Mobility

To test how well the algorithm might work in a warehouse, the researchers had a robot (white arm) monitor participants performing activities in a warehouse-like setting. Within three seconds of the end of each activity, the robot showed a score on its display (right). Courtesy: Parsa et al./IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters/University of Washington
Mobility August 23, 2019

Machine learning used to determine warehouse ergonomics for worker safety

Researchers at the University of Washington used machine learning to develop a system that monitors factory and warehouse workers and tell them, in real time, how risky their behaviors are.

By Sarah McQuate
Figure 2: Ladder logic programming example; LL is the most commonly used PLC programing, most closely resembling circuit diagrams used for relays. Courtesy: Frank Lamb, Automation Primer
Mobility August 1, 2019

Control Engineering hot topics, July 2019

Control Engineering's most clicked articles in July 2019 included stories about PLC programming languages, connecting a PLC to the internet, digitalization advantages, choosing the right enclosure, and more. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Figure 3: Don’t integrate computers on the manufacturing floor without protection in mind. Courtesy: Armagard
Mobility July 29, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles July 22-28

Articles about computer integration, data analytics, HMI safety, mobile devices, and smart manufacturing were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 22-28. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
The Raspberry Pi allows for simple connectivity for communication and data collection and can serve as a useful and inexpensive alternative in the manufacturing space. Courtesy: Avanceon
Mobility June 29, 2019

Using mobile devices for communication, data collection

Mobile devices like Raspberry Pi are an inexpensive alternative for controllers in the manufacturing space and can be useful for particular input/output (I/O) applications.

By Brian Fenn
Companies reliant on DCS technology realize migration is difficult and the process delicate, but it's worth it because the costs of losing control of a process is much higher. Courtesy: Maverick Technologies
Mobility June 24, 2019

Top 5 Control Engineering articles June 17-23

Articles about DCS migration, industrial automation and mobile technology, the Career and Salary Survey, monitoring assets, and alarm management and process safety were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from June 17-23. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra
Older architectures for mobile access present problems, but newer implementations provide greatly simplified solutions. Courtesy: Opto 22
Mobility June 13, 2019

Finding common ground between industrial automation and mobile technology

Mobile technologies are challenging traditional data handling practices as they move into the industrial arena.

By Benson Hougland
Configuration software should make it easy to create basic graphics, and to implement more advanced features like remote connectivity, data logging and security. Courtesy: AutomationDirect
Mobility June 10, 2019

Choosing the right HMI

Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are available with many hardware and software features and users should work backwards from the target application to make sure all needs are addressed.

By Bill Dehner
If a mobile device is lost, it’s vital the industrial apps are wiped, and that plant access is terminated immediately. Courtesy: Inductive Automation
Mobility June 5, 2019

Adapting to the new mobile device landscape

Using mobile devices on the plant floor offers many potential benefits, but the right approach is a must because of safety and cybersecurity concerns.

By Travis Cox
Figure 2: Users can claim ownership of process notifications so that others know those alarms are being investigated. Courtesy: Emerson
Mobility June 3, 2019

Improve decisions by optimizing data from mobile devices

Good mobile software promotes efficiency by delivering data on intuitive screens that empower users to integrate information and saves trips back to the control room or to the site.

By Danny Strinden and Mariana Dionisio
As human-machine interfaces (HMIs) have modernized in the last decade, they can now control and monitor multiple machines at once, to provide a complete overview of a production facility. Courtesy: EU Automation
Mobility May 30, 2019

It’s time the mobile HMI caught up

Mobile human-machine interfaces (HMIs) have evolved over the last decade and offer a lot of potential value on the plant floor, but there are perceived cybersecurity and risk management issues for many users that need to be overcome.

By Mark Howard