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2024 Engineering Leader Under 40: Geno Triana, 38
Geno Triana, 38, Automation Engineer, CDM Smith, Dallas, TX
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Jason Rhodewalt, 39
Jason Rhodewalt, 39, Partner, Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Roseville, CA, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Olajide Rabiu, 38
Olajide Rabiu, 38, Project Manager, Salas O'Brien, Dublin, OH, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Robert Phillips, 37
Robert Phillips, 37, Automation Manager, Interstates, Sioux Center, IA, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Jonathan Miller, 35
Jonathan Miller, 35, Automation Engineer, CDM Smith, Columbus, OH, United States
Engineering Leader Under 40, 2024: Imran Khan, 29
Imran Khan, 29, Lead Solution Architect, Pipeline Technologies & Services, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: August 2024
The Bundy Group reported 21 automation transactions in the month of August. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: July 2024
The Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of July. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Available now: Control Engineering May/June 2024 digital edition
Control Engineering’s May/June digital edition, available online, includes automation workforce development and the 2024 Control Engineering salary survey. Other articles include Product of the Year, good/bad PID tuning, PLCs and programming, drives, cybersecurity, manufacturing execution systems and an automated testing application. See video summary.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: June 2024
The Bundy Group reported five automation transactions in the month of June. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Five vendors in an automation distributor: Inventory, design assistance
Five automation vendors showed a sampling of industrial automation at DigiKey’s booth at Automate 2024 by A3, including a native CODESYS controller, sensors, power supplies, collaborative robot and Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) connectors.
Automate 2024 Interview: Nick Arce, Cognex on simplifying automation
Nick Arce, senior sfrom Cognex, talks with associa...
Automate 2024 video interview roundup
WTWH Media editors talked with manufacturing experts and thought leaders during Automate 2024 for their insights during the event.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: May 2024
The Bundy Group reported 11 automation transactions in the month of May. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Arduino touts industrial line, interoperability at Automate
Guneet Bedi of Arduino promoted how open-source technology and platforms can help drive technology and innovation at the Automate Show 2024 in Chicago. The company also promoted its industrial line and the benefits of interoperability.
Automate 2024 Recap: How to accelerate automation’s benefits
Automate 2024 focused on bringing people and technologies together and making automation better and more focused on process and results.
Automate 2024 Interview: Alex Chausovsky, Bundy Group, on the state of automation, manufacturing
Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting for Bundy Group, talks about the sta...
Automate 2024 Interview: Daymon Thompson, Beckhoff, on show highlights and company focus
WTWH Media senior editor Gary Cohen discuss industry trends and show highlights with Daymon Thompson, director of product manageme...
Funding for ISS technology development announced
The International Space Station (ISS) is soliciting flight concepts for technology development including in-space edge computing and ISAM.
Automate 2024 Interview: Blake Griffin, Interact Analysis, discusses automation market, trends
Blake Griffin, research manager for Interact Analysis, discusses automation trends a...
Automate 2024 Interview: Charles Norz, Wago, discusses automation trends, highlights
WTWH Media senior editor Gary Cohen talks with Charles Norz of Wago about some of the trends and...
Automate 2024 Interview: Christopher King, Unitronics, discusses automation trends
Tyler Wall discusses high-level automation trends with Christopher King of Unitronics at A...
Automate 2024 Interview: Ken Crawford and John Spence, Weidmuller, discuss u-OS, interoperability
WTWH Media associate editor Tyler Wall discusses several topics with Weidmüller...
How to get more from automation with AI, digital threads
Automate 2024: End-users, system integrators and original equipment manufacturers should expect more from automation, according to Siemens presentations at Automate 2024 by A3, the Association for Advancing Automation, in Chicago.
How automation advances, innovation are transforming EV manufacturing
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing is growing in the automotive industry and companies are working to meet the challenge through increased automation and innovative strategies and people.
Automation innovation award winners announced
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) announced AMD, ECM and GrayMatter Robotics as the winners of the inaugural Automate Innovation Awards.
