Summer is speeding to an end, and we’ve been keeping a close eye on all things automation. Here is a selection of some of the interesting news and updates from around the world of control.
New Banner I/O Junctions and Cables
Banner Engineering has developed a new device to distribute M12 I/O devices. The R95 junction block provides power and ground to 8 different connectors, along with two isolated I/O signals to each connector. Entering the junction block is a flying lead or a 19-pin M23 connector, which works well with the newly developed lineup of 12- and 19-pin M23 cordsets, also from Banner.
The new R95 I/O junction block. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering
SICK and Endress+Hauser Form Partnership
It’s rare to see two leaders in the same space forming a strategic partnership for the betterment of customers, but in the words of Dr. Peter Selders, the CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group, collaboration and networking can benefit the customers, employees, and the company better than either group acting alone. Specifically, the partnership will create a joint venture for the development of process analyzers and gas flowmeters, while Endress+Hauser will take over sales and service for those product lines.
Tiny Robot Batteries
If power was no issue, I’m pretty sure we’d all have Iron Man suits by now. However, delivering sufficient power in a compact size remains a challenge, especially for small devices. MIT engineers have successfully created a battery measuring an astounding 0.1 x 0.002 mm that can produce up to 1 volt. The goal is to enable tiny robotics for medical applications and environments that are too small for normal drones and autonomous devices to navigate.
Yaskawa Paint Truck Robot
Recently, Yaskawa Motoman has been making headlines, or actually, road lines, thanks to the work of a painting robot being used in Ohio to mark streets. It places people out of the hazard areas, allowing them to operate the robot called Electra, which is made by RoadPrintz. Electra has been successfully painting Cleveland roads for several months.
Electra, the road painting robot. Image used courtesy of RoadPrintz
Emerson and Symmera Cybersecurity
Network security is another task that has been proven to be more successful when it leverages the combined knowledge of many subject matter experts. Emerson Ventures, the investment arm of Emerson Process Automation, has partnered with Symmera to emphasize device authentication and data protection strategies more through Symmera’s DIN Orchestration platform.
ABB Gearless Mining Mill Tools
Mining is probably one of the harshest environments for automation technology. ABB’s mill drives are used to grind and extract minerals from ore, and traditional troubleshooting processes involve having engineering experts on-site to evaluate faults and collect data. Thanks to ABB Ability’s Predictive Maintenance for Grinding (PMG) platform, this evaluation and data logging can be done offsite for faster and more comprehensive response.
Phoenix Contact Leadership Change
Automation giant Phoenix Contact has announced leadership changes to the USA business. In preparation for the retirement of the USA group’s president in December, several new faces were assigned to lead business areas of the company, including device connectors, industrial components and electronics, industry management and automation, and the finance and risk management area.
Pictured (left to right): Marian Roldan, Davis Mathews, Kyle Bordner, Kevin Zak, Doug Ferguson, and Heath Scoggin, all members of the Phoenix Contact USA Management Board. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact
Moxa TSN Certification
Every day, electronics get faster, and we need them to handle more data. The concept of a time-sensitive network, or TSN, is to allow critical data to reach a destination very quickly. Standardization of TSN is growing under the IEEE 802.1 task group, and Moxa has recently announced the world’s first TSN certification for components used inside the TSN-G5000 series of industrial Ethernet switches.
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Featured image used courtesy of the author
