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Distec and Red Lion Controls host event to demonstrate smart factory technology

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distec red lion

Industrial computing specialist Distec is partnering with industrial automation and networking expert Red Lion Controls to host a smart factory day on March 28, 2017.

The event, which will be held at the De Vere Cranage Estate in Cheshire, UK is designed to give plant managers an overview of the benefits of smart factory technology.

The day will feature speakers discussing their experiences using the latest automation technology to build smart factory environments.

Plant managers and engineers can also view live demo kits to get a hands-on experience of the automation technology that’s helping to build the current and next generation of smart factory. Technical staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the technology and its use in factories.  [Read more…] about Distec and Red Lion Controls host event to demonstrate smart factory technology

Fanuc leads rising tide of industrial automation in the US

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The ongoing global trend towards greater industrial automation is being reflected in an increase in the number of industrial robots into the US. 

According to a report by Panjiva, a global trade platform, the upswing is likely to continue.

Chris Rogers, Panjiva research analyst, says industrial robot manufacturer has been one of the leading beneficiaries.  [Read more…] about Fanuc leads rising tide of industrial automation in the US

NarrativeWave claims first of its kind IIoT platform

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industrial-internet-plm

Today, large industrial assets, such as airplane engines and gas turbines, generate data through sensors.

In fact, there are around 6 billion connected sensors in the world today and by 2020, more than 20 billion sensors will be connected worldwide, according to Gartner.

During a commercial airline flight, data such as the engine’s health and status is sent to diagnostic engineers to be closely analyzed.

Approximately 1,000 gigabytes of data are generated per flight and with over 100,000 flights per day, this equates to over 100,000,000 gigabytes of commercial flight data every day.

That is what you call BIG data.

While big data can be a curse to manage, it is becoming the most critical asset. [Read more…] about NarrativeWave claims first of its kind IIoT platform

ST Robotics launches new ‘super-fast’ industrial robot arm for $18,000

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ST R17HS

ST Robotics has launched what it says is a high speed version of their five-axis vertically articulated R17 robot arm.

The company says its new machine compares favourably to the Universal Robots UR5 model.

ST claims its new ST R17HS is one of the industry’s fastest robots. Standard tool speed is “over four times as fast as the nearest competitor”, yet it’s less than half the price, says the company.  [Read more…] about ST Robotics launches new ‘super-fast’ industrial robot arm for $18,000

Comau agrees new distribution partnership with South Korean company

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comau snj robotics deal

​Comau has selected SNJ Robotics as an official distributor in South Korea.

SNJ will offer the full robotics portfolio, representing the Comau brand and providing local customers with top level services.

In a joint statement, the three key people involved in the deal say they are looking forward to “this important step for both companies”.  [Read more…] about Comau agrees new distribution partnership with South Korean company

Kuka plans to open TechCenter knowledge facilities worldwide

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kuka TechCenter

Kuka has opened the first of its so-called “TechCenter” facilities in Augsberg, Germany.

The company says the centres are designed to provide consultation and support services for customers and partners worldwide.

In particular, the TechCenter is aimed at the development of joint solutions or the performance of feasibility studies with and for Kuka, its customers, integrators and system partners.  [Read more…] about Kuka plans to open TechCenter knowledge facilities worldwide

‘Innovative’ Škoda factory introduces human-robot collaboration with Kuka LBR iiwa

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Škoda Auto, Matador Group and Kuka have come together in the town of Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, for what they say is “a manufacturing initiative without borders or fences”.

The project is being undertaken in an automobile factory which produces direct-shift-gearbox automatic transmissions.

There, an industrial robot does what industrial robots do best: grow productivity, reduce costs and improve output quality.  [Read more…] about ‘Innovative’ Škoda factory introduces human-robot collaboration with Kuka LBR iiwa

Keeping costs down: The lion’s share of IoT communication

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IoT compatbility for legacy systems

Adrian Swindells, director of industrial computing specialist Distec, explores how businesses can keep the cost of IoT implementation to a minimum

One of the biggest bugbears of plant managers is the cost of upgrading or replacing devices and equipment.

While this has traditionally only occurred due to a breakage, the rise of the internet of things has driven a need for cross-compatible equipment – in most cases calling for the costly replacement of legacy systems to ensure communication.

Whether you think of it as industry 4.0 or the IoT, the concept of machine to machine internetworking is undeniably the most talked about technological development of recent times.

In fact, forecasts have predicted the market for the IoT to be worth $14.4 trillion by 2022.  [Read more…] about Keeping costs down: The lion’s share of IoT communication

Wipro joins Industrial Internet Consortium

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Wipro has joined the Industrial Internet Consortium, the global, member-supported organization that promotes the accelerated growth of the Industrial Internet of Things.

This membership provides Wipro opportunities to engage and innovate with multi-partner testbeds and adopt best practices to drive digital transformation for customers.

Wipro has significant actitivties in the Internet of Things space, leveraging connected assets for the transformation of enterprise business, services and processes. IoT is a key enabler of Wipro Digital’s transformation strategy for its customers.  [Read more…] about Wipro joins Industrial Internet Consortium

SPX Flow claims technical breakthrough which saves 30 per cent energy

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spx flow

SPX Flow claims it has made a technological breakthrough with its new refrigerated air dryer which will enable electricity savings of 30 per cent for robotics and automation applications 

SPX Flow has launched a new refrigerated compressed air dryer which it claims can save up to 30 per cent on energy costs. 

The Flex Series lowers air system power costs and improves productivity by matching power consumption to compressed air demand. In a typical manufacturing facility utilizing automation and robotics, up to 30 per cent of electricity can be consumed for generating and treating compressed air.

To reduce total cost of operation and qualify for utility company incentive programs, proper air treatment equipment selection and application is required, says the company.

SPX says this is a breakthrough in compressed air drying technology.  [Read more…] about SPX Flow claims technical breakthrough which saves 30 per cent energy