Gone are the days when the primary examples of robotic safety were electromechanical switches on automotive welding systems. At this year’s International Robot Safety Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, most presentations featured solid-state technology used with mobile and collaborative robotic applications in the packaging or warehouse industry.
The digital age has transformed the face of almost every industry around the globe and manufacturing has been no exception. Modern industrial automation helps improve speed, efficiency, quality and safety. This gives manufacturers the tools to thrive in the face of increasing competition. The pace of innovation continues to grow exponentially with new technologies being released weekly by the world’s leading robot and automation suppliers.
The food and beverage industry has seen great momentum when it comes to addressing cyber hygiene – the starting point for industrial control system (ICS) cybersecurity. Where we used to have a lot of conversations about network infrastructure, cybersecurity techniques and strategy are now taking center stage. But how did we get here?
Panduit IIoT ecosystem helps noosa yoghurt speed production at maximum efficiency while increasing network reliability and productivity. At the recommendation of Malisko Engineering, Inc., a Panduit ONESM Gold Partner, noosa yoghurt consulted with Panduit Advisory Services to design the complete physical layer of its new industrial network.
Edge computing has been around for a long time, but is now celebrating a revival in industry. Not all industrial users are convinced by the cloud. Rittal has discovered the potential of the edge and developed a corresponding product portfolio. Sales of the company’s optimization software will begin in the autumn. Rittal’s new Industrie 4.0 plant in Haiger serves as a ‘live’ laboratory.
Protecting operators from the safety hazards introduced by automated machines and robotic equipment demands an understanding of both the appropriate safety guarding level and the machine safety components needed to get the job done. As always, the designer must identify the safety risks, plan the best ways of addressing them, and ensure the proper application of safety components.
You might be looking to see if you can operate a little leaner and lower those steep maintenance costs. With FANUC’s factory automation support, they offer a number of great benefits that can help your bottom line and keep you running.
JMP Solutions, an independent robotic systems integrator, recently announced that their very own, Ken McLaughlin has been elected to the RIA Board of Directors to represent the System Integrator Category. The RIA Certified Robotic Integrator program was established in 2012 in response to an industry need for a benchmark to evaluate technical and robotics safety acumen, as well as overall system integrator business excellence.
Unscheduled downtime is the single largest source of lost production time for manufacturers. When equipment goes down, the entire production environment is disrupted, and an unresolved issue with one machine can result in delays, cost overruns, unhappy customers, and a loss of trust and reputation.
Pushing productivity to new heights today requires not only a skilled workforce but a well-informed one. And with modern HMI software, you can create more informed workers by connecting them to the timely, useful information they need to make fast and smart decisions.
In their effort to keep your electronics and critical process equipment safe, wallmount enclosures face numerous challenges. From extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, to caustic washdowns and hazardous airborne particulates, an enclosure must be built to withstand the operating conditions of the specific environment that it’s put in.
Early this year Proax Technologies hosted Proax 4.0, an event focused on educating those in relevant industries about new products and trends within the industry. This included a number of booths showcasing new technologies from a number of Proax’s primary parterns, as well as Q&A discussion session with several industry experts.
As an OEM, you don’t need a data scientist to tell you the demand for smarter, IoT-enabled machines is intensifying. You’re on the front lines and must address customer requirements for equipment that not only collects more data – but also shares it with information systems in useful ways.
Take a look at your production facility. Each step in the process has the potential to produce valuable data that can be captured, analyzed, and used to make stronger and more effective decisions. Leading manufacturers are leveraging this data to identify trends, mitigate the impact of downtime and maintenance, increase output, and reduce costs. By taking a strategic approach to data and understanding its role in the organization, companies have created a competitive advantage that positions them for future success and growth.
As the 2010’s come to an end, the beginning of a new decade represents a symbolic moment for manufacturers of all sizes to step back and reflect on the trends, technologies, and approaches driving the industry forward. With the accelerated adoption of new capabilities and technologies such as additive manufacturing, data and analytics, and digital twin technology, combined with a shift toward a more purpose-driven approach and an increased emphasis on design and strategy, manufacturers will be tasked with creating a plan that positions their organization for long-term success and growth.
You’ve decided it’s time to invest in digital technology to drive better performance from your industrial plant assets. But how do you get started? There are many options vying for your attention. Different technical solutions from multiple vendors, different pain points you’re trying to address, even different priorities and objectives within your organization. Should you focus on minimizing lifecycle risk? Ensuring you have an optimal quantity of critical spares in your storeroom?
This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
