Top 5 Control Engineering articles, June 23-29

ASM-compliant HMIs, Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform, mobility apps, things noncontrol people should know about control engineers, and wirelessly operating industrial robots were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 23-29. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra June 30, 2014

1. Creating an ASM-compliant HMI goes deeper than screen color selection

Simply adopting ASM guidelines for graphics does not create an ASM-compliant HMI. Achieving that level of effectiveness involves a range of factors that address how people interact with the control system. 

2. Microsoft Azure cloud platform connects with Rockwell Automation as first industrial partner

Microsoft Azure Intelligent Systems Service selected Rockwell Automation as an early adopter, the first partner in the industrial space, as part of Microsoft’s effort to bring greater connectivity to its customers.

3. Mobility apps should provide self-direction, portability, freedom

Mobile app design tips: Don’t replicate industrial human-machine interface (HMI) screens in mobile apps, advised Rockwell Automation. Enable, simplify, and do things you couldn’t do before when creating mobile app screens, according to presenters at RSTechED USA. See three pillars of user enablement for mobile apps and related video. 

4. 7 things noncontrol people should know about control engineers

A few basic differences between control engineers and others in the plant can hinder progress toward optimization. Start a conversation to improve communications and controls. See examples and career advice. Send a link to these seven things other people should know about control engineers, so they understand.

5. Wireless operation of industrial robots

Wireless robotic control: Wireless mobile devices are being used for data access, programming, and live manipulation of industrial robotics. This includes mobile apps for supervision, programming, commissioning, and operation of robots.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, June 23-29, for articles published within the last two months.

– Chris Vavra, content specialist, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.