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Fujitsu launches ‘IntelliEdge’ platform for Industry 4.0

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Fujitsu says it has expanded its Industrial Internet of Things capabilities with its new “IntelliEdge” ecosystem, which includes network edge processing capabilities.

Fujitsu says the IntelliEdge edge computing appliance enables the optimisation of industrial processes for Industry 4.0, securely connecting data and resources to people and devices and bridging the gap between operational technology in the field, and on-premises and cloud-based information technology.

Fujitsu is introducing the IntelliEdge appliance to manage OT devices, giving enterprises an unprecedented end-to-end view of the entire production processes to achieve a breakthrough in monitoring and managing optimised individual production lines at approximately the same cost as mass production.  [Read more…] about Fujitsu launches ‘IntelliEdge’ platform for Industry 4.0

Huawei partners with PCITC to develop smart factory technologies

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Huawei is partnering with Petro-Cyberworks Information Technology Company to develop what the companies call “Smart Factory 2.0” technologies.

The aim is to contribute to the progress made in energy conservation and emission reduction.

In a statement, Huwaei says: “Our Earth faces increasingly grave environmental problems.

“Although more people have realized the significance of environmental protection and have chosen shared bicycles and electric cars as part of their low-carbon lifestyles, yet we still rely heavily on non-renewable energy such as petroleum.”  [Read more…] about Huawei partners with PCITC to develop smart factory technologies

Savigent Software becomes first national member of Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute

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The Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute has announced that Savigent Software has joined the Manufacturing USA initiative as its first national member.

In partnership with the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office, CESMII brings over $140 million in public-private investment to enable smart manufacturing technologies and systems to become the driving, sustainable engine that delivers real-time business and energy improvements in US manufacturing.

Jim Wetzel, CEO of CESMII, says: “Savigent is not only our first national member, but will be an important technical partner moving forward.  [Read more…] about Savigent Software becomes first national member of Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute

ZF testing driverless tractors and combine harvesters using new AI computing device

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ZF, the German company known worldwide for its automotive technology, has launched a new computing device specifically aimed at making combine harvesters, tractors and other farming vehicles more autonomous.

The new device, which features artificial intelligence, is called the “ZF ProAI” processor unit.

The company will be demonstrating the new technology at Agritechnica, an event to showcase agricultural machinery.  [Read more…] about ZF testing driverless tractors and combine harvesters using new AI computing device

Warehouse management systems: A next-minute overview

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With warehouses increasingly becoming a hub of robotic and automation innovation, we thought now would be a good time to take a closer look at this dynamic sector. 

First, the basics. What is a warehouse management system?

Basically, it’s a software application which enables the digital management of a warehouse.  [Read more…] about Warehouse management systems: A next-minute overview

Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

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Kuka has demonstrated a cloud-connected robotic work cell which it says represents “the next step towards the production of the future”.

Kuka recently showcased many of its technologies at the China International Industry Fair for the first time since joining the Midea group.

The company is promoting what it calls its “ready2_use packages”, which the company says offers “preconfigured, coordinated application packages that can be integrated quickly and easily into an existing production facility”.  [Read more…] about Kuka demonstrates cloud-connected robotic machining cell

Softing to showcase solutions for digital data exchange in networked production

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Softing is planning to showcase its latest products and solutions for digital data exchange in networked production at this year’s SPS IPC Drives event.

Softing says it wants to present itself as a “competent partner for the realization of networked automation”.

The company says it wants to close the gaps between operation technology and information technology, and create the conditions for “seamless exchange of digital data in Industry 4.0 applications”.  [Read more…] about Softing to showcase solutions for digital data exchange in networked production

Pepperl+Fuchs launches device for precise detection of absolute position of actuators

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Pepperl+Fuchs has launched a device for the precise detection of the position of actuators. 

The new PMI F90 inductive positioning system can “precisely detect the absolute position of one actuator as well as the distance between two”, says Pepperl+Fuchs.

The company says the system has “comprehensive communication functionality and is equipped for Industry 4.0 applications”, through IO-Link technology.  [Read more…] about Pepperl+Fuchs launches device for precise detection of absolute position of actuators

HMS integrates support for OPC UA and MQTT into its Anybus CompactCom networking solutions

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HMS Industrial Networks has integrated support for the IoT protocols OPC UA and MQTT within its Anybus CompactCom range of embedded networking solutions. 

HMS says that, with OPC UA and MQTT in the portfolio, device and machine manufacturers who use CompactCom are offered “a straight-forward path to providing secure data to the IIoT factories of tomorrow – already today”.

To achieve the vision of Industrial Internet of Things, device and machine manufacturers are required not only to connect their hardware to different industrial networks on operational technology, but also to provide data to IT systems and IoT software.  [Read more…] about HMS integrates support for OPC UA and MQTT into its Anybus CompactCom networking solutions

Universal Robots opens new repair center enabling overnight deliveries in North America

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Universal Robots, which is believed to be the first and largest manufacturer of collaborative robots, has opened a new repair centre through which it will be able to deliver its machines and components overnight. 

The 400 square metre center is adjacent to Universal Robots’ Americas headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The company says it is now ready to cover North and South America with repair services, offering overnight delivery of spare parts in North America.  [Read more…] about Universal Robots opens new repair center enabling overnight deliveries in North America