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We have designed many field-friendly features into the Productivity2000 PLC

because we understand the pressure that can come with field installations
and start-ups. We want you to have everything you need to keep your install
on track and your startup on schedule. From OLED displays to QR codes, the
features listed here are just a few examples of the many ways Productvity2000
can save you time in the field, which also saves you money!
To get the whole story and see even more ways to save, head on over to
www.Productivity2000.com

Trouble-free Troubleshooting
The standard OLED message display on the P2-550 CPU
gives you instant status on your controller and can be
used to display system faults. Also, each analog I/O
module includes a high-contrast OLED so you can view fault
conditions and analog values such as voltage, current,
and temperature without having to disconnect signal
wires to get a reading with a meter.

Convenient QR Codes
When the pressure is on, dont waste precious
time searching for needed documents. Get
wiring diagrams, installation instructions and
specifications by simply scanning the QR code
tab on each Productivity2000 I/O module.

Configurable Hot Swappable I/O

Dont lose production for simple I/O module changes. The
Productivity2000 CPU can remain in the RUN mode
without the user-selected I/O modules installed. Choose
to allow any module to be removed or configure each
module separately.

ZIPLink Pre-wired Solutions

The Productivity2000 I/O modules have multiple wiring options
available. Use standard terminal blocks, or our ZIPlink pre-wired cables
and connector modules (available for most modules). ZIPlinks not only
provide tremendous wiring time savings but can also provide fused
isolation from field devices, clean wireways with easy, field-traceable
connections, and confidence that your panel wiring is correct.

input #51 at www.controleng.com/information

Dont forget that our field-experienced and

highly-trained technical support specialists are
ready to help, FREE of charge. Give us a call at
1-800-633-0405, were available 9am - 6pm ET
on weekdays.

We also offer FREE 2-day

shipping and a 30-day
money back guarantee for
any of those last-minute
modifications.

the #1 value in automation

* See our Web site for details and restrictions. Copyright 2015 AutomationDirect, Cumming, GA USA. All rights reserved.

1-800-633-0405

www.AutomationDirect.com

Break FREE from the traditional

PLC experience and save!
Save time and money

NOW...

Built-in Cost Savings

The Productivity2000 PLC is designed
with many built-in cost savers. The CPU
comes standard with on-board data
logging and more communication
options than anyone else (5 comm
ports). It also includes three of
the most widely used protocols
in the industry (Modbus RTU,
Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP) so
no separate communication
modules are needed!

FREE Intuitive PLC Software

COMM
PORTS

Ethernet
Remote I/O
USB
RS-232
RS-485

PLC CPU and I/O

Comparison

AutomationDirect
Productivity2000

Allen-Bradley
CompactLogix

Base (if required)

$69.00
P2-04B

N/A
N/A

Power Supply

$69.00
P2-01AC

$427.00
1769-PA4

CPU

$255.00
P2-550

$3,220.00
1769-L33ER

16 AC Inputs

$105.00

$264.50

16 24VDC Inputs

$69.00

$222.00

8 Relay Outputs

$51.00

$275.50

8 Analog Input
Channels (mA)

$199.00

$797.00

ASCII Comm Module

$0.00

$752.00

Modbus RTU
Comm Module

$0.00

$736.00

Total System Price with

USB, Ethernet and Serial

$817.00

$6,694.00

P2-16NA

P2-16NE3

P2-08TRS

P2-08AD-1

Built in to CPU

Built in to CPU

1769-IA16

1769-IQ16

1769-OW8I

1769-IF8

1769-ASCII

1769-SM2

All prices are U.S. published prices. AutomationDirect prices as of 4/27/2016.

Allen-Bradley retail prices taken from www.plccenter.com 4/18/2016.

the #1 value in automation

* See our Web site for details and restrictions. Copyright 2015 AutomationDirect, Cumming, GA USA. All rights reserved.

The FREE Productivity Suite PLC software works

hand-in-hand with many field devices and third
party software. This integration gives this PLC
a clear advantage, and gives you a head start
with system development. Here are just a few
examples:
Built-in Function Blocks:
Specialized, ll-in-the-blank style function blocks for
many operations including communication with
EtherNet/IP devices and servo/stepper motor control.
Shared Tagname Database:
Export the tagname database from the software
and easily import it into C-more HMIs, Point of
View SCADA software or other 3rd party database
software to jump start your project development.
Auto-discovered Hardware:
The Productivity Suite PLC software will automatically
congure installed I/O modules - your system is
recognized and congured without any manual
setup. Up to 16 GS Series AC drives can also be
auto-discovered and their parameters stored in the
CPU for future reference.

Own It, Dont Owe On It!

Buying direct with us saves you money. With
Productivity2000, you get many standard
features that you would pay thousands for
elsewhere. Our P2-550 CPU is priced at $255
and I/O modules start at just $40 (P2-08NE3).
We arent a traditional PLC company - we are
here to serve YOU! So check us out!

Visit: www.Productivity2000.com

and LATER...
1-800-633-0405

input #1 at www.controleng.com/information

www.AutomationDirect.com

input #2 at www.controleng.com/information

JUNE 2016
Vol. 63
Number 6

22

Features
22 3-D additive manufacturing advancements
Cover story: Advancements in 3-D printing have made the technology
more sophisticated and affordable. The automotive, aerospace, and
medical industries have made some major strides recently, and 3-D
printing is expanding as a means of engineering education.

26 Robotic vision systems: What is doable?

COVER: Liberty Science Center in New Jersey created an exhibit with a robot
named SARA (Stevens Artistic Robot Animatron), created by students at
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. SARA integrates 3-D printed
parts and motion controls. Courtesy: Stevens Institute of Technology

Robotic vision is closing the gap between the interpretation of what a

robot sees and what a human sees. What about 3-D versus 2-D vision?

28 Machine vision lighting tips

for overdriving LEDs
Lighting quality can make or break a machine vision system. Control
Engineering Europe provides machine vision lighting advice.

30 Ethernet as a leading machine

automation protocol
Although there are still dozens of industrial fieldbus protocols used in
machine automation, Ethernet is starting to become the norm.

30

32 Hazardous location certifications 101

Tutorial: Which certification is required for the installation of electrical
equipment in a hazardous (classified) areas?

34 Real-time, plant-floor data

for Industrial Internet of Things
Integration: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 platforms
speed manufacturing of new products and helps real-time optimization,
said Matrix Technologies, a 2016 System Integrator of the Year.

35 System integration enables Industrial

Internet of Things, Industrie 4.0 platforms
Data mining and analysis tools improve decisions in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 platforms, according to Concept
Systems Inc., a 2016 System Integrator of the Year.

37 IIoT enables services businesses

Service departments are manufacturers main revenue driver; Industrial
Internet of Things can help.

39 Road to IANA at IMTS

53 Digital Edition Exclusive
IoT to IoAT: Internet of Autonomous Things devices;
How to qualify for the research and development tax credit.

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

32

CONTROL ENGINEERING (ISSN 0010-8049, Vol. 63, No. 6, GST #123397457) is published 12x per year, Monthly by CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak
Brook, IL 60523. Jim Langhenry, Group Publisher /Co-Founder; Steve Rourke CEO/COO/
Co-Founder. CONTROL ENGINEERING copyright 2016 by CFE Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
CONTROL ENGINEERING is a registered trademark of CFE Media, LLC used under license.
Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL 60523 and additional mailing offices. Circulation
records are maintained at CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL
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any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.

www.controleng.com

Moxa Inc.

Tel: 1-888-669-2872

linkedin.com/company/moxa

[email protected]

@moxainc

www.moxa.com

youtube.com/moxavideo

input #3 at www.controleng.com/information

facebook.com/moxainc

Keep Your Instrument Processes

Make the
Right Down Tight.
Locked

Safety Choice.

You depend on your cars

safety devices to provide
reliable protection when you
need it the most. Have the same
amount of condence in your Safety
ety
Instrumented Systems instruments
ts with
the FS Functional Safety Series from Moore Industries.
Products including the new STZ Dual Input Smart HART
Temperature Transmitter have been designed and
built from the ground up to strict IEC 61508 standards,
ensuring safe and reliable function particularly in
environments where hazardous or emergency situations
are likely to occur.

2015
FINALISTS

Demand Moore Reliability

input #4 at www.controleng.com/information

To learn more about our Functional Safetyy Dual Input

p Smart HART
Temperature Transmitter, go to: www.miinet.com/safetyseries
Or call 800-999-2900

Demand Moore Reliability

JUNE 2016
Vol. 63
Number 6

Inside Machines

M1

Appears after page 41; If not, see the Digital Edition:

www.controleng.com/DigitalEdition

M1 Support-focused enterprise controls:

sensor actuation charts
To document speed transition points, designers remove the aspect of time and adopt sensor activation charts. These charts purposely convey an objects station-specific movement information
to control system designers. The bars found on sensor activation
charts represent the length of actuators or the distance objects
travel while not activating a sensor.

M5 Tool calibration method speeds implementation of 6-axis industrial robots

A teach-position method calibrates tools used by six-degreesof-freedom (6DoF) robots for peak efficiency and improves
industrial processes.

Departments
8 Think Again
Help with IIoT, digital manufacturing

10 Apps for Engineers

Electrical apps

12 Research
2016 Cybersecurity Study: Six key findings

World coordinate
system

Z
Y

Y
X
X

M5

Z
Tool coordinate system

Products

77 Robots for manufacturing, automotive applications;

Mass flow control for OEM and
process integration applications;
Ultrasonic sensor for detecting
layers and splices; Photonics
alignment platform for automated production environments;
Servo motor and amplifiers for
designers and end users

14 Control Engineering International

Industrial big data: Core competiveness of manufacturing
enterprises in the future

80 Back to Basics
Ladder logic 402: Data manipulation and filtering

News
16
17

Reasons to start a career in automation

Storyboarding is a useful tool for the software design
process

18

Standards groups sign memorandum of understanding;

Manufacturing index in April

19

Companies collaborate on test bed for sensor data;

Rising industrial PC market

20

Manufacturers: help with talent shortage; Events; Online

www.controleng.com

78 Power distribution boxes for long

cable runs; Stainlesssteel, explosionproof junction box;
Explosion-proof, linear
position sensor
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 5

More resources posted daily at:

JUNE

www.controleng.com

Trending

New Products

Control Systems

Process Manufacturing Discrete Manufacturing

System Integration

Manufacturers can overcome technician

shortage by empowering workers.
Theres a lot more to read online. Go to www.controleng.com/news to read
Control Engineerings exclusive Web content.
 Storyboarding is a useful
tool for the software design
process
 Integrate safety into a
business strategy
 U.S. continues to lead in
natural gas production
 Taking safety measures to
prevent a Black Swan event.

Networking & Security

Info Management

Education & Training

On-demand webcasts
Couldnt catch a
recent webcast?
See it on-demand at
www.controleng.
com/webcasts.

Webcasts

 June 2: IIoT Webcast Series 2016, Part

Two: Information Management for IIoT
 May 18: Using current-limiting devices
to improve Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR)
 May 17: Simplifying Convergence of
the Industrial Network: Bridging IT and
Operations
 April 14: Next-generation Industrial
HMIs

Oil & Gas Engineering

June issue
NEWSLETTER:
PROCESS & ADVANCED CONTROL

Neural networks in
process control:
Neural network training,
implementation
Keep up with the latest industry news
by subscribing to Control Engineerings
14 newsletters at
www.controleng.com/newsletters
 Process historians can be an integral part of the IIoT
 Modern control valves offer communications, diagnostics
 Managing automation upgrades retrofits.

1
Oil & Gas Engineer0
1
ing provides industry0
0
specific solutions de0
1
signed to maximize
0
1
0
uptime and increase
1
0
productivity through
1
1
the use of industry
1
1
best practices and
1
1011101010111010101
0
1
new innovations,
0
1
increase efficiency
0
101010101010001010001001011110111000101
1
from the wellhead to
0
1010001000100010111010
100101010110010
0
the refinery by imple1010111011100000101
0
menting automation
and monitoring strategies, and maintain
and improve safety for workers and the
work environment. Read the digital edition at www.oilandgaseng.com
10 Virtualization a real solution

27 Tracking SIS performance

Digital Edition

Point, click, watch

VIDEO:
Engineering Leaders Under 40
Control Engineering and Plant Engineering are
now accepting nominations for the 2016 Engineering Leaders Under 40 program to those who have made
significant contributions to their plant and to the control
engineering and/or plant engineering professions. Nominees
must be working professionals who are under the age of 40
as of Sept. 1, 2016. Nominations close June 24, 2016.
www.controleng.com/videos

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

The tablet and

digital editions have
unique content for
digital subscribers.
This month has digital exclusives on: IoT
to IoAT: Internet of
Autonomous Things:
7 ways to qualify for
the research and
development tax
credit.

www.controleng.com

Control
Allied has the relay you need to keep it.

N a t i o n a l C o n t r o l s C o r p.

Take control at thinkallied.com/relays

1.800.433.5700
Allied Electronics, Inc 2015. Allied Electronics and the Allied Electronics logo are trademarks of Allied Electronics, Inc.

input #5 at www.controleng.com/information

An Electrocomponents Company.

THINK AGAIN acceleration

1111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-571-4070, Fax 630-214-4504

Content Specialists/Editorial

Help with IIoT,

digital manufacturing
Why organizations are helping with Industrial Internet of Things
(IIoT), Industrie 4.0, and digital manufacturing: No one wants to
miss opportunities to accelerate.

Many organizations are offering to help with implementation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Industrie
4.0, and digital manufacturing methods
and technologies, in part because of the
large measured and perceived benefits of
using these frameworks, as explained at the
MESA 2016 North American Conference
last month.
Theres business value at the intersection where manufacturing meets information technology (IT), according to Mike
Yost, president, Manufacturing Enterprise
Solutions Association (MESA) International. MESA offers education to help resolve
issues in the way of success. Yost noted:
We see more people interested in intersection of manufacturing and IT than ever
before.
Many organizations involved

Academia, industrial companies, technologies partners, and others are collaborating on how to build technology systems
for smart manufacturing, said Mark Besser,
a Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC) board member and an SMLC
technology advisory committee member.
Thats happening with a confluence of traditional plantwide options and connectivity that reaches deeper into organizations
and farther into the supply chain, making
data visible, in an agile and sustainable way,
Besser said.

MORE

ADVICE
MORE ADVICE
To help subscribers and other site visitors accelerate, Control Engineering gathered related IIoT coverage: Click on IIoT, upper left, at www.controleng.com.
See also related newsletters.
www.controleng.com/e-newsletters

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Digital manufacturing is the clever use

of data at every stage of design and manufacturing, capturing, analyzing, and making
sense of data to move products down line
more competitively to retain and bring more
U.S. jobs, explained Jacob Goodwin, director of membership at the Digital Manufacturing and Design Institute (DMDII).
Goodwin said a digital thread connects
software and tools, intelligent machining
uses sensors to monitor conditions in real
time to keep processes with specifications,
and advanced analytics are used to get data
and derive benefits. DMDII is a federally
funded research and development organization of UI Labs that encourages U.S. factories to deploy digital manufacturing and
design technologies to become more efficient and cost-competitive.
Imagine that regulations require updates
to a product design where detailed documentation no longer is available. Digital
tools might allow needed design changes within hours that might have otherwise
taken months, Goodwin said.
Accelerating changes

Adoption, Yost said, may not be as

much technological in challenge as cultural hesitation about investments and changes
required within organizations.
That said, test beds demonstrating benefits are well underway, so think again if you
havent yet begun.
Within 18 months, Goodwin suggested,
anyone not yet deploying these concepts will
be left far behind competitors. ce

Mark T. Hoske, Content Manager

847-830-3215, [email protected]
Jack Smith, Content Manager
630-907-1622, [email protected]
Emily Guenther, Associate Content Manager
630-571-4070 x2220, [email protected]
Amanda Pelliccione, Director of Research
631-320-0655, [email protected]
Joy Chang, Digital Project Manager
630-571-4070 x2225, [email protected]
Chris Vavra, Production Editor
630-571-4070 x2219, [email protected]

Contributing Content Specialists

Frank J. Bartos, P.E., [email protected]
Peter Welander, [email protected]
Vance VanDoren, Ph.D., P.E., [email protected]
Suzanne Gill, Control Engineering Europe
[email protected]
Ekaterina Kosareva, Control Engineering Russia
[email protected]
Wojciech Stasiak, Control Engineering Poland
[email protected]
Luk Smelk, Control Engineering Czech Republic
[email protected]
Aileen Jin, Control Engineering China
[email protected]

Publication Services
Jim Langhenry, Co-Founder/Publisher, CFE Media
630-571-4070, x2203; [email protected]
Steve Rourke, Co-Founder, CFE Media
630-571-4070, x2204, [email protected]
Trudy Kelly, Executive Assistant,
630-571-4070, x2205, [email protected]
Elena Moeller-Younger, Marketing Manager
773-815-3795, [email protected]
Kristen Nimmo, Marketing Manager
630-571-4070, x2215, [email protected]
Brian Gross, Marketing Consultant, Global SI Database
630-571-4070, x2217, [email protected]
Michael Smith, Creative Director
630-779-8910, [email protected]
Paul Brouch, Director of Operations
630-571-4070, x2208, [email protected]
Michael Rotz, Print Production Manager
717-766-0211 x4207, Fax: 717-506-7238
[email protected]
Maria Bartell, Account Director
Infogroup Targeting Solutions
847-378-2275, [email protected]
Rick Ellis, Audience Management Director
303-246-1250, [email protected]
Letters to the editor: Please e-mail us your opinions to
[email protected] or fax us at 630-214-4504.
Letters should include name, company, and address,
and may be edited for space and clarity.
Information: For a Media Kit or Editorial Calendar,
email Trudy Kelly at [email protected].

Reprints
For custom reprints or electronic usage, contact:
Brett Petillo, Wrights Media
281-419-5725, [email protected]

Publication Sales
Patrick Lynch, ContentStream, Director of Content Marketing Solutions
630-571-4070 x2210
[email protected]
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Central Canada

630-571-4070 x2206

[email protected]

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Western Canada

858-270-3753
[email protected]
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Eastern Canada

Mark T. Hoske, Content Manager

[email protected]

978-929-9495
[email protected]
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showcase

630-571-4070, x2221
[email protected]
Stuart Smith, International
www.controleng.com
Tel. +44 208 464 5577
[email protected]

We (con)figured it out.

Introducing LEAP Automated Device Commissioning.

Discover optimized project execution enabled by the
worlds most advanced, open and cyber secure control
systemExperion PKS Orion.

For more information, please visit

2016 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

www.honeywellprocess.com/experion
input #6 at www.controleng.com/information

APPS FOR ENGINEERS data collection

www.controleng.com/appsforengineers

Can your CAD

do this?
Automate time-consuming
tasks like wire-numbering,
device- tagging, crossreferencing, and errorchecking, even prevent
errors?

Mobile electrical apps

Electrical mobile applications have potential to help
engineers do their jobs. CFE Medias Apps for Engineers is an interactive directory of engineering-related applications for Apple iOS and Android operating
systems from various companies. Apps are organized
by category, company, and type. These are listed in
the app as of May 2016.

22mm Operator Interface

Visual Product Configurator
iOS 5.1+

Let you create and store

unlimited simple, complex,
even scalable macros with
ease? And update them
automatically?

Cost: Free
Company: Schneider Electric USA Inc.
Website: www.schneider-electric.com
The 22 mm Visual Product Configurator is an interactive tool which simplifies the
selection of Schneider Electric 22 mm chrome and plastic push buttons, selector
switches, pilot lights and available accessories. Users select an operator type,
its available options (such as voltage and color) and add available accessories.
The selected items are added to a parts list which contains links to each part
numbers detail page on our Web site. The parts list can also be sent via email.

Search more than 610,000

components from over 137
leading manufacturers to find
the one you need - then load
the data set for it automatically?

Baldor VFD Selector

iOS 5.0+, Android 2.1+
Cost: Free
Company: Baldor Electric Co.
Website: www.baldor.com
This easy to use app will select the appropriate Baldor VS1 or ACB drive for
your application. The app uses the electric motors full load amperes (amps),
the source voltage and a few required attributes such as enclosure type and
overload capability to select the appropriate drive. The results are displayed on
screen and can be emailed as a PDF document.

With EPLAN Electric P8, the

leader in electrical design
automation, you can accomplish
in a day what takes a week or
more using CAD tools.

Conduit Fill Calculator

iOS 6.1+, Android 4.3+

Request your free 30-day trial at

www.eplanusa.com

Cost: Free
Company: Southwire Co.
Website: www.southwire.com
The Conduit Fill Calculator provides quick and easy navigation to all NEC needs.
Enter the Conduit type and size and specify your conductors. The App will
calculate the Conduit Fill % as per NEC Guidelines.

Electrical Wiring Pro

iOS 9.0+, Android 1.6+
Cost: $0.99, $3.99
Company: Intineo LLC
Website: www.intineo.com
Electrical Wiring Pro has more than 40 useful electrical calculators and tools. It
is intended for engineers and other electrical professionals.

input #7 at www.controleng.com/information

10

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

www.controleng.com

Intelligent RTU

Cloud-Ready for Industrial IoT

The ADAM-3600 RTU is an unique combination of a rugged RTU and versatile

protocol gateway. It easily integrates and controls field devices such as motors,
valves, smart meters, and sensors via its flexible Advantech TagLink and
IEC 61131-3 software. The ADAM-3600 has many Cloud-Ready connectivity
and protocol options to enable rapid Industrial IoT application development.

Robust & Open Control Kernel

High

performance RISC CPU with real-time Linux

both IEC 61131-3 and Linux C programming
Built-in SQLite databases for time stamped data logging
Supports

Cloud-Ready Communications & Protocol Gateway

Modular

wireless support
Modbus, DNP3, IEC-60870, RESTful, NTP protocols
Pre-integrated with Advantech WebAccess/SCADA software
for true edge-to-cloud communications
Supports

ADAM-3600-C2G

ADAM-3651

ADAM-3656

Linux-based Intelligent
RTU with 8x AI, 8x DI,
4x DO, and 4-slot
expansion

8-channel Digital
Input module

8-channel Digital
Output module

www.advantech.com

ADAM-3617

4-channel Analog
Input module

WebAccess
Cloud-Ready
SCADA Software

input #8 at www.controleng.com/information

Base annual salary

Less than $50,000
$50,000 to
$69,999

8%
14%

research
2016 CYBERSECURITY STUDY:

neering 2016 Cybersecurity Study identified six high-level findings impacting

control systems today:
1. Threat levels: 48% of respondents
perceive their control systems to be moderately threatened by cyber attacks, while
25% say theirs are highly threatened and
9% are at a severe threat level.
2. Most concerning threat: Malware
from a random source is the most concerning control system threat for 37% of
respondents. Another 21% are worried
about an attack through a vulnerable
device, and 17% fear theft of intellectual
property or attacks as part of a larger
attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure.
3. Vulnerable system components: The
most vulnerable system components in
respondents organizations are computer
assets with commercial operating systems
(70%), network devices (68%), and connections to other internal systems (64%).
4. Vulnerability assessments: 26%
of respondents reported that their orga-

11%
$70,000
t $89
999
to
$89,999
$90,000 to $99,999

nizations have performed some type of

vulnerability assessment within the past
3 months. On average, facilities have
checked vulnerabilities within 8 months.
5. Cyber-related incidents: Six in 10
respondents have experienced a malicious
cyber incident into their control system
networks and/or control system cyber
assetsthat they are aware ofwithin the
past 24 months. Forty-six percent of these
attacks were accidental infections, 18%
were targeted in nature, and 36% were
both accidental and targeted.
6. Mobile devices: Thirty-two percent
of organizations do not allow mobile
devicessuch as smart phones and tabletsto connect to networks or enter work
areas. Of the facilities that do allow mobile
device use, 47% allow them to connect to
networks and enter work areas. ce
View more information at
www.controleng.com/2016CyberSecurity.
Amanda Pelliccione is the research director
at CFE Media, [email protected].

Cybersecurity training
7
77
77%

Know who to contact in the event

of a cyber incident or attack

67%
60%
%

Identify things that may indicate

a cyber incident or attack

Identify social engineering attacks

22%

$100,000
or more

Six cybersecurity
key findings
Respondents to the Control Engi-

45%

69%
44
44%
4%
47%

2016
2015

Seventy-seven percent of organizations inform their employees about who to contact

in the event of a cyber incident or attack, compared to 67% in 2015, although fewer were
taught about things that may indicate an attack. Courtesy: Control Engineering

The average base annual salary

earned by respondents to the
2016 Salary and Career Survey
was nearly $95,000. Source: Control Engineering 2016 Salary and
Career Study

$246,309:

Average system integration project size survey respondents are

involved with. Source: Control
Engineering 2015 System Integration Study

40%

of facilities are currently using elements of both the

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
and Industrie 4.0. Source: Control
Engineering 2015 IIoT, Industrie 4.0,
Information Integration Study

53%

of end users consider

the lack of appropriate technologies and lack of training or
enforcement to be major risk factors to control system cyber security. Source: Control Engineering
2016 Cyber Security Study

More research
Control Engineering covers several research topics each year.
All reports are available at
www.controleng.com/ce-research.

www.controleng.com/ce-research FOR MORE RESEARCH INFORMATION

12

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

www.controleng.com

Standard unmanaged 10/100 options and now Gigabit 5-, 10- and 20-port options!

