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Modular PLCs combine redundancy and safety

Mitsubishi has announced that its Melsec iQ-R modular PLCs are now available as redundant pairs of controllers for extra reliability. The PLCs also include functions for monitoring and managing safety.

1Gbit I/O modules boost productivity and flexibility

Rockwell Automation has announced a new generation of I/O modules that support real-time, intelligent process control. It says that the Allen-Bradley Flex 5000 I/O platform will lead to smarter, more productive and more flexible industrial control systems.

Welsh IP66 drives make their debut at the Hannover Fair

One of a handful of UK automation companies at the recent Hannover Fair was the Welsh drives-maker Invertek, which launched a range of IP66-protected, outdoor-rated VSDs, as well as a pair of tools for its Optidrive family.

Software helps OEMs to track, monitor and fix machines remotely

Schneider Electric has announced a software platform that lets OEM machine-builders track, monitor and fix their machines remotely, and pass on the benefits to their customers. The EcoStruxure Machine Advisor software is designed to turn data into key insights.

Tool will help OEM machine-builders to sell extended services

Lenze believes it has spotted a gap in the market that will help machine-builders to take advantage of developments such as predictive maintenance and improved productivity, and to market them as services, rather than simply selling hardware. This model requires a secure location where data on machine components can be collected.

Remote monitoring system helps to cut downtime

Eriks has announced an Industry 4.0-compatible condition-monitoring system for remote access to, and predictive maintenance of, critical industrial assets. Called e-Connect, it monitors and gathers data on crucial assets to provide insights into their condition, behaviour and performance. This information can be used to cut the downtime and costs associated with unexpected maintenance and repairs.

Push-in terminals ‘halve wiring times and simplify panels’

Rockwell Automation has announced a family of terminal blocks that, it claims, will improve connections and simplify panel designs. It adds that the Allen-Bradley Bulletin 1492-P push-in terminal blocks will halve wiring times, reduce maintenance and increase the reliability of the connections.

Technology integrates electrical and process data in one view

Rockwell Automation has announced a technology that gives plant operators a single, integrated view of process and electrical system data. Called the IntelliCenter Integration Unit, it combines intelligent electrical distribution devices with a process automation environment. Integrating these elements into a single control and software platform is said to avoid the need for a separate electrical Scada system and to give process and electrical operators a single, unified view of their data.

All-electric actuators ‘out-perform hydraulics’

A US company has developed a maintenance-free electromechnical linear actuator technology that, it claims, offers higher power densities and better reliability than rollerscrew or hydraulic technologies. Massachusetts-based Rise Robotics says that its Rise Cylinder actuators can replace hydraulic systems of all sizes, resulting in quieter, more efficient, all-electric machines.

Sensorless vector control comes to MV drives below 200A

Rockwell Automation has enhanced its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 6000 range of medium-voltage drives by adding sensorless vector control (SVC) for applications up to 200A, as well as introducing new voltage ratings (6.9kV and 11kV) and a standard-efficiency transformer option for the Asia-Pacific market.

Tiny industrial PC has a built-in UPS

At the recent Hannover Fair, Beckhoff unveiled the latest in its series of tiny industrial PCs – this time with an onboard one-second capacitive UPS (uninterruptible power supply), designed to store data in the event of a power failure.

SEW-Eurodrive announces its own encoders and gear oil

At the recent Hannover Fair, SEW-Eurodrive announced that had developed and is manufacturing its own high-resolution encoders for use in its motors, and will also offer own-brand gear oils which, it claims, will improve lubrication and reduce wear.

‘First’ IP54 condition-monitoring kit can be running in a day

Bosch and Harting have collaborated to develop what they claim is the first IP54-protected, plug-and-play condition-monitoring IoT kit for industrial applications. It allows digital condition monitoring to be implemented quickly for of any kind of machinery, without needing any IT expertise. They say that it can be up-and-running within a day.

Power quality meter is ‘world’s most accurate’

Schneider Electric has announced what it claims is the world’s most advanced and accurate power quality meter. It says that the PowerLogic ION9000 is twice as accurate as other meters on the market, opening up new possibilities for energy savings.

Multicore controller processes data at the same time

At the Hannover Fair, Omron has unveiled an industrial controller with a “unique” multicore technology that allows it to execute high-speed data-processing tasks at the same time as performing machine control. The NX1 Series controller can collect synchronised data from sensors, servomotors and other devices in the same fixed cycle time, and can send the data to a host IT system, while maintaining control performance.