Available now: Control Engineering March/April 2024 digital edition
Control Engineering’s March-April digital edition, available online includes cover stories on open controls, with related articles on supporting standards, edge controllers and related topics. Other articles cover advanced process control, harmonics and VFDs, 6G preparations, process safety, I/O systems and new products. More links topical eBooks and other automation and controls multi-media resources are provided.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: April 2024
The Bundy Group reported 10 automation transactions in the month of April. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond, Part 4: Automation implementation best practices
In a January 11, 2024 webcast, “Automation: Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond,” Michael DeBoer, director of automation at Interstates, Eric Smith, President at APCO, and Scott Richards, senior project manager at Polytron discussed automation needs and opportunities, as well as providing best practice for implementation. Read part 4 of the transcript below.
Top 5 Control Engineering content: March 18-24, 2024
The top 5 pieces of content from the past week includes process automation, control loops, machine guarding and more.
Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond, Part 3: How automation solves bottleneck challenges
In a January 11, 2024 webcast, “Automation: Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond,” Michael DeBoer, director of automation at Interstates, Eric Smith, President at APCO, and Scott Richards, senior project manager at Polytron discussed automation needs and opportunities, as well as providing best practice for implementation. Read part 3 of the transcript below.
Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond, Part 2: Automation bottlenecks, challenges
In a January 11, 2024 webcast, “Automation: Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond,” Michael DeBoer, director of automation at Interstates, Eric Smith, President at APCO, and Scott Richards, senior project manager at Polytron discussed automation needs and opportunities, as well as providing best practice for implementation. Read part 2 of the transcript below.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: March 2024
The Bundy Group reported seven automation transactions in the month of March. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond, Part 1: Automation needs and opportunities
In a January 11, 2024, webcast, “Automation: Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond,” Michael DeBoer, director of automation at Interstates, Eric Smith, President at APCO, and Scott Richards, senior project manager at Polytron discussed automation needs and opportunities, as well as providing best practice for implementation. Read part 1 of the transcript below.
Improving automation, logistics for material handling and warehousing facilities
Doug Schuchart, global intralogistics manager for Beckhoff, talked about what they're doing to improve operations management for engineers. See video.
Available now: Control Engineering January/February 2024 digital edition
Control Engineering cover story for January/February 2024 is “Synchronized networks = tighter machine controls, precision, lower-costs,” more than 20 automation and control articles, videos, podcasts and 18 topical eBooks.
Your questions answered: Automation: Optimize next-level automation installations, 2024 and beyond
Optimizing automation installations now and in the future is critical, but there are many challenges. Additional answers from this live webcast are addressed here.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: February 2024
The Bundy Group reported nine automation transactions in the month of February. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: January 2024
The Bundy Group reported 13 automation transactions in the month of January. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automation merger, acquisition trends for the future
Clint Bundy from Bundy Group talks about several trends in the automation market and how this is affecting mergers and acquisitions.
How automation can enable success and improve workforce culture
Automation technologies can enable many positive changes, but it needs buy-in from all levels of the workforce to achieve true success.
Automation group celebrates 50th anniversary
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) celebrates its 50th anniversary as the robotics and automation trade group looks to the future.
Manufacturing, global economy 2024-2025: Short-term pain, then growth
Parts of the global economy and various industries will either have a recession or flat year followed by several strong years ahead.
More webcast answers on how to revolutionize industrial automation software
More answers are available about a vendor-agnostic automation platform to help with interoperability, compatibility and harmonization, so automation systems and devices can work together effortlessly. Also see the archived Dec. 14 webcast about Universal Automation benefits.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: December 2023
The Bundy Group reported 12 automation transactions in the month of December. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
How to meet industrial sustainability with automation, processes, people
Measurements and information sharing are important for meeting industrial sustainability goals: If an organization is struggling to meet 2025 goals, then 2030 is at risk. Advanced technology integration of automation and control systems, artificial intelligence and digital transformation can help adjust processes and empower people to move more quickly.
