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Collaborative Robotics Open Doors for Manufacturing

Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are highly productive automated systems. They can unlock new applications that have previously not been done with robots and employees or more experienced factory personnel from tasks that are repetitive and tedious. Collaborative robots are intended for use in industrial settings by “collaborating” with human workers. Ideally, they combine the dexterity, flexibility and problem-solving skills of a person, with the strength, endurance and precision of a machine. These robots can safely work on tasks whether or not a human is working nearby.

 

 

 

GRP shelters provide advanced protection for offshore process analyzers

GRP shelters provide advanced protection for offshore process analyzers

Shelters fabricated from glassfiber-reinforced polyester are protecting gas metering instrumentation from the harsh North Sea environment on an offshore platform upgrade project engineered by Oil & Gas Systems Limited. Two outdoor shelters – supplied by Intertec Instrumentation – provide lightweight and corrosion-resistant protection for gas chromatograph analyzers and process transmitters mounted above new natural gas export pipelines connecting the platform to an onshore UK terminal.

 

 

 

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It’s 10:00 p.m. Do You Know Where Your Data Is?

What’s the most critical information in your control system network? If you’re like most life sciences OT/IT professionals I meet, you’ll be able to answer that question even before I finish asking it. Identifying critical system data – and recognizing the need to protect it – in many ways is the easy part. But designing a network infrastructure that can both help mitigate cybersecurity risk and take advantage of the latest Internet of Things (IOT) technologies can be a sticking point.

 

 

 

Overcoming the Challenges Facing Motor Controllers

Overcoming the Challenges Facing Motor Controllers

There are two types of electric motors, alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC motors can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous motors are found in applications where speed and accuracy are essential, including synchronous clocks, timers in electronic appliances, and audio recorders. Able to operate at variable speeds, low-maintenance, and durable, asynchronous, or induction, motors see wide industrial use.

 

 

 

Epiroc: Right here, right now

Epiroc: Right here, right now

The 777 zinc-copper mine in Flin Flon, Manitoba is on the wane. After 15 years in  production, the underground operation is expected to close in 2022 unless Hudbay Minerals discovers more ore. In order to keep the doors open as long as possible, the Toronto-based company is trying to find efficiencies to enhance the viability of the operation.

 

 

 

Nowadays, mechanical engineering means software development

Nowadays, mechanical engineering means software development

Nowadays, software development accounts for a significant part of the engineering work in mechanical engineering. Software tools from the world of IT are playing an ever greater role too. For machine manufacturers, software is valuable intellectual property. After all, it is a product of their know-how which helps to maximize the productivity of machines and systems. Through software, they stand out from the competition and can offer individual customer variants in a cost-effective manner.

 

 

 

Gripping systems are designed for collaborative, intelligent and intuitive operation

Gripping systems are designed for collaborative, intelligent and intuitive operation

“We are experiencing a fundamental change in industrial production towards smart, intelligent processes – from initial planning and configuration, including commissioning and as ongoing operation and maintenance,” Henrik A. Schunk, Managing Partner and CEO of gripping system and clamping technology specialist SCHUNK stressed at the end of the SPS 2019.

 

 

 

Working Together for Cybersecurity – Digging Deeper with Mike Hutchings, Vice President, Rockwell Automation Canada

Working Together for Cybersecurity – Digging Deeper with Mike Hutchings, Vice President, Rockwell Automation Canada

 

The rise of connectivity and connected devices has been a major focus and the driving factor behind advancing automation and control products and solutions. And while connectivity is a shining star in terms of creating efficiencies and growth, we are all aware of the darker side of connecting devices, namely the threat posed by nefarious individuals.

 

 

Reducing chaos and mitigating risk with FactoryTalk AssetCentre

Reducing chaos and mitigating risk with FactoryTalk AssetCentre

An automotive supply company with manufacturing facilities across Ontario faced a common but often overlooked problem with their approach to asset management. Due to the lack of a unified tool and centralized system, their current assets were not held to the level of security or organization required for such high value and sensitive materials.