Design

While the Edge Computing technology landscape is quite broad, there are several key characteristics that narrow the types of functions that apply specifically to a machine or equipment manufacturer. As OEMs evaluate edge technology to determine how it can decrease friction in the development of new machines, there are a few important considerations that should be evaluated to help ensure success. By Aric Prost, Sr. Director, OEM At Stratus Technologies

Crosser, the low-code platform for streaming analytics, automation and integration for industrial IoT, has announced its latest funding round of €3m in new capital. The round was led by NTT DOCOMO Ventures and Montan-Ventures-Saar, with existing investors Industrifonden, Spintop Ventures, 42 Cap, Almi Invest and Norrlandsfonden also participating. 

Industrial IT solutions digital transformation partner and exclusive UK & Ireland distributor of AVEVA software, SolutionsPT is tackling down-time in industrial settings by releasing a step-by-step guide aimed at onsite operators and boardroom-based CEOs alike. The free-to-download guide and accompanying blogs and webinars offer simple advice for any company looking to improve productivity by increasing the amount of time their facility is operational.

Schneider Electric has announced EcoStruxure Automation Expert version 21.0, the next in an ongoing series of updates and enhancements for the world’s first software-centric system. Schneider Electric is implementing Agile software development methodology to deliver a new EcoStruxure Automation Expert release, based on direct customer feedback, every six months.

AMD has announced it’s working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to provide GPUs which can help investigate astrophysics and galaxy formations. ORNL is preparing eight key scientific applications for Frontier, and one of them is CHOLLA, which investigates astrophysics and galaxy formations, one of the first workloads in its class to run on GPUs.

The phrase ‘smart factory’ was first coined in 2011 at German trade exhibition, the Hanover Messe. The term describes a highly digitalised environment in which machinery optimises and operates autonomously. Yet, despite being in our vocabulary for almost a decade, smart factories are not yet commonplace. Here, Stefan Reuther, Chief Sales Office at COPA-DATA, explains how the connected factory could be the first step of achieving digitalisation in manufacturing.

Mantracourt has released SensorSpace, an umbrella platform for remotely monitoring all the key operational parameters across an industrial site. Suited to use in a variety of industrial sectors, it can be used to remotely monitor the status of any system equipped with a T24 wireless system, from measuring hydraulic pressures and force measurements to temperatures on a food processing line.

Novotek is expanding its commitment to deliver the best industrial equipment by making Kepware software solutions readily available to industrial businesses. The product is available on the company’s e-store and it promises to bridge the connectivity gaps between diverse industrial automation devices and applications.

Industrial producers can now improve the reliability and longevity of their automation systems in hazardous locations. Rockwell Automation has enhanced two of its modern visualisation solutions, the Allen-Bradley VersaView 5200 thin clients and VersaView 5400 industrial computers, for use in harsh locations in industries like oil and gas, tire and rubber, and pulp and paper.

The popularity of fitness classes and online channels dedicated to wellbeing shows that, when it comes to our bodies, people are fully aware that prevention is the key to health. The same is true when it comes to industrial equipment like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), the heart of industrial automation. Here Neil Ballinger, Head of EMEA at EU Automation, shares his expert advice on how to maintain PLCs.