Updates and trends in the automation mergers, acquisitions market
Through a combination of transaction experience, meetings at industry events, and a recently completed survey, Bundy Group provides an update on the mergers and acquisitions market for the automation sector.
Benefits of decentralized automation concepts for manufacturers
Decentralized automation concepts can result in seamless integration of servo drives, bringing the power supply and the devices to where they are needed.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: November 2023
The Bundy Group reported 18 automation transactions in the month of November. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
How all-in-one automation platforms simplify machine building and increase design flexibility
Using a single source for machine automation design can solve many design, startup, and commissioning problems.
See these Control Engineering hot topics for late 2023
Most-viewed articles over the last several months for Control Engineering include stories on PLC programming languages, the Career and Salary Survey, Industry 4.0 and more.
How can automation and sustainability work together to meet business goals?
A new position paper from the International Society of Automation (ISA) gives an overview of the many ways that automation can ease the pathway to reaching sustainability goals. Read a summary below.
Automation Fair 2023: Four advances in future automation technologies for industries
Innovations in industrial technology and future impacts on people, processes and productivity were among topics covered by Nov. 9 keynote presenter, Cyril Perducat, Rockwell Automation senior vice president and chief technology officer, at Automation Fair 2023 by Rockwell Automation.
Automation Fair, Nov. 6-9: What’s possible with automation, productivity, resilience, sustainability?
The 32nd annual Automation Fair by Rockwell Automation opens today, Nov. 6, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center where Rockwell Automation and its partners offer more than 120 interactive exhibits, more than 325 sessions, more than 500 hours of training by more than 400 experts. More than 10,000 are expected to attend in four days.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: October 2023
The Bundy Group reported 21 automation transactions in the month of October. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: September 2023
The Bundy Group reported 17 automation transactions in the month of September. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Pack Expo Recap: Developing automation systems for facilities
Manufacturers are working on developing larger factory automation systems that can encompass most, if not all, of a facility’s needs.
How to automate 2024 insights: Your top advice from Control Engineering research
Control Engineering research shows the importance of control systems, motors and drives, process instrumentation and sensors, system integration and industrial networking. Advice focuses on how to automate.
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Andres Aguilar, 39
Andres Aguilar, 39, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, John Crane, Morton Grove, Illinois
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Richard Ahlfield, 33
Richard Ahlfeld, CEO & Founder, Monolith, London
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Fai Al Sanea, 33
Fai Al Sanea, 33, Senior Engineering Program Supervisor, Honeywell, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Joseph Dolivo, 35
Joseph Dolivo, 35, Chief Technology Officer, 4IR Solutions Corp., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Mercedes Elizalde, 26
Mercedes Elizalde, 26, Senior Product Owner, Hardware, Rockwell Automation, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Ashish Garg, 37
Ashish Garg, 37, Assistant General Manager, Jindal Saw Ltd., Anantapur Andhra Pradesh, India
2023 Engineering Leader Under 40: Nick Gigliotti, 30
Nick Gigliotti, Group Manager, Customer Success Management (EMEA), Seeq, Seattle
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Pankaj Goel, 36
Pankaj Goel, 36, Instrumentation, Measurement & Control Systems Engineer, ExxonMobil, Spring, Texas
2023 Engineering leader under 40: John Grounds, 34
John Grounds, 34, Plant Engineer, PAC Worldwide, Phoenix
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Zachary Jones, 29
Zachary Jones, 29, Director of Engineering, Pigler Automation, Longmont, Colorado
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Justin Katz, 37
Justin Katz, 37 Manager of Product Management, Inside Sales & Tech Support, Schmalz, Raleigh, North Carolina
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Ankur Kumar, 34
Ankur Kumar, 34, Operations Technology Development Lead, Linde, Tonawanda, New York
2023 Engineering leader under 40: Kaleigh Linton, 23
Kaleigh Linton, 23, Industrial Engineer, Simon & Schuster, Riverside, New Jersey
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: August 2023
The Bundy Group reported 10 automation transactions in the month of August. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
How to automate: Best Control Engineering advice, August 2023
Tempting as it is, I won’t duplicate the table of contents, but below see some of my favorite advice from this “How to automate” issue of Control Engineering. Industrial PCs, motion control, industrial networking, PLCs, edge computing and automation troubleshooting are among topics.