Kylands Opal Switches

The options keep expanding

Industrializing Ethernet, Simplifying Industrial Communication

kyland.com
input #9 at www.controleng.com/information

INTERNATIONAL Control Engineering China

Industrial Big Data: Core competiveness

of manufacturing enterprises in the future
At the Big Data and Intelligent Manufacturing Salon held in Changsha, China, experts from various
disciplines discussed how industrial Big Data will shape future manufacturing and bring new services
that focus on customization and commercial needs, according to Control Engineering China.

The Industrial Big Data Application and

Intelligent Manufacturing Salon was held in the
Sany Heavy Industry headquarters in Changsha this
month. The salon gave participants deep understanding on how to create intelligent plants in the
Industrie 4.0 era by using Big Data.
One of the first intelligent manufacturing demonstration projects in China is the Sany No. 18
factory building. The total building area is about
100,000 square meters, with multiple assembly
lines: concrete machinery, pavement construction
machinery, and harbor machinery, etc. Digitalized
MORE
factory emulation technique has been applied for
ADVICE
scheme design and verification. The factory moved
KEY CONCEPTS
from a traditional discrete manufacturing model to
In the future, the competition in
high-flexibility, mixed loading of multiple product
intelligent manufacturing lies in Big
types and flow mode.
Data.
This is a smart factory building integrating [a]
The core objective of industrial
large-scale computing system, traditional operating
big data is to create value and solve
tools, and large-scale production equipment. Each
intangible problems.
production process, quality test, and the workload
GO ONLINE
of each worker will be recorded; over 1TB data will
More details are available with this
article online.
be produced weekly for the factory building; the
www.controleng.com/international
data is used to boost production and improve intelwww.cechina.cn
ligence and flexibility. Multi-type and small-batch
production can be achieved. This will improve effiCONSIDER THIS
ciency, reduce cost, and guarantee quality, said
What is your plan on building the
big industrial data infrastructure?
Dongdong He, the vice president and chief process information officer,
Sany Heavy Industry.
We perform networking and status
monitoring for 200, 000
engineering machineries; 200 million pieces of data are uploaded
each day, and now the
accumulated Big Data
resource has exceeded
40TB. These data can
help us learn the equipment position and track
real-time working conIndustrial Big Data will shape the future manufacturing
ditions to monitor
and bring new services that focus on customization and
early warnings, concommercial needs. Courtesy: Control Engineering China
duct remote fault diag14

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

nosis, and improve predictive maintenance.

It [can] help us improve the product quality
to win the market, said He. We also can provide
finance services based on customer and equipment
usage data, expanding innovation to the commercial side....industrial Big Data will become the core
advantage of Sany Heavy Industry in the future.
Jie Li, professor at the University of Cincinnati,
said, In the past, we pursued machine quality,
speed, and efficiency. All of these are visible....intelligent services [will be] based on customer demands
and different commercial scenarios. Th[ese] type[s]
of intelligent services need to be analyzed and
explored from industrial Big Data. Li also pointed
out that industrial Big Data is only a technical tool.
The core objective of industrial Big Data is to create
value, and the value involves avoiding and solving
intangible problems and creating new knowledge in
the intangible world.
Building industrial Big Data architecture
involves hardware technology as sensing, acquisition, and transmission, along with the corresponding data analysis and processing software platform.
For the enterprise specializing in industrial R&D
and production, it is not easy to build a Big Data
application platform.
Cui Peng, industrial market manager at National
Instruments (NI), introduced embedded hardware
to industrial data building, based on an open and
flexible software architecture. It can perform acquisition and control for different types of sensors,
which can realize the data acquisition of different
industries, devices, and signals. An online status
monitoring software is used for data management,
data analysis, and alarm generation. This simplifies
the remote management for large-scale deployment
of related monitoring systems.
Professor Li Jie cooperated with NI to develop
a patented pre-diagnosis toolkit. Feature extraction,
main composition analysis, and pattern matching
can detect and forecast faults, providing forecasts
and analysis for customers. ce
Stone Shi is executive editor-in-chief, Control Engineering China. Edited by Joy Chang, Control Engineering, CFE Media, [email protected].
www.controleng.com

A NEW ERA OF SAFETY.

Since the invention of the light curtain, SICK has spent more than half a century developing
pioneering innovations for a safer industrial world. The market leader for safety technology is now
once again entering a whole new age with a new generation of safety laser scanners, light
curtains, switches, and encoders: microScan3, deTec4 Prime, STR1, and DFS60S Pro. Whatever
angle you approach industrial safety from, there are common aims: to set new standards for safety
and productivity and to enable customers to implement pioneering solution concepts their way.
We think thats intelligent. www.sickusa.com

input #10 at www.controleng.com/information

INDUSTRY NEWS and events

Reasons to start a career in automation

Outside of the new technologies and
typical buzzwords the automation industry is enthralled with, there is a worrisome trend developing: there seems to be a
shortage of experienced automation talent
and interested college recruits. Increased
efforts in science, technology, engineering,
and math (STEM) education fields along
with exciting technology applications and
opportunities may help.
Markets change, such as the influx of
experienced oil and gas personnel on the
job market due to falling oil prices. The
available interested talent pool in the automation industry doesnt seem to be meeting market demand. Finding experienced
engineers is a must, and recruiting new
automation talent is just as important.

MORE

ADVICE
The 2016 Control Engineering Salary and
Career Survey has more information on the latest
trends in automation and engineering careers.
Go to www.controleng.com to learn more.

Autowhat? Automation?

A common question from recent college graduates is Why automation? followed closely by Why automotive? The
latter question, although humorous, speaks
volumes to the need for college branding
focused on industrial automation.
Recognition is improving. Some companies sponsor First Robotics and similar
programs; some focus on automation to
engineering labs or donating equipment;
some provide grants to universities and
educational facilities. Original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs), system integrators, and end users are opening the door to
more automation internships and co-ops.
In 2005, a group of research organizations issued a report, Tapping Americas
Potential, seeking a significant increase
(doubling the pool) in college graduates
in the STEM education fields. This was a
great catalyst for government programs
and corporate coalitions that began pushing STEM outreach, increasing the number
of engineering-related graduates.

Research and Markets released a report

titled, Global Industrial and Factory Automation Market Analysis and Forecast. The
report says by 2018 the industrial automation equipment and services market will
grow at a compounded annual growth rate
(CAGR) of more than 7% to reach a market size of $283.2 billion. Not only that, it
had a higher estimated CAGR than any
other U.S. industry except infrastructure.
The need for automation will always
increase. There isnt a trend to add physical
labor to manufacturing processes; there is a
trend of adding more automation. Industry
advancements help build a case to migrate
whats obsolete and help push life cycles
ahead. Technology advancements increase
efficiency and productivity and build a
stronger case for increasing automation
based on return on investment (ROI).
William Aja is vice president of customer operations, Panacea Technologies.
Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, Control Engineering,
[email protected].

Half Page Horizontal Non-Bleed ad; 7 x 4.875

Connect
Automagically.

The New Experion PKS Orion, coming

soon to a control room near you. Also, visit
us at Honeywell Users Group Americas.
www.honeywellusersgroup.com

For more information, please visit

2016 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

www.honeywellprocess.com/experion

input #11 at www.controleng.com/information

Americas No. 1
Industrial Technology Event
September 12 17, 2016
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
www.industrialtechnology.events
n
n
n
n
n

Find solutions
Discover New Technology
Meet key suppliers
Strengthen your network
Prepare for the future

CO-LOCATED WITH

POWERED BY

POWERED BY

Take Your Place at the

Height of Innovation

Five leading international trade fairs from Germanys HANNOVER MESSE will co-locate with IMTS
in 2016, creating the most comprehensive event for industrial and manufacturing technology in the
western hemisphere. Cutting-edge technology, products, services, and visions for the fourth industrial revolution will be on display for 6 action-packed days giving you the chance to find exactly what
you need to bring your company to the next level.

Industrial Automation
North America

Motion, Drive & Automation

North America

Industrial Automation North America is quickly

becoming the North American hub for innovation and networking in industrial automation.

From chain and belt transmissions to

sealants, bearings and gears, Motion, Drive &
Automation North America showcases the most
important products in the industry. It covers
a range of automation and manufacturing
product categories, including:

From robotics and automation services, to

micro sensors and nanotechnology, Industrial
Automation North America showcases the
most important products in the industry.
It covers a broad spectrum of automation and
manufacturing product categories, including:
n
n
n
n

Industrial automation systems

Microsystems technology
Electrical systems
Industrial IT and software

In 2012, Industrial Automation North America

became the first co-located show at IMTS.
Visitor response was so overwhelmingly
positive that the show returned in 2014
and will appear again at IMTS 2016.

n Linear drives, gears, motors and mechanical

transmission systems
n Bearings
n Industrial hydraulics and pneumatics
n Condition monitoring and vibration
reduction
n Sealing technology and lubrication
n Production equipment
n Services and software for drives, gears,
hydraulics and pneumatics
Motion, Drive & Automation North America
made its debut at IMTS 2014, attracting industry experts and the latest innovations from all
over the world.

ComVac
North America

Surface Technology Industrial Supply

North America
North America

ComVac will make its North

American debut at IMTS 2016.
A powerful platform for business development and network
expansion, ComVac North
America will cover a wide
variety of compressed air and
vacuum technology, including:

Building on its highly successful reputation at HANNOVER

MESSE, Surface Technology
will make its North American
premiere in 2016 at IMTS.

n Air compressors
n Compressed air equipment
n Compressed air processing
equipment, dryers,
coolers, etc.
n Compressed air storage
and distribution equipment
n Compressor accessories
and components
n Vacuum technology
n Water filtration and treatment equipment

With more than 70 exhibitors

attending Surface Technology
North America, the event will
cover the entire spectrum of
industrial surface treatment
and finishing, including:
n Cleaning and
pre-treatments
n Green surface treatment
n Industrial liquid surface
treatment
n Plasma surface treatment
n Surface micromachining
n Microsystems technology
n Electroplating
n Finishing and coating
solutions

Industrial Supply has earned

international recognition
at Germanys HANNOVER
MESSE and throughout Asia.
Expanding its reach across the
globe, Industrial Supply makes
its North American debut at
IMTS 2016.
More than 70 exhibitors will
attend the inaugural Industrial
Supply North America. The
show will cover industrial subcontracting, supply-chain solutions, innovative materials,
and lightweight construction
across a vast range of sectors,
including:
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Manufacturing
Biotechnology
Food
IT
Transportation
Aerospace
Automotive
Machinery
Clean technology

Conference Programs

Weve partnered with industry experts to create a conference program to give industrial manufacturing professionals the insights and knowledge needed to make this the best year yet.

Integrated
Industries
Conference

Global Automation Fluid Power

& Manufacturing
Conference
Summit

The inaugural Integrated

Industries Conference will
bring together industry
experts with the goal of
addressing solutions to
current manufacturing
concerns, sharing new
trends & best practices, and
ultimately helping companies
thrive in todays dynamic
manufacturing environment.

The fourth industrial revolution is in full swing, bringing

about swift changes to the
manufacturing environment.
The Internet of Things is
setting new standards but at
the same time creating new
problems to solve. Hear from
experts on adapting to this
new age of industry and participate in panel discussions that
will provide insight on topics
such as robotics, big data, and
cloud-based manufacturing.

Pneumatics and hydraulics

continue to be a key component in the manufacturing
process. Industry 4.0 and the
increasingly smart factory are
pushing the bounds of efficiency, speed, and communication. Hear from industry
experts on how to adapt,
optimize your fluid power
components, and maximize
energy conservation.

Conference
Schedule-At-A Glance

September 13
Integrated Industries Conference
Track A: Motion, Drive & Automation
n Miniature Low-Vibration High Pressure
Air Compressor
n Total Cost of Ownership: Electric Actuators
vs Pneumatic Cylinders
n Increase Production with Machine Safety
n Reduction of Common Mode Noise to
Almost Zero Using High Performance
All-Pole Slne-filters
n Synchronous PM Linear Motor Motion
Technology
And more!
Track B: Internet of Things/Industry 4.0+
n Taking a Doctors Approach to Automation
n Where is Industry 4.0/IIoT Leading Us and
More Importantly, for How Long?
n How the Industry 4.0 Philosophy Brings
Greater Flexibility, Faster Turnaround
Times, and Lower Costs to Design and
Production
n Clusters of Excellence Successful
Industrial Networking Made in Germany
And more!
Track C: Surface Technology
n Powder Coating Spray and Recovery
Technology Offers Great Production
Flexibility and Output
n Addressing traditional Failure Modes in
Combustion Engine Components
n New Trends with Laser Texturing

n Cleaning with Non-halogenated

Hydrocarbons in Comparison to Water
Based Cleaning
n CO2-Based Atmospheric Spray Cleaning
and Surface Preparation: Technology
Applications, Equipment Configuration, and
Operating Costs
And more!

September 14
Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit
n Cloud-based Manufacturing: Setting the
Standard
n Robotics: Rise of the Machines
n How Maintenance and Big Data Can
Co-Exsist
And more! Including a Keynote and
Networking Reception
Fluid Power Conference
n Energy Conservation in Pneumatic Systems
n How to Fix the Biggest Leak in Actuation
Systems
n Compressed Air: Use Only What You Need
n Energy Efficiency in Hydraulic Systems of
Machining Centers
And more!

September 15
OPC Conference
Hosted by the OPC Europe Foundation,
The Interoperability Standard for Industrial
Automation.
Track sessions and description coming soon.

www.IndustrialTechnology.Events

VIP Program
Making the right contacts with the right
people at the right time can make or break
your business. Dont leave it to luck. Attend
our shows as a VIP and get the knowledge,
connections, and product information you
need to make this your best year yet.
Our VIP Program offers industry buyers the
opportunity to do business with suppliers
from the U.S. and around the world in an
inventive and efficient environment; at the
same time as learning from the best in the
industry and networking with peers.
The five co-located shows take place at IMTS,
where 114,000 buyers and 2,000 exhibiting
companies come together for an unparalleled
networking opportunity for one incredible event.

Why Be A VIP?
n Make the most of your time and connect
with suppliers from around the world that
specialize in the products and innovations
you are looking for, all in one place
n Source and find solutions to your specific
manufacturing problems
n Benefit from insights and perspectives shared
in keynote addresses, interactive briefings and
lively panel discussions

To apply, visit
www.IndustrialTechnology.Events/VIP
Your VIP Contact:
Adrienne Zepeda
773-796-4250, [email protected]
n Make connections on a scale impossible at
any other event in North America
n Its free! There is no charge for qualified
industry professionals who are serious
about doing business

VIP Benefits
n Free entrance to all 6 shows
n Complimentary full-conference passes
to all four of our conferences: Integrated
Industries Conference, Global Automation and
Manufacturing Summit, Fluid Power, and OPC.
n Full access to the VIP lounge including
lunch daily
n Exhibit hall tours available on request
n Pre-scheduled appointment setting with
exhibitors

Whos Eligible?
n
n
n
n
n
n

Product developers
Engineers
Plant managers
Purchasing managers
C-Suite Executives
Other

* subject to show management approval

Guided Tours
Take this opportunity to see our curated
selection of top innovators, technologists,
and solutions-providers. Gain insight on
what it takes to help your organization
adapt to the future of the industry.
Visit www.IndustrialTechnology.events/
guidedtours to sign up today!

Exhibitor List
4D Technology Corporation E-5962
E-4063
Abraham Innovations
E-4662
Ace Electronics
E-4266
ADLINK
E-5361
Aerzen USA Corporation
Alkin Compressors
E-5365
E-5681
Allied Sundar Corporation
E-4233
Amerimation, Inc.
E-4263
ANCA Motion
E-5695
ARC Advisory Group
E-4139
ATC Automation
Atlanta Drive Systems, Inc.
E-4829
Auspicious Electrical
E-4049
Engineering Co., Ltd.
E-5162
Austin Engineering Co., Ltd.
Avantek Precision
E-5671
Components Pvt. Ltd.
Axcen Photonics Corporation E-4162
Aydin Trafo Mak. San. A.S.
E-5363
E-4115
B&R Industrial Automation
Bajrang Engineering Works E-4726
E-4057
Balluff, Inc.
E-4410
Beckhoff Automation
E-4455
Bedrock Automation
BEPA (Busan Economic Promotion
Agency)
E-5697, E-5698, E-5797
Bimba Manufacturing
E-4821
Company
E-5252
BLCH Pneumatic
Bomatec International
E-4363
Corporation
Bonanza Metal Products Co. Ltd.
E-5789
Brainchild Electronic Co., Ltd. E-4054
E-5848
Bruker Corporation
Bucheon Industry Promotion
Foundation E-4552, E-4553, E-4554,
E-4555, E-4652, E-4653, E-4654, E-4655
C C P I T Machinery Sub-Council
E-4564, E-4566, E-4663, E-4664
E-4062
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
CCPIT Machinery Sub-Council E-4563
E-4857
CGI, Inc.
Chang Da Precision
E-5777
Industry Co., Ltd.
Changzhi Huayang Machinery
& Electric Co., Ltd.
E-5775
Changzhou FTX Motors Co., Ltd.E-5692
E-5192
Cheng Dai Co., Ltd.
Chieftek Precision Co.,
E-4738
Ltd. USA
China Group Stand
E-5174, E-5556
E-4560
Cimon Inc.
Cixi Ciguang Synchronous
E-5556
Belt Co., Ltd.
CM Hydro Systems Pvt. Ltd. E-4978
COG - C. Otto Gehrckens
E-5082
GmbH & Co. KG
Comark LLC
E-4031
E-4239
Components Express
Compressed Air Systems LLC E-5451
E-4461
Concept Systems
E-5457
CS Instruments GmbH
E-5188
CS-iTEC GmbH
E-5074
Czero, Inc.
Dafeng Lida Compressed
Air Systems Co., Ltd.
E-5465
Dalian Huayang Jinggong Bearing
E-5172
Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
E-4061
DataRealm
Delta Products Corporation E-4338
DFK Industrial Corp.
E-4037
Diakont
E-4660
E-5953
DMP Corporatoin
Doosan Portable Power
E-5362
E-5253
DS dyantec
DV Systems Inc.
E-5353
E-4557
Elmo Motion Control, Inc.
Enapros India
E-4047

Energid Technologies
E-4161
EPE Process Filters &
E-5063
Accunulators Pvt Ltd.
E-4036
EUMAX CORP.
E-4833
Eurotech Elite
E-4562
eWON
E-4336
EYC-TECH CO., LTD.
EZO SPB-USA, LLC
E-4725
E-4972
FD - Groups America
E-5066
Festo Corporation
FIAMA / Automation
E-4033
Continuum Inc.
E-4051
Foerster Instruments Inc.
FORCAM, Inc.
E-4421
E-4064
Force Robots LLC
E-5450
FS-Elliott Co., LLC
E-5685
Fundigex
E-5686
Fundigex
Gain Den Precision Co., Ltd. E-4729
E-4542
German Group Stand
Golden Gear Machinery
E-5694
E-5680
Golf Express International
E-4354
Graessner
E-5550
Hannover Lounge
E-4728
Harmonic Drive LLC
HARTING Inc. of North
E-4418
America
HAWE Hydraulik
E-5062
Hebei Shinning Metals
E-5556
Co., Ltd.
E-4425
Helukabel USA, Inc.
E-4997
HEXELUS
E-4757
Hiwin Corporation
H-Locker Components Inc.
E-5779
Holland Pavilion Metaalunie E-5662
Honbar Hidrolik Eil. Elm.Iml.
E-5078
San.Ve Tic.Ltd. Sti
E-4038
Hortonworks
HYDAC Technology
E-5089
Corporation
Hymark
E-4354
E-4013
I.L.M.E. S.p.A.
E-5163
IC Fluid Power, Inc.
IFPE Zone
IFPE Fluid Power Zone
E-4521
igus Inc.
E-4752
IKO International
Indofix International Pvt. Ltd. E-4980
Industrial Andons, LLC
E-4021
E-4001
Media Partners
E-4163
Innovalia Metrology
Insys Microelectronics GmbH E-4266
E-5461
Isel
E-4533
Italian Trade Agency
Jakap Metind Pvt Ltd
E-5667
E-4017
JetEazy System Co., Ltd.
E-5263
Jia Meng Electric Co., Ltd.
Jiangyin Huilong Electric
Heating Appliance Co., Ltd. E-5463
Kashima Bearings CorporationE-4730
E-4041
KEB America, Inc.
Kepware Technologies
E-4165
Klemsan Electric
E-4247
Electronics Inc.
E-5077
Kyashif EOOD
E-4128
Lang Technovation Inc.
E-4010
Lapp USA
E-5791
Lemire Precision Inc.
Lika Electronic
E-4354
E-5947
Lion Precision
E-4159
Lite-On Technology Corp.
Lubrimac Centralized
E-5173
Lubrication Systems
Lupamat Makina Sanayii A.S. E-5351
E-4361
LUTZE Inc.
Lynch Fluid Controls Inc.
E-5073
Magnetic Technologies Ltd. E-5076
MANN+HUMMEL USA, INC. E-5466
E-5762
MecanoLav Ridel SAS

Mehmet Ozen Makine

E-5455
Sanayi ve Tic.Ltd.St.
Mencom Corporation
E-4152
E-4744
Meridian Laboratory
E-4137
Micromatic LLC
Mitsubishi Electric
E-4102
Automation Inc.
E-4330
Modula
E-4110
Molex
MOTOREDUCER
E-4747
N B Corporation of America E-4825
E-4133
Nanotec Electronic US Inc.
E-4749
NEUGART USA Corp.
E-5661
New Die Casting Foundry
E-4026
NEXCOM
Nidec-Shimpo America Corp. E-4359
Nigbo Opthe Rubber Co., Ltd. E-5556
E-4261
Ningbo Degson Electrical
Ningbo Fulong Synchronous
E-4890
Belt Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Jiwei Melt Mould
E-5676
Casting Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Longye Hydraulic
Manufacture Co., Ltd.
E-5696
Ningbo New Century
E-5194
Bearing Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Wieke
E-5169
Instrument Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Yinzhou EDSV
Trading Co., Ltd
E-5175
E-4723
Nippon Pulse America
E-4334
Nitto Seiko Ltd.
E-4065
Nook Industries
NRB Industrial Bearings Ltd. E-5080
E-4733
NSK Americas
Olson Aluminum Castings
E-4974
E-4231
Omative North America
E-4746
OME Technology Co., Ltd.
OMEGA AIR d.o.o. Ljubljana E-5348
E-4147
OPC Foundation
E-4166
Opto 22
P.E. Precision Machinery Co. E-5069
Panasonic Industrial Devices
Sales Co. of America
E-4142
E-4131
PanelShop.com
E-4454
PANWEN INC.
E-4008
Patlite (USA) Corporation
E-4019
Pelican Industrial Inc.
Phoenix Contact USA
Headquarters
E-4157
E-4661
Polaris Motion
E-5459
Pranav Engineering
E-4028
Predator Software Inc.
E-5850
Process Technology
Proportion-Air, Incorporated E-4976
Q Plus Technologies
Private Limited
E-5677
E-4894
R+W Coupling Technology
E-4437
Radix Inc.
E-4365
Radwell International, Inc.
E-5768
Rapid Coating Solutions
E-4352
RedViking
Respect Her Industrial Co., Ltd. E-5675
E-4125
Rethink Robotics, Inc.
E-4432
Rittal Corporation
E-4357
Rockwell Automation
E-4528
ROLLON Corporation
E-5366
ROTORCOMP
E-4035
SAB North America
Samanjas Udyog Private
Limited
E-5168
E-5448
SARMAK Compressors
SCADAware
E-4030
E-4871
Schneeberger, Inc.
Sesame Motor Corp.
E-4742
SGE Terminals & Wiring
Accessories Inc.
E-4032
SHA YANG YE
INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
E-5166

Shanghai Bangye Pneumatic &

E-5682
Hydraulic Components
Shanghai Yinin Bearing &
E-4892
Transmission
Shenzhen Signal
Electronic Co., Ltd.
E-4265
E-5690
Shiv Om Brass Industries
E-4043
SIKO Products, Inc.
Site Location Partnership
E-4436
(SLP)
Six Star Machinery
Industry Co., Ltd.
E-4995
E-4851
SolidCAM, Inc.
E-5785
Sotek Technology Co., Ltd.
E-5359
Sotras Srl
E-4463
Southwire Company, LLC
E-5070
Spectronics Corporation
Spectrum CNC Technologies E-4039
E-4056
Sprinter Marking
E-4865
Stober Drives
E-4024
Strongarm Designs Inc.
E-5961
Stronghold Coatings Sys.
E-4999
Sun Forge Pvt. Ltd.
Super Unique Enterprise Co., Ltd.E-5177
Suyash Impex Private Limited E-5693
E-4149
System Insights
Taiwan Fluid Power
E-4864
Assoication
Taiwan Neyfuh Electron Co. Ltd.E-5679
E-5766
Tantec Est, Inc.
E-4144
Tapeswitch Corporation
Taurus International
E-5669
E-5691
Tecniforja
Teknokom Makina San. Tic.
E-5357
Ltd. Sti.
TEMA Technology
E-4244
Marketing AG
Tennessee Industrial Electronics Fanucworld
E-4146
E-4514
THK America Inc.
TM.P SpA - Termomeccanica
E-5261
Pompe
E-4459
Tolomatic
E-4121
Tosei America, Inc.
TTP, an API Heat Transfer
Company
E-4982
E-4135
UL, LLC
E-5795
Unispares
United Global Sourcing, Inc. E-5665
E-4332
Unitronics, Inc.
UTEC (Suzhou) Sealing
Solutions Co. Ltd.
E-5248
E-5949
Vapor Technologies Inc.
E-5460
VAT, Incorporated
Vernal Manufacturing &
E-5548
Engineering Co., Ltd.
E-5072
Vert Rotors UK Ltd.
Vertex Industries
E-5171
E-4118
WAGO Corporation
E-4964
Wandfluh of America, Inc.
E-4266
WDL Systems
Wes-Tech Automation
E-4523
Solutions
Wittenstein North America E-4841
Wuxi Bele Industry Co., Ltd. E-4968
Xian Weinuo Machinery and
E-5170
Equipment Co., Ltd.
E-5464
Xinlei Compressor Co., Ltd.
E-4154
Yaskawa America, Inc.
YHM Springtech Machinery Co.E-5251
E-4991
Yoke Industrial Corp.
Yong Ju Machinery Co. Ltd.
E-5673
Zhejiang Flexible
Technology Co. Ltd.
E-5181
Zhejiang Songqiao Pneumatic
and Hydraulic
E-5781

September 12 17, 2016

McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
www.industrialtechnology.events

Use Code: VIP2016 to

attend our shows for free!

