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Smart cities: A matrix of information superhighways

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Tokyo, the world’s most populous city, with almost 40 million residents. Picture by Moyan Brenn, via Wikimedia

Johannes Petrowisch, partner account manager at industrial automation software company Copa-Data, discusses the role of data collection and analysis in the smart cities of tomorrow

The largest ant colonies in the world contain over 300 million individuals and cover areas that are several kilometres wide. Ants mostly rely on tactile and chemical means of communication to keep these huge systems in order.

Luckily, as humans, we have additional tools at our disposal to make our homes and cities more efficient, more organised and, to put it simply, better places to live in.
[Read more…] about Smart cities: A matrix of information superhighways

Industrial internet: Connecting motors to the Internet of Things

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Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of industrial equipment supplier EU Automation discusses how new developments help bring legacy systems forward

In the last few years, fitness tracking technology has been increasingly popular, with a range of devices available to help you become healthier, improve your fitness performance and ultimately live longer.

These devices use non-invasive, easy to use sensors that connect directly to your smartphone or computer, giving you instant results to track your progress. At this year’s Hanover Messe, a new ABB demonstrated a new fitness tracker. Only this time, it’s a fitness tracker for industrial motors.

At this year’s Hanover fair, ABB revealed that it has developed a smart sensor that can monitor the condition of a Low Voltage (LV) motor. This development consists of two parts; the sensor and the software.  [Read more…] about Industrial internet: Connecting motors to the Internet of Things

Denso invests in deep learning and vision processing startup Thinci

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Robotics and automation giant Denso says it’s become the lead investor in Thinci

Denso says its investment in startup will help accelerate next-generation automotive technology, using innovative deep learning and vision processing silicon and software. 

The company adds that its investment will lead to advancements in driver assistance and autonomous driving, improve the efficiency of thermal systems, and optimize the productivity of the vehicle’s powertrain.

Tony Cannestra, Denso International America’s director of corporate ventures, says: “Denso has been researching new developments in the area of computer vision processing. We strongly believe that Thinci’s technology will soon become a key component of next generation autonomous driving systems that require advanced computing techniques combined with deep learning capabilities.  [Read more…] about Denso invests in deep learning and vision processing startup Thinci

Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

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Schaeffler, one of the world’s leading automotive and industrial suppliers, has signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with IBM to accelerate the digital transformation of its entire operations and customer solutions using Watson’s cognitive intelligence and insight from billions of sensors that make up the internet of things (IoT).

Schaeffler manufactures millions of precision-engineered products that help to keep the world’s machines moving – from those that go into automotive clutch systems, to those in hybrid engines and the huge industrial bearings used in wind turbines.

Through the agreement, Schaeffler will tap IBM’s cloud-based Watson IoT technologies to help transform every aspect of its business from product development, through to manufacturing and its supply chain, sales and aftersales service.  [Read more…] about Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

Automation fails without aligning materials support function with demand, says Synchrono

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By Thomas R. Cutler

Robot-to-person solutions are on a rapid trajectory for 2017 and beyond. Yet discrete manufacturing organizations which initiate material replenishment automation programs without properly analyzing processes and priorities for internal and external stakeholders, find far less value than anticipated.

Manufacturers are unsure about current replenishment capabilities within ERP (enterprise resource planning) and other systems, and are even less clear whether to fix, buy, or build a solution to gain the capabilities needed.

Too often disruptions in leadership and a change-averse environment can create barriers to improved production flow and automating processes.

The manufacturing sector is well-served when considering whether a replenishment solution can enhance flow and enable continuous improvements; often best practice robotic solutions follow.  [Read more…] about Automation fails without aligning materials support function with demand, says Synchrono

Boulting claims to be one of the ‘guardians of industrial networks galaxy’

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Boulting Technology has launched what it says is a comprehensive and dedicated industrial network service, which includes consultancy, feasibility testing, network design, implementation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

Boulting Technology specialises in performance-driven, secure, customised industrial network solutions in the operation technology space that facilitate migration from legacy systems and seamless integration into the IT space.

Boulting claims to be one of the guardians of industrial networks galaxy, adding that it has a strong portfolio of industrial network solutions projects in the utilities, transport and manufacturing sectors, which has delivered innovative, customer-led, business enabling solutions for over 10 years.  [Read more…] about Boulting claims to be one of the ‘guardians of industrial networks galaxy’

Volvo and Autoliv to create joint venture to develop autonomous driving technology

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Autoliv, a provider of advanced driver assistance systems, and Volvo Cars, the car maker, have agreed to form a new jointly-owned company to develop next generation autonomous driving software.

The planned new company will have its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and an initial workforce taken from both companies of around 200, increasing to over 600 in the medium term. The company is expected to start operations in early 2017.

Once finalized, the joint venture will be a new entrant in the growing global market for autonomous driving software systems. It will mark the first time a leading premium car maker has joined forces with a tier one supplier to develop new advanced driver assist systems and autonomous driving technologies.  [Read more…] about Volvo and Autoliv to create joint venture to develop autonomous driving technology

Continental expands advanced driver assistance systems business in Asia

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Continental is expanding its advanced driver assistance systems business in Asia and expects sales to reach $2.2 billion a year by 2020.

The company says it is on course to achieve €1 billion in sales this year, and is aiming to capitalise on this growth by developing its Asian operations.

Continental says it will increase production capacity for radar sensors in the Philippines and China, and accelerate its knowledge transfer and staff expansion.

Continental is estimated to be the market leader in advanced driver assistance systems, which is in essence autonomous car technology.

[Read more…] about Continental expands advanced driver assistance systems business in Asia

Industrial Internet Consortium agrees security framework for robotics and automation systems connectivity

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Industry association says new standard is a comprehensive approach to protect the industrial internet

The Industrial Internet Consortium, the public-private organization formed to accelerate adoption of the industrial internet of things, has published its Industrial Internet Security Framework, a common security framework that addresses security issues in IIoT systems.

The organizations says IISF emphasizes the importance of five IIoT characteristics – safety, reliability, resilience, security and privacy – that help define “trustworthiness” in IIoT systems. The IISF also defines risk, assessments, threats, metrics and performance indicators to help business managers protect their organizations.

IIoT security cannot be considered in isolation, says IIC. It comprises a complex set of industrial processes and applications as well as significant safety and reliability requirements.  [Read more…] about Industrial Internet Consortium agrees security framework for robotics and automation systems connectivity

Koops embarks on $5 million industrial automation expansion journey

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Factory automation specialist Koops says its $5 million expansion plan will eventually double its production capacity

Preparing for the increasing global demand for industrial automation systems, Michigan-based automation company Koops broke ground on a new 40,000-square-foot plant expansion that will nearly double production capacity.

The $4.9 million expansion to its current plant at 987 Productions Court in Holland, Michigan, is in response to growing global demand for automation equipment that is expected to hit $200 billion in sales in the next few years.

“Growth in the automation systems industry is on the rise because manufacturing companies worldwide are seeking ways to lower production costs while improving quality through expanded automation processes,” said Koops CEO Paul Brinks at last week’s groundbreaking.

[Read more…] about Koops embarks on $5 million industrial automation expansion journey