Wireless
How open systems support end users
End users have been vocal about wanting open systems, and automation vendors are responding by delivering systems compliant with international standards.
Practical and value-based Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 might seem daunting and expensive, but manufacturers can make it practical without getting bogged down in details.
Mobilizing secure, real-time remote operations for Industry 4.0
Mobility technology is transforming the smart manufacturing and improving Industry 4.0 by providing environment and empowering an intelligent enterprise through a smart, connected automation ecosystem. See video.
Field level communications initiative improves interoperability
The OPC Foundation is developing field-related extensions to the OPC UA framework in order to drive industrial interoperability from field level communications (FLC) to cloud and to support information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) convergence.
PC-based control boosts sterile sampling bag production
Labplas redesigns custom production machines with EtherCAT, robotics and AI for quality control, ensuring ROI of less than one year on all upgrades, for 15 to 35% machine productivity increases.
Low-cost, easy-to-use electric motion
Use easy-to-use electric actuators: Digital I/O ensures pneumatics-like control, while IO-Link adds a third, mid-point position for new capabilities.
Light curtain operation is easier with wireless communications
Bluetooth interface helps with setup and operation of a safety rated light curtain.
Wireless technology benefits for manufacturing
There are many potential benefits to using wireless technology in manufacturing, but users need to be aware of standards and potential challenges.
TSN helping pharmaceutical manufacturers improve operations
Time-sensitive networking (TSN)-driven gigabit Ethernet can help pharmaceutical manufacturers improve their operations and regulatory compliance activities.
Using IIoT for a more energy-efficient pump environment
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) case study shows how to use pump power measurements to save energy using sensors enabled by wireless gateway and cloud-based analytics. Secure and relatively simple technologies were used; see eight project guidelines.