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Digital edition? Click on headlines for more details.

See news daily at www.controleng.com/news

Storyboarding is a useful tool for the software design process

hile storyboarding has long been considered a tool

employed by those in the film and entertainment industry,
its use in the software design process is becoming more
expected and appreciated by both the developer and the client.
Though storyboarding adds an additional step to the software
design process, it is invaluable to the client and the engineer
when used in software development. Storyboarding also offers
transparency and clarity to the client, while streamlining the process for the developers and engineers.

Focus on innovation
During the specification phase of development, screens that the
software will display are drawn, either on paper or using specialized
software, to illustrate significant elements of the user experience.
This illustration assists in converting analytic data into the actual
human experience. The client is able to offer feedback and suggest
changes to improve the final result. This collaborative process helps
the client feel connected to the product and promotes innovation.
Focus on savings
Storyboards can be configured to run with accurate navigation
and user interaction. This provides a visual representation of the
software as well as a process flow with the feel of a completed
solution. Altering the storyboard is less time-consuming than

making changes to an implemented piece of software representing a significant time and cost savings.

Focus on real-world use

While a verbal description of a screen or product is useful,
there is room for misinterpretation. Sample images provided by
a storyboard allow little room for misunderstanding and help the
user understand exactly how the software will be employed in realworld circumstances.
Basic sketches of a storyboard on paper can be helpful, but
there are a variety of more advanced and efficient tools available
to software engineers. These programs feature an intuitive interface that allows the designer to create images and link them into
a practical and attractive presentation. Many of these programs
allow presentations to be saved online.
Storyboarding is a crucial part of the software design process
that allows designers, in collaboration with their clients, to capture
all the relevant information needed to produce the most custom and
tailored product. This step keeps the focus on the real people who
will use the end product in real-world situations while managing
expectations and expense most efficiently.
David Tesche is senior developer at Maverick Technologies.
Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering,
[email protected].

2016
Cyber Security
Turning research into insights makes for better business decisions
This study was conducted by Control Engineering to evaluate cyber security
implementation, resources, and training. Respondents to the study identified
seven high-level findings impacting control systems today.
According to the study seventy-two percent of respondents to the
2016 survey indicated that their control system cyber security threat
level is low to moderate, and 37% are most concerned about malware
threats coming from a random source. Of the respondents with a high
or severe control system cyber security threat level within their
organizations, more than half of them agree that major risk factors
include a lack of appropriate technologies and a lack of training or
enforcement related to existing technologies.
Access the full Control Engineering 2016 Cyber Security
report with additional findings and insights.

www.controleng.com/2016CyberSecurity

INDUSTRY NEWS and events

Standards groups
sign agreement

input #12 at www.controleng.com/information

Thomas J. Burke
(left), president and
executive director
of the OPC Foundation, and Holger
Zeltwanger, CAN in
Automation managing director, agree to
advance interoperability. Courtesy: OPC
Foundation, CAN in
Automation

40150 Watt high isolation AC/DC

power supplies certified for medical
application according AAMI/ANSI
ES60601-1:2005(R), 2 MOPP.

The OPC Foundation and CAN in

Automation (CiA) agreed to collaborate
in development of specifications, white
papers, guidelines, and processes that provide necessary infrastructure to promote
interoperability. Deliverables are designed
to benefit both organizations members to
develop and achieve information integration across multiple domains. The organizations agreed, at Hannover Fair, to
cooperate in development and marketing
of shared deliverables to foster interoperability. The OPC Foundation is a nonprofit international standards organization
that provides specifications, technology, certification, and processes to achieve
multivendor, multiplatform, and interoperability to move data and information.
The OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)
helps the Internet of Things (IoT) and is
domain-independent. CiA international
users and manufacturers group develops
the internationally standardized CANopen
technology. CiA specifies application programming interfaces (API) and middleware mappings to CANopen.
Edited from a press release by CFE Media.

PMI index grows

ed by strength in new orders and

production, the Institute for Supply Managements (ISM) monthly
Purchasing Manufacturers Index (PMI)
continued growth in May, for the third
straight month. The PMI reached 51.3%,
an increase of 0.5 percentage points
from April. The 12-month average for
the PMI increased to 50.3%, indicating
growth for the manufacturing sector.
Chris Vavra, production editor,
CFE Media, [email protected].

input #13 at www.controleng.com/information

Reliable. Available. Now.

tracopower.com

18

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Digital edition? Click on headlines for more details.

See news daily at www.controleng.com/news

High Power Process Control Systems

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250

Companies collaborate
on test bed for sensor data

E Connectivity (TE), ifm, SAP, and the OPC Foundation

have collaborated together to develop a test bed that
shows how all sensor data can be transmitted from
machines to an information technology (IT) system and evaluated there. This allows the efficiency of a factory to be considerably enhanced through, for example, a reduction in energy
consumption. The solution is designed to be easy to retrofit in
a production facility and increase productivity and resource
efficiency. The partners developed the test bed within the
Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC).
The four partners presented an application for the test bed
from the field of plastics processing at this years Hannover
Messe at the ifm booth (Hall 9, Booth D36). They demonstrated
how energy consumption can be reduced through optimum regulation of the airflow for drying material used in the process.
Smart processes require comprehensive information from
the sensors. The necessary data is frequently available via the
sensors, but the controllers generally only process a fraction
of what is available, said Dr. Myriam Jahn, managing director,
ifm datalink GmbH. With the solution presented at the exhibition, it is now possible to have all sensor data transferred to IT
systems without needing to reprogram the controller.
This solution makes it possible to use data in numerous
ways; for example, for condition monitoring, to monitor energy
consumption, or to ensure the quality of manufactured products through their seamless traceability. Not only can the
efficiency of the processes be improved as a result, but the
implementation of energy management processes such as ISO
50001 is also supported at the same time. The test platform covers the entire infrastructure required for connecting machine
sensors to IT systems. Data communication takes place via IOLink, OPC UA, and Profinet.
Edited from a TE Connectivity press release by CFE Media.

IHS reports that the industrial PC market is expected to

recover from a recent downturn in 2016 and stabilize by 2018
due to an expected improvement in the outlook for process
industry investment and continued industrial PC use beyond
industrial automation applications. Europe, the Middle East,
and Africa (EMEA) remains the largest market for industrial PCs with Asia Pacific not far behind. Robotics is the fastest
growing industrial sector for PCs followed by material handling
equipment, food and beverage, and packaging machinery.
Edited from an IHS story by CFE Media.
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input #14 at www.controleng.com/information

INDUSTRY NEWS and events

INCREDIBLY

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Manufacturers: help with talent shortage

he demand for skilled technicians has been on the rise for years. With a proactive business mindset, however, service organizations can make the most of the
qualified technicians by equipping the service team with an all-in-one service
management solution.
The AED Foundation researched and analyzed the growing skills gap in field service
and manufacturing and the impact its having in the industry. According to AED manufacturing executives surveyed in the report, 87% believe the high school systems are
to blame in the lack of technical workers. Adding to the current problem, those who do
attend a two-year technical program are not gaining the preparation and experience they
need. As the number of new, qualified technicians continues to dwindle, the number of
job openings continues to increase as the baby boomer technician generation retires.
Manufacturers need to make the most of their existing technicians during this shortage by equipping them with the tools and information to do their jobs efficiently and accurately. Eliminate paper by automating the process with a mobile service app so techs can
complete a work order and sync with the back office for instant accessibility and faster
billing. Using visual schedule software as part of a field service management suite allows
companies to schedule work orders in the most efficient pattern for each technician. Dispatchers can filter by tech availability and skillset to assign the best worker for each job.
Give techs access to service history, parts and inventory information so they know what
they need before they get to the job site.
Emily Poklar is a content marketing specialist at MSI Data. MSI Data is a CFE
Media content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering,
[email protected].

More headlines online

Industry events
At www.controleng.com, on the right side,
click on the events box and scroll by month
to see related industry events including:
 Automation Summit 2016, Las Vegas,
June 27-30
www.industry.usa.siemens.com/automation/us/
en/summit/Pages/summit.aspx

More than 1000 fps with AOI.

Learn more about the ultra
fast USB 3 uEye CP:
www.ids-imaging.com/usb3

 IMTS 2016, McCormick Place, Chicago,

Sept. 12-17
www.imts.com
 2016 Ignition Community Conference, Folsom,
Calif., Sept. 19-21
icc.inductiveautomation.com
 2016 Yokogawa Users Conference and
Exhibition, Orlando, Fla., Oct. 3-6
www.yokogawausersconference.com
 Pack Expo and Pharma Expo, McCormick
Place, Chicago, Nov. 6-9
www.packexpointernational.com

www.ids-imaging.com
input #15 at www.controleng.com/information

Top 5 Control Engineering articles

May 16-22: The most visited articles included the 2016 Salary and Career Survey, the
annual energy outlook from the EIA, robot
programming languages, robots and smart
factories, and offshore risk management.

20

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Seven vital tools for a go bag in the field

For field projects, its good to bring a bag
with tools that might come in handy for specific purposes or to prepare for any unforeseen challenges that sometimes come up.
Filling the technology gap
in the warehouse
Many startups and established companies
are looking to fill the void after Kiva Robotics technology, warehouse software systems, and robots were removed from the
marketplace after they were acquired and
absorbed into Amazons business.
OSHA will nudge workplace safety
by posting records online
OSHA is putting the safety records of manufacturers and other businesses online as a
way to call attention to both safe and unsafe
workplaces starting Aug. 16.
Engineer your best effort, today
The most powerful human emotion is regret,
so dont procrastinate in doing important
things now with your engineering teams.
IIoT Webcast Series 2016, Part Two:
Information Management for IIoT:
Your questions answered
See more daily at www.controleng.com.
www.controleng.com

2015 Siemens Industry, Inc.

Request a
trial license
of our
TIA Portal
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 Minimized downtime due to integrated
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 Integrated safety technology for the protection of
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 Improved quality due to data consistency
 Simplified implementation of automation solutions
due to global standards
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integrates controllers, distributed I/O, HMI, drives,
motion control and motor management into a single
engineering environment allowing you to reduce
your engineering time by 30%.

Digital Factory
input #16 at www.controleng.com/information

COVER STORY productivity in motion

3D

additive
manufacturing
advancements

Advancements in 3-D printing have made the technology more sophisticated and affordable.
The automotive, aerospace, and medical industries have made some major strides recently,
and 3-D printing is expanding as a means of engineering education.

car was built with parts 3-D printed at last International Manufacturing Technology Show
(IMTS) in Chicago (2014), gathering attention from many for
the results, for the machine and motion control technologies used, and the material science
advances. The car itself was made of carbon
fiber reinforced polymer, and the wheels and
hubcaps were printed using the direct metal
process. The process took 44 hours and consisted of 40 parts. When it was completed, the
car was taken for a test drive and gained a great
deal of press attention.
Since then, 3-D printing, or additive manufacturing, has remained in the spotlight as new
developments and enhancements gain the attention of industrial designers, manufacturers, and
engineering-minded educators.
Microfactories for 3-D printed cars

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Additive manufacturing/3-D printing technologies continue to advance.
Real-time monitoring and feedback
improve large-scale printed metal
quality.
Gee-whiz engineering helps
encourage new engineers.
GO ONLINE
See related Road to IANA in this
issue and read this online to link to
other 3-D printing articles.
CONSIDER THIS
Is additive manufacturing disrupting your markets or erupting your
opportunities?

22

JUNE 2016

Cincinnati Inc.s Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system was used to produce
the 3-D printed car at IMTS 2014. Recently,
they sold two of their systems to Phoenix-based
Local Motors for their microfactories. BAAM
features a work envelope of up to 2.4 x 6 x 2
m (8 x 20 x 6 ft), and the large-scale additive
machine uses the chassis, drives, and control
of Cincinnatis laser cutting system as the base.
BAAM is linear motor-driven and extrudes
hot thermoplastic to build parts layer by layer
at speeds 200 to 500 times faster and up to 10
times larger than existing additive machines.
The microfactories will manufacture highway-ready, 3-D-printed cars, premium off-road
vehicles with on-road capability, and neighborhood electric vehicles at the 40,000-sq-ft facilities, and each will be able to produce an output
of up to 250 cars per year. Customers will visit

CONTROL ENGINEERING

the microfactory to design and purchase their

vehicle, which is then produced on-site. Local
Motors plans to open 100 microfactories
around the world in the next 10 years.
3-D printing for aerospace,
medical industries

A report by IDTechEx indicated that 3-D

printing in metal is the fastest growing segment in the industry with sales growing by as
much as 50% and material sales growing at over
30%. High-value, low-volume industries such as
aerospace and biomedical, in particular, are taking advantage of 3-D printing because of how
quickly items can be printed. Both the medical
and aerospace industries are investing in alloys
such as cobalt, nickel, and aluminum to provide
versatility in what can be produced and printed.
Recently, GE Aviation and Frances Snecma
developed an engine for Airbus and CFM Internationals LEAP-1A engine. The engine was
produced that uses fuel nozzles that are 3-D
printed from a superalloy and carbon-composite fan blades woven from the ground up. The
engine also uses parts from light- and heatresistant ceramic matrix composites (CMCs).
The result is an engine that is designed to
reduce carbon emissions as well as be more
fuel-efficient. In the medical industry, 3-D
printing is being used for static applications
such as orthopedic implants. They are also
being used to create models of teeth, bones,
complex structures, and even a human heart for
educational purposes. The models are designed
to help doctors prep for complicated surgery by
giving them a picture that isnt on a CT scan.
Theyre also useful in an educational setting
by giving doctors something tangible to work
and experiment with instead of as an abstract
concept.
www.controleng.com

Additive manufacturing
technology is bringing about
an industrial revolution in

manufacturing.

Liberty Science Center in New Jersey has created an exhibition with a robot named SARA (Stevens Artistic Robot Animatron), which
was created by students at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Courtesy: Stevens Institute of Technology

Industrial interest in 3-D printing

As 3-D printing becomes more cost-effective,

manufacturers are becoming more interested in
potential benefits.
Siemens and HP, for example, are looking to
use technology to more easily advance 3-D printing from prototyping to full production utilization and create functional production parts that
can be made from multiple materials in multiple colors. The technology is intended to increase
www.controleng.com

print control, including material characteristics

down to the voxel-level. (A voxel is a 3-D pixel.)
Additive manufacturing technology is bringing about an industrial revolution in manufacturing, allowing business to use 3-D printing to
realize creativity and innovation in product development, said Chuck Grindstaff, president and
CEO, Siemens PLM Software.
Sciaky Inc., a subsidiary of Phillips Service
Industries Inc. (PSI), has produced a metal 3-D
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 23

COVER STORY productivity in motion

printing technology called IRISS, or

Interlayer Real-time Imaging and Sensing System. IRISS is designed to provide consistent process control for part
geometry, mechanical properties, microstructure, and metal chemistry for largescale 3-D printed parts. This technology
monitors the metal deposition process in

real-time and makes adjustments to the

process parameters that compensate for
variation throughout the build process.
Sciakys EBAM systems are designed to
produce parts ranging from 8 in. (203
mm) to 19 ft (5.79 m) in length, but
can also manufacture smaller and larger
parts, depending on the application.
3-D printed robot for
educational purposes

Cincinnati Incorporateds Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system was

used to produce the 3-D printed car at
IMTS 2014. Courtesy: Cincinnati Inc.

Imagine meeting a robot that can

play Simon Says, responds to commands, and even takes a selfie. At Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, N.J.,
one can do those thingsand more
with SARA (Stevens Artistic Robot
Animatron). SARA is a full uppertorso, interactive, human, 3D-printed
robot. Students at the Stevens Institute
of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., created the robot, which can move, swivel,
raise its arms, pick up items, and wiggle its fingers.
LSC president and CEO Paul Hoffman said, Many of our guests are in
middle and high schoolnot much

Make a lasting connection with

HARTING USA

Board Level
Connectivity

We hope it inspires young

people to become
interested in science and
engineering education

younger than the Stevens students. It is

particularly exciting for us, and inspiring for our young guests, to have the
Stevens team [members] sharing their
amazing work with our community.
Based on work from French designer Gael Langevin and his InMoov open
source project, SARA was transformed
by computer-aided design (CAD).
Approximately 100 components including joints, bones, and other mechanical parts of the robot were printed in
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic.
Stevens Prototype Object Fabrication
(PROOF) lab director Professor Kishore
Pochiraju coordinated the exhibit with
Liberty Science Center to inspire young
people who visit the center.
Were so pleased to be able to
bring Stevens student ingenuity and
a fun application of our own technology to their diverse audiences, Pochiraju said. We hope it inspires some of
these young people visiting the Science
Center to become interested in science
and engineering education and careers
themselves.
Future of 3-D printing

Industrial
Connectivity

Communication
Connectivity

Time-tested solutions for your application

HARTING, rst established in 1945, delivers unrivaled reliability, eciency, performance
and innovation.
With HARTING you have a partner who ensures you dependable connections that stand
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HARTING-usa.com
input #17 at www.controleng.com/information

and careers themselves.

Further developments will likely be

on display at IMTS 2016 in September.
Given the recent investments and dedication from companies on an industrial
and educational level, AMTs Emerging
Technology Center and other demonstrations seem likely to include additional advances in 3-D printed parts and
additive manufacturing demonstrations,
perhaps multiple cars or other transportation, as the next step for a technology
that has the potential to change manufacturing processes. ce
Chris Vavra is production editor, CFE
Media, Control Engineering,
[email protected].

24

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Learn about the latest engineering

trends and technologies.
Check out our Control Engineering
webcasts on topics like:

thernet (with 2015 research)

E
lloT
HMI
Cyber security for industrial
automation
System Integration case studies
lloT, Industry 4.0
and more
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are available!

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2-D, 3-D vision systems

Robotic vision systems:

What is doable?
Although robotic vision is constantly evolving, there is still a technological gap between the
interpretation of what a robot sees and what a human sees. What about 3-D versus 2-D vision?

hen someone is inexperienced

with robotics, its easy to misunderstand the robots vision
capabilities. How the robot
sees things is probably the
most complex part of the robotic process. Robotic technology is closing the gap in flexibility and
grasping abilities, but there is still a large technological gap between what a robot sees and interprets and what a human can see and interpret.
Robotic vision is evolving.

Evaluating robotic vision systems

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Limitations of vision technology and
robotic cells
How to integrate robotic vision
systems
The benefits of robotic vision
systems
GO ONLINE
For related links about robotics,
read this article online. In the digital
edition, click on the headline
or search the headline for
www.controleng.com.
CONSIDER THIS
Do the benefits of integrating robotic
vision systems create more solutions
or raise more questions?

26

JUNE 2016

When talking to a customer a few years ago

about robotic vision, there was some hesitation.
Since industrial cameras were not as advanced as
then and considering that robotic logic could be
unreliable, most dream applications customers were considering were not technically possible.
Now with the democratization of camera technology (thanks to smartphones) and the advancement
of user-friendly smart cameras, vision technology
is easier introduce into a robotic cell. Limits include:
 Adaptability: Most robotic vision applications
rely on very well-defined applications with pre-programmed features. They can detect a particular pattern and detect it really well. However, if something
really unusual passes in front of the camera, it might
be missed by the application. An example would
be the completely automated public turing test
(CAPTCHA) in Figure 1, where letters are slightly
deformed, and a vision system or character analysis
system cannot detect them. This example is likely
to be overcome by robotic vision systems in time.
 Detecting Trends: Unless the vision system
has been programmed to detect trends or patterns,
it wont be able to detect them. While humans are
really good at interpreting and associating things,
robotic vision systems have issues with associations.
Each feature detected is often treated individually,
so it is listed in a report for a human to analyze.
When conducting quality checks, for example, a list
of errors will be shown to a human worker where
he/she can analyze them and determine if there is

CONTROL ENGINEERING

a problem with a machine somewhere within the

manufacturing process. At present, a vision system
cannot determine that the milling machine has a
broken tool and stop the production line.
 Reliability: The main advantage of a vision
system is its consistency and reliability. If a robotic vision system looks in the right place, it will see
when something is wrong. A robotic vision system
will not get tired like human eyes and always will
use the same parameters. Humans are more errorprone throughout the day as a worker may become
increasingly tired and less attentive. One reason
manufacturers are introducing robots is because of
consistency and accuracy; it makes sense to fit them
with a vision system that has the same attributes.
Robotic vision camera location

Depending on the application, the vision system

will be placed in different locations in the robotic
cell. With many types of robots, cameras, and applications, there are an infinite number of solutions
as to where a camera can be placed and what to do
with it. Principal ways to set up the camera follow.
 End of arm: Since different applications need
to monitor what the robot is grasping, some robot
manufacturers are embedding cameras directly on
the robot wrist. This allows the camera to move
in various directions in space, locate a part, and,
according to the robots kinematics, grasp a part.
Since the camera is often close to the gripper, it can
also monitor if the part has been grabbed properly
or if it has been dropped during manipulation.
Placing a camera on the end of a robots arm
means its constantly moving. If a picture of the
grasping area is required, stop the robot in the right
position, ensure the camera is stable, and then take
a snapshot. If an application requires a really short
cycle time, you may have to rethink this option.
 Scene application: Another type of vision system can be fixed and looking at a scene, where parts
are presented in different positions and orientations on a conveyor. Once the part passes in front of
the camera, a snapshot is taken and analyzed to see
where the part is and its orientation relative to the
www.controleng.com

Figure 1: A CAPTCHA image prevents robot

vision system detection. Courtesy: Robotiq

robot. (See Figure 2.) Then, the robot can grab it.
 Cell monitoring: Robotic vision can be
used for safety. A camera or a set of cameras can
be installed on robot or looking at the robot to
see if a human enter the robots workspace. Since
most collaborative robots do not have external safety guarding, this method can regulate
robot speed according to the distance between
the robot and the worker. Each robotic cell integration requires a risk assessment according to
regional rules and regulations.
2-D and 3-D camera differences?

Vision technology is evolving quickly. In

recent years, 3-D movies have been growing in
popularity because of the realistic aspect they
bring while watching a movie. The same is happening with industrial applications; 3-D vision
technology is one step further along in terms of
complexity and can provide more information on
an object that has to be manipulated by the robot.
However, improvements still need to be made.
Two-dimensional vision systems have a better track record and are simpler to use. Many 2-D
cameras have really good features. The price of
high-quality 2-D cameras is dramatically dropping because of the widespread use particularly
in smartphones and other high-tech applications.
Two-dimensional vision systems have problems with shadows. Most 2-D vision applications
will use flash or lights placed in the same orientation as the camera to limit shadows. Other applications will install parts on illuminated tables, so
the camera can see the contour of the part clearly.
Popular 2-D vision applications include inspection, part location, Q-code, and barcode reading.
Three-dimensional vision is the next big thing,
but it is still not technologically ready for widespread use within the industry. Since it is more
complex to use and program, it still requires a very
good understanding of this technology to be able
to introduce 3-D vision into a robotic cell. Few
vision libraries and camera models available on
the market. Price and reliability of the cameras are
still a long way away from a 2-D cameras reputation. Three-dimensional vision systems are generally used for scene observation, part location, part
modeling, and complex vision applications.
www.controleng.com

Machine vision system integration

Integrating a vision system depends on what

needs to be done with the device. There are tips for
introducing a vision system into a robotic cell:
 Document the actual process the operator.
If blowing on the part is not written anywhere in
the operation guidelines, but the operator does it
every day because the parts are always dusty when
he/she receives them, then an air blower could be
integrated into the automated system.
 If the parts normal surface appearance is
variable, keep in mind that the robot wont be as
adaptable as humans are. Consider revising process
steps to make the vision process easier for the robot.
 Define the boundary numerically between
what is acceptable and what is notthe maximum
defect length, the accepted color, etc. When it cannot be defined numerically, more examples will be
needed to train the system.
 Include the operator in the automation process. Operators know about part specifications,
defect definitions, and other variables that influence
the part appearance; use their knowledge.
 Train the system with parts from various
batches, made on different days, to have multiple normal surface appearances. The vision system will be adjusted to account for some variations.
Keep in mind that its desirable to have an accurate
system that can be flexible and not too desensitized.
What is the level of acceptance and flexibility
needed for the application? Start small and build
on that from experience. Walk around the shop
floor, look at existing applications, and choose the
one that is easiest to automate with a vision system. Once this application is set, learn from errors
and move on to more complex applications. Always
make sure to work with the operator of the robotic
cell to make sure every part of the process has been
identified. And most importantly, remember to
control a process before automating. ce

Figure 2: A camera can

be placed over an inbound
conveyor to take photos
of each blank. Courtesy:
Robotiq and Universal
Robots

It requires a
very good
understanding
of this
technology to
introduce 3-D
vision into a
robotic cell.

