A closer look at the opportunities, challenges and real-world examples of integrating the IoT into machine condition monitoring. The ultra-internet of things (IoT) has created a surge of new interest in machine condition monitoring solutions. The confluence of better and cheaper sensors, broader connectivity, more sophisticated analytics, less expensive storage and multi-cloud technology has opened […]
Condition monitoring with non-destructive vibration analysis is experiencing accelerated development due to several factors. Industrial and marine installations are increasingly interconnected by industry standard TCP-/IP-based networks. Wireless data transmission is becoming cheaper and much faster. Storage of large data volumes is no longer costly and engineers and technicians are used to working with intuitive mobile […]
The argument has been heard may times that control systems are already configured to detect out-of-bound signals – why add another software function to perform condition monitoring? To best defend the value of software-based condition monitoring is to reference examples where software-based condition monitoring models provided early warning of deteriorating performance. All the cases below, […]
“When we design machines for a connected world, the traditional engineer’s toolbox can look rather empty. A new set of manufacturing and construction tools is needed to meet the new realities of software-driven products which are fuelled by digital disruption.” This is the view of Matthew Mikell, Watson internet of things portfolio manager at IBM. […]
Wireless-based identification using radio-frequency identification (RFID) is one of the key technologies for smart production processes suitable for Industry 4.0. A highly automated, highly flexible and closely networked industrial production requires efficient technologies for identifying systems, tools, workpieces and products. Due to its specific benefits, wireless-based RFID identification technology stands out in comparison to alternative solutions […]
Have you ever wondered how difficult life would be without standards? Consider the importance of standards in everyday lives. Standards make these and many more things possible. When a person brings an electric adaptor on an international trip, electrical standards make it possible to plug in a computer or electric shaver at any hotel around […]
Model predictive control (MPC) is a technology that has proven itself in the refining and petrochemical industries. More recently, the method has been successfully employed in the minerals sphere [1]. The combination of real-time control and optimisation yields large benefits for the operation. The fact that the technology is based on a model of a […]
Combilo, a leading fruit and vegetables wholesaler in the Netherlands, recently installed a new robot-assisted packaging line and increased productivity by 30%. The new packaging line includes pick-and-place robots with in-built vision systems. This article details what components were used, and how the new system works. Combilo specialises in the import, export, packing, storage, shipment, […]
The interest and use of robotic process automation (RPA) has rapidly increased to support repetitive, labour-intensive and transactional business processes. For many enterprises, RPA has emerged as a best-fit alternative to making huge IT investments in order to make business processes more efficient. Recent studies have found that the service delivery automation (SDA) software market […]
Service technicians in the field of electrical engineering receive advanced training based on the latest standards at the Limtec+ Training Centre in Diepenbeek, Belgium. More than 2000 participants attend these training courses each year. The advanced building automation platform in the new training building, which was completed in 2017, reflects the principles of Industry 4.0 […]
