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  • February 2023

    • February 2023

    Components don’t just grow on trees. They’re manufactured and then distributed through a variety of channels. Some channels come with added expertise, integration capabilities and after-sales support for specific product lines. Others offer the choice of products from multiple manufacturers, which can be especially helpful, given the backlog of orders still unfilled because of the aftereffects of the pandemic and the global chip shortage.
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    Data Acquisition & Monitoring

    How are machine learning and artificial intelligence connected?

    Mike Bacidore
    Jan. 25, 2023
    AI and ML may be in their infancy, literally and figuratively
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    Financials

    The component shortage lives on

    Mike Bacidore
    Jan. 19, 2023
    Automation distributors and integrators continue to do their best to meet demand and offer alternatives.
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    Financials

    What’s the difference between an automation distributor and a system integrator?

    Mike Bacidore
    Jan. 18, 2023
    The line between distributors and integrators continues to blur
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    Stack Lights

    How to avoid information overload with stack lights

    Rick Rice
    Jan. 12, 2023
    Color, intensity, flash patterns and speed signal the appropriate fault conditions to operators, but when is it overwhelming?
    Quality control in an automated production line with camera
    Vision Systems

    How can vision enhance artificial intelligence?

    Jeremy Pollard
    Jan. 10, 2023
    Vision systems provide sensing capabilities to enable machine-learning capabilities

    More content from February 2023

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    Safety Components

    Standards guide the use of e-stops

    Anna Townshend
    Jan. 9, 2023
    Wireless and remote e-stops are allowed but must follow strict guidelines for location and design
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    I/O

    When is an intrinsically safe I/O system necessary?

    Shawn Cox
    Jan. 6, 2023
    For hazardous environments, intrinsically safe I/O systems reduce the amount of thermal and electrical energy
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    Robotics

    What is the difference between an AGV and an AMR?

    Andy Watkins
    Jan. 3, 2023
    Automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots are the same, but different
    APEM
    Figure 1: Joystick assembly is configurable with a wide range of optional inputs like triggers, rollers and thumbsticks, and it is ergonomically designed to help operators avoid fatigue.
    HMI

    Joysticks and electronic integration can help operators work closely with equipment at hand

    Mike Bacidore
    Dec. 19, 2022
    Manufacturer partners with European research lab to build more ergonomic interface
    Figure 2: RFID technology codes individual programs to the tool holder, and programming can occur off-line.
    CNC

    Measurement and robotics help meet the need for smaller batches and shorter lead times

    Anna Townshend
    Dec. 14, 2022
    ANCA linear CNC tool grinder provides Marlor with better solution for regrinding
    Illustration Of Machine Operator Interface
    HMI

    Data analysis at local, edge or cloud levels can be visualized for better decision-making

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 28, 2022
    How OI presents machine status in more intuitive and more informed ways
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    HMI

    Display flexibility lets operators focus on what’s important

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 23, 2022
    OI customization allows operators to remove shop-floor noise and focus on parameters that have the highest correlation to success
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    HMI

    Digital twin gives assurance to machine operators

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 22, 2022
    Ability to monitor essential data is essential to OEE
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    HMI

    Future interfaces and machine control need eyes to improve decisions

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 21, 2022
    Data will maximize future productivity and profits
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    HMI

    Integration of HMI with PC and PLC environments gets tighter

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 18, 2022
    Operator control and content management improve with function melding
    Illustration of man controlling agvs
    HMI

    AGVs benefit from updated interface and controls

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 16, 2022
    Replace legacy control and HMI to reduce ownership costs
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    HMI

    Add-on graphics and user-defined data types enhance HMI experience

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 14, 2022
    HMI environment enables AOGs that can be tied to the UDTs’ extended tag properties
    Itot
    HMI

    OT-capable HMIs with IT feel

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 9, 2022
    Touchpanel display, water- and scratch-resistance and vivid smart-device-like performance drive operator interfaces forward
    Polytron
    Digital rendering of factory
    HMI

    The changing face of operator interface

    Mike Bacidore
    Nov. 7, 2022
    From mobile devices to AR/VR, technology is bringing new features to HMI
    C More Headless
    HMI

    Cloud connectivity, remote access and control shift OI’s view

    Mike Bacidore
    Oct. 18, 2022
    With the right configuration, remote operator interfaces can become troubleshooting tools
    diagram of data connections for smart factory
    HMI

    Edge-level devices with data storage improve operator interface

    Mike Bacidore
    Oct. 13, 2022
    Data collection enables historical analysis and monitoring of operations and status
    Open Source
    HMI

    HMI leans into open software

    Mike Bacidore
    Oct. 12, 2022
    Module-based software, object-oriented libraries simplify human-machine-interface design
    Ucp Family Standard Online
    HMI

    Operator interface benefits from increased transparency to runtime data and system support

    Oct. 3, 2022
    OI systems communicate locally to share data for smoother operation