Mathieu Blanger-Barrette is a Robotiq production engineer. Edited by Emily Guenther, associate

content manager, Control Engineering,
[email protected].
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 27

VISION lighting advice

Machine vision lighting tips

for overdriving LEDs
Lighting quality can make or break a machine vision system. Control Engineering Europe looks
at machine vision lighting that integrates lighting control into the other elements of a vision system.
See five tips for safely overdriving light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Timing can
matter:
systems may
need to
capture many
images of
each product
in a sequence
of varying
lighting.

ighting is a vital element of an optimized inspection using machine vision.

Even the best camera can capture what
it can see, and the best image processing software relies on good results from
the camera. Illumination consistency, intensity,
and resolution will have an effect on the final
accuracy of an application. Despite this, lighting
historically has not been an integrated part of a
machine vision system.
A fundamental element of a successful and
effective vision system is the visibility of the target object to be inspected, especially the specific
objectives for an inspection: missing parts, color
differentiation, blemishes, character recognition,
or sizing, for example. The starting point for the
quality of these source images is the suitability
and effectiveness of the lighting for a machine
vision system to perform consistently. The primary images need to be consistent, making
undefinable variations in lighting unacceptable.
Five LED overdriving tips

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Lighting quality is critical to machine vision quality.
LED lighting can run brighter (overdriving) for limited periods.
Careful control and system integration of machine vision LED overdriving
helps.
GO ONLINE
Link to more product information
with this article online, June at
www.controleng.com/archives.
www.controlengeurope.com
CONSIDER THIS
How much more accurate could
your machine vision system be with
better lighting?

28

JUNE 2016

Most machine vision applications are short

of light, so overdriving light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) is a common practiceit allows users to
increase intensity from LED lights for a short,
defined, period of time (with up to 1,000% overdriving capability). However, LED overdriving
limits are based on generalized parameters that
are considered safe for all LEDs so are usually
set lower than is possible in reality for a specific light.
Five tips for intelligent LED overdriving
include to:
1. Ensure generation of maximum brightness from a light. This is achieved by having data readily available on the actual
light being used, therefore enabling the
overdriving of a particular light to its safe
optimized limits.

CONTROL ENGINEERING

2. Calibrate lighting brightness to allow

more repeatability of lighting intensity.
3. Set thresholds and feature detection to be
more sensitive, while maintaining good
repeatability and reliability of detection.
4. Use actual temperatures. Overdrive limits also are based on the maximum operating temperature, but most lights run
at a lower temperature. So, by measuring the actual temperature of the light, it
is possible to allow for more overdrive in
systems which run below the maximum
temperature.
5. Pay attention to timing. Some systems
need to capture many images of each
product item in a sequence of varying
lighting requirements. With applicationlevel visibility of the timing of the system,
and a fully featured lighting controller,
such systems are easier to set up, monitor, and maintain.
An intelligent lighting solution can offer
benefits throughout a machine vision project cycle for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), systems integrators, and end
users. End users will see benefits with their
final applications, such as long-term stability
of brightness, which helps to enhance the reliability of machine vision systems over many
years. ce
- Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager,
Control Engineering, CFE Media,
[email protected] from an April 22 article,
Seeing the light, posted by Control Engineering
Europe. See more product-related information
from Gardasoft Vision Ltd. in that article.
www.controleng.com

CFE Medias
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Integrator Database

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global end-users and system integrators hosted by Control Engineering, Plant
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The newest version of the online database is even easier to use. Features and updates:
More search results can now be seen on the screen
Relevancy score indicates how closely an integrators qualifications
match a users search criteria
Users can now preview the most pertinent data of an SI before clicking
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FIELDBUS Ethernet options

Ethernet as a leading
machine automation protocol
Although there are still dozens of industrial fieldbus protocols used in machine automation, industrial
Ethernet is replacing many of them due to a number of factors. Online, see protocol table.

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Ethernets performance can often
match and exceed levels of fieldbus
technologies today.
EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP are
among leading networks in North
America for manufacturers.
More users will adopt Ethernet
hardware as costs decline.
GO ONLINE
Comment: When selecting a new
network, are you more likely to
choose Ethernet over a traditional
fieldbus? See the site poll at
www.controleng.com; link to more
articles on industrial networking.
CONSIDER THIS
With wider use of gateways to
translate, is network selection less of
a concern?

ieldbus technology was a welcome advance

from point-to-point wiring when it
emerged during the last few decades of
the 20th century, and its had a nice run in
industry since then. Many fieldbus protocols have come and gone, but all have connected
sensors, input/output (I/O) devices, and other field
devices to automation systems.
For todays industrial networks, Ethernet can
be a more attractive option than competing protocols as performance can match and exceed fieldbus
technologies. Setting up an Ethernet network is also
typically less expensive and easier to configure than
with other protocols.
In the early years, there were the basic opencommunication serial standards such as RS232 and
RS422/485. These, among others, were the basis for
standards such as Modbus, which used serial communication standards as the foundation for what
became the leading industrial protocol.
Ethernet was not yet mature, and fieldbus protocols offered sufficient performance and reliability
in many applications. However, fieldbus technology was often expensive and difficult to setup, and
different protocols were incompatible on both the
hardware and software levels.
Many initial fieldbus implementations were
designed for connecting remote I/O to programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Many communication
standards were based on the RS422/485 standard,

Figure 1: Ethernet is widely used in industrial automation systems to make a

wide variety of connections. All images courtesy: AutomationDirect

30

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

but most were proprietary before being transferred

to independent foundations and made open.
For example, DeviceNet, Modbus, and Profibus DP each started out as proprietary protocols
with Rockwell Automation, Modicon, and Siemens
respectively. Each eventually became an open standard administered by an independent foundation.
Today, there are several fieldbus options for linking PLCs to remote I/O and other simple devices
such as motor starters, sensor manifolds, and pneumatic valve manifolds.
Current fieldbus protocol options

While Industrial Ethernets growth is exceeding

fieldbus growth for accessing devices and is expected to become the more dominate technology over
the next 15 years according to IMS Research, other
fieldbus networks have a very large installed base
because they were the only option before Ethernet
technology matured. Many applications still benefit from the highly deterministic architecture that
fieldbus networks such as DeviceNet and Profibus
DP offer. With such protocols, it can be convenient
to add devices using field-mounted I/O blocks.
Another fieldbus protocol is IO-Link, which
is a point-to-point (P2P) network used for tying
field devices to controllers, often through a converter (see Figure 2). Some newer devices can provide process data, configuration data, identification,
operating parameters, and diagnostics. The ability
to transmit diagnostic data can reduce machine
downtime by intelligently diagnosing the exact item
of failure or, in some cases, preventing downtime by
providing information that failure is imminent.
Although IO-Link and low-level fieldbus protocols work well for linking simple devices to controllers, more complex connections can benefit from
the power, speed, and flexibility that Ethernet offers.
An industrial Ethernet protocol may be considered instead of fieldbus communications in many
new machine automation applications that require
a high degree of information exchange, such as
linking a vision system to a PLC. As hardware costs
drop, its becoming more cost-effective for even
simple applications such as remote I/O and for
fieldbus device connections.
www.controleng.com

The case for Ethernet

Many people still consider Industrial Ethernet as something different than fieldbus, but if one
considers what fieldbus technology has traditionally accomplished in the past with what Ethernet
can do today, they are really one in the same. Fieldbus technologies have traditionally boasted highly deterministic data delivery, and Ethernet can do
the same with its increased speed and low level time
synchronization methods. Power can be delivered
to devices over many fieldbus cables, and the same
is true with Power over Ethernet. There are very few
industrial networking applications where a properly
specified Industrial Ethernet protocol wont work.
With early Ethernet networks, determinism was
poor and jitter was significant, which resulted in
slower processing speeds. Less intelligent network
devices, such as simple Ethernet hubs, were the
norm. As a result, data collisions and retries were
frequent. With the advent of cost-effective, industrial Ethernet, unmanaged switches and then eventually managed switches, collisions have become a
nonissue. Processing power has increased, and it
has reduced data transmission delays to an insignificant level in most applications.
Even with standard, off-the-shelf Ethernet chips,
jitter is low enough for most applications, with use
of scheduling mechanisms, such as Class 1 I/O Messaging in EtherNet/IP. For more time-critical applications, protocols such as EtherCAT use precision
time protocol synchronization (IEEE 1588).
While most Ethernet networks use a star topology where the Ethernet switch or switches forms
the center and the devices branch out, many devices
include switch ports with multiple RJ-45 interfaces
to make daisy chaining more cost-effective.
Protocol selection

Unlike other communication technologies, Ethernet permits multiple protocols to run over the
same network. Some leading Ethernet protocols
include EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Powerlink, Profinet, and SERCOS. (See more on protocols with this article online.) The automation
supplier often drives selection of the proper Ethernet protocol for the application; different suppliers
favor different protocols.
Most suppliers favor a specific Ethernet protocol, but they often arent just limited to one. Its often
advantageous to use the suppliers favored protocol
because this will yield the best support and widest range of compatible products. If an application
requires a mix of suppliers and both protocols are
available in the controllers and field devices, timing
and speed requirements are often deciding factors.
The application will help define which fieldwww.controleng.com

bus technologies to use. In many applications, it

may make sense to use several protocols, with each
applied at the most appropriate level. Mixing protocols and communication architectures to get field
devices connected to controllers, controllers connected to human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and
HMIs connected to higher level computing systems
is often the right choice. To do this, its necessary to
pick a controller that supports multiple protocols.
IO-Link or a similar protocol is often used to
link multiple field devices to a controller because its
a much more cost-effective option than hard wiring
each field device to a controller input point. With
IO-Link, its common for an IO-Link to EtherNet/IP gateway to connect to field devices and
back to the controller via
EtherNet/IP.
The gateway
acts as a multiplexer by connecting to
multiple IO-Link
field devices and making
information from them
available to the controller
via one EtherNet/IP cable.
Although IO-Link supports a relatively
short distance between the sensor and
the IO-Link master device, it can connect to a variety of gateways and related
protocols to extend its reach to the controller.
In large manufacturing and warehouse conveyor
applications, longer distances between the controller and devices can be achieved by using gateways
that sit on an EtherNet/IP network. The use of easily available managed and unmanaged switches also
helps distribute Ethernet connections.
For connections among controllers, or for controllers to HMIs, some variant of Ethernet is the
preferred option; hardware support may determine
selection of which protocol.
Ethernet dominates higher-level connections,
and lower-level connections from controllers to
remote I/O and field devices can be made via IOLink, DeviceNet, Profibus DP, or some variant of
Ethernet.
As Ethernet hardware declines in cost and as
capabilities continue to expand, particularly with
higher speeds and more determinism, engineers
should expect it to become more widely used in
industrial communications. ce

Figure 2: IO-Link is often

used to connect field
devices to controllers using
conversion devices, such as
this fiber optic manifold.

Figure 3: EtherNet/
IP is supported by a
wide variety of PLCs
and other controllers, including this
AutomationDirect
P2000 PLC.

Chris Harris is team leadtechnology assistance

group at AutomationDirect. Edited by Chris Vavra,
production editor, Control Engineering, CFE
Media, [email protected].
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 31

PROCESS SAFETY

certifications

Hazardous location certifications 101

Tutorial: It is important to know precisely which certification scheme is required for the
installation of electrical equipment in a hazardous (classified) area and what precautions
need to be taken in each circumstance.

Electrical equipment

Certifications
for electrical
equipment
can vary; type
of protection
depends
on the risk
involved in

the area.

MORE

ADVICE

that is used
in a hazardous (classified) area is regulated by
local laws and guidelines and is required to be
compliant to the relevant protection schemes
and certifications as specified within these
areas. There are a multitude of certification
schemes around the world, but the three mainstream certifications for electrical equipment
in hazardous areas are ATEX (Europe), IECEx
(International), and either the Class/Division
or Class/Zone System (North America). While
each of these certification groups require
unique standards and verification procedures
for certification they also leverage similar terminology and practices with respect to testing,
marking, and ensuring standards are attained
for safe operation of electrical equipment.
A hazardous area is defined as an area
in which the atmosphere contains, or may
contain, in sufficient quantities, flammable
or explosive gases, dusts, or vapors. In such
an atmosphere, a fire or explosion is possible when three basic conditions are present
fuel, gas, and an ignition source. To protect
an application from a potential explosion, an
appropriate protection method is required.
Classifying the specific type of hazardous
area that the equipment will be operating in is
required in determining the appropriate certification scheme. To determine what protection
method is appropriate, a method of analyzing
and classifying the potentially hazardous area
is required. The particular method chosen will
again depend on local rules and the certification scheme required. The type of protection
required depends on the risk involved in the

KEY CONCEPTS
A hazardous area is defined as an area in which the atmosphere contains, or may contain, in sufficient
quantities, flammable or explosive gases, dusts, or vapors.
Proper certification marks are the customers assurance that the electrical products in operation meet
rigorous standards for electrical safety and are suitable for use in the classified area.
Manufacturers that produce, or companies that sell, equipment for use in hazardous locations need to be
aware of the main certification schemes.
GO ONLINE
Read this story online at www.controleng.com for more information not found in the print/digital edition.
CONSIDER THIS
Which standards do you use the most and what challenges do they bring?

32

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

area. Once the area is classified, an appropriate

protection method can be chosen.
Proper certification marks are the customers
assurance that the electrical products in operation meet rigorous standards for electrical safety and are suitable for use in the classified area.
ATEX

ATEX is a European Directive and is used for

controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used
in them. The ATEX Directive 94/9/EC provides
the most current requirements regarding equipment and protective systems intended for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres.
Manufacturers and suppliers or importers
(if the manufacturer is outside of the EU) must
ensure that their products meet essential health
and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures. This usually involves
testing and certification by a third-party certification body, known as a notified body.
Once the notified body certifies the equipment it is marked by the EX symbol to identify it as such.

IECEx

The objective of the international IECEx

scheme is to facilitate international trade in electrical equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres (Ex area) with the following benefits:
Reduced testing and certification
costs to manufacturers
Reduced time to market
International confidence in the
product assessment process
One international database
One evaluation with worldwide
market potential.
An Ex area is also known as a hazardous
location, hazardous area, or an explosive
atmosphere and is generally an area where flammable liquids, vapors, gases, or combustible dusts
are likely to occur in quantities sufficient to cause
a fire or explosion. Equipment used in an Ex area
is termed Ex equipment.
www.controleng.com

The IECEx Certificate of Conformity System provides for the issuing of IECEx Certificates of Conformity, covering Ex equipment
for use in explosive atmospheres. IECEx Certificates of Conformity are issued by approved
IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs). An
IECEx Certificate of Conformity confirms that
a sample of the Ex product, described on the
certificate, has been independently tested and
found to comply with the international standards listed in the certificate. It also proves
that the manufacturing site has been audited to
verify that the manufacturers quality systems
meet IECEx requirements.
Classes and divisions

Hazardous locations are rated with an area

classification that in the IECEx and ATEX
schemes are generally based on equipment
category, gas presence, and gas group. In the
North American system Classes, Divisions (or
Zones), and Groups are used to define the level
of safety required for equipment installed in
these locations.
Equipment Category and classes define the
general nature of hazardous material in the

surrounding atmosphere. Gases are

categorized as IIG by ATEX and
Class I in the North American
System.
The Zone or Division defines the probability of hazardous
material being present
in an ignitable concentration in the surrounding atmosphere. The Gas
Group is based on the gases
present in the area.
Manufacturers that produce, or
companies that sell, equipment for use in
hazardous locations need to be aware of the main
certification schemes, understand what is involved
in certifying their products, and be able to interpret customer requirements to insure a product is
safe to use in a specified environment. ce
Mike Bange is a product engineer and engineering department manager for Watlow Electric
Manufacturing Co. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media,
[email protected].

Immersion heaters such

as Watlows flange immersion
heaters possess IECEx and
ATEX Exd or Exe ratings
certifying that the flange heater enclosure is flameproof.
Every enclosure is pressure
tested to ensure heaters are
safe and reliable and meet
rigorous standards for electrical safety. Courtesy: Watlow

Variable environments.
Specific requirements.
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IRUUHPRWHFRQWURODQGPRQLWRULQJ
:HDGDSWWR\RXUHQYLURQPHQW

PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

VHDOHYHOFRPVDOHV#VHDOHYHOFRP
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input #18 at www.controleng.com/information

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ROUNDTABLE IIoT integration tools

Real-time, plant-floor data for

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 platforms will enable rapid manufacturing of new
products, dynamic response to product demands, and real-time optimization of manufacturing across
the production and supply chain networks by networking equipment, sensors, controls, and business
systems, according to Matrix Technologies, a 2016 System Integrator of the Year.

eal-time, plant-floor data has always

played a critical part in the analysis
of the plant-floor operation. Recently,
there has been tremendous advancement in automation, data exchange,
and manufacturing technologies. Until recently,
sensors would typically collect one piece of process data and were transmitting that
data via input/output (I/O) cards
into programmable logic controllers (PLC) or distributed
control systems (DCS) for display to operators or for historical
trending. Current day sensors
are more advanced and can
capture a lot more variables.
With the adoption of Ethernet-based communication, many more
variables are available for visualization and
analysis. Industrial Internet of Things
(IIoT) is enabling data to be collected
from more and different devices and
sensors than in the past, bypassing the
traditional control systems.

MORE

ADVICE

IIoT helps OEE, diagnostics

KEY CONCEPTS
IIoT helps with data analytics,
OEE, and diagnostics.
Industrial information and communications technologies are becoming
more integrated.
System integrators help establish
the right foundation of technologies
for IIoT advancement.
GO ONLINE
www.controleng.com/SIY
At www.controleng.com, click the
IIoT pulldown menu, upper left.
CONSIDER THIS
Can your technology foundation
support IIoT advances and advantages?

34

JUNE 2016

Traditionally, the key focus of the factories

has been on producing good products with
least manufacturing costs. Understanding current operating conditions, detecting faults, and
alarms using tools like overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) helped understand the root
causes of failure and downtime. The key focus
of the Industrie 4.0 platform is to advance this
diagnostic capability. This will make the systems more intelligent so as to be aware of the
operating conditions and be capable to predict
their own health and take preventive actions.
These features are made possible by more peerto-peer communications and additional health
information provided from other connected
resources.

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Cyber-physical systems

Modern information and communication

technologies like cyber-physical systems, big
data analytics, and cloud computing are enabling
technologies that will help make these systems
more self-aware of their health and conditions.
The basic principle of Industrie 4.0 is that by
connecting machines, equipment, control, and
other business systems, we are creating an intelligent network that can communicate with each
other and control each other autonomously.
These technologies will assist in productivity
improvements, better quality products, and manufacturing flexibility as well as agility.
Big Data analytics plays a critical role within
the Industrie 4.0 platform. Data has to be processed with advanced tools to generate meaningful information. The use of advanced algorithms
and analytical models help in identifying invisible conditions such as machine performance
degradation and predicting component failure
on the factory floor.

Optimization, integration

IIoT and Industrie 4.0 platforms will enable

rapid manufacturing of new products, dynamic
response to product demands, and real-time optimization of manufacturing across the production
and supply chain networks by networking equipment, sensors, control, and business systems.
As manufacturers consider the application of
these new technologies, it will be more important
than ever to build a solid foundation to support the
advancements. System integrators are in the forefront of these applications and will help the manufacturing community to prepare for the future. ce

Divya Prakash is director, manufacturing systems

and solutions, Matrix Technologies Inc., which is a
2016 System Integrator of the Year. Edited by Mark
T. Hoske, content manager, Control Engineering,
CFE Media, [email protected].
www.controleng.com

ROUNDTABLE IIoT system integration

System integration enables

Industrial Internet of Things,
Industrie 4.0 platforms
Data mining and analysis tools can improve operational decisions within the Industrial Internet of
Things (IIoT) and Industrie 4.0 platforms, and that happens more effectively with system integration,
explains Michael Gurney, CEO of Concept Systems Inc., a 2016 System Integrator of the Year.

ystem integration is among the

enabling tools of the Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) and the Industrie 4.0 platform. Through 23 years in
systems integration, Ive learned the
importance of focusing on a scope of work that
produces measurable results. IIoT has emerged
as an important consideration for investment
by offering the possibility of using ever-increasing amounts of data to make operational decisions. Given the quantity of available data, and
the multitude of ways to use that data, managers will be wise to take the time to establish the
return on investment (ROI) they want from the
data they choose to mine.
Minimal, viable product

Concept Systems uses a term that applies

to implementing IIoT: Minimal, viable product (MVP). To explain, many software products
that promise to deliver on the IIoT have a large
footprint and come with a lot of costly bells and
whistles that dont add much value. They are
designed to be all things to all people and to
collect all the data and generate all the reports
imaginable. This level of robustness requires a
large investment to implement and a lot of time
to do it right.
What often happens is the investor loses
patience with the cost to implement and gives up
on the idea before the value is ever realized. Its
better to focus on the essence of what must be
accomplished and use software with a small footprint that is scalable.
Probably the best kept secret of the IIoT is
the existence of these lean, scalable, foundational software packages. With this approach, its easier to build a solid foundation that provides an
immediate ROI, while giving clients a way to add
functionality in a cost-effective, efficient manner.
www.controleng.com

IIoT roadmap

It all starts with the MVP

and developing the roadmap
from there. A lot of data can
be found on the plant floor.
Its possible to plug into every
piece of equipment and capture every data point in the
cloud. That may be the ultimate destination but be mindful that it takes a lot of work to
mine data, put it into an actionable
construct, and analyze it to improve
performance.

With IIoT information, corrective action

can happen quickly, avoiding repetition

of costly errors.

A roadmap simply identifies how to get

therein smaller discrete projectsand minimizes risk of losing the investment along the
way. This approach provides rapid, incremental
returns on investment.
For instance, consider a steam generation
power plant with eight boilers. Uptime and
downtime would be valuable, so lets start with
those. I can store that data in the cloud and get
a status report at any time, on any device, local
or on a mobile. Its a small investment in IIoT,
yet I get actionable data that is of real-time
value. With the software tools in place, it is now
easy to build on that foundation, to collect that
next piece of data, and expand the value of the
reports. With a few small projects, available
mobile, real-time information includes uptime/

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Establish ROI goals for IIoT.
Dont get overwhelmed with
everything; take a usable subset.
Have a plan for data collection
and analysis.
GO ONLINE
www.controleng.com/SIY
At www.controleng.com,
click the IIoT pulldown menu,
upper left.
CONSIDER THIS
Its easy to get overwhelmed in
data; make a plan to use a smart
subset to improve operations.

CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 35

ROUNDTABLE IIoT system integration

)=

The simplest
way
to implement
IEEE 1588/PT
P

Take the time to develop a roadmap to

integrate data collection in a way that provides

the greatest ROI.

downtime, fuel usage, and power output

trends.
IIoT application example

OTMC 100 (red) shown with TICRO 100 (blue)

OTMC 100 - Grandmaster Clock

Antenna-integrated
IEEE 1588/PTP Grandmaster Clock
Ensures precise time synchronization for PTP and NTP applications
Connects directly to Ethernet
cable lengths up to 3 km (optical)
and up to 100 m (copper)

TICRO 100 - Time Converter

Converts IEEE 1588/PTP to IRIG-B,
DCF77 and various PPX signals
Provides Time codes at coaxial,
optical and optocoupler outputs
Ensures time accuracy in case of
PTP loss with internal high stable
oscillator
The OTMC 100 and the TICRO 100
fully support the PTP Power Profile
according IEEE C37.238-2011
www.omicron-lab.com/timing

A client that transports high-value goods by air between factories finds

that its critically important to load and
unload parts properly. An installed software appliance on the loading/unloading
equipment logs precise position during
these operations. If any damage occurs
during flight, its easy to review the log
(like a digital video recorder that replays
the sequence) and verify that
damage was not due to
loading or unloading.
With this information, corrective action
can happen quickly, avoiding repetition
of costly errors. With
these foundational pieces in place, it is now easy
to add those next data points
that add value.
Industrie 3.0 brought automation
to the plant floor with brains in programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
They monitor work flow and operate
entire lines from one box.
Industrie 4.0 promises to open the
plant floor to a tremendous amount of
data with smart devices, in many cases
wireless-enabled, being able to provide
resident data beyond what the PLC has
traditionally received.
The shift moves from data concentrated in a controller to having access to every
configurable and monitored parameter in
every device hanging on a network with
an IP address. Those smart devices host
a lot of information, which opens up a lot
of opportunity. But again, its important to
identify what data to look at, collect, and
how to use and manage it.

