Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) combines site-wide, real-time connectivity with 3,000 precisely controlled servo axes. The telescope design boasts a resolution 10 times greater than that afforded by the Hubble Space Telescope, and moved away from building the automation solution using custom control components.

Small and medium facility operators can obtain a comprehensive facility automation system delivering the capabilities they need by choosing the right hardware and software solution. Standard PLCs and HMIs can meet the needs of the facility without complex and expensive server hardware, or a datacenter environment.

Cobots hold the promise of increasing the efficiency and quality of human work, bringing greater reliability, consistency and precision to a variety of manufacturing and assembly operations. However, do these potential benefits and trends hold true for all users and end user application requirements.

From remote oil rigs to electrical substations, industry runs on data. Interruptions to flow of information can create unexpected downtime and result in costly outages. This article explores ways to optimize networks for maximum uptime in the face of challenging and varied environmental operating conditions.

A new remote communications system provides pipeline flow control and monitoring of municipal water supply and four pump stations. A combination of 4G LTE cellular communications, along with a multi-carrier cellular RTU with GPS and control, seamlessly monitors each RTU cabinet remotely.

AutoID devices continue to differ depending on the manufacturer, with all devices having sufficient differentiation options. Only the data exchange is standard across all of them, which simplifies integration of AutoID technology and built-in security is now accelerating the expansion of automation to Industry 4.0.

Flexible communication across building and mobility applications at Empa rely on the OPC UA standard to interconnect its research infrastructure. Data communication, from control traffic between devices to data analysis in the cloud, is handled by embedded PCs running TwinCAT 3 OPC UA software.

Direct integration of Profibus PA field level into Ethernet control systems has created transparency and consistency for a provider of palm oil tank farms. An integrated platform handles reporting and offers real-time transparency for total inventory management of both raw materials and finished goods.

Highly dynamic servo drive technology optimizes forming machine used for precise fastener production. Using this solution, all cam-setting restrictions have been solved. Adjustment of gripping force for fingers, which used to be mechanical, is now done in software, along with receiving feedback from the servo drives.

Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, a global leader in heavy machinery manufacturing and machine building, added reliable wireless connections at several port locations to connect their industry-leading Rubber Tired Gantry (RTGs) cranes and base stations for more reliable, efficient operations.