Are you prepared for the future of manufacturing?
To avoid falling behind, manufacturers need to familiarize themselves with automation trends such as cybersecurity, analytics, MES/ERP integration and robotics.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: July 2023
The Bundy Group reported 13 automation transactions in the month of July. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: June 2023
The Bundy Group reported 15 automation transactions in the month of June. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Next generation development tools help equipment intelligence
Manufacturing industries need to develop new concepts of automation core component products and software development tools for future digitization and intelligence.
Automotive lidar’s role growing because of increased use of autonomous vehicles
The automotive lidar market is expected to grow to $8.4 billion by 2033 due to increased adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: May 2023
The Bundy Group reported 15 automation transactions in the month of May. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Automate 2023 Day Two: Optimize and simplify manufacturing applications
Manufacturers at Automate 2023 are emphasizing products that can perform complex tasks, but are designed to be simple and easy to use.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital markets analysis: April 2023
The Bundy Group reported 15 automation transactions in the month of April. Analysis on the acquisitions and reports are highlighted below.
Hannover Messe 2023 Day Three: Connectivity and communication are critical to industrial transformation
Manufacturers and associations at Hannover Messe emphasized the need for better connectivity and communication with their products and each other.
The fundamentals of troubleshooting in industrial automation
Maintaining and troubleshooting industrial equipment requires a certain level of mechanical and electrical knowledge, but it starts with common sense and understanding the fundamentals of automation.
Hannover Messe 2023 Day One: Manufacturers emphasizing industrial transformation, flexibility
Manufacturers at Hannover Messe 2023 are tightening their focus and emphasizing total solutions and products for their customers. See video.
Top 5 Control Engineering content: April 3-9, 2023
The top 5 articles from the past week include PID loop tuning, smart instrumentation and logistics automation.
AI, flexible robotics’ growing role in manufacturing’s future
Artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible robotic systems have emerged as key technologies in industrial automation's future and are having an impact in many ways.
Logistics, robotics advances at the heart of improving automation
ProMat’s return after a four-year absence showed a greater emphasis on robotics and how logistics improvements can make automation better in manufacturing facilities. See video.
Manufacturing, global economy: Mild 2024 recession
The global economy is likely heading toward a mild recession in 2024 with a quick recovery, and manufacturers can position themselves in front of these challenges by taking charge; automation is part of the answer.
Upgrading ventilation equipment systems in automotive tunnels
An integration project required upgrading legacy equipment in a tunnel that sees thousands of vehicles driving through every day without causing potential safety issues.
Automation show announced for 2023
Automate 2023 in Detroit will feature more than 600 exhibitors showcasing machine vision, robotics, AI technology and more.
How all-in-one automation platforms simplify machine building and increase design flexibility
Some typical automation challenges are addressed by having one throat to choke
Re-industrialization at risk from automation education gap
A survey by ABB finds there is a growing desire to reshore or nearshore manufacturing, but there's a major automation education gap, which could hamper efforts.
Cooperation to develop an instrumentation device profile
Cooperation will harmonize OPC UA-based field instruments and accelerate development and adoption in automation.
Helping autonomous vehicles navigate tricky highway merges
If autonomous vehicles are ever going to achieve widespread adoption, we need to know they are capable of navigating complex traffic situations, such as merging into heavy traffic when lanes disappear on a highway.
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).
Applying automation in today’s manufacturing facilities
Automation is a necessity for manufacturing facilities, and it starts with gathering data and understanding where it is (and isn’t) needed and what technologies can help maximize return on investment (ROI).
Why automation matters for every manufacturer
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can level the playing field with their larger competitors by embracing automation with an approach that best suits their business needs.
Automation and manufacturing trends for the future
Jeff Burnstein, A3 president and the key organizer behind Automate 2022, offered his views on the latest trends in automation and what he sees for the future.