Data availability, info analysis

input #19 at www.controleng.com/information

Smart Timing Solutions

If you thought you had a lot of data

in your PLC and have been struggling to
figure out what to do with it, brace yourself, more is coming. It can be navigat-

36

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

ed effectively, but you need to plan and

manage how you use the data.
Rather than embarking on a quest to
collect even more data, why not consider doing more with a smaller subset of
data? One exciting aspect of all this newfound data is the ability to use statistical process control (SPC) in new ways.
SPC allows us to monitor and potentially control devices to ensure reliability by predicting anomalies that lead to
failures. SPC can be set up to monitor
normal operation on any
data point and detect
statistical
variances that identify problems well before they
become unscheduled
downtime.
Predictive maintenance is a
great example of a solution
that does not drive the need
for more data; but rather its
a tool to get more out of the
data. Look for opportunities like
this, before just mining more data.
Technology value

New technologies certainly improve

automated control systems, because we
can gather and analyze more data, and
do it more precisely and faster. That
also means that we have to be clear
about which data provides high value
and whats most critical to ensure a
smooth line. Taking the time to develop a roadmap will allow manufacturers to integrate data collection in a way
that provides the greatest ROI. Make it
a gradual process to receive significant
returns on each phase of making the
system function effectively. Thats how
system integrators will use IIoT and
Industrie 4.0 to once again transform
the plant floor. ce
Michael Gurney is CEO of Concept Systems Inc., a 2016 System Integrator of the
Year. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content
manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, [email protected].
www.controleng.com

SERVICES IIoT brings expansion

IIoT enables
services businesses

PROGRAMMABLE
INCREMENTAL ENCODERS

Service departments are manufacturers main revenue driver;

some companies still lag behind with outdated methods and
technology, said a Salesforce survey. The Industrial Internet of
Things can help.

any businesses view service departments as revenue

generators and are changing manufacturing business
standards. According to a Salesforce
report, manufacturing is transforming to
the point where service will be the main
revenue driver for companies.
Salesforce interviewed 200 manufacturing executives in their recent report
and found that while 90% state their top
priority is to improve field service, some
companies are still using paper-driven,
outdated technology to manage their
businesses. As service takes over as the
primary revenue driver, manufacturers
can prepare for the shift with these key
technological advances.

1. Connected equipment with the

Internet of Things (IoT)

By connecting equipment with IoT
sensors, service departments can be proactive rather than reactive to faulty parts
or broken machines. Manufacturers can
utilize IoT sensors to monitor how individual parts are performing and how systems are working together. They are able
to quickly see when something is underperforming and proactively solve a problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
It is essential for manufacturers to
provide more by investing in IoT-connected equipment because customers
demand and expect more from their
equipment and service. Manufacturers
can save on costs by predicting breaks
while keeping their customers happy
and more willing to sign another contract. With only 19% of manufacturing executives reported utilizing an IoT
strategy, this is an easy way to get ahead
of competitors and generated.

2. Using mobile devices in the field

According to surveyed executives,

www.controleng.com

78% of field service technicians carry

mobile devices to their service calls. Most
of these are also using a mobile app to
manage their activities. It is clear technicians enjoy managing their service activities, schedule, and filling out documents
through their mobile devices on-site.
Giving technicians access to customer
information and the back office through
a mobile device will reduce manufacturing organization costs in the long run.
For example, 70% of executives report
that their service technicians have to return
to their service sites on occasion. For those
who do return, its because of a missing part
or tool 40% of the time; 45% are unable to
complete the transaction on-site; and 35%
have a lack of customer information onsite. Manufacturers will be able to increase
their operational
efficiency by giving these technicians access
to a cloud-based mobile service application.

3. Measuring analytics

Smart Phone Meets

Smart Encoder
Quickly Program with any
WiFi-Enabled Device

More than half of surveyed manufacturing executives are measuring analytics and gathering insights on what is and
isnt working. For example, analytics will
be able to clearly show if someone is taking too long at one service on a regular
basis or if a service site is spending too
much time on one problem.
Within 10 years, manufacturing executives believe service will be the primary
source of revenue for their companies. By
investing in the connected technologies
today to fuel service management, manufacturers will be ready to capitalize on the
opportunity in service revenue. ce

Programmable Output (HTL/TTL)

Customize PPR to Your Application
Large Variety of Mechanical Designs
and Electrical Connections
Accurate, Reliable Magnetic
Sensing Technology
Compact and Versatile Fits in Where you Need It!

Emily Poklar is a content marketing specialist at MSI Data. MSI Data is a CFE
Media content partner. See the original
article here. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering,
[email protected].
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 37

input #20 at www.controleng.com/information

www.posital.com

2016 Global Automation

& Manufacturing Summit

September 14th, 2016

Join Control Engineering, Plant Engineering and Hannover Fairs USA for the Global Automation and
Manufacturing Summit, part of the Industrial Automation North America (IANA) pavilion at the 2016
IMTS Show at McCormick Place in Chicago. This one-day summit is designed to bring plant managers,
control engineers, and manufacturing business leaders together to highlight plant
improvement opportunities and deliver strategies that manufacturing personnel
can take back to their plants and implement immediately.

Global Automation &

Manufacturing Summit Agenda
11:00am: Registration
12:00pm: Lunch and Keynote
Sponsored by: Advanced Technology Services, Inc.

Presented in
partnership
with:

Jack Nehlig, president and CEO of Phoenix Contact USA, will discuss
his companys initiatives on the Industrial Internet of Things, both as an
industry supplier and as a manufacturer.
1:30pm:

Cloud-based manufacturing: Setting the standard

An overview of industry attitudes toward and adoption of IIoT in
manufacturing, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from GE,
Schneider Electric and others on how those standards will be achieved.

2:30pm:

Robotics: Rise of the machines

An industry overview on the adoption and use of robotics in manufacturing
will be provided, followed by a panel discussion led by Rick VandenBoom of
Applied Manufacturing Technologies.

3:30pm:

How maintenance and Big Data can coexist

Sal Speda of ARC Advisory Group will provide the framework for the
panel discussion on maintenance in the age of IIoT, which will include
Franz Gruber, founder and CEO of FORCAM; Aurelio Banda, president
and CEO for North America of Beckhoff Automation and Chris Lebeau, IT
Director of Advanced Technology Services.

4:30pm:

Reception and networking event

Sponsored by: FORCAM

Sponsored
by:

ROADTOIANA
Smart manufacturing solutions
get attention at IANA 2016
In an integrated age, IIoT is the focus of CFE Media event Sept. 14.

ndustrial Automation North America (IANA), which is

co-located at the International Manufacturing Technology
Show (IMTS) Sept. 1217, 2016, at McCormick Place in
Chicago, will focus on intelligent solutions as a key theme.
Intelligent solutions remain one of manufacturings hottest topics. As part of the Hannover Messe portfolio, IANA
will mirror the industry-leading discussions occurring at Aprils
Hannover 2016, the worlds largest manufacturing trade fair
where the United States participated for the first time as Partner
Country. Themes at both events focus on intelligent technology to unite manufacturing operations as well as supporting
Industrie 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Those topics also will be the themes when CFE Media, the
official media partner of IANA, presents its Global Automation
and Manufacturing Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The event
begins at noon in conjunction with the 2016 IANA Pavilion.
The high interest in this trade show underscores the excitement about intelligent solutions, said Larry Turner, president/CEO of Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Deutsche
Messe, the organizer of Hannover. Industrial Automation
North America offers a one-stop event to learn about this
fast-changing technology.
According to surveys conducted in 2014 at IMTS, IANA
and Motion, Drive & Automation North America, 86% of
visitors found solutions to specific manufacturing problems,
85% planned to make a purchase within one year, and 64%
initiated new business contacts.

business decisions and better

foresight into potential failures.
According to Ed Johnston,
North America industry manager for automotive and tire at
Rockwell Automation, todays
auto manufacturing plants have
to be flexible to produce multiple vehicles in multiple variations on a single line. A connected
enterprise that has the ability to
exchange secure information from
the plant floor to business systems and onto the supply chain
is vital.
Once connected, manufacturers must also consider how
to protect valuable data.
The key now is to ensure that you are getting that critical
data to the enterprise systems in the most secure manner possible while making certain that the automation and process
control networks are properly protected, said Dan Schaffer,
business development manager for networking and security
at Phoenix Contact USA. The same path used to get data out
can be compromised to let the bad guys in. The companies
that are most successful in walking the tightrope between
security and availability of data will be the ones who are most
successful in the IIoT landscape. ce

Value of data and security

As manufacturers wrestle with options for connecting systems, theres agreement on two key
issues: the business advantages of using integrated data and the importance of security.
Production equipment is at the heart of any
manufacturing business, but information and
planning are the nerve center, said David Kaley,
marketing communications manager at Mitsubishi Electric. Todays technologies make it simple
to connect real-time production data to enterprise planning systems. This allows for quicker
The Industrial Automation North America pavilion
at the 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago will feature exhibitors
and speakers focused on the Industrial Internet
of Things. Image courtesy: IMTS
www.controleng.com

CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 39

ROADTOIANA
Collaborative robots ready
to take on a larger role
When used strategically, robots can improve operations.
By Larry Turner
Hannover Fairs USA

Robots continue to offer big benefits for manufacturers, according to exhibitors at the upcoming
Industrial Automation North America (IANA)
2016. The trade show, co-located at International
Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), takes
place Sept. 1217, 2016, at McCormick Place in
Chicago and will feature high-interest robotics
topics, such as collaborative learning, core isolation and even setting standards.
According to the Robotics Industries Association, robotics orders have set new records, reporting a 14% growth in 2015 as North American
companies placed orders valued at $1.8 billion.
By 2018, there will be 1.3 million industrial robots
operating in factories around the world, according to the International Federation of Robotics.
Rapid advances in robotics continue to drive
this interest. Todays robots are lightweight, highly
flexible and easy to implement. Robots can weld,
assemble, handle materials and even package food.

Sensing and core splitting

The increased use of robotics, and their increased flexibility in manufacturing, will be one of the points of focus at the 2016 Industrial Automation North America Pavilion at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, Sept. 12-17. Image courtesy: IMTS.

More sophisticated technology has created smarter robots

that can collaboratively learn and sense what is going on
around them. Collaborative robots are going strong, and
you will see a larger role in force sensing and control, said
Steve Somes, president of Force Robots. Responding to
external forces not only makes robots safer for collaboration, it also enables more tasks like assembly, grinding and
deburring.
Will Sobel, CEO of System Insights, said that automation
needs to move from teach-based to intent-based. Sobel adds
that robots simply need to perform dynamic path planning
with vision and sensors instead of static instructions.
The increase in multicore CPU power and the ability
to implement core isolation enables software engineers to
run, for example, kinematics on one processor core and
spread functions across other cores, such as PLC, motion
control and human-machine interface (HMI) software,
said Prellwitz. The Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) on these PC-based controllers can also receive
its own core. That means all machine and robot-control
functionality can run independently of the OS, which helps
elevate performance and pushes kinematic applications
to an exciting new level.

40

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Robots and employees

By taking advantage of these robotics advancements to

manage mundane tasks, manufacturers also gain the benefit of motivating employees with more interesting responsibilities.
We can better utilize the talent we have when robots
handle the more mundane work, added Sobel. There will
be some processes that we cannot automate. But when we
increase productivity through robots without impacting
the workforce, we can move to a more efficient and larger
manufacturing base.
Robots do have their limitations. Due to their mechanics,
conventional robots have difficulty with fine-resolution
force control. If control of force is needed for more than
safety or manual guidance, manufacturers should look to
new, lightweight designs that either incorporate directjoint torque measurement (like Baxter, Kuka iiwa and ABB
Yumi) or have direct-drive-style actuation like our Touch
Robot, said Somes.
For more infor mat ion on t he we alt h of res ource s a n d s o l u t i o n s a v a i l a b l e a t IA NA 2 0 1 6 , v i s i t
http://industrialtechnology.events. ce
Larry Turner is president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA Inc.
www.controleng.com

IIoT the focus of

2016 GAMS Conference
The 2016 Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit
(GAMS), presented by CFE Media, will bring together experts
from all areas of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to
look at the current state of IIoT, added the potential benefits
of deployment for the manufacturing industry.
The third GAMS conference takes place Wednesday, Sept.
14, beginning at noon. It is held in conjunction with the
Industrial Automation North America (IANA) pavilion at
the 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show at
McCormick Place in Chicago. The event is co-presented by
Hannover Fairs USA and is sponsored by Phoenix Contact,
Forcam and Beckhoff.
While the Industrial Internet of Things is top of mind
with our readers, we also know they are still learning about
how IIoT will help them improve their operations, said Bob
Vavra, content manager for Plant Engineering and the emcee
for the half-day event. Weve lined up consultants, technology
experts and industry leaders to help explain IIoT and how they
can best leverage this new strategy to improve operations.

Were pleased to once again be working with Hannover Fairs

USA on the Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit,
said Jim Langhenry, CFE Media publisher. Theyve been an
outstanding partner since the first IANA pavilion in 2012,
and we look forward to an outstanding conference in 2016.
The agenda of the days events is:
12 p.m. Lunch and networking
12:30 p.m. Keynote address from Jack Nehlig, CEO
of Phoenix Contact USA and winner of the 2015 Plant
Engineering Top Plant Award.
1:30 p.m. Session 1: Cloud-Based Manufacturing
2:30 p.m. Session 2: Robotics: Rise of the Machines
3:30 p.m. Sessions 3: How Maintenance and Big Data
Can Coexist
4:30 p.m. Networking and cocktail reception, sponsored by Forcam.
To r e g i s t e r f o r t h e 2 0 1 6 G A M S , g o t o
http://industrialtechnolog y.events/gams. ce

Our Heart Is Set On

Your Productivity!

Winner
2015
We Deliver Results In Productivity
www.forcam.com

input #21 at www.controleng.com/information

INSIDE MACHINES discrete sensors

Support-focused enterprise
controls: sensor actuation charts
To document speed transition points, designers remove the aspect of time and adopt sensor
activation charts. These charts purposely convey an objects station-specific movement information
to control system designers. The bars found on sensor activation charts represent the length of
actuators or the distance objects travel while not activating a sensor.

M
MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
Most designs lack understanding
of how control system designers use
object actuators and sensor position
information to create application
triggers.
To document the speed transition
points, designers remove the aspect
of time and adopt sensor activation
charts, which convey an objects
station-specific movement information
to control system designers.
To improve control system designs,
manufacturers must insist that machine and conveyor suppliers provide
a method for documenting trigger
positions.

any machine designs come with

a sequence of operation drawing for each station. Mechanical
designers use the drawings as a
way to convey design information to control system designers. Other designrelated drawings show the dimensional offsets
of station sensors with respect to station centerlines. Most designs are missing an understanding of how control system designers use
object actuators and sensor position information to create application triggers. Mechanical
designers use the sequence diagrams to show
the time in seconds allotted for objects to move
between or into process stations. Sequence
of operations drawings typically do not show
an objects variable travel speed as it activates
acceleration, deceleration, or any other in transit sensors.
To document the speed transition points,
designers remove the aspect of time and adopt
sensor activation charts. These charts purposely convey an objects station-specific movement
information to control system designers. The

bars found on sensor activation charts represent the length of actuators or the distance
objects travel while not activating a sensor.
The length of each bar does not represent the
timed speed of a moving object. The combined
bars also describe the sequenced activation and
deactivation of applied sensors. The following
definitions describe two types of bars found on
a sensor activation chart:
 Sensor-activation bar is a drawing object
that appears on a sensor actuation chart,
representing the physical activation of a
sensor.
 Sensor-deactivation bar is a drawing
object that appears on a sensor actuation
chart, signifying that no station sensors
are active when an objects actuator is
between sensors.
Figure 2 shows how mechanical designers can construct sensor actuation charts using
sensor-activation bars. Notice how each of the

GO ONLINE
Go to www.controleng.com for
additional stories about supportfocused enterprise controls by Daniel
B. Cardinal as well as other stories on
discrete sensors and actuators.
CONSIDER THIS
What other applications can sensor actuation charts be used for?

M1

JUNE 2016

Figure 1: The diagram shows a Slow, Stop, and Exit Position sensor for each station. The Slow and Stop
Position sensors detect both ends of a carriers actuator to signify an object is in position at a station.
All figures courtesy: Daniel B. Cardinal

CONTROL ENGINEERING

www.controleng.com

Robotic operation starts

after the carrier stops and
both sensors detect the
end of the actuator.

three independently controlled stop-stations use

sensors to detect a carriers long sensor actuator. These actuators force control applications to
create large gaps between moving objects. The
same drawing shows three sensors assigned to
each independently controlled station. The diagram shows a slow, stop, and exit position sensor for each station. The slow and stop position
sensors detect both ends of a carriers actuator
to signify an object is in position at a station.
The stations robotic operation starts after
the carrier stops and both sensors detect the
end of the actuator. The slow position sensor
signals the control application to decelerate
the carrier moving towards the stop position. The second stop position sensor at each
station detects the leading edge of a carriers
actuator, and it signals the control application to stop the moving object. Each Exit Position sensor detects an object depart a station
and enter the next. An object can only start to
move into an empty station when the exiting
carrier ahead is no longer activating that stations exit position sensor.
The sequence of operations for the three
stations shown in Figure 1 are the same. Each
stations sequence starts with a fast-moving
object entering the station and activating a
slow position sensor. The object immediately
decelerates and continues moving until it activates a stop position sensor. Once stopped, a
mechanical locator (not shown) extends, and
two clamps (not shown) sequentially close to
secure the stopped object. After the stopped
object is securely located and clamped, station
robots begin their operations. When the robots
complete their work, the clamps open and
the locator retracts. The new retracted state
enables an object to move towards the downstream station. The conveyor moves the object
forward when the next station is clear.
This means no object is present in the station, and the last object successfully exited.
www.controleng.com

Figure 2: This example shows how mechanical designers can construct

sensor actuation charts using sensor-activation bars.

Figure 3: This example shows the sensor activation charts for two different conveyor examples. Each chart uses arrows to show the location of
possible triggers.

The stations robotic operation starts after

the carrier stops and both sensors detect

the end of the actuator.

CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| M2

Bring Your Machine

To Life With
Custom Motors
A d va n
Al go

ce d
Co
r i t h n t ro
ms
l

INSIDE MACHINES discrete sensors

Manufacturers must insist that

machine and conveyor suppliers
provide a method for documenting

trigger positions.
Ethernet
Connectivity
Automation Controller

Intelligent Drives
Intelligent Drives

Custom
Software

Vision

Custom
Motor
Design

Aerotech can partner with you to design a custom

motor optimized for your specific application at a
minimized price.
In our concept machine above, the legs utilize both
rotary and linear motion requiring special motor
designs. For both the rotary and linear motion,
we would customize the motors mechanical
characteristics (torque/force, length, width, height)
as well as the electrical characteristics (bus voltage,
resistance, inductance, pole pitch, and current)
required for the application.
Aerotech can accommodate your custom motor
requirements even for low-volume projects. If you
have an application requiring minor customization,
major customization, or a completely new motor
design, contact Aerotech today.
We customize Aerotech automation for you
Hardware Software HMI Firmware
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Global sales, service, and support

The Americas Europe Asia-Pacific
Contact our Control Systems Group
at 412-967-6839 or
[email protected] to
discuss your application today,
or see go.aerotech.com/csg64

Similarly, the next object cannot enter this station until

the current completed object exits. When the object exits,
a control application enables the motors for each independently operated conveyor. If the control application is not
able to confirm the exit, each motor starts within a predetermined amount of time and disables forward movement.
After confirming movement, the object continues to activate and deactivate the stations exit position sensor. Only
after an exiting object deactivates can an exit position sensor become an upstream object that is allowed to enter the
now emptied station.
Trigger-firing position information is not readily available to most system integrators. So, how do integrators know
where control system applications will produce triggers for
controller-based applications? Many integrators do not know
the trigger positions forcing add redundant sensors or trigger circuits.
To improve control system designs while simultaneously
formalizing the trigger firing positions, manufacturers must
insist that machine and conveyor suppliers provide a method
for documenting trigger positions. The generation of a sensor activation chart is the first step in this process.
Figure 2 shows an example of how designers produce a
sensor activation chart. This specific example is for the second station pictured in Figure 1. Each bar in the sensor activation chart represents the activated state of a station sensor.
Since mechanical designers know the dimensional relationships between sensors, they are able to assign descriptive
property fields to each bar object. The sensors name, actuator length, and leading edge offset dimension to an objects
stop position are examples of bar-specific property fields.
Figure 3 shows the sensor activation charts for two conveyor examples and the timing for carriers that have small
sensor actuators. Each chart uses arrows to show the location of possible triggers. The gap-dependent chart at the top
shows the location of triggers for any of the stations pictured in Figure 1. Notice that when mechanical designs use
these actuators, the sensor transitioning off has no positional value. The delta between activation and deactivation trigger positions represents a small travel distance. ce
Daniel B. Cardinal works as an engineering consultant for
Insyte Inc., implementing integrated scheduling and part identification applications in the automotive industry. Edited by
Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering,
[email protected].

AH1214A-CSG

Dedicated to the
input #22 at www.controleng.com/information Science of Motion

M3

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

+60 C
-25 C

input #23 at www.controleng.com/information

INSIDE MACHINES faster robotic setup

Tool calibration method

speeds implementation of
6-axis industrial robots
A teach-position method calibrates tools used by six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) robots
for peak efficiency and improves industrial processes.

s robots become more sophisticated, they are being implemented into more industrial processes.
Six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF)
robots are capable of complex
movements that enable them to perform well
in many complicated industrial tasks such as
palletizing, handling, gluing, and welding.
A 6DoF robot can lift and deftly manipulate
heavy payloads, precisely moving them with
complex geometry.
Because of their high-performance capabilities and flexibility, 6DoF robots are assigned
many industrial tasks using a wide variety of
tools. However, taking advantage of the capabilities of these robots requires precise recalibration every time a new tool is introduced.
Re-calibration is often time-consuming and
inaccurate, inhibiting industrial processes, and
delays in production.
There is an effective teach-position method
that quickly calibrates a new tool used by a 6DoF

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
A teach-position method speeds
tool calibrations.
Six-degrees-of-freedom robots
play a key role in performing multiple
industrial tasks.
A teach-position method will speed
up production and is cost-effective for
machine builders.
GO ONLINE
For related links about robotics, read this article online. In the
digital edition, click on the headline or
search the headline for
www.controleng.com.
CONSIDER THIS
Would this teach-position method
speed your robotic restarts after tool
changes?

World coordinate
system

Z
Y

Y
X
X
Z
Tool coordinate system

M5

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

robot without relying on manufacturer measurements or external sensors. The method is easy,
accurate, and useful in practical applications.
Calibration of a 6DoF robot

A 6DoF robot holds and moves a tool to perform a task. The robot must know the exact
location of the tool while it works. Each time a different tool is attached, the robot must be precisely
re-calibrated.
Methods for calibrating 6DoF robots include:
touching reference parts, using distance sensors,
and employing laser interferometry. A robot also
can be calibrated using external sensors, such as
camera systems, that can be attached to various
robot locations to acquire the precise position of
a reference object.
These methods can be time-consuming
and complicated. A teach-position method
was developed as an easier alternative and has
already achieved excellent results.
Determining the tool center point

Kinematic calibration methods are used

to determine the tool center point (TCP), the
point in relation to which all robot positioning is defined. The TCP is defined relative to
the world coordinate system, the Cartesian
coordinate system for any point in the world,
which always remains stationary with respect
to the robot (see Figure 1).
The tool coordinate system defines the position
and orientation of the tool and is at a zero-position at the TCP. The TCP of the robot moves to
programmed positions as it executes a Cartesian

Figure 1: An illustration determines the tool center point (TCP) relative to the world coordinate system. The Servotronix teach-position method quickly
calibrates a new tool used by a 6DoF robot without
relying on manufacturer measurements or external
sensors. All graphics courtesy: Servotronix
www.controleng.com

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2016
WINNER

INSIDE MACHINES faster robotic setup

be replaced occasionally or more frequently. Each

time the tool is replaced, a new set of geometric parameters must be determined and
assigned before operations can continue.
For most industrial applications, a teachposition method is the most practical means
for writing robot tasks. With this method, tool
parameters have to be available (usually from
the manufacturer) with high accuracy. The
angular offsets of the tool and its Cartesian offset are necessary for generating straight-line
paths with a controlled orientation of the tool.
Quite often, the operator is expected to
identify the tool geometry under certain constraints such as:
No prior knowledge on tool dimensions
from the manufacturer
Figure 2: Robot configurations pointing to
the same location will
lie on a sphere with
the tool tip in the center of the sphere.

motion. Changing the tool changes the tool coordinate system, requiring re-calibration to enable
the new TCP and accurately reach the target.
In many robot applications, the motion trajectories of the TCP represent complex paths in
the robots working space, typically a straightline path with some orientation change of the
tool by the robot. The tool itself might need to

No available hardware assistance

No knowledge about how the tool is
mounted on the robot flange.
Faced with these constraints, the operator
must undertake time-consuming calibration
procedures every time the tool is changed.

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Using a teach-position method

for exact calibration

A method for quick, exact estimation

of tool geometry without external sensors,
vision, or other aids was developed without
requiring the dismounting the tool. By using
this teach-position method, the operator simply
brings the 6DoF robots TCP to several different
positions/orientations, which are then automatically input to the tool-dimension estimation
algorithms. The algorithms quickly determine
precise calibrations of the new tool and prepare
it for use.
The accuracy of this calibration method
improves with more tool positions/orientations that are used as input to the algorithms.
Experiments show that while using an inverted
homogeneous matrix does not necessarily lead
to desired results, using least-squares estimation
results in values that lead to precise calibration.
Testing a teach-position method

Tests were performed using a 6DoF robot

with a mounted tool, six high-performance
servo drives, and a controller. A teachposition method involves an analytical calculation and does not require the dismounting of

(Xt, Yt, Zt) = ?

TCP + DK = DK (Xt, Yt, Zt)

Figure 3: Taking measurements of points that lie on the sphere enables

tool center point (TCP) calculation with T representing the center.

the tool. The XYZ dimensions are estimated

and the tool tip is assumed to be in constant
Cartesian location.
It is axiomatic that all robot configurations that point to the same location must
lay on a sphere with the tool tip in the center of the sphere (see Figure 2). Taking measurements of points that lay on
the sphere enables calculation of the TCP.

