EPN Industrial Automation Blog

Tested safety

The partnership between Wind River and Isagraf, announced on SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011, is taking form. The former RTOS company receives know-how on validated SIL 3 solutions while Isagraf's safety software is being integrated in common products.

Machine under forced scrutiny

In industrial systems, machines need to be monitored constantly in order to ensure material stability, system security and personnel safety. The Field Device Technology standard (FDT) takes care of vendor-independent parameterization.

Safe speed

One of the key issues in automation is safety for personnel and material, not least because a production line not interrupted by accidents usually is more productive than the other kind.

Force, Food and Pharmaceuticals

High hygienic standards are crucial in food and pharmaceutical packaging to ensure product quality on the supply chain from the producer to the consumer. So, automation systems for those applications require special provision. A crucial component is the force transducer.

Can you touch a cloud?

What’s more preferable to visit: CeBIT or embedded world 2011? That may have been a relevant question last week, since both trade shows took place quite at the same time last week. Well, that’s somehow hard to decide: It goes without saying that everything at CeBIT 2011 (1 to 5 March) revolves primarily around bits, bytes and innovative technologies, such as new smartphones and tablet computers.

Safety through security

Strangely enough, many serious studies indicate that industrial networks seem to be easier to penetrate than »consumer« networks. Just try scanning the Wifi networks in or around the factory of your choice with your iPhone and log in with »1234« »autumn« or »password«. It works frighteningly often.

embedded world 2011: Virtual Android

The smartphone operating system Android is very versatile, but you wouldn’t want it causing havoc in safety critical systems. However, if you can’t do without and no safer alternative like Blackberry OS or iOS around, virtualization can keep your system clean.

Fly, Eddie, Fly

Oberstdorf is not just a holiday paradise embedded in the Alps of the Allgäu. Here, in this remote southernmost village of Germany you’ll find the famous Heini Klopfer ski jump – a ski flying hill and the second largest ski jump in the world. If you are plucky enough you can ride a unique diagonal elevator to the top of the Heini-Klopfer-Skiflugschanze. Cheer up! Nowadays, Bosch takes care of safety and security at this ski jump.

Profinet now safe

Developing safety-oriented technology is rather cost-intensive and carries a high investment risk which was the reason that companies from the automation industry hesitated for a long time

SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2010: Energy and Safety

Focusing on energy efficiency and Safety/Security, Moxa is going to exhibit products from its railway, public transportation, ITS, marine, factory automation, and power business segments at SPC/IPC/DRIVES in hall 9 stand 221.