Mastering industrial switch challenges in artificial intelligence deployments. - The focus of this article is not on GPUs, CPUs, TPUs, or the intricacies of cloud storage. Instead, it looks at another key component of AI: networking infrastructure, and specifically, the hurdles faced when deploying AI with industrial switches. AI is highly dependent on communications from sensors intelligent machines neural networks and other devices with neural networks. Only a high-bandwidth, low-latency neural network built on fast, reliable, and secure Ethernet switches can keep pace with the flow of data and ensure efficient management of the network traffic.

Greater security for OPC Classic communication. - The dataFEED OPC UA Tunnel is a new component of Softing Industrial's dataFEED OPC Suite. It enables easy and secure access to OPC Classic servers across network boundaries and firewalls. A DCOM configuration is no longer required. Configuration of the two tunnel ends is quick and easy using Export/Import.

Multi-site management made easy. - Using MXview One Central Manager software from Moxa, network administrators and OT engineers can automatically consolidate the status and events of all local MXview One sites to a single centralized platform for complete visibility of the network no matter the size or location of the sites. Users leverage the information-packed dashboard, interactive map, reports, and event intelligence to monitor the status of multiple sites, helping them to quickly pinpoint issues, improve uptime, and maximize efficiency.

Particle monitoring. - The new VPC260 6-Channel Particle Counter from Teledyne FLIR, is an innovative solution that sets new standards in particle monitoring technology. The instrument provides unparalleled accuracy, intuitive design, and effortless configuration and control.

IT-OT data convergence. - Seeq Corporation has announced a partnership with Databricks, the data and AI company, that brings a native integration between each company’s platform to simplify access to high quality asset and process data, unify IT and OT data processing and accelerate AI/ML adoption across the industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and energy sectors.

Transmitting data reliably. - Information between different participants, communication protocols are the basis that define different framework conditions of data transfer. A distinction is made here between standardized network protocols such as TCI/IP and data transmission protocols such as HDMI® (High Definition Multimedia Interface) or USB® (Universal Serial Bus). A reliable connection system is always an optimal interaction of three central components: connectors, termination technology and the right cable.

Electrify Everything? - Why would we want to electrify everything if we already have working systems for transportation, buildings, and our commercial and industrial infrastructure? Electrification is expensive and we have already made huge investments in our existing energy infrastructure. (ARC Advisory)

Is data noise in process control degrading performance? - This discussion is part of an occasional series, "Ask the Automation Pros," authored by Greg McMillan, industry consultant, author of numerous process control books, and 2010 ISA Life Achievement Award recipient. Program administrators collected submitted questions and solicits responses from automation professionals.

Static control report. - Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of a "No strings attached” Free ESD Static Control Survey and Report. The written Report provides feedback on existing ESD Control programmes. There is no contract to sign - Inelco Hunter simply asks for the opportunity to quote on any ESD items that would improve the current ESD programme. Inelco Hunter will offer a discount on any Desco ESD products ordered as a direct result of the survey.

Electrical certification simplified. - CertSuite™ is the latest generation of electrical certification software from Megger. The software combines perfectly with the brand new MFT-X1 and you can save yourself hours of operational work as test results can be transferred directly to any test certificate or report via the CertSuite™ App.

Partnership for out-of-the-box integration of pharmaceutical equipment. - iocto has joined the Körber Ecosystem Partner program as a "PAS-X MSI Plug & Produce" partner on certified level. iocto (formerly GFS) supplies pharma companies worldwide with measurement technology, automation, and sensor technology.

Instrument excellence shortlist announced. - The industry has voted, the votes have been counted, and now the 2023 finalists for the Instrumentation Excellence Awards have been announced! These awards, celebrating the best professionals, products, projects and companies from across the test, measurement, sensing and control sectors will be present at a function in London (GB) on the evening of 19th October 2023!

Automation production facility opened in India. - Endress+Hauser has opened a new production building on its campus in Aurangabad (India). This milestone not only underlines the company’s commitment to the region but also reaffirms its continued investment in world-class production and working environments.

Innovative ultrasonic technology enhances portfolio. - A definitive agreement to acquire FLEXIM Flexible Industriemeßtechnik has been announced by Emerson. This company is a global leader in clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement for liquids, gases and steam.

Protection from attacks to substations. - The Moxa OnCell G4302-LTE4 LTE cellular router offers high-speed performance and reliable communication between FTUs and FRTUs at substations, enabling immediate detection of issues or anomalies in the system. Importantly, it also provides protection against potential cyber threats to ensure system security.

Irish-founded Construction, Engineering & Instrumation group acquired by Saudi contracting giant. - Nesma & Partners has signed an agreement to acquire energy services group Kent. The current leadership team will remain in place and operating four existing service lines: consulting; engineering & projects; commissioning, completions & start-up; and Operations & Maintenance. Nesma said the new backing would allow Kent to “double down” on its efforts to address challenges and opportunities in the global energy transition. Completion is anticipated by the end of the calendar year, subject to regulatory approvals, at which point Nesma & Partners will become 100% owner.