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input #26 at www.controleng.com/information

INSIDE MACHINES faster robotic setup

Reset tool value to zero

Equation 1:
R2 = (X - Xt)2 + (Y - Yt)2 + (Z Zt)2

accuracy, the method requires at least

four points to define a sphere. Therefore, four such configurations include:

Drive the TCP to

chosen location

R2 = (X 1 - Xt)2 + (Y 1 - Yt)2 + (Z 1 Zt)2

R2 = (X 2 - Xt)2 + (Y 2 - Yt)2 + (Z2 Zt)2
R2 = (X 3 - Xt)2 + (Y 3 - Yt)2 + (Z3 Zt)2
R2 = (X 4 - Xt)2 + (Y 4 - Yt)2 + (Z4 Zt)2

Save the Cartesian

coordinates of the
tool free flange

In equation 1, there are four

unknown parameters (R, Xt, Yt, Zt),
where t represents the center. The values of X, Y, and Z are calculated by
direct kinematics. To reach acceptable

Repeat
at least
three
times

Solve the resulting

set of equations

Figure 4: An illustration shows the four

steps in the step-by-step Servotronix method
for quick, exact estimation of tool geometry
without external sensors, vision, or other
aids, without dismounting the tool.

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If the four points define a circle

(three points with one redundant point
also in the circle), the points can exist
on many spheres in which case the
sphere center is not calculable.
By using equation subtraction, not
only is the unknown variable R eliminated, but all nonlinear components in
the equations are cleared. This leaves a
set of polynomial equations of degree
1 which can be solved by linear leastsquares fitting. Taking more than four
points results in more equations and
higher accuracy.
The step-by-step method requires the
consideration of at least four measurements as shown in Figure 4.
A teach-position method

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input #27 at www.controleng.com/information

A teach-position method is quick,

accurate, and inexpensive, enabling tool
calibration without dismounting the
tool. The described method can be performed without dedicated hardware, saving time and effort whenever a new tool
is mounted. Machine builders can easily
implement the method and benefit from
the quick, precise, and virtually cost-free
re-calibration of 6DoF robot tools that
will enhance and speed up production in
a wide variety of applications. ce

Eran Korkidi, M.Sc., is a software and

application engineer, and Mirko Borich,
M.Sc., is a manager, both in the motion
group at Servotronix.
Edited by Emily Guenther, associate
content manager, Control Engineering,
CFE Media, [email protected].

M9

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

input #28 at www.controleng.com/information

CALLING ALL SYSTEM INTEGRATORS...

2017 System Integrator of the Year

call for
entries

Entries are due

August 5, 2016

Control Engineering and Plant Engineerings annual

2017

System Integrator
of the Year Awards

9 2016 System Integrators of the Year

GLOBAL

SYSTEM INTEGRATOR
REPORT

Piece
by piece

Who should enter?

If youre a system integrator with demonstrable industry success, Control

Engineering and Plant Engineering urge you to enter the 2017 System Integrator
of the Year competition. Past System Integrator of the Year winnersClass
of 2016, Class of 2015 and Class of 2014are not eligible to enter the 2017
System Integrator of the Year program.

19 2015 SI Giants

System integrators find solutions

to the automation puzzle

A supplement to CONTROL ENGINEERING

and PLANT ENGINEERING magazines

Whats in it for the winners?

The chosen System Integrator of the Year winners will receive worldwide
recognition from Control Engineering and Plant Engineering. The winners also
will be featured as the cover story of the Global System Integrator Report,
distributed in December 2016.

How will the competition be judged?

Control Engineering and Plant Engineerings panel of judges will conscientiously

evaluate all entries. Three general criteria will be considered for the selection
of the System Integrator of the Year:
Business skills
Technical competence
Customer satisfaction

Questions?

Contact Bailey Rice

Director of Business
and Market Development
CFE Media
[email protected]
(630) 571-4070 x 2206

Tell us how you measure up in these three areas.

Get the application: www.controleng.com/SIYApplication

More resources posted daily at:

www.controleng.com

digital edition
Exclusives, Online Extras: Benefits of the Control Engineering Digital Edition include
tablet-friendly viewing (HTML5), exclusive content in every issue; headlines link to the
longer version posted online; links are live where a URL is provided; and an email link
arrives when ready. In addition, link to additional Online Extra articles.

DE1 Control and integration companies:

7 ways to qualify for the

research and development tax credit
Companies with a cross-disciplined approach to design and production in
controls and automation can qualify for the R&D tax credit, which brings in
an estimated $10 billion annually for U.S. businesses, provided that the companies can take advantage of the break. See project examples that qualify and
seven ways to fit the R&D tax credit.

DE5 IoT to IoAT: Internet of Autonomous

Things devices provides solutions

Future Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT) devices will use knowledge-enhanced electronic logic (KEEL)
technology and may consume information from other devices or the cloud and participate in
solutions they were never designed for.

ONLINE EXTRAS

(Click on the headlines or search www.controleng.com.)

Manufacturing and the fourth revolution

Industry leaders within manufacturing have already set in motion the idea of a fourth industrial revolution,
or Industrie 4.0, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a major role in how manufacturing changes.

REST communication and the IIoT

A popular mechanism for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is representational state transfer (REST)
communication. If a system or device exposes this kind of interface, it becomes Web-compatible.

Three ways to ease succession planning

Address common challenges with ownership transition.

U.S. continues to lead in natural gas production

For the fifth year in a row, the United States leads the world in the production of natural gas, and that lead
is widening.

The benefits of using a soft starter on ac motors

Switching your ac motors to include a soft starter may result in an initial payout. Because of the reduced
power consumption and maintenance, they will typically pay for themselves very quickly, and the benefits
will be fully experienced from that point forward.

How to find value in a KPI lifecycle

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are part of a lifecycle because KPIs are continuously defined, redefined,
and are even sometimes abandoned. Explicitly defining a KPI lifecycle provides an impetus for the development of methods and tools that enhance performance.
www.controleng.com

CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 53

DIGITAL EDITION exclusive

Control and integration companies:

7 ways to qualify for the

research and development
tax credit
Companies with a cross-disciplined approach to design and production in controls and automation
can qualify for the R&D tax credit, which brings in an estimated $10 billion annually for U.S. businesses, provided that the companies can take advantage of the break. See project examples that
qualify and seven ways to fit the R&D tax credit.

F
MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
The R&D tax credit brings in an
estimated $10 billion annually for U.S.
businesses.
Work that is intended to design,
develop, program, or enhance the
efficiency of automated production
systems qualifies for the R&D credit
reward.
The R&D credit is often overlooked
by owners of industrial automation
and systems integration companies.
GO ONLINE
See more with this post online.
CONSIDER THIS
There may be other tax breaks
and deductions out there that are
designed to save companies money if
they take advantage of them.

DE1

JUNE 2016

or those who are in the business of

improving industrial production processes, be it through controls and automation or through the integration of
multiple systems, it is likely that there is
an excellent opportunity to bring added value to
the company through the research and development (R&D) tax credit.
The R&D tax credit brings in an estimated
$10 billion annually for U.S. businesses and has
become one of the largest and most generous tax
credits out there. Due to the cross-disciplined
and technical nature of their work, industrial controls, automation, and systems integration companies are among some of the absolute
best candidates for the credit. In some cases,
results can save companies money that reaches
six figures.
This industry is such a premier candidate
for the credit, and changes made as recently as
December 2015 will be tremendously beneficial
to these companies.
How the R&D tax credit works

Considering the potential total value of

the credit, it is surprising that, by and large,
the R&D tax credit is actually severely underclaimed by the majority of U.S. businesses. (The
Wall Street Journal estimates that only one out of
every 20 eligible businesses is claiming the credit.) There are numerous reasons for this, but in
general, a misunderstanding of what the federal government defines as research and development tends to be the main culprit.

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Despite what the name may imply, the R&D

tax credit is not just for clinical trials, patents, or
scientists in white lab coats any longer. Rather,
in the case of industrial automation and systems
integration companies, it is the everyday technical problem solving performed on the factory
floor by engineers who are working to improve
a product, or updates to iterative steps devised
by a plant manager to enhance the efficiency of
a systematic process, that can lead to eligibility.
In the case of control engineers, the long
hours spent on hardware and software development, or motion control experimentation,
for example, will also generally qualify businesses for high-end credit results. Any type of
work performed by employees that is intended to design, develop, program, or enhance the
efficiency of automated production systems fits
perfectly with the kinds of activities the R&D
credit rewards.
Tax credit project examples

For example, a company that designs, retrofits, and manufactures custom industrial
automation machinery was contracted to conceptualize and manufacture a robotic assembly machine. During the design phase, the team
used several 3-D software platforms to simulate and illustrate to the client how the machine
would operate. This practice ended up reducing waste and cutting costs. Materials and parts
were purchased and assembled while the complex multi-axis motion controls and software
were developed simultaneously. This project,
www.controleng.com

Companies with a cross-disciplined approach to design and production in controls and automation can qualify for the R&D tax
credit, which brings in an estimated $10 billion annually for U.S. businesses, provided that the companies can take advantage of
the break. Courtesy: Alliantgroup

in conjunction with other innovative undertakings, helped this company qualify for $242,967
in R&D credits.
In another example, a value-added reseller
and systems integrator for industrial automation products discovered that it qualified for
$214,106 in R&D credits thanks to the companys work helping factories engineer and integrate products and technologies. The activities
that determined their eligibility for the credit
included the assimilation of automation components such as sensors, alarms, motion controllers, wireless communications, and large-scale
machine components.
The key takeaway from these examples is that
there are many ways to qualify for the R&D tax
credit, including (but not limited to) the following seven activities:
1. Everyday techniques and processes that
are associated with industrial engineering, programming, and manufacturing are
generally ideal fits for the R&D tax credit.
2. Performing interdisciplinary engineering,
such as control design and mechatronics,
for industrial purposes
3. Resolving unique automation challenges
for diverse applications
www.controleng.com

4. Delivering custom solutions that utilize measurement and data-driven

technologies
5. Developing software or hardware for
instrumentation
6. Performing evaluations, feasibility studies, and system tests to ensure optimal
functionality
7. Programming automated controllers such
as industrial PCs, PLCs, and HMIs.
Companies providing a wide span of control,
automation, programming functions, and services can be eligible for this opportunity, and its
not just limited to product engineers or smart
manufacturers. The R&D credit reaches across
the spectrum of the Industrial Internet of Things
(IIoT) to include suppliers and peripheral service providers.
The PATH Act, the R&D tax credit

Working in the favor of American companies, big changes were made this past December
when Congress signed the Protecting Americans
from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act into law, thereby enacting key modifications that will greatly expand the number of industrial automation
CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| DE2

DIGITAL EDITION exclusive

The 2016 expansion of the tax credit removes the alternative minimum
tax (AMT) bar for eligible small businesses, less than $50 million average
gross revenue for three prior years.

and systems integration companies (and for that

matter, U.S. businesses as a whole) eligible for
the R&D Tax Credit.
The PATH Act made the R&D credit permanent, which provides business owners
with a reliable resource for long-term financial planning. Additionally, the law includes a
major expansion that will take effect in 2016 by
removing the alternative minimum tax (AMT)
bar for eligible small businesses (defined by
the legislation as businesses with less than $50
million in average gross receipts for the prior
3 years).
This is a barrier that effectively prevented
qualifying companies from taking advantage
of the R&D credit for years, and loosening the
rules governing AMTs limitations has greatly
expanded the number of companies eligible for
the credit.

Stay current with

technology and
trends in electrical,
mechanical,
instrumentation and
automation.

Despite being more available than ever, the

R&D credit continues to be a blind spot for
business owners of industrial automation and
systems integration companies. This niche
industry is at the top of the list of some of the
absolute best credit candidates, and its time for
business owners to claim theyre fully entitled
to tax savings. Ignoring the value of the R&D
credit could be among the biggest mistakes a
company can make-and considering both congressional changes and the new dynamic trends
within the industry itself, it would be wise for
these companies to look long and hard at the
R&D tax credit. ce
Tracy Lustyan, managing director, Alliantgroup. Edited by Chris Vavra, production
editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media,
[email protected].

stay
informed

To subscribe, visit

www.controleng.com/subscribe

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DIGITAL EDITION exclusive

IoT to IoAT:

Internet of Autonomous Things

devices provide solutions
Future Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT) devices will utilize knowledge-enhanced
electronic logic (KEEL) technology and may consume information from other devices or
the cloud and participate in solutions they were never designed for.

MORE

ADVICE
KEY CONCEPTS
IoAT devices will deliver expertise
and adaptive command and control,
beyond just providing information.
IoAT devices can operate
independently or as objects that can
self-organize and operate as teams to
solve problems they have never been
programmed to address.
The tools and techniques that will allow these capabilities to be delivered
exist today.
GO ONLINE
www.controleng.com has an IIoT page.
CONSIDER THIS
How will IoAT devices transform
the way your control system process
information?

he next generation of Internet of

Things (IoT) devices will deliver
expertise and adaptive command
and control, beyond just providing
information for higher level processing. Knowledge-enhanced electronic logic
(KEEL) technology will play a role in accelerating the delivery of these advanced capabilities into small, low-cost devices. The Big Data
concept is that all of the connected devices will
be producing information that is consumed by
some higher-level system. Potentially, there is
another view.
Given that some type of controller will control these devices, many of these devices can
take on new responsibilities. Gartner Inc. predicts that there will be 6.4 billion connected
objects in use by 2016 and 21 billion by 2020.
Rather than just producing data, these devices can perhaps take on additional roles. In the

Figure 1:
The Internet of
Autonomous Things
(IoAT) is designed to query
information in the cloud to think
about what to do next.
All graphics courtesy: Compsim

DE5

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

future, these devices may consume information

from other devices (and the cloud) and participate in solutions they were never designed for.
Not just collecting data

The primary objective of collecting data

usually is to make better decisions. Predictions
using data can prepare systems for the future
by detecting change, or exerting some kind of
control. Using a broader description, one might
suggest that data can be collected for the purpose of controlling behavior. If the organization doesnt control systems behavior, another
organization will collect that data and use it
accordingly. The common perception is that as
problems become more complex, large processing engines can only handle them, or that those
problems require humans-in-the-loop to interpret the complex information sets.
Another common Big Data view is that
much of the information processing will be
accomplished by searching for patterns of data
from large data sets that are collected over time.
This view is that the data is in control, so we
should let the data drive the solution. Well perhaps, or perhaps not?
Some who have been around for a while
look at the IoT and see nothing that is really
new. Distributed control and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) products
have been used in industrial automation for
many years.
Timesharing and cluster computing are
terms that have been associated with distributed computing. These terms are often used to
define the technology-of-the-day that includes
taking inputs, manipulating the data, and then
distributing information to control actions or
outputs.
www.controleng.com

The evolution of technology that has resulted

in the IoT market has been driven by the commoditization and re-distribution of resources.
Each time a shift takes place, some marketer will
create a new name and claim the market.
The commoditization of processing power
in microcontrollers, tied to low-cost development environments, has reduced the cost
of processing information. It has also commoditized interconnectivity with consumer-based networks and protocols that have
provided the infrastructure for new devices
to participate in more complex applications.
Additionally, microelectromechanical systems
(MEMS)-based devices have reduced the cost
of sensors and actuators.

Figure 2: The Internet of Autonomous

Things (IoAT) allows
devices to provide
actionable data back
to the cloud.

Cloud-based control solutions

Cloud-based control solutions help many

organizations centralize their processing
deployment, which may help them manage
their distributed applications.
However, there is always a but in this type
of situation. Sometimes things go wrong. Putting all the eggs in the cloud basket connected
by webs of open networks exposes many organizations to new risks. The new market for network security, redundant communications, and
encryption has recognized the risks and offered
patches to protect the user from new problems.
If a system can be hacked, it will be hacked.
And given that if a system can break, it will
break. And when things go wrong, they will
probably go wrong at an inconvenient time.
Consider this analogy: What if there was
another Earth, Earth1, that only had one
human living on it? That single human could
have a billion tentacles that are connected to
billions of tools. Earth1 could operate just like
Earth; possibly even better, because, hypothetically, the single brain of Earth1 could manage conflicts between its tentacles and its tools
(see Figure 1). However, if Earth1 had a problem and lost some of its tentacles, those functions would be completely lost. And if Earth1
forgot how to process all the information, then
it would be dead in its universe.
Compare this to our Earth with its billions
of humans. Each human has a brain that has
its own proprietary sensors and actuators (see
Figure 2). Our Earth is not dependent on any
single communication link. Furthermore, it
is not dependent on any single human. Our
Earth benefits from groups of humans working together and it benefits from humans redistributing themselves from one collection of
www.controleng.com

humans to another to address different problems. It also benefits from the ability of individual humans to continue to operate when
communication links are broken.
Humans (in general) can figure out what
to do if one of their tools is broken or lost.
Humans can also respond to damage to other
humans, as well as to bigger strategic and tactical issues. Individual humans can focus attention on specific tasks, but they know when to
look beyond their assigned tasks at the bigger
picture. Humans (as a population, or groups of
populations) are able to adapt (see Figure 3).
Another characteristic of humans is their
ability to dispense expertise. Expertise is
more than having an ability to follow rules.
Expertise is the ability to deliver judgment and
reasoning. Judgment and reasoning are what
allow the human to balance alternatives. They
understand when to re-allocate attention when
unexpected things happen. Human judgment
and reasoning are used to solve more complex, inter-related problems that have conflicting objectives (solving tactical short-term goals
while still considering longer term strategic
objectives). It is judgment and reasoning that
help humans make relative (how much) decisions, as they balance risks and rewards.

IoT devices will

be generators
of information;
maybe the
edge devices
should also
be viewed as
consumers of

information.

Current state of the IoT

The general concept is that IoT devices

will be generators of information. However,
maybe the edge devices should also be viewed
as consumers of information (using our human
model). There might also be an opportunity
to expand more into the actuation role and do
CONTROL ENGINEERING

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DIGITAL EDITION exclusive

IoAT: Internet of Autonomous Things
Since there are an abundance of information sources distributed across the face of the
Earth, maybe there will be a growth in distributed tools. It is very likely that more intelligent
actuators will be created.
Based on that, the following scenarios are
likely:
 Actuators will collaborate with local information sources (just like humans do).
Microgrid infrastructures are starting to
appear in the market.
 Actuators will be consumers of information (as humans are).
Figure 3: Distributed expertise allows devices within the microgrid to either
cooperate or self-organize data (see below) based on the situation.

Figure 4: Distributed
expertise allows devices
within the microgrid to
either cooperate (see
above) or self-organize
data based on needs.

 Actuators will identify their own information sources beyond those directly
attached (just as humans gather information from nearby information sources and
use their own senses to drive their own
decisions and actions).
 Actuators will work together to address
problems when they lose connectivity
with their supervisor in the command
hierarchy (just as humans operate with
their peers in emergency situations).
 More intelligent autonomous/semi-autonomous devices will be able to recognize
unplanned situations and respond according to human-defined guidelines (just like
humans follow rules of engagement and
operational policies they have been provided in advance). This will enable the
devices to address problems they have
never encountered before.
 When dealing with teams of devices
working together, there will be devices that may encounter problems during
operation. These self-organizing devices will be able to react in real time (adapt
collectively) to change.

some things locally without depending on the

computer in the sky to process information.
In this case, users might avoid some of
the risks associated with propagation delays
and widely distributed computing. If we look
at opportunities for IoT devices to behave as
autonomous (or semi-autonomous) devices
and redefine IoT as the Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT), then what might the market look like?

DE7

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CONTROL ENGINEERING

Even when these IoAT devices (operating as a local team) encounter problems they
cannot address together, they may be able to
transmit actionable intelligence up their information hierarchy (if they have a communication link). They will even be able to use their
own embedded expertise to look for communication alternatives.
Think of these new IoAT devices as objects
that can operate independently or as objects
that can self-organize and operate as teams
www.controleng.com

to solve problems they have never been programmed to specifically address before.
More mobile-like devices that have multiple tools attached will be able to address more
problems, all without going to the cloud for
advice.
One might speculate that personal security,
home automation, health care, industrial automation, transportation, agriculture, and military applications will lead the way with IoAT
devices.
One might also speculate that personal,
security, and financial applications will lead
the way in the form of personalized software
agents.
What are the roadblocks?

There are still some challenges and hurdles

because it remains in its infant stage.
The hobbyist market is exploding with
remotely piloted aircraft. While many of these
devices are still remotely controlled, many have
significant processing power. A DIY drone has
GPS, roll-pitch-yaw sensors, altimeter, compass, video feed, wireless network connections,
battery sensor, torque sensors, and motor feedback logic. Platforms come in various sizes and
demonstrate how much performance (with connectivity) is currently available in the commercial space (i.e. commoditized). So, processing
power is not a roadblock.
Connectivity is also not a roadblock since
the Internet has commoditized connectivity.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will continue to add security to their information exchange. Peer-to-peer
and point-to-point microgrid networking will
open new doors. It is likely that more development will be made in this area. The consumer and hobbyist market will drive this. Locally
connected devices will be able to handle various point-to-point, peer-to-peer, and broadcast
messaging structures.
Also, consider the IoAT actuators. This will
be a new market for many new players. These
will be the tools, arms, and hands (end effectors) of the IoAT devices. Their basic function
will be to respond to threats and opportunities.
Initially they may be remotely controlled tools,
but eventually they will be able to self-organize
and act collectively (team). They will become
the human assistants that are always alert,
always doing their job, always ready to respond
to new threats and to new opportunities. Rather than calling the availability of these devices
roadblocks, they will be market opportunities.
One might suggest that their availability will
create new opportunities because some problems will need support from multiple IoAT
www.controleng.com

devices working together (so they can collectively solve problems). Looking at the opportunities will drive changes: Why not solve the
problem at the source, rather than just providing information for someone else to worry
about?
There has been another significant roadblock. There will be a requirement to be able
to capture and package human-like judgment
and reasoning skills that will execute in the
small, low-cost IoAT devices. We are talking
about packaging human-like expertise that will
enable these devices to solve complex problems
that have historically required humans directly
in the loop to address.

We have to give machines the ability to think

in a more abstract manner to solve more

problems beyond their original designs.

However, we do not have to replicate the
human brain in these devices. These are
machines with some limited set of capabilities.
We only have to enable the machines to have
the ability to consider alternatives of how they
can use their capabilities in different situations.
We just have to give them the ability to think
in a more abstract manner. We do not want
them to have free will. We do not want them to
decide who their master is.
Also, we do not want to give the devices a
weapon and have it used against us. Again,
they will remain just machines; but they will
be more capable machines that can use their
abilities to solve more problems than they were
originally built for. We want these devices to be
able to pursue broader goals.
Business drivers

Location is everything. Users deploying packaged sensors are occupying space.

A machine in place is already occupying that
space. By adding new capabilities in the same
space, the user is delivering a better level of service. Users and companies that are able to package human-like judgment and reasoning with
the solution will create new opportunities and
use that capability for a more efficient operation. It can also be used to add more safety to
an enterprise on enhance security.
In a factory automation environment, the
user can improve operational efficiency if the
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DIGITAL EDITION exclusive

machines can monitor and adjust their own
behavior without depending on simple, statistical, preventative, maintenance procedures
or dedicated operators. If machines can monitor their own stress, age, wear and tear, and
upcoming jobs, they can tell their supervisors
when maintenance should be performed in
advance of system failures. Or they can highlight significant risks that they see coming.
Business drivers for someone interested in
delivering expertise through IoAT devices:

Localized processing: Delivery of expertise

that is closer to the information source will
allow minor problems to be addressed
before they become major issues.

 Provide new capabilities:

- Take humans out of the control loop

- Reduce human error by automating
services
- Insert expertise where humans
cannot go (size/risk)
- Allow humans to command their own
army of devices (amplify a humans
capability)
- Provide services that historically have
required humans to analyze, thus
making human expertise available
continuously.
 Provide the ability to package judgment
and reasoning into software applications
and devices and make it:
- Easy to use
- Easy to learn
- Easy to test
- Easy to explain.
 Provide a solution that can be deployed in
very low-cost devices without adding significantly to base costs.

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CONTROL ENGINEERING

 Provide a safer environment:

- Remove humans from risk
- Reduce human-induced errors in
judgment.
 Provide 100% explainable and auditable
behavior:
- For safety critical systems
- Because the user wants to know why
things happen
- So the user can focus on making
systems better and better.
The market for IoT solutions will continue
to evolve. IoAT devices will process information closer to the source to determine:
 What does it all mean?
 What can be done and how should it be
done?
 Who can help?
 Who needs to be told what to do about
a situation (providing actionable intelligence; not just data)?
 What more is needed to address the situation (beyond what an individual device,
can do)?
Delivery of expertise that is closer to the
information source will allow minor problems to be addressed before they become major
issues. This localized processing of information
will isolate the user from many of the security
issues that may exist with distant, centralized
information processing.
Organizations will compete based on the
packaged expertise and the adaptivity of the
IoAT devices they offer to the market.
The tools and techniques that will allow these
capabilities to be delivered exist today. All that
is required is for alert organizations to move
quickly to address the opportunities. ce

Tom Keeley is the founder of Compsim and

the inventor of knowledge enhanced electronic
technology. Edited by Joy Chang, digital project
manager, CFE Media, [email protected].
www.controleng.com

Engineering is personal.

So is the way you use information.

CFE Media delivers a world of knowledge to you.

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To do your job better each day,

you need a trusted source of information:
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54

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CONTROL ENGINEERING

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| 55

We proudly salute manufacturing innovation

and invite you to explore and celebrate
the success stories of these participating
manufacturing innovators:

Advantech

Honeywell

AIS

Kyland Corporation

Allied Electronics

Moore Industries

Allied Moulded Products, Inc.

