Learning Objectives Learn more machine control systems are evolving and being integrated with modern programming languages and increased automation. Understand some of the challenges manufacturers and end users face with these control systems, which are vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. Machine control insights Supply chain challenges, mixed with skilled labor shortages and cybersecurity issues are […]
Material Science Insights A new rubber-like material could aid in the creation of “soft robots” capable of motion without utilizing gears or other hard components. The unusual behavior is produced by a class of materials called liquid crystal elastomers. The material can leap to a height of nearly 200 times its own thickness in six […]
Quantum computing insights Quantum computing has enormous potential for the future, but finding resilient hardware that can connect information nodes has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks for researchers. MIT researchers have developed a quantum computing architecture that will enable extensible, high-fidelity communication between superconducting quantum processors that sends information flowing correctly 96% of […]
In high-consequence risk environments like the nuclear, petrochemical and oil and gas industries, the use of safety, health and environmental (SHE) alarms is a key part of best practice guidelines like the EEMUA 191 standard. One of the key requirements of the EEMUA 191 standard is that critical alarms must be easy to understand, promoting quick […]
Industrial robotics insights Robotics are being used more often in industrial manufacturing facilities due to a rising labor and skills gap and strong industry demand. Trends in the industrial robotics market include increased digitalization and automation and an emphasis on making robots easier to use. Sustainability is a growing trend throughout manufacturing and industrial robots […]
Semiconductor insights MIT researchers have developed a method that could enable chip manufacturers to fabricate ever-smaller transistors from 2D materials by growing them on existing wafers. This technique could help researchers catch up to Moore’s Law by going beyond silicon, which is reaching its plateau, and taking advantage of other materials. This research is part […]
Automation and manufacturing insights Automation and robotics are known for being used in manufacturing applications, but their potential is being realized in other industries such as agriculture, retail and medical. A roundtable discussion of four thought leaders at A3 Business Forum in Orlando emphasized the need for innovation and to be open and transparent with […]
Automation and manufacturing insights Automation is a rapidly growing part of manufacturing that touches nearly all end markets and industries today. Automation can improve real-time decision making, quality control and the ability to predict what will happen next and give manufacturers the insights needed to improve their business. Acceptance is growing, but some companies need […]
Multivariable process control insights Multivariable processes have more than one input or output required for proper control. Examples include distillation columns, reactor control and power systems. The most common automated multivariable control technology is model-predictive control (MPC), which uses dynamic process models to predict future process responses. Rising costs, shrinking margins, and supply chain issues […]
Electronics insights UW-Madison researchers have discovered a crystalline material that is superconducting an ferroelectric, which could have a major impact for future electronic devices in many different applications. This has been a mainstay in general with colleges and universities as they look to find elements and materials that can improve on already existing technology. Much […]