Learning Objectives Learn how automation can help achieve social, environmental and governance (ESG) goals. Discover methods for using automation to improve material usage, improve worker safety and streamline compliance. Explore more information on the link between automation and ESG goals in a recent ISA position paper. Automation and sustainability insights In addition to improving productivity, efficiency and profitability, automation technology can significantly improve an organizations’ ability to meet its sustainability goals. A new position paper from the International Socie ..read more

Learning Objectives: Understand what technologies should be integrated into manufacturing automation and robotic processes Review current, available Industry 4.0 technology trends Learn the needed competences to complete a robotics and automation risk assessment Quickly establish Industry 4.0 relevance to advanced manufacturing Digital manufacturing incorporates smart machines and robotics into smart factory environments that enable integrated systems, to support connectivity and traceability, while driving production based on a cyber-physical infrastructure. To thrive within the Industry 4 ..read more

  Learning Objectives Review how OPC Foundation provides the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) basic information model. Understand that a unified data layer for operational technology has five basic functions. Examine benefits that out-of-the-box unified operational technology data layer software can provide to OT, IT and cloud resources. Unified data layer insights OPC Foundation provides the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) basic information model. A unified data layer for operational technology use should have five basic functions. Unified operational technology data layer softwar ..read more

Control Engineering most-viewed articles online about machine and process safety stories published in the last year include stories on electrical safety for machines, removing IT/OT barriers, edge machine safety solutions and more. Also: See additional machine safety and process safety stories. 1. Addressing electrical safety hazards Considering newer products and technologies can improve personnel safety, especially when combined with a “design for safety” approach and appropriate automation. 2. Removing IT/OT barriers to ensure plant floor safety, operational integrity Securing industrial co ..read more

  Learning Objectives Understand automation capabilities now versus the future and how demands are changing industrial automation innovations. Explore how future automation systems to help share best practices. Learn how Rockwell Automation offers training and new technologies with its partners at Automation Fair in Boston, Nov. 6-9, 2023. Rockwell Automation Fair: Future automation insights Rockwell Automation chief technology officer discusses automation capabilities now versus the future and how demands are changing industrial automation innovation. Future automation systems can he ..read more

  Learning Objectives Understand how energy management challenges include cost, security and sustainability, though an upgraded energy management calculator can help. Learn about how energy and emission savings potential for industrial sustainability need to be identified to produce successful use cases. Review training and new technologies Rockwell Automation offers with its partners at Automation Fair in Boston, Nov. 6-9, 2023, including in sustainability. Rockwell Automation Fair sustainability insights Energy management challenges include cost, security and sustainability, though ..read more

Industrial manufacturing insights Training, collaboration, and technology partnerships are crucial for the future of industrial operations, emphasizing the importance of empowered and skilled frontline workers. Sustainability, facilitated by digital twins, plays a pivotal role in manufacturing efficiency, allowing companies to simulate processes, optimize operations, and respond swiftly to market demands. Generative AI is emerging as a transformative force in manufacturing, promising to enhance worker tasks, increase job satisfaction, and revolutionize frontline work processes. Rockwell Auto ..read more

Global manufacturing insights The Interact Analysis Manufacturing Industry Output (MIO) Tracker predicts a slight dip in global manufacturing industry output in 2024, followed by an uptick in 2025, contingent on appropriate fiscal policies and stimulus initiatives. The automotive industry is expected to outperform other sectors, with the on-highway industry in the Americas projected to experience a significant growth rate of 15.4% in 2023. The semiconductor & components industry is anticipated to bounce back in 2024 after facing challenges due to over-stock issues. Stability is returning ..read more

Artificial intelligence (AI) insights Many companies are adopting AI in industrial automation, but 61% of AI projects lack metrics to evaluate success. The key is to focus on business outcomes like productivity enhancement and cost reduction when implementing AI. If artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t already a part of your industrial automation environment, it likely will be in the near future. Newly released research by CFE Media and Technology, covered in the Bridging the Gap Video/Podcast Series, took a closer look at how AI is impacting industrial automation. In the second episode, we co ..read more

Learning Objectives Explore audience questions from a Control Engineering webcast on new SCADA features and functions. Review additional audience questions related to situational awareness, cybersecurity and more. SCADA Insights Interest and investment in SCADA systems has grown in the era of Industry 4.0 While SCADA system upgrades offer end-users many clear benefits, barriers still exist to justifying and completing new implementations. A variety of SCADA innovations offer operators further benefits and improve user-experience. From its inception, Industry 4.0 has emphasized the pursui ..read more