Features
Kuka goes soft on control
Kuka is controlling its latest generation of robots with Fujitsu Technology Solutions driven computer-based control. The KR C4 robot is based on open industry standards in which complete safety control has been integrated as a software function.
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European-style speed reducer gains traction in USA
Some American machinery builders are providing a new market for the shaft-mounted speed reducer, which follows the European design concept of motor-gear combination.
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Solid control for NOV Brandt
NOV Brandt is increasing versatility and efficiency of shakers with AC690+ inverters from Parker SSD Drives. The company supplies mechanical components for land and offshore drilling rigs and specialises in the manufacture of shale shakers for solids control.
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Wi-Fi network improves operator efficiency for Novartis in France (27 July 2010)
A plant-wide wireless network is helping to improve maintenance and operator efficiency at the Novartis biotech production centre at Huningue, in the north east of France. The combination of a digital automation system with a fully integrated Wi-Fi network and mobile operator stations provides process and plant information to operators and maintenance staff throughout the facility.
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Flowmeters ensure accurate vending (26 July 2010)
Tudor Tea and Coffee is using Digmesa flowmeters from Litre Meter to precisely measure coffee in vending machines. The UK beverage specialist took receipt of 500 flowmeters.
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Integrating Vision and Robotics (23 July 2010)
On this Italian production line for cosmetic powder cases, the challenge was to program two robots to pick up face powder brushes from random piles and then accurately place them in an eight-slot shuttle. The robots work side by side, each with its own image acquisition system, and each picking up four brushes.
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Beyond Wireless: The Other New Features of HART 7.0 (12 July 2010)
With wireless technology its most prominent advance, a great deal of interest has been generated in the user community for the latest version of HART. There are, however, other new features that give increased functionality for wired application process automation. We present here a short list of the six most important new features of HART 7.0.
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NAMUR Field Report: WirelessHART (12 July 2010)
At the annual NAMUR meeting in November, 2009, Martin Schwibach of BASF SE Ludwigshafen presented to the assembled group of process automation experts a report of independent field testing of wireless instrumentation. Conducted in four areas of his own plant in Germany, the results have elevated the expectations of this new technology.
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Efficient engineering on one PLC platform (12 July 2010)
Just three days after unpacking the S7-1200, Siemens’ new generation compact controller, it was integrated in an existing application. Sequential control was optimised, Ethernet communication with the vision system and an SAP computer were established, and the visualisation created. The new Step 7 Basic engineering system with integrated PLC and HMI functionalities makes rapid deployment possible.
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Oyster harnesses the waves (09 July 2010)
A wave powered energy generator is powering local homes and the national grid from its off shore location in Orkney. The Oyster Marine is claimed to be the largest hydro-electric wave energy device and employs a 315kW grid connected inverter system from Control Techniques.
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