Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

Is Low-Code Software Practical for General Manufacturing Use?

In this discussion with Ray Kok, CEO of Mendix, he explains how the development of common-use templates make it easier for manufacturing operations managers and engineers to create the apps they need without having to depend entirely on IT.

Can Internet of Things Technology Improve Safety?

We connect with Devin Murray of Schmersal USA to learn how IoT technologies can be used with safety applications—from e-stops to safety controllers and sensors—and what manufacturers should look for in connected safety devices.

How Automation Can Increase Industrial Job Satisfaction

This episode looks at how automation technologies are improving industrial workers' satisfaction with their jobs and how employers can help their workers understand that automation should not be viewed as a threat.

What Are LiDAR Sensors?

In this episode, we connect with Aaron Rothmeyer from Sick USA to learn about LiDAR sensors, how they differ from other sensors commonly used in the manufacturing industries, how the 2D and 3D images they produce are used, why they're widely used on autonomous mobile robots and how they can be used in quality control operations.

What is a Smart Factory?

Automation World connects with Heather Cykoski, senior vice president of industrial and process automation at Schneider Electric, to learn more about what constitutes a smart factory, how the concept is advancing at manufacturing facilities across the globe, its connection to digital transformation initiatives and the biggest challenges manufacturers face when seeking to become a smart factory.

Why Are Industrial Automation Companies Embracing Nvidia Technologies?

In this episode, we’ll be looking at how Nvidia’s graphics and artificial intelligence technologies are impacting industrial automation on a large scale via collaborations with Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and Aveva, Siemens, and Teradyne Robotics via its Universal Robots and MiR businesses.
 

What is FDT?

In this episode, we connect with Steve Biegacki of the FDT Group to get a better understanding of the FDT open standard industrial device communication technology, how it's used across industry, the FDT Group's work with OPC Foundation and what end users should know about the FDT technology in their automation devices.

Cloud Computing Isn’t as Dependent on Cloud Platforms as You Might Think

In this episode we look at the growing use of cloud computing in industry and the surprising, but erroneous post from Microsoft that it was planning to discontinue a key component in its cloud platform. Feedback from industrial automation technology suppliers explains why deprecations of cloud applications by the cloud platform providers will likely not impact the cloud applications you use from them.

How to Apply OEE for Maximum Effect

In this episode, we connect with Jim Toman of system integrator Grantek to explain the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) formula, how to calculate it for a typical manufacturing line, how to apply the results to improve production operations, and why the long-standing OEE metric continues to be relevant in the age of new and advancing industrial optimization technologies.

Are Robots Taking Too Many Jobs?

Automation World Editor in Chief David Greenfield was recently invited to appear on Southern California Public Radio's LAist AirTalk program to discuss the realities around the impact of increasing automation use—particularly robots—on industry's workforce. Also featured in this discussion is Ben Armstrong, executive director of MIT’s Industrial Performance Center.