenance all benefit from digital engineering.
Modern machine control system design in 7 steps
Seven steps can help with modern machine control system design: Get a preview below of a June 15 webcast providing more detail.
Fill the skills gap: Automation, training, retention
Think Again: Fill the growing manufacturing skills gap with more automation, training, retention, benefits and amenities, according to the Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2022, other research, related articles and a May 25 webcast, “Automation experts wanted: Hire, retain the best.”
Automation, robotics, AI, ransomware
Think Again: Applying automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) may be easier than you think. Preventing a ransomware attack may be more difficult, as explained at the A3 Business Forum in February. See upcoming conferences.
Motion plastics: Improved deliveries, investments in climate neutrality
Faster deliveries, movement toward carbon neutrality and motion control designs that decrease reliance on lubrication are among trends from igus, a German-based manufacturer of motion plastics.
Robotics, motion control, machine vision, AI
Think Again: Business is strong for automation, as explained by speakers at the A3 Business Forum in February.
Technology trends in machine vision, motion, robotics, supply chain
Advancements in industrial networking, machine vision, motion control, robotics, supply chain, and simulation were among Pack Expo Las Vegas developments.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2021
Think Again: PLC programming, AI and control system evolution, the Career and Salary Survey and HMI/SCADA design were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2021. Why? See also top 3 covers, top 10 articles posted prior to 2021.
Spreadsheets for analytics
Many companies offer software for data analytics to create information and insights from data collected from automation, controls and instrumentation. Most data-gathering software also downloads in a spreadsheet format: Many users have spreadsheets for special applications or quick insights.
Advancing from industrial automation to industrial autonomous operations
A major controls vendor focuses on industry, uses cloud-based software, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics integration to move customers from industrial automation to autonomous operations.
Control Engineering November-December digital edition, Global System Integrator Report
Inventory insights, standardization help for the supply chain, cloud and edge, motion system efficiency, control systems and AI, vibration measurement are among topics in the November-December 2021 edition of Control Engineering. Global System Integrator Report, Oil & Gas Engineering, and ebooks also are included.
Single-pair Ethernet expands beyond automotive applications
Single-pair Ethernet (SPE), rated for rugged and harsh environments, is lightweight and more cost effective than four- or eight-wire Ethernet and can enable the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). See industrial communications speed vs. distance table.
Supply chain shortages encourage automation interoperability
Automation users are more likely to purchase from companies supporting standards that promote interoperability: Among findings in Control Engineering research.
Smart sensor, compressed air monitoring helps Colgate-Palmolive with net zero carbon target
Emerson’s sensors and analytics help Colgate-Palmolive save energy and optimize production processes in manufacturing facilities, decreasing its carbon footprint. Other Emerson technologies applied to food processing and packaging were shown at Pack Expo Las Vegas, including controls, augmented reality, and pneumatics.
Understand total system efficiency for motion control
Motion system efficiency, more than induction motor efficiency, also depends on electrical input power, variable frequency drives, gearboxes and transmission elements like chains and belts. Learn more in an Oct. 22 CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week course.
How to teach digital transformation to enable advanced manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing training can improve understanding of required competencies, Industry 4.0, Industry 4.0 technologies and use of industrial data, according to a 1-hour engineering training course available starting Oct. 18.
How safety validation is changing in an IIoT, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing world
Modern advances in controls and connectivity are increasing considerations for safety validations, according to an Oct. 20 CFE Media and Technology Virtual Training Week course.
Asset lifecycle management: Interoperability standards help digital transformation
A lifecycle approach for digital and physical asset management adds efficiency to capital projects, handover and associated maintenance and reliability management activities and in other ways.
Next-generation automation development for sustainability
Successful digitalization can enhance sustainability efforts, and Schneider Electric is helping customers with both, according to a Pack Expo Las Vegas conference presentation.
Manufacturers seek benefits of open, real-time location services
An interoperable standard for a real-time location system (RTLS) is helping industry benefit from open interfaces and ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technologies for asset tracking indoors and outdoors, according to an Oct. 20 Virtual Training Week training session from CFE Media and Technology.
AI, controls and the future of maintenance
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are helping control and maintenance effectiveness, and an application demonstration shows how process simulation and machine teaching builds AI-based controllers to resolve industry problems, as shown in an Oct. 21 Virtual Training Week course.
