ABB introduces Automation Extended, a new approach to industrial automation that combines PLC, DCS, and control systems for seamless operations. This solution enhances process continuity and supports factory automation initiatives, enabling faster deployment and more reliable production control.
Most technicians easily manage standard I/O values for sensors and actuators across a factory automation network. However, high-level industrial automation requires a deeper look into the controller's internal engine. Beyond simple inputs and outputs, every PLC generates internal "system values" that provide critical data about the processor's health and environment. Accessing these hidden variables allows developers to create more resilient and self-aware control systems.
In the era of Smart Manufacturing, machines must do more than just execute tasks. They must communicate. As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), choosing how to move data from a PLC to a cloud server or a local database is a critical design decision. While MQTT and OPC UA both facilitate data transfer, their underlying architectures serve very different purposes within industrial automation.
In the complex world of industrial automation, troubleshooting dead circuits requires a shift in strategy. While voltage and current are the go-to metrics for live systems, they become irrelevant once power is disconnected. This is where resistance testing becomes the primary diagnostic tool for technicians maintaining PLC inputs, motor coils, and sensor loops.
Honeywell and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently announced a strategic partnership to accelerate autonomous operations across industrial and building sectors. This collaboration bridges the traditional gap between operational technology (OT) and enterprise IT. Initially launching in India, the initiative will soon expand to the United States and Middle East markets.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently designated Schneider Electric’s Wuhan facility as a Global Lighthouse for Talent. This prestigious recognition highlights the site's innovative approach to workforce transformation in the age of industrial automation. Currently, it stands as one of only three facilities worldwide to hold this specific distinction.
