Rockwell Automation has released new industrial PCs and software designed to improve the reliability and security of visualisation applications.

The new MC-1220 series of rugged edge computers from Moxa feature an Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processor and multiple expansion interfaces.

Rockwell Automation has released the PlantPAx 5.0 distributed control system (DCS).

Red Lion’s FlexEdge Intelligent Edge Automation Platform now combines the scalability of Linux with the power of Crimson 3.2 software in a single user-friendly operating system.

Beckhoff Automation UK is bringing vision system image processing into familiar PLC environments with its new TwinCAT Vision software.

A safety module option is now available for Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-R PLC which is said to provide the performance and integrity of a separate safety PLC but without the added cabinet space. 

Mitsubishi Electric has introduced its smallest and most powerful compact PLC to date. The aim of the FX5UC series Micro PLC is to give more machine builders and manufacturers more functionality in a smaller space - while also providing web access and network connectivity.

RS Components (RS) has introduced two PLC starter packs from Allen-Bradley, part of the Rockwell Automation group.

Unitronics has introduced the UniStream PLC, a new multi-function controller which introduces a new concept in virtual HMIs.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has released a new version of its CENTUM VP – R6.07 – which is the core product in its OpreX Control and Safety System family of solutions.

The new FactoryTalk Analytics LogixAI module from Rockwell Automation – formerly known as Project Sherlock – uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect production anomalies and alert workers so they can investigate or intervene, as necessary.

Siemens has extended the functionality of its Sinamics IOP-2 for Sinamics G series converters to include the FW V2.3 SP1 firmware update. This improves local setup, operation, monitoring, diagnostics and service of all Sinamics G series converters.

A new PCU series of controllers from AW-Lake are designed to connect with thermal mass flow meters or controllers to provide a local display of flow output.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLCs are increasingly converging. PLC systems have acquired more extensive visualisation systems, similar to those traditionally used by process engineers to manage complex processing workflows.

Opto 22 has released the groov serial I/O module, GRV-CSERI-4 module which plugs into a groov EPIC chassis alongside Opto 22’s new groov Edge Programmable Industrial Controller (EPIC) and discrete and analogue I/O modules, to provide the mix of analogue, discrete, and serial signals.

Traditionally Bachmann controllers have been partly programmed via the Codesys-based M-PLC user interface. The company is now in the process of replacing this programming interface with the PLC Developer which has been created to support the system programmer in all phases of software development.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has developed a software platform that enables software packages to run on general-purpose computers in a redundant configuration, and has added this to its OpreX Control and Safety System family.

The new INOX-F15C-ULT3 15in Panel PC from BVM is housed in a monolithic 304 stainless steel enclosure that is sealed to IP69k.

HARTING has expanded its MICA industrial computer family with the addition of dedicated wireless and energy versions as well as a range of kits which can be equipped and assembled by the customer with their own function boards.

The human body has evolved into what could be called a system of perfectly harmonised functional units. The same applies in a figurative sense for an automation system, which combines the functions of intelligence, sensors, motion control and vision in perfect harmony. Now with the introduction of TwinCAT Speech software, automation systems can also learn to hear and speak.