Simplified electric motion, intelligent air flow control, I/O modules
Simplified electric motion, intelligent motion terminal flow control, decentralized I/O modules are among products shown at the Festo booth at Pack Expo Las Vegas, Sept. 27-29.
Smoother machine designs, better integration
Integration of motion control and robotics, along with high-powered processing capabilities enable smoother, more secure machine designs for packaging and other industries. See video from Pack Expo.
Even smarter manufacturing
I haven’t toured a manufacturing or processing facility that left me thinking, “That was a dumb manufacturing plant.” Even so, smart manufacturing is impressive. Learn from these examples.
Control Engineering August 2021 edition gets a grip on applying automation
How to apply automation is the topical focus of the August 2021 digital edition of Control Engineering. Link to the August issue articles below and to prior 2021 issues.
Inside the how-to guide for applying automation
While everything from Control Engineering helps with applying automation, more than a dozen August articles offer advice on applying automation to get the best results.
Exploring industrial wireless best practices: More answers
Learn more on industrial wireless, including wireless sensors, wireless reliability and wireless technology selection.
Advice: Exploring best practices for industrial wireless
Reasons for updating and expanding industrial wireless use are increasing. Understand how use cases can inform a corporate industrial wireless strategy.
Accelerate machine designs, speed to market via digital twin collaboration
A survey of industrial machinery companies explores the biggest issues with digital twin adoption. Machine builders are using digital twins to increase efficiency of machine design processes to get machines completed and running in less time at lower cost.
Access real-time data; avoid digital blind spots
Agile, resilient operations derive from tools that make real-time data visible and useful. See post COVID-19 pandemic advice, including from a manufacturer, Anchor Glass.
Industry standard size 25 encoder reference website, push-button programmable encoders
An encoder part number reference website, www.autotechsmartencoder.net, deciphers more than 200,000 size-25 encoder combinations, gives descriptions and replacement options with next-day delivery for orders placed by 6 p.m. CST; 10 two-button-programmable encoders are said to cover all combinations.
Ethernet-APL standard is complete, products are on the way: Two-wire, 10Mbit/s Ethernet for process industries
See 10 Ethernet-APL benefits, including technical specifications, test standards, and two-wire Ethernet physical layer components enabling deployment of high-speed communication field instruments in hazardous process automation environments, available after 3 years of work.
Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2021
Career update: COVID-19 accelerates innovative technology implementations; engineering salaries increase; job satisfaction is high. The lack of skilled workers, economy and lack of necessary materials are biggest threats to manufacturing.
Career, salary survey 2021: Advice
Respondents to the 2021 Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey research provided related advice, and education was the most-offered of six topics.
System integrators are a good investment
Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) provided benchmarking factors to improve operational and financial performance, as well as recruiting and retention for engineering and technology personnel.
Control loops benefit more than control systems
The world is filled with missing feedback loops that could improve performance if those loops were closed. Learn how your automation knowledge can help others.
Hannover Messe Digital Edition: Digital transformation, international collaboration, award winner
With industrial digital transformation as the theme, the 2021 Hannover Messe Digital Edition kicked off a week of more than 1,500 program activities with more than 500 speakers, April 12-16, covering trends in industry, energy and logistics with experts from business, science and industry. See the 2021 Hermes Award winner.
Intralogistics markets expand motion control use
Huge demand in warehousing, food and beverage, and other interior logistics (intralogistics) applications expand variable frequency drive flexibility and features.
Secure remote connections
Industrial control systems require secure remote connections. Did the pandemic help IT to understand OT needs and help OT to see IT concerns about cybersecurity and remote access?
Digitalization, automation advice, benefits
A global manufacturer explains benefits and offers advice about connecting the real world of manufacturing to the virtual world, through digitalization and automation.
Interoperability best practices, integration, automation, controls
Standardization frameworks encourage more automation interoperability. Interoperability is trying to move from one or a few automation ecosystems into a wider world. See four levels of cybersecurity.
Moving toward automation interoperability
More than 30 organizations were involved in the next version of the Open Process Automation Standard (O-PAS). A secure, standard and interoperable process control system architecture is the goal.
PLC users can use cloud services without programming
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), machine builders and others can access a no-code Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) cloud platform, providing easy-to-use data analysis tools, other functionality for bottom-line improvements
OT, IT collaboration helps IIoT
Recent research indicates more operational technology and information technology collaboration, and 40% are spending more to do it. See a dozen bits of OT/IT collaboration advice.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2020
Think Again: programmable controller programming languages, COVID-19 acceleration of engineering, automation and digitalization, and variable frequency drive parameters were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2020.
