Rotork linear actuators have been selected to control the flow of hydrogen gas at a fuel cell power plant in South Korea.

A new non-PID control algorithm, rate-predictive control (RPC), is adaptive to changes in process gain. This is helpful, says Allan Kern, given the difficult history of loop tuning, auto-tuning, and model maintenance.

The use of automated production cells by Wade Ceramics provides a good demonstration of how automation technology can be combined with traditional manufacturing processes to deliver increased output, improved quality and consistency.

Paul Streatfield explores the most recent criteria for industrial drive specification, which helps machine builders meet the challenges posed by today’s industrial requirements.

Mike Loughran discusses the migration path for introducing smart devices to a legacy system to enable IIoT. 

Configuration using PC-based control software, EtherCAT networks, integrated drives, and one-cable technology (OCT) can simplify motion control system design and reduce servomotor costs, says Matt Prellwitz.

Franck Roussillon offers some advice on how to match the most suitable air motor to an application.

To ensure it gets the perfect testing equipment to meet its very specific needs, Hager builds its own test machinery. To do this it needed chose the optimum installation concept for the automated machines.

George Walker explains how virtual reality could redefine industrial maintenance.

Collaborative robots (cobots) are starting to be accepted within the manufacturing sector. However, safety is still a concern for many. Suzanne Gill finds out how this issue is being addressed.

After 30 years Modbus is still one of the most popular industrial networks, despite its simplicity. This could just be the reason for its popularity: just bits and bytes, understood by every programmer. But getting a new network to work is not always simple. Rob Hulsebos aims to make all things Modbus a bit clearer.

Powerful industrial controls are an important part of the digital transformation in industrial companies. With its comprehensive Sirius portfolio, Siemens can provide the right solutions for this, as Carolin Meuschel explains.

Nigel Smith comments on some common misconceptions about collaborative robot safety.

A new control system has offered malting company, Crisp, with some impressive process improvements.

Sensors are on the front line of the data gathering process which is vital for the IIoT. Control Engineering Europe shines a spotlight on these ‘things’ and their implementation in successful IIoT projects.

Lee Sullivan explains how automotive manufacturers can embrace easy customisation by using automation software.

The main hoist of a crane vessel capable of lifting more than 80 tonnes of load can now operate more precisely and accurately following the installation and commissioning of a heavy-duty Optidrive P2 variable frequency drive from Invertek Drives.

Edge computing advances give users more options for architecting automation systems, flexible communications and programming choices, says Benson Hougland.

Denny Nelson explains how the latest guided wave radar technology can improve interface level measurement accuracy by halving the minimum detectable thickness of the upper product.

Control Engineering Europe spoke to Matt Wells, VP digital product management at GE Digital about the trends towards convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) domains, as a key to enable digital transformation across the enterprise.