Flexible automation, robotics at Automate
Automate 2022 in Detroit strongly emphasized flexible automation as companies seek ways to address the supply chain and labor shortages exacerbated by COVID-19 and other world events.
Automation can help manufacturers, workers thrive
The growing need for skilled workers and increased automation should be a joint venture that can provide benefits for the company and employees.
Overcoming industrial automation implementation challenges
Industry 4.0, elevated levels of efficiency will lead to better use of assets and increased output, but upfront financial costs can be difficult for some manufacturers.
Combat labor shortages with automated solutions
Implement automated features into the manufacturing process to remain agile and equipped to meet future consumer demands.
Full stack automation operational, workforce benefits
Full stack automation can help manufacturers be more flexible and ready for automation changes and can give engineers better, more accurate real-time information.
Improving sustainability with your communications network
Selecting the right network technology is a key step in enhancing sustainability in manufacturing.
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.
Robotics, motion control, machine vision, AI
Think Again: Business is strong for automation, as explained by speakers at the A3 Business Forum in February.
Entries open for startup challenge at automation show
The Cowen Startup Challenge: Automate to Outperform, taking place at Automate 2022 in Detroit in June, will exhibit innovative companies and entrepreneurs with a $10,000 prize.
Understanding the basics of automation validation
Regardless of role, having a basic understanding of the concepts and typical documentation, will allow engineers to better appreciate the effort involved in ensuring compliance.
Control Engineering hot topics, January 2022
Control Engineering's most clicked articles in January 2022 included stories on Control Engineering hot topics, industrial automation advances, embedded systems, edge computing advances and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles January 17-23, 2022
Articles about the industrial automation, lithium-ion batteries, most-viewed articles of 2021, Control Engineering table of contents and industrial cybersecurity hot topics were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 17-23, 2022. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Automation mergers, acquisitions, capital: Curry, Fetch, Revere, Zebra
Global automation is expected to expand 51% from 2020 to 2025, driven by personal shortages, remote monitoring and increased records requirements and productivity demands. Robust mergers and acquisition investments to enhance margins validate the growth, explains the Bundy Group.
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.
Applying automation: The right infrastructure for the best results
Realizing the benefits of automation in an industrial setting requires significant upfront investment. Software must be modernized and data must be migrated to the hybrid cloud.
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.
Making the case for full automation
Opinion: It is in everyone's best interests to move to full automation, particularly for publicly-owned facilities. Experiences running large spinning equipment in a dangerous and unhealthy environment led to exploring ways to reduce, if not eliminate, human involvement in the process.
4 variables to consider before applying new automation technologies
Automation investment advice: Implement leading-edge automation technology, achieve a fast return on investment (ROI) and make it simple for the end user to support. These do not have to be mutually exclusive goals for automation technologies.
How tomorrow’s automation technology will transform workforce
The automation revolution is changing how technology is implemented and how workers are being trained. Companies need to rethink everything from the top-down to thrive in the future.
How warehouse automation business models are diverging
System integrators are looking to expand their service offering through additional network consulting and supply chain software applications, which means the automation hardware itself is becoming a smaller and smaller subset of the solution offering and is changing how companies approach the issue.
Engineering company installs automated production, material handling solutions
Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) completed two major projects at Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co., based in Michigan.
Warehouse automation vendors focusing on after-sales services market
There is plenty of potential growth in the after-sales market for warehouse automation vendors as COVID-19 continues to change the way people consume goods.
Top 5 Control Engineering articles May 10-16, 2021
Articles about connected distribution centers, SCADA master plan frameworks, integrated automation suites, PLC-controlled robots and OPC UA communications were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 10-16, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Automation built for resiliency
Resilient automation products and practices are a necessity for most industrial applications using sensors, wiring, power distribution, controllers, networks, actuators and software integrated into an automation system.
How industrial automation can benefit from 5G
5G is appealing to industrial automation where distance concerns can be overcome easily with many cells and the performance can surpass that of traditional Wi-Fi.
How hyperautomation can help manufacturers
Hyperautomation technologies is a fast-growing concept that offers many benefits for the industrial sector.