Data flow, alarms, simulation, cybersecurity, robotics
Control Engineering highlights automation, controls and instrumentation successes in every issue at www.controleng.com in between.
More answers on what you need to know about cybersecurity
Below are more answers resulting from a cybersecurity webcast on cybersecurity architectures, training, best practices, risk assessment and trends based on research.
What you need to know about cybersecurity
A webcast on cybersecurity offers information about cybersecurity architectures, training, best practices, risk assessment and trends based on research.
Best practices matter when designing control systems
When lives depend on control system design (and even when they don’t), best practices matter. Here’s what I’d like control system designers to know.
Think again about measurements, logic, actions
A world with a pandemic can benefit from control engineering to measure, apply logic, and take actions in a transparent way, then repeat and optimize. Cybersecurity, remote connections, digital twins, artificial intelligence, training, and challenging old information all can help.
Process instrumentation tips and tricks
Advances in process instrumentation extend beyond sensor accuracy. Computing, algorithms and networking capabilities add functionality.
Collaborative robot optimization with AI, for safer manufacturing during COVID-19
Collaborative robots use artificial intelligence (AI) to increase usefulness in dynamically changing workspaces. Cobot factory applications can create more space between workers, lowering COVID-19 risk for manufacturers while increasing throughput.
Control Engineering subscribers at work
Contribute your image and caption to add to this Control Engineering subscribers-at-work article; write an article for 2021 and vote for the best products.
Process sensors, wireless transmitters, help pump diagnostics
Applying vibration and temperature sensors with wireless transmitters, paired to local or cloud diagnostics, can help keep pumps running safely and reliably.
Advanced motor and generator designer, Daniel B. Jones, dies
Dan Jones, Incremotion Associates, dies at 84 after more than 60 years in the motion control industry, with decades of service to associations and involvement in more than 100 motor designs, including one for a NASA mission to Mars.
Long-time Control Engineering editor, Edward J. Kompass, dies
Ed Kompass, a Control Engineering editor from 1954 to 1987, passed away on Aug. 31, 2020, at age 93. He was a regular contributor after retirement and last wrote a column for the 50th anniversary issue (linked below), “We never could have dreamed,” in 2004.
Cybersecurity tips from subscribers
Cybersecurity advice about process, technologies, people (internal) and external threat resulted from the Control Engineering 2020 Cybersecurity Research Report. See graphic of technologies and services used online.
Hot topics in Control Engineering
Research: For 2021, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control system integration, instrumentation, industrial wireless, industrial PCs, industrial Ethernet, and advanced process control are among hot topics; 18 topics are in the top 10; 62 are in the top 20.
Automation helps with COVID-19, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control, STEM
Automation innovation has opportunities to help with COVID-19 pandemic response, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control using superconductivity, training and by creating increased interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Integrated design software lowers costs, adds flexibility
Product lifecycle management software (PLM) and service lifecycle management software enabled by integration with cloud services and applications, helps a variety of industries with digital twins, digitalization, automation design and plant design. See five attributes of a digital twin.
Robotic software improves robot health
Industrial robotic software, industrial networks and cloud-based technologies are helping to improve industrial robotic health, improve robotic uptime and better manage robotic assets.
Research: Controller programming methods, advice
Control Engineering 2020 research on industrial programmable controllers said ladder logic continues to dominate programming, software integration and simulation capabilities are increasing, and survey respondents seek programming flexibility. See six software-related programmable controller changes since 2018 and nine programmable controller bits of software advice.
What is radio frequency identification? What can RFID products do?
RFID wireless communication technologies enable many applications across industries include identification and access; people, asset and product tracking; safety and machine tools, among others.
Cybersecurity requires asset updates
Age of existing assets are the greatest cybersecurity risk factor, 67% in 2020 Control Engineering research, up from 46% in 2016. This is of particular concern with remote operations increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and manufacturing starting up again.
Seven ways automation design software helps IIoT
Electrical and automation design software can help with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) automation implementations in seven ways. See product examples.
Top products since COVID-19 pandemic relate to air control, cleaning
In the New Products for Engineers Database by CFE Media and Technology, 5 of the top 6 products cover control of air or cleaning, since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11.
Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey, 2020
Career update: Many subscribers work in critical industries; half of non-salary compensation relies on profits, some changed by COVID-19. Lack of skilled workers continues to be the top threat to manufacturing for the survey period ending March 16, before more recent COVID-19 impacts.
Education, attitude, communication are top tip topics from 2020 salary survey respondents
Career update: Top areas of advice offer by respondents to the 2020 Career and salary survey from Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology, cover education, attitude, communications. Advice also includes engineering tips, project management, and workplace strategies.
Engineering impact on COVID-19
How are engineers applying what they’ve learned to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? See six ways automation and control engineering industry knowledge can help.
How to quickly start a robotic pick-and-place application
Moving parts from a bin to a precise location has required repetitive human agility or talent to address vision, programming and robotic integration challenges. A pre-integrated kit can shorten time to productivity, helping machine tending and pick-and-place robotic applications. See May 12 live webcast and 7 tips below.
Poll results, week 2: Doubled adverse COVID-19 impact on engineers, industry
Research analysis, advice: Adverse effects of Coronavirus more than doubled in just a week for visitors to Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Oil & Gas Engineering, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer websites taking a survey on COVID-19 impacts on engineering. For respondents answering March 11 to 19 and March 20 to 25, 13% felt a “great deal” of impact in the first week and 35% the next week.
Poll results: Coronavirus, COVID-19 impact on engineers and industry
Coronavirus impact data was collected from March 12 to 17 from visitors to Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, Oil & Gas Engineering, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer websites. Half of respondents’ business have negative effects; half have supply chain problems. Results cover impact on business, company responses, travel, future outlook, government strategies and other topics.
More answers about robotic applications
Success of robotic applications requires putting the right robot with the right application. Learn more from system integrators from the webcast, “Robotic applications: What robots should and shouldn’t be doing,” including collaborative robots, motion, pitfalls, and more.
COVID-19 impact on engineering, engineers
Engineers like facts and seek credible information sources on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) effects to the engineering-related world. Engineers also have technologies, processes and expert advice that can help. See Control Engineering highlights.
How to compete and win with automation
With automation at an inflection point, a variety of technologies and interoperable standards efforts are bringing higher levels of flexibility, integration and optimization.
Which applications can benefit from a robot?
When should a robot be used for what industrial applications and why? Learn from and ask your questions of expert speakers. Share your challenges in a live webcast poll. A PDH credit is available for this RCEP webcast.
What kind of redundancy: Mirrored server or edge devices?
This advice will help with the decision between an industrial mirrored server or twin edge devices when designing a new computing system or control system architecture. Short video gives three edge computing tips.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2019
Think Again: Engineering salaries and career tips, object-oriented programming, rate-predictive control, Internet of Things (IoT) and career advice were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website during 2019.
Industrial HMI migrations: Help with Microsoft Windows 7 expiration
Microsoft Windows 7 expired on Jan. 14, and manufacturers’ human-machine interface (HMI) software may still need help migrating to a supported operating system. System integrators can provide migration assistance to lower cybersecurity risk.
How clear were 2020 automation predictions?
Think again: Did you have 2020 vision? How clear were your foresights? Predictions of automation, controls, and instrumentation for 2020 were spot on, though perhaps closer to the ideal than to where most are. Are you making these changes quickly enough to stay competitive?
Ethernet for process and discrete devices
Think Again: Separate efforts aim to extend Ethernet to process and discrete devices. Standards can promote interoperability for devices and software if standards are specific enough.
Five control panel building tips
Software, data management, and decreased wiring are among control panel design benefits, when digitalization is integrated in design.
Cannot find enough welders? Could a collaborative robot welder help?
Technology Update on robotic welding: Learn how a collaborative robot could help with welding applications.
Eight IIoT project tips
If you’re stalled with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementations or haven’t begun, consider these eight expert tips.
Survey respondents offer motor drive advice
Motor drive advice was offered in a write-in question in the Control Engineering motor drive research, summarized in the September issue.
Packaging system integration advice
A vegetable processor packaging project included integration of weighers, baggers, robotic case loaders, case formers and closers, robotic palletizing and conveyors. Packaging, records and raw materials were updated and automated across eight sites. Seven bakery lines converge in one packaging area that fills 20 cases per minute.
Control Engineering 2020
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), process and machine control systems, automation and instrumentation are among the topics Control Engineering will advance in 2020, a year that suggests perfect vision and hindsight, as we mark 65 years in September 2019.
