While increasing connectivity can offer significant benefits it can also increase the cybersecurity risk to control. Steve Ward explains further.

Using four applications, Moxa takes a closer look at the challenges faced when expanding edge networks and recommends strategies that may help reduce the hassles of configuration and maintenance.

To drive operational efficiencies, improve performance or to gain a competitive edge, digital transformation is being adopted in almost in every operational technology (OT) environment. This means that, to safely connect plants and sites –irrespective of whether it an on-premise or off-premise solution – cybersecurity is not optional, says Arun Veeramani.

The integration of a fail-safe motion control system, multi-axis drive control and powerful communication interfaces and technology I/Os in one device saves valuable control cabinet space and facilitates the implementation of particularly challenging machine concepts extremely efficiently – including modularisation and optimum scalability.

David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky answers questions about industrial cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Philipp H. F. Wallner offers advice on how to realise the dream of implementing successful predictive maintenance applications.

Today’s global public health situation is putting pharmaceutical businesses under pressure to deliver innovative and existing tests and treatments as quickly as possible. Optimal believes that its Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and factory automation capabilities can help shorten scale-up times and increase productivity without expanding facilities.

Brendan O’Dowd looks at the implications of the introduction of the IEEE 802.3cg standard for industrial automation and what it might mean for 4-20mA or HART systems.

Advances in deep learning/AI is resulting in these technologies being increasingly utilised within machine vision solutions. Control Engineering Europe sought advice about how end users can ensure that they are able to implement successful AI-based machine vision applications.

Alvis Chen shares some best practice advice to help enhance industrial network security.

Dr. Christopher Anhalt explains the difference between cloud and edge computing and how they can work together for the successful implementation of IIoT solutions.

Mike Wilson argues that it is time for the UK manufacturing sector to look seriously at the adoption of automation, and robotics in particular, to help improve productivity figures.

Nigel Dawson, Global Head of Electric Automation Business Development at Festo explains how a single machine can demonstrate the possible opportunities of IoT in manufacturing.

Eckard Eberle gives his thoughts on how future industrial wireless networks might look.

Edward Ralph looks at how PLCs can help address hygiene and food safety issues.

Control Engineering Europe asked some industry spokespeople for their views about the benefits that simulation technologies might offer in the process and manufacturing sectors, and about progress on adoption of the technology.

Syngenta – a producer of agricultural chemicals – has ordered a new consignment of RFID tags which are used to track ingredients at its Grangemouth plant and which have helped it to boost production.

The robot manufacturer, integrator, and customer all have responsibilities when it comes to ensuring a safe automated mobile robot system workspace, says Ross Lacy.

Those already using edge computing might be considered early adopters, but recent research suggests that a shift is coming. Greg Hookings reports.

José Miguel Dias Pereira summarises the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and offers an overview of the real-time demands of industrial networks, at plant level, at DCS level, and at SCADA level.