Integrated automation suites solve 24/7 connectivity problems
Edge solutions deliver data insights that increase uptime
Data link layer protocol examined
CAN in Automation (CiA) members have developed the CAN XL data link layer specification, which provides the functional and procedural means to transfer frames between nodes and to detect errors that occur in the physical layer.
How to achieve remote automation success
In a remote, yet connected world, this is how to keep pace with the changing face of automation in manufacturing
Challenging human quality inspection
Automated systems still struggle to replicate human efficiency in some visual inspection applications, but there are ways to get machine systems up to speed. Automated machine vision systems can improve over time; see three ways machine vision is catching up.
Six steps for supporting an automation system
There’s nothing revolutionary in this six-step process; however, it is a workable model for helping to find, analyze and correct system issues.
Research project for safer autonomous vehicles
Semcon is working with Vinnova on a research project to devise analysis methods and processes for continuous development of safe connected and automated vehicles.
Automation benefits on the factory floor
There are many ways automation benefits can be tangibly realized now and they will be needed as the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we realize value on the factory floor.
Industrial automation partnerships build strength in numbers
Partnerships and collaboration are the foundation that enable end-users and suppliers to develop complete solutions for industrial automation and beyond.
Integrating flow, process control improves operations
System integration, operations advice: Integrated flow and process control can significantly improve oil and gas operations.
Boosting productivity with automation
Manufacturers that adopt automation will gain long-term success
Data flow, alarms, simulation, cybersecurity, robotics
Control Engineering highlights automation, controls and instrumentation successes in every issue at www.controleng.com in between.
Prioritizing next year’s control system integration projects
Get six insights from a system integrator on planning future industrial automation and control system projects.
Automated container terminal streamlines U.S. supply chain
The TraPac San Pedro Bay facility in Los Angeles is the first automated container terminal in North America, bringing more goods through the same footprint, with faster truck turn times and a 90% reduction in emissions
Auto manufacturers are leveraging AR/VR technologies to address COVID-19
More than a third of auto manufacturers are implementing augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies to address COVID-19 social distancing and other challenges according to a survey by Grid Raster.
Redefining the boundaries of industrial automation
Production challenges do not wait on IT developments and automation technology advances enable data access and use from almost anywhere.
Space-rate force/torque sensor developed for Mars 2020 Rover
ATI Industrial Automation worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) to develop a custom force/torque sensor for Perseverance, the Mars 2020 Rover project. See video of the project.
COVID-19’s impact on Chinese automation markets
Influence of COVID-19 on China’s automation market: Initial impact of COVID-19 on the domestic Chinese automation market less than expected; most first-quarter sales came from orders last year. Negative COVID-19 effects on Chinese automation in the second or third quarter may increase; opportunities for automation growth exist.
Modular window film application system reveals high precision, throughput
PDS IG Equipment doubles window film throughput compared to the industry standard by using EtherCAT and PC-based control.
COVID-19 survey results show impact on automation industry
How the global coronavirus pandemic has effected manufacturing, onshoring, new developments, and more
Maximizing operational efficiency and productivity
Discrete event simulation (DES) on existing processes can help identify and unlock additional production capacity and improve operational efficiency for manufacturers.
Polymer manufacturing technique developed vehicle, packaging production
Purdue University researchers have developed a new way for manufacturers to use nanocellulose that can utilize sustainable cellulose nanomaterials for use in vehicles, food packaging and other manufactured items.
SCADA platform tools save time and money
Installing a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system improved efficiency for a Wisconsin-based automotive supplier. Results included greater visibility, faster problem solving, lower costs and more throughput.
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.
Creating a safe path to digital with open standards
To keep pace with the digital age, the critical infrastructure and automation industries are looking beyond today’s control systems for new, common technologies to help balance requirements for uptime with digital technologies. Open standards can help.
Big Data analytics moves right to the edge
The implications of the introduction of the IEEE 802.3cg standard for industrial automation and what it might mean for 4-20mA or HART systems.