Leonard W. Moore, founder of Moore Industries-International passes away at 85
Leonard (Len) W. Moore, P.E., founder and owner of Moore Industries-International Inc., an industrial and automation control company, passed at the age of 85.
Continuing education advances process control, instrumentation productivity
Process control productivity requires education for optimal technology specification, integration and use. Industrial suppliers are among those doing the educating.
Motors, fans, pumps, compressors: IIoT avoids downtime
Think Again: Remote monitoring, sensors, analytics and real-time intelligence is helping those who manufacture, use, and repair motors and attached critical assets to avoid downtime with prescriptive maintenance technologies, says EASA and Plant Engineering research.
Collaborative robotics deliver faster ROI
Technology update: Collaborative robots used in industrial applications can be easier than traditional robotics for set up and redeployment, producing rapid return on investments (ROIs) in many diverse applications, according to one robot manufacturer.
Digitalization advantages
Think Again: Major automation companies tout next-generation tools offering digitalization advantages, mobility and flexibility, for greater speed to higher profits.
Envisioning more at Ford
Plans are underway at Ford to use machine vision with robotics to increase quality and throughput, as explained at Automate 2019. See video.
Why collaborative robots need plug-and-play peripherals
Faster startup, redeployment and return on investment (ROI) are among the key reasons for using plug-and-play peripheral effectors and sensors with collaborative robotics.
Research: More skilled workers are needed; outsourcing, STEM initiatives may help
Think Again: The 2019 Control Engineering Career and Salary Survey includes questions on topics of concern, such as outsourcing, workforce, process improvement, cybersecurity, automation, and threats.
Don’t ignore these automation trends
Think Again: No one wants to miss the next big thing. What if the next big thing in automation for your applications has been here all along, and you haven’t noticed?
Automated test equipment attributes
What attributes are needed in automated test equipment (ATE)? What automation should be considered for ATE designs? See 10 questions to ask when applying automation.
10 best practices for edge computing
When choosing, installing, and using an edge computing device for a manufacturing or process facility application, these 10 best practices can help.
Automation trends, insights from a new company president
Companies need to be open to new technologies to see fundamental paradigm shifts in productivity, beyond incremental improvements. Rapid increases in productivity, visibility, flexibility, and agility are needed.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Digitalization
Technology update: Digitalization was are among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Cybersecurity
Technology update: Cybersecurity remains a key concern for manufacturing and process facilities as explained in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Manufacturing and process facility trends: Optimization
Technology update: Optimization is among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Up next: More open process automation?
Process automation systems need lower lifecycle costs, easier integration with third-party components, better scaling, intrinsic security, flatter architecture, and interoperability. Multiple, broad-based efforts are underway to create cooperative, rather than conflicting, standards.
Help for automation design, selection, implementation
Automation product design, system integration, and application advice follows from some of the 2019 Engineers’ Choice winners.
Use the positive effects of automation to plan ahead
Automation helps manufacturing employment, aids exports, and adds productivity. Key concerns include attracting and retaining a quality workforce, price increases in raw materials, trade uncertainties, and rising health care and insurance costs.
Hot topics in Control Engineering for 2018
Think Again: Engineering salaries and career tips, neural network advances, ladder logic, cybersecurity, and autotuning were among top articles posted on the Control Engineering website in 2018.
Software helps industrial network communications
Industrial network stacks and other industrial connectivity software work to enhance connectivity among devices and systems. OPC UA, MTConnect, EtherNet/IP, and CC-Link are among software that organizations provide. Middleware also provides connectivity between the plant floor and other systems.
System integration in the automotive industries
Automotive industries are addressing competitive challenges with automation-related upgrades. A review of some technologies being integrated and why follow.
Industrial robot safety requires industrial risk management
Five ways to lower robotic system risks: Industrial safety, while a widely used term, is a misnomer; nothing is without risk. When something is declared safe in an industrial setting, those involved should think again about risk assessment and determine if the risk is acceptable.
Five reasons to appreciate the new www.controleng.com site
Think Again: Website redesigns can cause user discomfort, but you’ll like the new Control Engineering website in five major ways.
Four ways to encourage manufacturing expansion
In a positive example of collaboration to encourage manufacturing growth, Harting announced a $6 million expansion inside existing Elgin, Ill., facility. Community colleges, government officials, and various organizations worked with Harting and encouraged that growth in four ways.