NEW PRODUCTS

Universal Industrial Gateway

Spectrum Controls, spectrumcontrols.com

Featured at Rockwell Automation Fair 2021, the upgraded Universal Industrial Gateway from Spectrum Controls features a second Ethernet port and bigger display. The device can speak to up to 12 protocols simultaneously, talk to multiple devices at once, move thousands of tags, and bridge communication gaps between devices, whether Ethernet or serial. Compatible protocols include Modbus, PPI, DirectNET, CCM, TI-HostLink, EtherNet/IP, S7comm, and DF1. The Universal Industrial Gateway can reportedly be deployed in minutes using a browser-based interface.

Edge Vision Analytics Software

Adlink, adlinktech.com

The EVA SDK is analytics software that enables users to integrate visual data from pre-trained artificial intelligence (AI) models and field scenarios for implementation in proof-of-concept cases. Pre-installed on Adlink’s AI vision hardware, EVA SDK offers a no-code graphical user interface, ready-to-use plugins, ONNX runtime, TensorRT, and OpenVINO, allowing developers to build an AI vision application with no AI expertise needed. Benefits of EVA SDK include: selecting from more than 10 cameras, with no need to learn camera APIs; simplifying integration with a drag-and-drop GUI, which allows switching of image sources, image processing adjustment, and AI models; supporting review function of each step from image capturing, image pre-processing to AI inference, so that users can verify and debug if necessary; guaranteeing the quality of edge AI vision systems with Adlink-verified open-source plugins; and enabling flexible, optimized configuration for higher cost efficiency.

IEC 61850 Control Module

ProSoft Technology, prosoft-technology.com

Presented at Rockwell Automation Fair 2021, the IEC 61850 module for ControlLogix systems is an in-rack product that integrates with a library of electrical protection devices from Rockwell Automation. The module enables an intelligent packaged power system— connecting the industrial enterprise and helping to increase productivity. IEC 61850-enabled devices support a standardized data structure, increasing vendor flexibility for end users. Each ProSoft IEC 61850 client module supports up to 40 IEDs on a redundant PRP-enabled network, and up to a maximum of 225 I/O connections to the ControlLogix processor.

Mobile Application for Connected Plant Workers

Eschbach, eschbach.com

Shiftconnector Go Mobile Rounds is an application from Eschbach, the provider of the Shiftconnector digital manufacturing software for the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors. The application connects field workers with board operators via the Shiftconnector platform for routine actions and compliance management. It is available for iOS, Android, and Windows, and allows workers to report activities directly from their mobile devices to a central location no matter where in the plant they are located. With its ability to function off-line, Shiftconnector Go Mobile Rounds also gives workers the opportunity to document actions when they might be in a location that does not have cellular access. The information is saved on the device and delivered when access is restored. For security requirements, if devices are shared between shifts, users have a specified PIN or password, which must be applied to access the application.

Top Modules for Autonomous Mobile Robots

ROEQ, roeq.dk

Capable of handling total payloads of up to 1500 kg, the new ROEQ top module TMS-C1500 combined with the new S-Cart1500W shelf cart can increase the payload capabilities of MiR’s MiR500, MiR600, MiR1000, and MiR1350 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Using the TMS-C1500 top module, a MiR1000 or MiR1350 AMR can be deployed on applications with payloads of up to 1500 kg, enabling MiR AMRs to be used in applications with heavier payloads than before. Similarly, the TMS-C1500 allows a MiR500 or MiR600 AMR to be used for applications with payloads of up to 800 kg, a substantial increase over the 400 kg payload supported by other mobile robotic equipment systems for the two AMRs.

