Innovators Behind the Industrial Automation Movement
It’s been 20 years since Beckhoff Automation released EtherCAT. Since then, the industrial Ethernet system has helped set the bar for networking through technical advances and rising markets such as electric vehicle, semiconductor, and robotics manufacturing. With the rapid rate of change brought about by Industry 4.0, the demand to keep up this type of innovation is higher than ever. So, how are companies maintaining pace? Let’s look at updates from both Beckhoff Automation and another automation developer, Banner.
Beckhoff Automation
According to a report on the impacts of smart manufacturing, the global industrial all-in-one computer market is projected to increase by a CAGR of 7.2% by 2030. Fueled by the growing integration of enhanced digitalization and automation as well as transforming conditions, IoT use, and remote reliability, the need for solutions that can handle robust data are essential. The report names Beckhoff as one of the key players in this space.
They demonstrated their automation expertise at the 2023 PACK EXPO with the debut of their Beckhoff Vision portfolio in addition to updates to their automation software. The presentation included demonstrations of how the products integrate generative AI into controls environment in order to benefit packaging and processing in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.
Banner
When discussing industrial settings and manufacturing, it isn’t just automation that’s pertinent. It’s also critical to focus on safety. As explained at Control Engineering Europe, there are several safety devices from emergency stop buttons to light curtains that keep a facility going. Now, they can be tracked unanimously to smooth out tasks.
This is where Banner steps in. With its In-Series Diagnostics, Banner gathers information from a series of tools to notify operators when a safety device has caused a piece of machinery to stop. This streamlines repairs and prevents time loss. Via its cloud data services, Banner also assists with vibration sensors, which can monitor pumps, fans, and many other elements. By providing access to all of the data that stems from these features, operators can utilize the services to detect lubrication issues, misalignments, and more.
Sources
“Beckhoff Celebrates 20 Years of EtherCAT” - Beckhoff, Association for Advancing Automation
https://www.automate.org/news/beckhoff-celebrates-20-years-of-ethercat
“Rising Demand for Smart Manufacturing Drives Explosive Growth in the Industrial All-in-One Computer Market: A 2030 Forecast Analysis | Teguar, Advantech, Beckhoff Automation, Thinlabs” - CDN Newswire, Benzinga
https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/23/09/34487974/rising-demand-for-smart-manufacturing-drives-explosive-growth-in-the-industrial-all-in-one-computer
“Beckhoff showcases vision for Packaging Automation at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023” - Heather Hall, Design World
https://www.designworldonline.com/beckhoff-showcases-vision-for-packaging-automation-at-pack-expo-las-vegas-2023/
“Enhancing machine safety with device-level intelligence” - Control Engineering Europe
https://www.controlengeurope.com/article/198673/Enhancing-machine-safety-with-device-level-intelligence.aspx
“Vibration Sensor Monitoring” - Automation World
https://www.automationworld.com/factory/digital-transformation/article/33008667/vibration-sensor-monitoring