Moxa

AutomationDirect

POSITAL FRABA

Baldor

SEW Eurodrive Inc.

Beckhoff Automation

SICK Inc.

Emerson Process Management

Unitronics

Eplan Software & Services

WAGO Corporation

HARTING Inc.

Yaskawa America, Inc.

Look for the special Innovations videos at:

www.controleng.com/innovations

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Advantech Helps Enable Intelligent, Connected Factories

In the past, devices and equipment within most
factories offered minimal connectivity to each other.
This was for several reasons, the main one being a
lack of compatibility between different manufacturers
preventing devices from communicating with
each other.
This lack of compatible standards and programming
languages meant that gathering all the data in one
program was an expensive challenge. However, thanks
to technological advancements, manufacturers such
as Advantech, are now developing hardware and
software to ease the process of connecting both old
and new devices to enable smart factory solutions.
For example,
Advantechs WISE IoT
modules provide an
HTML5-designed
configuration interface,
which can be accessed
from any modern device
or platform.
Likewise, Advantechs
WISE-4000 IoT Wireless
I/O modules, designed
specifically for use in IIoT
applications, use RESTful
web services and HTML
5 to dynamically adjust
the display of information
based on the device
being used to access it.
WISE-4000 Wireless IoT Devices

Furthermore, Advantechs latest WebAccess 8.1

browser-based HMI/SCADA software is a complete
cloud-based system that can be designed and
constructed using WISE-4000 and other Advantech
data acquisition devices. WebAccess provides
three types of interfaces: A Web Service Interface
for customers to integrate data into their own
apps; a pluggable widget interface for programmers
to develop their own widgets to run on the
WebAccess Dashboard; and a DLL interface for
developing Windows applications. These three
features enable WebAccess to permit development
of IIoT applications for different vertical markets.
Advantechs wide selection of smart factory
solutions have been designed with Industry 4.0
technologies in mind and enable seamless
connection, aggregation, and transmission helping
to make your factory more intelligent.

In addition to web-enabled I/O devices, Advantech also

produces a range of industrial computers, such as the
UNO-1200 & UNO-2200 series, which act as an IIoT
gateway to process data coming from end devices or
PLCs running divergent protocols. These IIoT gateways
make it easy to extract intelligence from your plant
floor machines.
UNO-1200/2200 Compact Edge
Computing Gateways

www.advantech.com/industrial-automation
input #29 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

IoT Gateway HMIs, Industrial PCs, Thin Clients and Embedded

Panel IPCs for Connectivity, Data Collection and Networking

AISs open platform HMIs deliver interoperability between systems and networks and enables fast and easy application development.
It allows users to leverage new TCI/IP-based networking, PC-based Automation, Data Acquisition,
Communications Gateway, M2M, Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet applications.

AIS offers a complete family of Smart Integrated, Touch Panel PCs and
HMIs, Embedded Panel IPCs, Rugged Box IPCs, Thin-Manager Ready
Thin Clients and DIN Rail IPCs for a sustainable and scalable platform
that reduces costs and increases network security.
Industrial Box PCs - Available in three models, AISs Industrial Box PCs
and fan-less embedded computers are suitable for continuous-duty,
mission-critical applications in manufacturing and process industries.
DIN Rail Industrial PCs - AISs DIN Rail Industrial PCs (IPCs) and
Embedded Automation Computers offer the benefits of PC-based control
and DIN-Rail mounting design for easy installation inside control cabinets.
Industrial Thin Clients - Available in 7.0", 10.1", 12.1", 15.0", 17.0", 18.5" and
21.5" screen sizes, AISs Thin-Manager-Ready thin clients and control
terminals are configured in a central location instead of individually at
each client.

[email protected] | www.aispro.com | 888-485-6688

input #30 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Quick, Easy, and Error-Free Product Design

In todays fast-paced world, improving efficiency, saving time, and reducing
errors is critically important. Thats why Allied Electronics has created the
Schneider Electric Visual Product Configurator.

Using this advanced and intuitive tool, designers, buyers, and MROs can quickly
and easily order custom configurations of important products, including:
Pushbuttons (16mm, 22mm, and 30mm)

Control Stations

Drives
Tower Lights

Parts created exactly to your specifications

The Schneider Electric Visual Product Configurator walks you through the
construction and ordering of a particular system. This ensures that all necessary
parts are ordered, and all options are considered. For example, if youre interested
in a variable torque drive, you would choose the selection type (or ask the
Configurator for help), the input voltage, the input phase, the motor power, the
power rating, and the functionality. Next, add any needed accessories, including
configuration tools, I/O adapters, keypads, mounting, and option cards. Using this
simple process, such parts are created exactly to your specifications, ensuring
the best possible fit for your application.
Finally, when the product is configured to your satisfaction, all the parts are added
to a Bill of Materials (BOM), complete with description, catalog number, and
quantity, which can then be exported as a PDF for later ordering, or added to your
cart for easy purchasing.
By approaching system design in a holistic way through the Schneider Electric
Visual Product Configurator, rather than simply ordering discrete parts, youre
assured youre getting everything you need in a single order, saving both time and
money and boosting efficiency.
Ordering custom-configured products has never been easier. With just a few
mouse clicks at thinkallied.com/schneidervpc, you can have the products you
need configured to your exact specifications built and ready to ship to you.
No more time spent combing the web trying to find what you need, now you can
build what you need easily and efficiently. Its one more way that Allied provides
your total solutions.

Allied Electronics | 800.433.5700 | ThinkAllied.com

input #31 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

The Benchmark of Quality within the Electrical Industry

outperforms competitors in the areas of yellowing,
gloss retention, discoloration and change in texture.
With a wide range of sizes, accessories and
customizations available, Allied Moulded offers a
complete solution to your industrial enclosure needs.
In addition to fiberglass, Allied Moulded also offers the
POLYLINE series, a line of polycarbonate, injectionmolded enclosures.

The use of nonmetallic

engineered
materials

Allied Moulded Products, Inc. is a leading

manufacturer of nonmetallic electrical boxes and
enclosures in todays residential, commercial and
industrial markets. Leveraging more than half-a-century
of experience, Allied Moulded has grown to become
the benchmark of quality within the electrical industry.
Its full-service molding operation includes expertise in
compression and injection molding, using thermoset
and thermoplastic materials, as well as a unique resin
transfer molding process.
Utilizing a modern, automated assembly process,
Allied Moulded provides customer with a superior
product at a competitive price. Unrelenting focus on
service, delivery, value, innovation and technology in
everything Allied Moulded makes and does, has made
it what it is today.
Allied Mouldeds industrial enclosures can be found all
over the world in many different control applications
such as industrial & manufacturing plants, waste water
treatment, wind turbines, security, SCADA, solar,
marinas, data & telecommunications, mining, and more.
The extensive line of NEMA type 4X/IP66 fiberglass
reinforced polyester (FRP) enclosures, made with its
proprietary ULTRAGUARD resin formulation,

offers a multitude of
competitive advantages
According to Glenn Saunders,
Vice President of Sales and
Marketing, Systems using
automation and controls are
in every industry and every
environment. The use of nonmetallic engineered materials
offers a multitude of
competitive advantages,
such as reduced weight and
easier modification processes,
over traditional metal
enclosures. Allied Mouldeds
enclosures are a great
alternative to steel, especially
when applications encounter
harsh environments.

Glenn Saunders
Vice President of Sales
and Marketing

Allied Mouldeds products are marketed in the U.S.

primarily through an extensive network of professional
manufacturers reps, all specialists and experts in
electrical boxes and enclosures. Allied Moulded has
expanded its global reach, with the addition of Allied
Moulded Enclosure Products (India) Pvt Ltd., serving
India and the Middle East markets.

[email protected] | Tel: 800-722-2679 | www.alliedmoulded.com

input #32 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Award-winning services satisfy customers

AutomationDirect has always maintained a huge
inventory, allowing us to ship 99.7% of orders complete
the same day. We were among the first to offer free
2-day shipping, available for any order over just $49.
Shipment confirmations and any backorder status
and estimated delivery information is communicated
electronically to keep you informed.

AutomationDirect Headquarters, Cumming, GA

Our online store is one of the most exhaustive in the

industry all technical documentation can be downloaded free of charge, as well as software and firmware
updates. Hundreds of instructional videos are available
for viewing without registration.

AutomationDirect takes the best ideas from

the consumer world to serve industrial market
As a direct seller of industrial automation products for
over 20 years, AutomationDirect has led the industry in
offering many customer services not typical with
traditional distributors. We created a print catalog, and
later an online store, that provides complete product
information and pricing so that customers can make
informed decisions on their automation purchases
quickly and independently.
AutomationDirects standard for products is that they
are practical, easy to use, and offer a low cost of
ownership. We offer quality products at prices up to
50% lower than those of more traditional distributors.
Most of our products programming software is free,
requiring no initial or upgrade costs, and no software
maintenance contracts.

99.7% orders shipped complete the same day

Online access to your account includes viewing and

changing account information, viewing order history
and making payments. Customers can also obtain return
authorizations online for quick and easy product returns
or exchanges.
Our phone technical support staff has garnered top
honors in service from industry magazine readers 15
years in a row. And with tens of thousands of active
customers, our online technical forum taps into that
knowledge base by encouraging peers to help each
other with applications and other questions.
Other online help includes frequently asked questions,
application examples, and product selection guides.

Practical automation products, including

programmable controllers

www.automationdirect.com | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 1-800-633-0405

input #33 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

A Better Coupling Choice Has Arrived

Baldors newest addition to our coupling product offering the BaldorDodge Raptor coupling featuring a
finite-element optimized winged elastomeric element design, the Raptor provides longer driven equipment life and
improved reliability. Raptors patented WingLock technology increases surface area at the most critical regions
of the element, resulting in higher bond strength, improved fatigue resistance, and longer life than competitive
urethane designs.
For reduced maintenance, the Raptor offers a split element for easy installation and replacement without moving
or re-aligning connected equipment. Slotted clamp ring holes offer extra clearance for mounting hardware,
resulting in a noticeably easier installation. Designed for drop-in interchangeability, Raptor couplings work in
existing applications without any modifications.

Longer Driven Equipment Life and Improved Reliability

Leveraging over 50 years of Dodges natural rubber expertise, the
Raptor features a natural rubber flexible element that offers a
number of performance benefits when compared to competitive
urethane designs.

Because the Raptor element uses a natural rubber compound, it is

significantly more flexible than urethane designs. Natural rubber
yields an element with approximately 50% lower torsional and bending stiffness, resulting in longer life for all types of connected driven
equipment including motors, pumps, compressors and gearboxes.

Easier Installation and Reduced Maintenance

The BaldorDodge Raptor has everything needed for easier

installations and reduced maintenance costs.
Split element for easy replacement without moving and re-aligning
connected equipment
Slotted clamp ring holes offer 187% extra mounting hardware
clearance versus competitors circular through holes.
Approximately 50% lower torsional stiffness makes the element
significantly easier to manipulate by hand during installation
Maintenance free non-lubricated natural rubber element for
trouble-free operation
Installation for Baldor Dodge Raptor couplings are quick and easy.
The Raptors horizontally split element doesnt require locking shafts
during installation, meaning a faster installation, requiring fewer tools
and eliminating shaft damage. Simply fasten the shaft hubs, install the
element, and tighten the hardware.
Suitable for a broad range of industrial applications, BaldorDodge
Raptor couplings are third-party ATEX certified for use in hazardous
environments. Raptor elements are also available with an Armored
Element that exceeds ASTM 1149-07 rubber deterioration standards
for use in extreme environments.
Baldor Electric Company
479-646-4711
www.baldor.com
input #34 at www.controleng.com/information

A DV E R T I S E M E N T

IoT hardware and software solutions from Beckhoff:

Fast, Standardized Connection to the Cloud
PC-based control establishes efficient integration of data
and communication services in the cloud
Filtering, further processing and interpretation of the
collected data via the also recently introduced TwinCAT
Analytics create genuine added value. Comprehensive
analyses enable predictive maintenance, machine
downtime reductions and control solution optimization
for example, by minimizing cycle times or energy peaks.

Recently announced hardware and software tools from

Beckhoff Automation make readily-available PC-based
control technology your real-world gateway to the
Internet of Things (IoT), Industrie 4.0 and the cloud. With
the TwinCAT IoT solution, for example, the TwinCAT 3
software platform from Beckhoff provides a complete
solution for fast and efficient implementation of Internet
of Things and Industrie 4.0 concepts. TwinCAT IoT supports standardized protocols for cloud communication
and for sending push notifications to smart devices. The
extension of conventional control tasks, through applications such as Big Data, pattern recognition or condition
and power monitoring in the cloud, can result in exciting
production efficiency increases.

Fast and easy to configure, TwinCAT IoT software

combines with an Embedded PC or Industrial PC as the
IoT controller, providing a seamless connection between
the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services.

The upgraded software platform offers users a wide

range of functions for exchanging process data via
standardized communication protocols such as AMQP
and MQTT, as well as accessing special data and
communication services offered through cloud service
providers. Corresponding services can be hosted in
public cloud systems, such as Microsoft Azure or
Amazon Web Services, or within local networks.
On the hardware side, the newly-introduced EK9160 IoT
Bus Coupler from Beckhoff establishes a direct
connection to the cloud without any special control
program between Beckhoff EtherCAT I/O and the Internet
of Things. As a result, the coupler enables simple and
standardized integration of I/O data with cloud-based
communication and data services. Via an integrated web
server, I/O data can be parameterized, such as in data
processing and timing, through a simple configuration
dialogue. No special engineering tools are needed with
the EK9160 IoT Bus Coupler.
For more information:
www.beckhoff.com/TwinCAT-IoT

input #35 at www.controleng.com/information

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Emerson Innovations Improve Capital Project Execution

Addressing a growing industry demand to reverse
trends in capital project execution, Emerson combines
innovative technologies and services in its Project
Certainty initiative. Capital projects are becoming larger
and more complex; requiring more integration and
often involving multiple stakeholders, engineering firms,
and suppliers. According to industry data, over 65% of
projects over $1B and 35% of projects under $500M fail,
exceeding budgets by over 25% or missing schedules
by more than 50%.
The good news is that the technology innovations
needed to improve capital project performance
exist today. So, why are capital projects still failing?
The reason is that work practices have not kept pace
with product innovations.
Emersons global team of project engineers work
hand-in-hand with customers to re-think these
practices in order to eliminate cost, reduce complexity,
and accommodate change.

Early Engagement Brings Time

and Cost Savings
Project Certainty begins with early engagement during
Front End Engineering and Design to define a better
project approach. Despite traditionally accounting for
approximately 4% of a projects investment, automation
strategies can impact cost, schedule, and complexity
beyond the automation scope.
For example, the right design strategy can eliminate
control room space by 70% and eliminate wiring up to
80%. Additionally, loop commissioning hours, typically
on the critical path, can be reduced over 70%.

Jim Nyquist
President PlantWeb Solutions
Emerson Process Management

Eliminate Complexity with

Project Innovations
Project complexity can be tackled by decoupling
process automation hardware and software
development, facilitating global concurrent engineering and fabrication, and using new technologies that
provide a single source of project data to reduce the
impact of data and documentation changes.

Innovative Technologies
Help Accommodate Late Changes
Technologies like Electronic Marshalling with CHARMs
and pervasive wireless field instrumentation are
helping project teams accommodate late project
changes while reducing impacts on schedule and cost.
Our industry needs a step-change in how
capital projects are executed, says Jim Nyquist,
president of Emerson Process Managements
PlantWeb Solutions. The technologies and
proven methodologies are here now. It will take
collaboration and commitment to eliminate
outdated project approaches and drive change
in our industry.
Its time for Project Certainty.

[email protected]
1-800-833-8314
www.emersonprocess.com
input #36 at www.controleng.com/information

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How the EPLAN Data Portal

fits into a data strategy for the Smart Factory
The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things
and the Smart Factory is creating a
paradigm shift in machine design and the
optimization of a fast-paced efficient
production environment.
The Smart Factory will be a highly dynamic
and responsive environment. Machines,
equipped with performance measuring
sensors, will have a voice in the process.
Collecting data from every conceivable aspect of production will open up new horizons in
micro and macro analysis in pursuit of continuous improvement.
Determining which data to collect and how to analyze and use it is among the essential
first steps for realizing the full benefit of investing in advanced manufacturing systems.
At the Enterprise IT level, the determination is made as to which data to gather and which
components have to be incorporated into the machine or process design. Then, the
Enterprise IT and Design Engineering leadership construct the standard component database used by the Design Engineering team to design and maintain the physical system.
Next comes the acquisition of high quality, detailed, vendor-validated electrical and fluid
component data to populate that database. Consulting multiple vendor catalogues for that
on an as-needed basis can be extremely time-consuming. EPLAN created the EPLAN Data
Portal as a free, value-added service for EPLAN users, and now has extended free access
to many non-EPLAN users. The Data Portal is a single, unbiased web-based tool where
engineers can search over 610,000
vendor-validated parts from 137
manufacturers for the device data
they need.
EPLAN users can source the portals
contents directly from their EPLAN
CAE, importing it into their project
files, avoiding having to create data
sets manually.
Many EPLAN licensees use the portal
strategically to build up a large digital
archive of parts macros, the reliance
on which can greatly accelerate workflows and assure consistent
quality. Since mid-May, AutoCAD users can sign up for free at
www.eplandataportal.com and download device schematics in
.dxf format. ERP and PDM/PLM users can access commercial
data needed for enterprise resource planning, such as item and
type numbers and descriptive information.

Contact [email protected] | +1 (847) 240-4667 | www.eplanusa.com

input #37 at www.controleng.com/information

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Stop Hardwiring and Start Connecting in UL 508 Applications.

An Industry First: Individual HARTING connectors
eligible for UL 508-certified Control Cabinets

Want to use connectors, but worried

about UL 508 approval?

Fast track end product certification with UL

approved HARTING connectors

HARTING has achieved a breakthrough that

facilitates the use of connectors and connectorbased cable assemblies in electrical control
panels, switchgear and other control systems
requiring UL 508 certification.

Until now, an OEM could not use individual connectors in a

field-assembled, UL 508-certfied control cabinet unless it subjected the end product to extensive additional UL safety testing
at its own expense, a time-consuming process that often delays
bringing a new machine to market. Using UL-Recognized
components from HARTING simplifies and fast tracks end
product certification, providing specific conditions in the use of
the connectors are followed.

More than two dozen

HARTING connector
configurations have passed
rigorous safety testing by UL and been
designated UL-Recognized, a newly
created approval in the 2237 category.
This approval was put in place by UL at the
request of HARTING.
HARTING is the only connector manufacturer
with products that have earned this status and
corresponding UL mark. Users gain access to
all the benefits of Plug & Play connectorization
in panel assembly, including massive cost and
time savings during commissioning and
maintenance compared to the alternative
hard-wired connections.

There is a UL-Recognized HARTING connector product for

almost any control panel application. All are well-proven
catalogue products, employed in a wide range of applications,
including control cabinets certified to other international
standards. HARTING will seek UL-Recognized status for many
more of its connectors in the months and years to come.
UL 2237 Recognized Components: You are now able to field
assemble using individual UL-Recognized components. The
newly launched PVVA2 section of UL 2237 was established
by UL at the request of HARTING.
UL 2237 Listed Cable Assemblies: Choose from an extensive
range of UL-Listed, pre-assembled connector cable
assemblies that fall under the PVVA category of UL 2237. This
is a complementary standard to UL 508 that governs multi
point connections of power cables in industrial machinery.

[email protected] | 847-741-1500
www.HARTING-USA.com
input #38 at www.controleng.com/information

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Experion PKS
Honeywells Experion PKS is all
About Connecting People
Experion PKS was the first enterprise-wide
solution to merge disparate functions,
systems and knowledge to integrate people
with processes, business requirements, and
asset management for superior performance.
The result is one unified architecture for all
process control, safety systems, and advanced
application softwarewith a consistent HMI
across everything.

Open System Integration

Honeywells advancements in open system integration have
led to new capabilities such as applying Experion for electrical
system control and management, multivariable APC in the
controller, WirelessHART, and automated skid integration
via SCADA.
Auto Device Commissioning reduces loop commissioning
time from hours to minutes.
Experion for Electrical System Control and Management
allows you to integrate your ECMS with your process control
system, with one control system with one HMI.
Experion Profit Controller in C300 and ACE moves
multivariable predictive control out of the Microsoft
operating system and into the Experion Control
Engineering Environment.
Automated skid integration applies our LEAP lean automation
project solution to PLC integration.
Experion PKS supports all wireless standards, including
ISA 100.11a and WirelessHART.

LEAP and Automated Device Commissioning

The Latest Experion PKS in the

Orion Trilogy of Releases
The latest Experion PKS Orion is the worlds
most advanced, open and cyber secure
control system on the market today. Our new
IIoT-ready release further optimizes LEAP
project execution with Automated Device
commissioning. Auto Device Commissioning
enables late binding of devices with loop
configuration created in the cloud.

Experion PKS further optimizes LEAP project execution

in our most advanced, open and secure control system.
Auto Device Commissioning
automatically binds control
configuration engineered in
our secure cloud with field
devices connected to any
Universal I/O channel.
The result is a reduction in
transmitter commissioning
time from 2 hours to 1 minute.

Continuous
Evolution with the
Customer in Mind
Experion PKS improves
project efficiency and
production and reduces
operator-related incidents
and lifecycle management
costs. Honeywell continues
our 40-year control system evolution coordinated with customer
input to defend safety, security, and intellectual investments
while keeping you current with todays technology.

Honeywell www.honeywellprocess.com
input #39 at www.controleng.com/information

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Kylands Smart Gateways set the trend in power utilities

DG-COM 3000

DG-A8/A16 Rack Mount

Smart Gateways

DG-A2/A4 DIN Rail

Smart Gateways

Kylands Smart Gateways are a family of compact

protocol gateways that meet IEC 61850 standards.
The gateways can be deployed in various control
environments to transfer data through both serial
ports and Ethernet ports. Kylands Smart Gateways
allow you to import pre-specified IEC 61850 SCL
(.icd/.cid) template files and map the data to an
internal Virtual Machine Device (VMD) with the
built in configuration tool. The devices can then be
viewed as standard IEC 61850 IEDs from the master
control center.
The product family consists of three different
families of products:
1. The DG-COM-3000
2. The DG-A2/A4 DIN Rail Smart Gateways
3. DG-A8/A16 Rack Mount Smart Gateways
The DGCOM-3000 series are Kylands latest
generation of Smart Gateways which combine an
Ethernet switch with serial and i/o creating a
versatile device designed to meet the demand of
data collection and switching. DGCOM-3000 can
meet the requirements of data collecting and
redundant ring transmission on the same device.

2 Gigabit SFP ports redundant ring connection, 6

100Base-TX RJ45 ports, 8 RS232/422/485 serial ports
along with a total of 24 Digital inputs and outputs
make this product a solid all in one solution.
The DG Series A2, A4, A8 and A16 are Kylands
Smart Gateways with powerful data communication
and process functions, low power consumption,
flexible installation advantages. These products
are built around an ARM Cortex-A8 architecture
for high performance allowing IEC 61850 SCL(CID/
ICD) import and configuration, configurable MMS
(IEC 61850-8-1) server and client applications as
well as the ability to support GOOSE publish and
subscribe functions.
The family supports full function NTP for time
synchronization, dual mode RS232/RS485
isolated serial ports, 0/100M IEEE 802.3 Ethernet
ports as well as support 3G GPRS wireless
communication. These products are IEC 61850-3,
IEEE 1613 compliant.
Learn more about Smart Gateway products at
www.kyland.com/index.php?optionid=976

Kyland Corporation | Tel: 303-447-6882 | www.kyland.com

input #40 at www.controleng.com/information

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Moore Industries: A History of Innovation and Safety

housings and interlocking cornersbefore any
certifications existed making these features necessary. The company was also an industry leader in
building products with input-to-output isolation.
Moore Industries maintains numerous stringent
certifications for many of its products ranging from
CE compliance, Non-Incendive, Intrinsically-Safe
and Explosion/Flameproof approvals.

Moore Industries Headquarters in North Hills, CA

Moore Industries was founded in 1968 by Leonard

W. Moore, who is still chairman of the board and
has daily presence at the companys North Hills, CA,
headquarters. The company started out as a threeperson operation in a garage in California, and now
has offices worldwide in Australia, Belgium, China,
The Netherlands and The United Kingdom. It is one
of the last independent, privately owned instrument
companies left in North America.
Moore Industries started out
making signal conditioners.
After working in the
instrumentation industry for a few
years, I saw a market for tough,
reliable, noise-resistant signal
conditioners, says Mr. Moore.
At that time, reliable and rugged
devices were difficult to find.
From his years in the
instrumentation industry,
Mr. Moore recognized the
inherent need for durability
and safety in products that
Moore Industries First
would be housed in closed spaces
Signal Conditioner
around electricity, volatile gases
and personnel. In 1972, the company was the first to
build products with RFI protection, extruded aluminum

The company was an early adopter of IEC 61508

and was engaged by EDF Energy to help develop
guidelines for the assessment of Smart devices to
be used in safety related or safety critical applications
within the UK nuclear industries, called EMPHASIS.
In addition to providing EMPHASIS approved
products, the company has received functional safety
certifications from exida and TUV on products as
well as its design, development, manufacturing and
documentation process.