Cloud-Native Industrial Edge Software

Nokia, nokia.com

The Industrial Edge is a scalable application and compute platform designed to meet the mission-critical digital transformation needs of asset-intensive industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. It combines compute, storage, wired and wireless networking, one-click industrial applications and automated management on an on-premise operations technology (OT) platform. Using the Nokia MX Industrial Edge, enterprises gain an on-premise cloud architecture that unifies edge requirements in an as-a-service package. The platform reportedly removes the complexity, knowledge, and economic hurdles typically associated with deployment, integration and life cycle management of high-performance compute applications and mission-critical networking.

Low-Code Automation Software

Bright Machines, brightmachines.com

Brightware Studio offers a new self-service capability that enables flexible automation at greater speed and lower cost. The software provides additional functionality to the Bright Machines Microfactory—the company’s flagship product which combines intelligent software and modular building blocks to automate repetitive assembly and inspection tasks. Based on a modern, low/no code workflow, Brightware Studio is operated using an intuitive user interface, giving production line operators and technicians the ability to program, run, analyze, and debug the assembly process on the factory floor.

Online Application Marketplace

Bosch Rexroth, boschrexroth.com

Bosch Rexroth has developed a marketplace in line with its app-based control platform ctrlX Core featuring apps developed by Bosch Rexroth and third-party providers. The marketplace allows users to create their own customized applications and libraries. For example, new automation and control functions can be added to ctrlX Core at any time. The ctrlX Store provides users with a range of apps to establish a customized software system. Users can purchase any app in the ctrlX Store and install it on ctrlX Core. With apps from third party suppliers, users can, for example, integrate these apps with artificial intelligence for production and process improvements or use smart software expansions for mechanics such as gearboxes or gripping and clamping systems. The portfolio of apps also covers areas such as IT security, connectivity, manufacturing IT, voice recognition, and visualization.

Enterprise Resource Planning Software

Epicor, Epicor.com

Kinetic, a cloud-based ERP platform for manufacturers, has recently been updated. The software now includes a new Epicor Cloud Enterprise Services package for large manufacturers that contend with uniquely complex bills of material (BOMs) and material resource planning (MRP) requirements. With the new services package, large manufacturers gain greater control and flexibility to manage multiple plants and facilities worldwide on a scalable and secure cloud platform. The software also delivers substantial computing power, a customizable cloud infrastructure, and access to support expertise to accelerate complex global manufacturing processes.

Robotics Training Platform

OnRobot, onrobot.com

Learn OnRobot is a free online training platform that guides users, step-by-step, through the process of designing and deploying cobot applications featuring OnRobot tools such as grippers, vision cameras, processing kits, and sensors in setups with all major cobot and light industrial robot brands. Localized with support in nine languages, Learn OnRobot’s library of simple, direct ‘How To’ videos and 3D simulations provides detailed information on collaborative applications, including machine tending, palletizing, pick and place, and sanding. The platform is accessible via PCs, smartphones, and tablets, which enables access to Learn OnRobot resources from the shop floor during the deployment process. Learn OnRobot also mitigates labor shortages by enabling collaborative automation deployments, empowering companies to respond quickly to challenging labor conditions.

MQTT Gateway

Real Time Automation, rtautomation.com

The MQTT protocol has now been made available on Real Time Automation’s 460 industrial gateway line. The MQTT protocol gateway makes it easier to move industrial device data to cloud applications like AWS IoT Core or enterprise systems. The gateway enables manufacturers to configure their industrial device data to schedule predictive maintenance, monitor system health, as well as measure and analyze overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This MQTT family of gateways is customizable and allows manufacturers to pick single tags, userdefined tags, data space blocks, and other data using any one of the protocol drivers in the Real Time Automation protocol suite.

Machine Tending Application Cells

ABB, abb.com

The FlexLoader M family of modular machine tending application cells for the metals industry is aimed at maximizing flexibility and machine utilization while minimizing lost productivity caused by unforeseen production stoppages. Featuring six different versions, the FlexLoader M family offers a variety of ways to load and unload machines based on the size, shape, and amount of the workpieces being handled. These cells are well-suited for foundries and die casting operations producing multiple types of products in varying quantities.