The future of industrial automation training
Smarter workers: Think beyond the limitations of the human brain to help industrial automation and industrial automation education. Use the brain outside your brain (BOYB) to “know” things not previously learned.
What do taxes, water and wastewater services and automation system integration have in common?
Crumbling infrastructure is no joke: Water and wastewater, taxes and automation system integration are linked in five critical ways important for taxpayers and those involved in automation and controls.
Manufacturers focusing on faster automation in wake of coronavirus
GlobalData reports that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has made manufacturers realize the need for faster automation and innovation, but it is going to take time to recover from the virus' economic effects.
Coronavirus will force manufacturers to enhance automation, digitalization
COVID-19 is forcing manufacturers to rely more on automation and digitalization for long-term operations to reduce the financial impact from epidemics and other potential economic challenges.
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.
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?
SCT Converter by Beckhoff Automation
Beckhoff Automation’s SCT current converters allows users to perform extensive inline analyses, for example, to detect and correct deviations quickly in order to minimize downtime.
Getting the automation zone “just right”
Many automation companies struggle with finding the “Goldilocks Zone” for their automation projects. Learn how companies can find that right balance by asking four questions before starting to automate.
Digital twins, engineering future of automation
Rapid growth of data collection make rapid expansion of digital twins more likely to add automation, supply chain efficiencies and optimization.
Automation software can improve plant flexibility
The automotive industry, which can be rigid and inflexible, can improve production and meet increased demand for customization with automation software.
Is automation going too far?
International: Just because something can be automated doesn’t mean it should. Pay attention to the details. High-profile mission-critical automation applications and smaller-scale control systems should optimize reliability, safety and efficiency.
outdoorScan3 by Sick
Sick’s outdoorScan3 is a safety laser scanner that has been certified to IEC 62998 for use in outdoor applications.
Taking control of controls
Ford’s 10-year operational evolution started with network standards.
Hannover Messe 2019, Day 1: Innovation challenged by human concerns
Supply chain leaders won’t link with digitalization; AI has human workers nervous.
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.
Automation group re-elects leaders
CAN in Automation re-elected the three members of their board: Uwe Koppe, Christian Schlegel, and Holger Zeltwanger.
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: Optimization
Technology update: Optimization is among key trends for manufacturing and process facilities highlighted in the media session at ARC Forum 2019.
Help for automation design, selection, implementation
Automation product design, system integration, and application advice follows from some of the 2019 Engineers’ Choice winners.
Software can automate devices and systems
Machine manufacturers benefit from software that allows them to stay operational with their many automation devices while cutting costs and staying independent of an engineering framework.
Automation needs to be easy to use
Automation advice: Devices and systems should provide a positive customer experience and be easily connect, monitor, commission, and operate. Use the smartphone benchmark.
Open architecture adds advantages to automation designs
Manufacturers should consider open architectures when designing new automation products for greater flexibility, innovation, and greater competitiveness.
Automation company selects new president
Beckhoff Automation LLC has selected Kevin Barker as the company's new president, taking over for Aurelio Banda, who led the Minnesota-based company for four years.
Automation and robotics company acquired
Motion Industries has acquired Axis New England and Axis New York, an automation and robotics company.
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.
Automation standard seminar for newcomers and experts
CAN in Automation (CiA) is hosting a pair of seminars in March 2019 to explain CANopen benefits for beginners and experienced users.
Automation programming advances enhance communication, other capabilities
Automation software and hardware advances reduce programming tasks and provide more built-in configurability, scalability, background communication among software components, simulation/digital twin capability, and usability.
System repairs: 6 steps to find the root cause
Automation systems will eventually need to be repaired. Following a regular procedure while troubleshooting to find the root cause can be a big help.
How to enhance automation systems with instrumentation, advanced analytics
Automation can be enhanced in a number of ways whether its through improving process instrumentation or unlocking the power of the Internet of Things (IoT)
2017 Programmable Controller Software, Hardware Study
Respondents to the 2017 Programmable Controller Software and Hardware Study identified several key findings.