Moore Industries IEC 61508 Functional Safety Products

Today, Moore Industries designs, manufactures

and sells alarms, HART interface devices, complete
temperature sensing and transmitting products,
signal conditioners and isolators and IEC 61508certified Functional Safety devices and Explosion/
Flame-proof enclosures. The companys dedication
to safety ranges from hazardous area protection, as
provided with Explosion/Flame-proof enclosures
and intrinsically-safe devices, to internal circuitry,
firmware and development process design as it
moved into the Functional Safety arena.

For the latest innovations and news from Moore Industries, visit: www.miinet.com/blog
input #41 at www.controleng.com/information

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Enabling Connectivity for the

Industrial Internet of Things
Connect Devices to Databases
With 4G LTE

As a system integrator or OEM, its important to

start leveraging the Industrial IoT so you can
deliver the greatest value to your customers.
This means getting your customers devices
connected to the cloud and to a database that
can be read by advanced software platforms.

28+ Years of Experience with Industrial

Communications Infrastructure

The industrial IoT (Internet of Things) is driving more field

devices to be connected to the Internet every day, putting a
premium on networking products that can deliver continuous
connectivity without human intervention.

Moxa is now offering the 4G LTE Jump Start Kit

to make this as easy and cost effective as possible. It includes an easily-programmed Modbus
data logger with built-in 4G LTE communications,
a Modbus gateway that connects to the most
common types of PLCs and RTUs, and an I/O
module to collect analog and digital sensor data.
For a limited time, this kit is available for under
$1000 to qualified system integrators and OEMs.

Since 1987, Moxa has designed and manufactured hardened

networking and communication equipment for mission-critical
applications. Our Ethernet switches, wireless access points,
IP cameras, computers, and more are specially designed and
tested to ensure highly reliable operation and connectivity for
industrial users and harsh environments.

Oil & Gas Industrys Most

Powerful, Reliable Panel PC

Moxas flagship panel PC, the

EXPC-1519, is an extremely powerful
and reliable unit equipped with the
critical features and certifications
required for Class 1, Div. 2; ATEX
Zone 2; and IECEx rated hazardous
environments.
The combination of features and
quality of engineering are industry
firsts for an industrial PC and include a glove-friendly
touch interface, wide operation temperature range (-40 to
70C), fanless cooling system, dual core Intel i7 processor,
and flexible I/O arrangement.

Features:
Easily makes data from the most common
sensors and devices available over a 4G LTE
connection to a cloud-connected database or
platform for dashboards, remote monitoring, and
IIoT applications
Huge savings on data plan costs through builtin data compression and programmable
data processing
Free ThingsPro software includes ready-touse Modbus and 4G LTE configuration interface
as well as RESTful APIs for C/C++/Python
programming

Contact [email protected] | 888-MOXA-USA | www.moxa.com

input #42 at www.controleng.com/information

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POSITAL and Industry 4.0:

One Million Sensors at Your Fingertips
POSITAL-FRABA, a manufacturer of high-performance
position and motion sensors, has responded to the
challenge of an increasingly dynamic market by
adopting an advanced web-based product configuration
system. It allows customers to quickly and efficiently
order devices, which have exactly the right mechanical
and electronic characteristics for their application.
Offered under the slogan of One million sensors at
your fingertips, the unique business model is backed
by a data-driven manufacturing system that delivers
products on a just-in-time basis. This approach serves
both customers and distribution partners by making the
right products available quickly and at the right prices.
POSITAL has made a significant
commitment the idea of a
data-driven, network-based
manufacturing and product
distribution system. A decade
ago, much of our production
was based on a traditional
craft-based model, says
Christian Leeser, president and
owner of FRABA, POSITALs
parent company. Products
were built in small batches by
Christian Leeser
specialist technicians who could
president and owner
respond to special orders by
of FRABA
building one-off variants of
existing products. Leeser continues: We have made
a very deliberate change towards a data-centered
industrial model that we call mass customization.
With this, we can build the customer exactly what he
needs, quickly and efficiently, while keeping costs at
mass production levels.

Data-centered Manufacturing
At the center of the POSITAL approach is a datadriven and cloud-based manufacturing system that
controls each step of the production cycle. POSITALs
encoders and inclinometers are made up of largely

interchangeable components and modular subassemblies so that a wide range of configurations can
be built by putting together parts with the appropriate
characteristics. The manufacturing support system
receives orders and presents the factory worker with
a complete set of assembly and testing instructions.
POSITALs encoders and inclinometers
allow a wide range of configurations

The system is largely paperless, with assembly and

test instructions displayed on a computer monitor or
tablet device. The instructions are presented primarily
in graphical format so that the system can be easily
deployed in countries with different native languages.
The front end of this system
is POSITALs web-based
Product Finder posted on
www.posital.com. The onlineconfigurator is accessible from
computers or mobile devices.
Customers and distributors can
build sensors that meet their
requirements by selecting from
a menu of the features and
characteristics. Fabrication
and delivery can usually be
accomplished within a few days.
Mobile
Product Finder

Contact: [email protected] | 609 750 8705 | www.posital.com

input #43 at www.controleng.com/information

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SEW-EURODRIVE Power Transmission Innovation

MOVIGEAR
The MOVIGEAR Mechatronic Drive System for horizontalmaterials handling from SEW-EURODRIVE sets new standards
in terms of efficiency and functionality. MOVIGEAR not only
combines the gear unit, motor and drive electronics within one
highly reliable, efficient, and hygienically designed unit, it also
reduces total start-up cost and annual operating costs in your
material handling systemby as much as 50%!

IE3 Compliant DRN.. Motor

Our new DRN.. induction motors meet the stringent IE3 super-premium
energy efficiency standard. They also fit existing gear units allowing
for easy upgrades and retrofits of existing DRE (IE2) gearmotors.
The weight and dimensions of the new DRN motors have only
marginal changes as compared to the DRE series. Due to its
outstanding system stability, tight control, and high-cycling
capacity, the DRN.. electric motor can replace a servo motor
in many cases. Plus, its multiple brake sizes allow a higher torque
for a stopping brake or a lower torque for a VFD holding brake. And
finally, its wide HP range and various connector options enable the
DRN motor to be used in a wide variety of new and retro-fit applications.

DRC Electronic Motor

The DRC electronic motor provides an ultra-efficient motor and
electronics package for those gear units already installed in your system.
Like MOVIGEAR, the DRC electronic motor consists of a permanentfield synchronous motor with integrated drive electronics in a
completely enclosed housing. The DRC electronic motor offers
greater flexibility allowing it to mount to any gear unit plus,
offers an optional mechanical brake.

About SEW-EURODRIVE
Engineering excellence and customer responsiveness distinguish SEW-EURODRIVE, a leading
manufacturer of integrated power transmission and motion control systems. SEW-EURODRIVE
solutions set the global standard for high performance and rugged reliability in the toughest operating
conditions. With its global headquarters in Germany, the privately held company currently employs
over 16,000 employees with a presence in 48 countries worldwide. U.S. operations include a stateof-the-art manufacturing center, five regional assembly plants, more than 63 technical sales offices
and hundreds of distributors and support specialists. This enables SEW-EURODRIVE to provide local
manufacturing, service and support, coast-to-coast and around the world.

SEW-EURODRIVE, Inc. | Tel: 864-439-7537 | www.seweurodrive.com

input #44 at www.controleng.com/information

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Leading the sensor industry in new product innovations

From factory automation to logistics automation and

process automation, SICK is one of the leading sensor
manufacturers. As a technology and market leader, SICK
provides sensors and application solutions that create
the perfect basis for controlling processes securely and
efficiently, protecting individuals from accidents, and
preventing damage to the environment.
With more than 3,000 patents for its products, SICK
continues to lead the industry in new product
innovations. The diversity of its product line allows SICK
to offer solutions at every phase of production in the
automotive, packaging, electronics, food and beverage,
consumer goods, logistics, parcel, material handling, oil
and gas, chemical/HPI, power, and cement industries.

Industrial Sensing
SICKs wide range of industrial sensors is perfectly
suited to industrial applications and requirements.
SICKs sensors offer a long service life, ruggedness
and precision. For its smart sensor solutions, SICK
utilizes state-of-the-art sensor technologies and
com-plete integration into the control level via IO-Link to
intelligently and reliably solve industrial automation tasks.
Safety
Since our inception, we have led the world in optoelectronic safety solutions for hazardous machines and
work areas. SICK continues to develop innovative pointof-operation devices, optical perimeter and area guards.

Advanced functions of our safety control devices include

fixed, floating, and multiple point floating blanking,
Presence Sensing Device Initiation (PSDI) and multiple
configurable muting controls.

Machine Vision and Automatic Identification

With an innovative line of vision-based reading systems,
integration software, bar code line scanners, omniscanners, and dimensioning products, SICK offers the
industrys broadest range of solutions for automatic
identification applications. SICKs 2D and 3D vision
cameras are built for industrial environments,
leveraging SICKs 60-plus years of experience with
industrial sensors.
Detection and Ranging
Laser measurement technology from SICK detects
both 2D and multi-dimensional contour data and can
process information either externally or in the
sensor itself. They are ideal for indoor and outdoor
applications, including anti-collision in harbors,
detection in building automation, or position evaluation
in navigation.
Environmental Monitoring
Our environmental monitors division is a worldwide
supplier of opacity, gas, dust and flow analyzers. SICKs
equipment utilizes in-situ and extractive technologies to
provide the most cost-effective installation, operation
and maintenance.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 800-325-7425
www.sickusa.com
input #45 at www.controleng.com/information

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Increase your control systems flexibility

with a modular, all-in-one PLC from Unitronics
The UniStream supports a range of communications,
including EthernetIP, and features like remote
access via a VNC connection. I/O modules have
options for digital and analog I/O configurations,
including high-speed and temperature measurements. A single CPU can support 2000 I/O points,
with both local and remote expansions, for countless
possible configurations.
Furthermore, the UniStream platform is entirely
programmed in one software. Ladder logic,
communication configuration and HMI design are
all programmed using the UniLogic software.
For over 25 years Unitronics has manufactured PLCs
with integrated HMI panels; today, Unitronics offers a
diverse line of mature automation solutions alongside
innovative new products. While other manufacturers
are only just introducing single-unit PLC and HMIs,
Unitronics is already improving and perfecting the
all-in-one concept. The new UniStream line offers a
modular PLC+HMI, allowing users to design a control
system unique to their application.

With features like user-defined function blocks and

options for code reuse, UniLogic is intuitive and userfriendly. UniLogic also supports a full suite of utilities
for remote access and monitoring, like real time video
streaming, as well as data logging and back up.

Creating a customized, all-in-one PLC with UniStream

takes only three easy steps. The user selects an HMI
panel; Unitronics offers 7", 10.4" and 15.6" color-touchscreens for easy operator interface.
The powerful, modular CPU mounts onto the back
of the panel, and then the user chooses the I/O
and communication modules to get the exact
configuration their application requires; these Uni-IO
and Uni-COM modules snap in next to the CPU.
The result is a single integrated controller with PLC,
HMI and onboard I/O.
This modular approach to the all-in-one concept
allows for incredible flexibility. The CPU and HMI
together have two USB host ports and a USB
programming port, two Ethernet ports, a CANbus
port and an RS485 serial port.

UniStream with IO

Wide IO

Unitronics aims to provide the best possible

experience to our users: our all-in-one PLC and HMI
units are easy to set up and to use; the latest version
of our single-environment programming environment
is always available for download; and, should any
problems arise, every user has unlimited access to
our market-leading technical support for no
additional cost.

[email protected] | Tel: 1-866-666-6033 | www.unitronics.com

input #46 at www.controleng.com/information

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WAGO Blazes the Trail for Innovative Manufacturing Technology

WAGO Corporation provides North America with innovative
Interconnect, Electronic Interface, Terminal Block and
Automation solutions. Innovations include:
PFC Family: Compact High Speed Programmable
Fieldbus Controllers
The PFC family of controllers offers advanced compact,
computing power for PLC programming and process
visualization. Programmable in accordance with IEC 61131-3,
PFC controllers feature a 600 MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor that offers high speed processing and support of 64 bit
variables. Controllers also feature a built-in firewall and VPN
providing added security for IoT applications.
The PFC200 acts as a fieldbus gateway to communicate
between MODBUS TCP/UDP/RTU, CANopen, PROFIBUS
and RS-232/RS-485, eliminating the need for third-party
converters. Configuration of fieldbus networks is further
simplified with e!COCKPIT and WAGO-I/O-PRO programming
and visualization software. The PFC family offers economical,
scalable I/O technology that facilitates automation of
individual machines or entire systems.
e!COCKPIT: Driving Rapid Development of
Automation Projects
e!COCKPIT supports all automation tasks from hardware
configuration, programming, networking and simulation to
visualization in one easy-to-use, intuitive package.
e!COCKPIT allows engineers to develop applications quickly
and conveniently, slashing their time-to-market.
Programming based on standard IEC 61131-3 languages
Multi-controller programming
Networking wizards to simplify connected devices
Interface Technology for Manufacturing Systems
Machines and equipment used in the manufacturing sector
require industrial-grade power supplies capable of reliably
handling power peaks, stabilizing voltage fluctuations and
safely preventing dangerous conditions. To address these
needs, WAGOs EPSITRON Power Supply System offers a
wide variety of high-performance power supplies, buffer
modules and ECBs.

[email protected] I 800-DIN-RAIL I www.wago.us

input #47 at www.controleng.com/information

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Yaskawa America, Inc.

Be Capable of More
If youre a machine builder or equipment user, you know all about high expectations, limited resources
and tight deadlines. Your success depends on suppliers who respond with precisely the right products,
delivered with consistency and reliability that never fails. Yaskawa has been putting this brand of customer
success in motion for 100 years. It shows in todays commitment to innovative automation technology, to
engineering expertise, and to the operational strength that is the proof behind our promise.

Products that Perform: Product performance is

more than just a specification. It is the
confidence that your machines will work as
expected every time in a way that
consistently outperforms your competition.

Operational Excellence: Problems with

component quality, supply chain hiccups and
downtime surprises are simply unacceptable.
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and expertise to engineer them out of existence.

Engineering Expertise: Focus your engineers on

their core competencies while still delivering
effective machine automation, thanks to a team of Yaskawa engineers who
can instantly add power to automation design, development and support.

Sigma-7 Servo Family

Yaskawa recently introduced Sigma-7, a new line of rotary, linear and direct drive servo motors and
amplifiers, to the U.S market. System designers and automation end users will benefit from the speed,
precision and efficiency improvements in Sigma-7, the most technologically advanced servo systems ever
created by the worlds largest manufacturer of
drives, motion control, and robotics.

Nearly double the bandwidth of Yaskawas

industry-leading Sigma-5 servos, for quicker
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24-bit encoding that boosts precision to a level

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design that saves control panel space

A new package of algorithms that correct

machine imperfections, including ripple
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Sigma-7 Servo Family

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and regenerate power for long-term energy conservation

1-800-YASKAWA (927-5292) or (847) 887-7318 | www.yaskawa.com | [email protected]

input #48 at www.controleng.com/information

NEW PRODUCTS and software

See more products daily at www.controleng.com/products.

Mass flow controller for OEM and process

integration applications
Alicat Scientifics Basis 20SLPM is a mass flow controller
designed to fit a wider range of applications including sparging into
liquids, sample dilution, and many gas mixing applications. Specifically designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and
process integration, Basis provides fast, accurate control of gas flow
rates. It is designed for use in OEM gas analyzers, automated gas
mixing on process lines, and anywhere mass, flow-only control is
required. Multiple communications optionsRS-485, RS-232 and Modbus Serial; and
0 to 5 Vdc analogmean Basis can be built into a broad range of end-user products.
Alicat Scientific,

www.alicat.com

Input #201 at www.controleng.com/information

Ultrasonic sensor for

detecting layers and splices

Robots for manufacturing,

automotive applications
Mitsubishi Electrics RV-F Series
6-axis robots are available in 35, 50,
and 70 kg payloads. These robots are
designed to address applications that
require higher payloads and longer
reaches such as CNC machine tending,
large material handling, and assembly
applications. The RV-35F, RV-50F, and
RV-70F robots are designed for the automotive, food and beverage, and electronic manufacturing industries. Benefits
and features include payloads that allow
applications that require heavier parts
and tooling to be robotically automated. They also have a long-reach arm for
tasks that can be spread farther apart.
They can accommodate larger parts and
processes with the ability to extend up to
2050 mm.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.

www.meau.com

Sicks UD18-2 ultrasonic sensor is designed to

check for double layers and splices and is able to
determine whether one, two, or no material layers are
present between its sender and receiver. The UD182 can detect objects regardless of material, including
paper, cardboard, shiny metal, and transparent plastic. The UD18-2 also features the
capability to teach-in up to four sensitivity levels, and the sensor can switch between
sensitivity levels during operation, which allows the sensor to tackle complex applications. The UD18-2 is designed for applications in the packaging, print and paper, electronics and solar, automotive, and metal and steel industries.
Sick,

www.sickusa.com

Input #202 at www.controleng.com/information

Photonics alignment platform for

automated production environments
Aerotechs FiberMaxHP is a second-generation, 3- to
6-axes, photonics alignment platform designed for critical photonics alignment in automated production environments. FiberMaxHP noncontact direct-drive technology is
designed to enable high-precision alignment without sacrificing production throughput. The FiberMaxHP is available with 3 to 6 axes
of direct-drive alignment allowing the platform to be specified with the exact number of
axes needed for the application. Since many applications require manual adjustment of
fixtures and parts for a one-time initial alignment, the FiberMaxHP comes with 1 to 3
axes of manual angular alignment with 2-deg of motion.
Aerotech,

Input #200 at www.controleng.com/information

www.aerotech.com

Input #203 at www.controleng.com/information

Servo motor and amplifiers for designers and end users

The Sigma-7 rotary, linear, and direct drive servos and amplifiers from Yaskawa are designed for system designers and automation end users. Sigma-7s features include 24-bit encoding and a package of algorithms designed to correct machine imperfections, including ripple compensation, anti-resonance, and
friction model compensation. It also features dual-axis amplifiers that mount in smaller spaces, cut
parts counts, and regenerate power for long-term energy conservation. Eighteen Sigma-7 products
cover a wide range of motion control applications, with rotary servos from 3 W to 55 kW in output. Users can choose from two direct drive servos and four linear products, including a SigmaTrac option designed for easy bolt-on, plug-in implementation.
Yaskawa America Inc.,

www.yaskawa.com

Input #204 at www.controleng.com/information

www.controleng.com

CONTROL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2016

| 77

NEW PRODUCTS and software

See more products daily at www.controleng.com/products.

Power distribution boxes for long cable runs

Phoenix Contacts M12 power distribution boxes are designed for field-based power supply
voltages of 24 V. These distribution boxes, in combination with standard M12 power cables of
4x10 AWG conductors, are designed to eliminate voltage drop that occurs across long cable runs.
The distributor has four T-coded M12 receptacles with a current load of up to 10 A per channel. Each of the eight channels is equipped with a plug-in fuse. Devices are connected directly via
T-coded M12 power cables. An M12 diagnostics port, which can be connected to the controller
in the control cabinet, provides further evaluation data.
Phoenix Contact,

www.phoenixcontact.com

Input #205 at www.controleng.com/information

Stainless steel, explosion-proof

junction box
United Electric Controls 316 stainless
steel, explosion-proof junction box is available assembled with the companys stainless steel
product lines such as pressure and temperature
switches as well as pressure transmitters. It is also
available for separate purchase as a junction box
kit. The junction box has IP 66 certification, representing resistance to dust and inclement weather,
as well as worldwide certifications. The explosion
proof stainless steel junction box is available for
ordering as junction box option M432, which has
NPT threads or option M433, which has M20 threads. The
junction box is designed for the oil and gas, petrochemical,
chemical, and additional process applications.
United Electric Controls (UE), www.ueonline.com

Balluff s Micropulse TA12 hazardous area, linear position sensor is

designed for position feedback
applications
on
hydraulically actuated valves and in hydraulic cylinders located in hazardous
locations. The TA12 is ideal for level
monitoring and turbine speed control applications. Features include noncontact, wear-free magnetostrictive
technology, measuring ranges up to 7,620 mm, USB configuration
capability for in-application customization, dual-position magnet capability that allows monitoring of two independent motions, and fieldreplaceable electronics module for fast, easy in-cylinder repairs.
Operating temperature range is -40 to 80 C (-40 to +176 F).
Balluff,

www.balluff.com

Input #207 at www.controleng.com/information

PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE

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Call 800-444-7644 or visit www.dataforth.com

Input #100 at www.controleng.com/information

Place your Classified, Literature

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78

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Acromag Signal Conditioners & Ethernet I/O

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Input #101 at www.controleng.com/information

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Company

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Yaskawa America, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .C3 . . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . .www.yaskawa.com
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the http://controleng.com/information link and reader service number located near each.
If youre reading the digital edition, the link will be live. When you contact a company directly, please let them know you read about them in Control Engineering.
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Media stands for, and what CFE Media is all
about engineers sharing with their peers.
We welcome content submissions for all
interested parties in engineering. We will use
those materials online, on our website, in
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how to submit press releases, products,
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* Content should focus on helping engineers solve problems. Articles that are commercial in nature or that are critical of other
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Learn more at:
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JUNE 2016

| 79

BACK TO BASICS programming

Ladder logic: Data manipulation

After values from an analog card have been captured, filter the data. Microsoft Excel
can simulate a filter before it is coded into a programmable logic controller (PLC).

After capturing values from an analog

card using a programmable logic controller (PLC)

there are methods to filter the data and methods to
simulate a filter using Microsoft Excel before it is
coded into a PLC. For the formulas, the same variable names were used:

MORE

ADVICE

N = New value calculated and substituted

for the input value. In other words, the calculated filtered value.
L = The previous captured input value.
F = The previous calculated filtered value.
k = The manipulated factor for all calculations
(sometimes known as Alpha).
i = The current analog input value.

KEY CONCEPTS
There are methods to filter data and
capture data using Microsoft Excel
after the data has been captured.
In ladder logic, a calculate type
command lets the user type the
formula in directly.
GO ONLINE
www.automationprimer.com.
See additional images and graphs
with this story at www.controleng.
com/archives.
CONSIDER THIS
What other methods could be used
to capture and filter data?
Raw Input

Form 1

Avg = A running average over x number of previous samples, (3 for x was used in this example.)
The first order filter formula is New Filtered =
Last Filtered + Factor * (Input - Last Filtered). This
equates to N=F+k(i-F) using variables above.
Form 2

Form 3

Form 4

Form 5

Form 6

19808
19834
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19886

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19967.25

20008

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20011.03

Simulation of a signal with listed some analog values in one column on a

Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. These values are typical for a 13 bit signed analog
signal from a PLC card; notice that they increment or decrement by a factor of
eight. Tables courtesy: Frank Lamb, Automation Primer

80

JUNE 2016

CONTROL ENGINEERING

Algorithm

Formula 1

N=L+(1/k*(i-L))

1.2

Formula 2

N=k*(i-L)+L

0.3

Formula 3

N=Avg

(Avg)

Formula 4

N=(i+L)*((k-1)/k)

Formula 5

N=((Avg*4)+i)/5

(Avg)

Formula 6

N=F+k(i-F)

0.4

This is a key with the variables listed and the formulas. The k values are linked to cells used in the
table, so they can be changed as needed.

To simulate a signal analog, values were listed

in six columns on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
These values (typical for a 13-bit signed analog signal from a PLC card) have an increment or decrement by a factor of eight, so on a 0 to 10 V or 0 to 20
mA signal with a range of 0 to 32,767, there would
be 4,096 possible values for the signal.
The first column has input values. The columns
after the first show results after using the various
filtering formulas found. The reason the input column has earlier values in it is to provide a running
average of up to five values in the formulas. Formula 6 also needs to use the previous filtered value.
Formula 1 looks like it makes the signal worse.
Formula 2 and Formula 4 did nearly the same
things, even though they used different algorithms.
Formula 3 is a straight running average, which
worked well. The current and previous values were
used for an average of three; using more created a
delayed reaction. Formula 5 also uses a running
average. Three samples were used in the average
also even though the intent was to use four or five.
Formula 6 represents the formal definition of a
first order filter. Sometimes this is known as a first
derivative filter; if the points were equated to position, this would represent a velocity-based filter.
A second order filter would then represent Accel/
Decel and a third order filter would represent jerk.
The filters would work off of the delta between
the current and previous values. Simulating formulas can be done in Microsoft Excel, but the user may
want to check before coding it into the PLC. ce
Frank Lamb is the founder of Automation Consulting
Services Inc. This article originally appeared on Automation Primer. Automation Primer is a CFE Media
content partner. Edited by Chris Vavra, production
editor, Control Engineering, [email protected].
www.controleng.com

READY FOR THE

NEXT REVOLUTION?

Sigma-7 Unshackles
Automation Productivity
Planning innovations for years to come, or are you
more focused on next weeks productivity
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Either way, Yaskawas new Sigma-7 servo systems
help you break free of yesterdays standards. From
the first spin of the rotor, Sigma-7 boosts precision
and productivity. Yet its programming ease and
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Dont stay chained to legacy servo capability.
Crank up to Sigma-7 the servo for the Next
Revolution.

For more info:

http://budurl.me/YAI914

YASKAWA AMERICA

input #49 at www.controleng.com/information

DRIVES & MOTION DIVISION

YASKAWA.COM

1-800-YASKAWA

Your bus . . .
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input #50 at www.controleng.com/information

seweurodrive.com / 864-439-7537

Your bus . . .
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time on gantries, cranes, hoists, conveyors,
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