Rockwell works with Intel on industrial processor technology

Milwaukee, WI— To help users to maximize competitive advantage using plant-floor information, Rockwell Automation reports that it’s working with Intel Corp. to expand use of Intel’s network processor technology in industrial automation applications. Rockwell adds that it’s the first industrial automation supplier to use Intel’s new Intel IXP465 network processors, designed specifically for the rigorous performance demands of manufacturing environments.

IXP465 was designed by Intel with Rocfwell’s input, and is part of a line of network processors that help manufacturers facilitate seamless information flow between factory-floor and office environments. The partners say this information flow allows better-informed, real-time decision-making that improves productivity, flexibility, and profitability. Rockwell adds that Intel relied on its technical and industrial expertise to help ensure that IXP465 met factory automation performance requirements, and Rockwell plans to embed the new processor in its communication products.

“The relationship Rockwell Automation has with Intel is a critical component of our strategy to deliver open, information-enabled automation solutions that help manufacturers gain a com-petitive advantage. Working with Intel has resulted in a new breed of high-performance network processors that, when embedded in our communication products, will enable our customers to better capture and seamlessly distribute plant floor information to other parts of the enterprise,” said Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell’s president and CEO.

The two firms add that convergence of computing, industrial control and communications technologies has created a demand for better information sharing across the factory floor, and between the factory floor and the rest of the organization. In the past, industrial automation suppliers had to rely on proprietary microprocessor technology to achieve the performance levels required of manufacturing environments. The new network processors from Intel rival the performance of proprietary offerings, but are based on open, industry-standard interfaces and platforms.

“In developing our new line of high-performance processors, we wanted to work closely with an automation leader who understood the rigorous demands of industrial automation and recog-nized the importance of seamless information flow,” adds Doug Davis, Intel Communications Group’s VP and GM of its Infrastructure Processor division. “Rockwell Automation was the obvious choice, and their expertise has been key in understanding the needs of the industrial automation market.”

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.