How power and automation fusion changes operational resistance into operational resilience through control system modernization. - Automation and control system modernization remains one of the major issues faced by manufacturers. These legacy systems Control System Modernizationoften don’t meet the requirements for cybersecurity protection, or the ability to leverage technologies, such as AI/ML, digital twin, edge computing, cloud computing, advanced process control, predictive and prescriptive analytics, AR/VR, and remote and autonomous operations. End users are primarily concerned with preserving their installed plant assets to reduce risk, prevent or minimize any possible unscheduled downtime, as well as increasing organizational efficiency by consolidating its automation and electrical systems and personnel. (ARC Advisory)

Tailor-made solutions for repetitive tasks and physical strains. - Automation is one way SMEs in the manufacturing sector can stay profitable and competitive in the face of growing labour and skills shortages. However, many SME owners won’t even go there because they assume the cost would be prohibitive. Not so says Kealan O’Connell, who cofounded Nuálach Automation with Evan Roarke in 2021 to overcome this perception and help smaller companies use innovative technologies, such as robots, to sustain and grow their businesses. (Irish Times)

Robotic process automation in cybersecurity. - Robotic process automation (RPA) replicates how someone carries out particular tasks. The technology utilizes software robots to mimic how humans execute their security duties. It can perform them continuously, or whenever a specific variable triggers it, so it has a wide range of applications. (ISA Cybersecurity Alliance)

Anglia Components has appointed Andrew Pockson as Engineering Manager overseeing the whole of its Field Applications Engineering (FAE) team.

Accelerating digital transformation. - The second annual ARC Industrial Digital Transformation Top 25 report continues to highlight companies that are succeeding at integrating digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing the way they operate and deliver value to customers. This year’s Top 25 companies include many who made the list last year, together with some new companies. Positions were reshuffled due to the changing business dynamics and weighting components of the analysis: financial indicators, transformation indicators, and collective community intelligence. Dow invests in accelerating digital transformation, and the company ranks #21 in this year’s report. (ARC Advisory)

What role AR and VR can play in the industrial sector. - Apple's Vision Pro announcement has sparked a renewed interest in the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Looking through the lens of industrial environments, these technologies have already made significant contributions in manufacturing, maintenance, and training processes. In this article, we’ll examine key areas in which they hold potentially transformative power for the industrial sector with input from Hubs’ in-house engineers as well as other industry experts.

CPU system. - The PIP49R-DSO1, a conductive cooled Xeon E-2276 9th generation CPU system from MPL, is designed as dual-solution to fit on a 19” rack. The solution is conductive cooled, requires no fan, and can be operated in an environment of -40°C up to +85°C.

Advances in digital factories. - Mouser Electronics has published a new eBook in collaboration with Analog Devices (ADI) exploring the technological advances in digital factories, including sensors, edge computing, and high-speed industrial communications.

Radiometric Thermal Camera. - Teledyne FLIR has released its much-anticipated Lepton 3.1R, the world’s first radiometric thermal camera module with a 95-degree field of view (FOV), 160 x 120 resolution, and a scene dynamic range of up to 400 degrees Celsius. The 3.1R model maintains the same compact and low-power form factor that made the Lepton family of thermal camera modules the best-selling in the world for mobile, small electronics, and uncrewed systems.

Hygienic diaphragm seal. - WIKA has developed a new diaphragm seal system with IO-Link for sterile processes in intelligent plant systems. The model DSSA11SA is also available with a switch function and on-site status indication.

Speeding new therapies to market. - Emerson has collaborated with Sartorius, the biopharmaceutical company, to natively integrate Sartorius's Biostat STR® with Emerson's DeltaVTM distributed control system (DCS).The Biostat STR Generation 3 for Emerson's DeltaV, a variant of the Biostat STR Generation 3 family, is a pre-engineered solution that delivers intuitive connectivity for accelerating and simplifying the process of bringing therapies that improve patient quality-of-life to market.

Explosion proof servo-motor. - Kollmorgen have announced the ATEX certification and IECEx/cETLus listing for the explosion proof Goldline EBH 480 Vac servo motor. These new explosion proof approvals for the high-voltage Goldline EBH servo motor exemplify Kollmorgen's commitment to advancing the state of the art in motion control and meeting the most demanding application requirements.

Mitigating increased cyber threats. - Schneider Electric have launched a Managed Security Services (MSS) offering to help customers in operational technology (OT) environments address the increased cyber risk associated with the demand for remote access and connectivity technologies.

Isolated Converter. - The Advantech ADAM-4520A robust RS-232 to RS-422/485 Isolated Converter is now available from stock. Featuring an enhanced ruggedised design the ADAM-4520Acan operate in harsh industrial environments and features wide operating wide temperature range and wide-range power inputs with up to 3KV isolation protection.