Control Engineering hot topics: October 2024

1. Gain critical advice on automation, SCADA from system integrators

System integration advice includes automation planning, implementation, automation platform architecture implementation and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software, edge-to-cloud capabilities, cybersecurity and technology selection.

2. Modbus documentation clarified, 5 reasons to use RS-485 with automation

Understand the implementation of Modbus serial communication, and its evolving relevance in a digital world of automation and controls.

3. PID spotlight, part 8: Closed-loop tuning for self-limiting processes

Closed-loop tuning can be used to tune a PID loop. How is it done? What data do I collect? What calculations are required? How well will it work? What problems might I run into? See “How to execute a closed-loop test in four steps” and two warnings.

4. PID spotlight, part 9: Heuristic tuning for a self-limiting process

When a PID controller is behaving badly, do we start over? What if our open or closed loop tuning method got us almost there? Can we use what we see and a few simple rules to fix PID controller tuning in one or two easy steps? Using heuristic methods for loop tuning may be the answer.

5. More answers now: Know how SCADA can integrate disparate platforms

System integrator provides more answers from audience questions after the Control Engineering webcast, “SCADA: Know how SCADA can integrate disparate platforms for smarter decisions.”

6. Time to replace a DCS with a universal control system?

Control Engineering China analysis: What is a universal control system (UCS), and should it replace distributed control systems for future process control applications? What are UCS advantages?

7. How to build resilient industrial networks and reduce downtime

Resiliency is crucial for industrial networks because it helps companies withstand failures, faults and disturbances that lead to downtime.

8. Robotic design, operations, support get easier with new service collaboration

ABB and Vention made it easier for users of the ABB GoFa collaborative robot family to design, operate and maintain ABB GoFa robots, as demonstrated at IMTS 2024.

9. New AI-based machine tending capabilities help cobots at IMTS 2024

As a deep learning-based part detection was unveiled at IMTS 2024 for faster batch changeovers by eliminating the need for fixtures, more collaborative robot capabilities were showcased in advanced cobot applications for welding, finishing, part feeding, laser marking and other applications.

10. How vector and servo drives deliver savings for manufacturers

Vector and servo drives can offer many benefits and overall cost savings for manufacturers looking to improve facility efficiency.

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