On its face, there’s lots to like about modular automation. Breaking a production facility into modular units – or modules – is a good way to build, maintain and upgrade production systems. At the same time, it can be very industry specific. In oil & gas, modular automation offers significant savings across the lifecycle of […]
Quantum Computing Insights Using computational analysis, researchers were able to predict the outcome of different elements to pinpoint which materials have the best potential. Predictive technology can be used to efficiently find defects, and is fundamental to the understanding of materials using in semiconductors and could be critical for quantum computing’s future. Creating semiconductors with […]
Learning Objectives Discover the product development challenges that are particularly suited to being solved with artificial intelligence (AI). R&D engineers can use self-learning models or AI to cut months of product development time. Engineers can use machine learning (ML) to discover new insights by exploring more operating conditions to improve product performance and quality. […]
Learning Objectives AI is being applied to improve industrial predictive maintenance. AI deployments have key requirements in industrial applications. Link to an online course from Control Engineering and CFE Media and Technology with more on related topics. Edge Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insights Machine learning can be applied at the edge of applications […]
Learning Objectives Edge computing platform components need to work well together. Cybersecurity, hardware, software and communication are critical aspects of an edge computing platform. Users need to decide whether assembly or acquisition is better when developing an edge computing platform. Edge Computing Insights The modern edge consists of hardware devices running many types of […]
Learning Objectives Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can make decision in place of a human at a higher level. Machine learning is a slower and longer process with a lot of analysis and programming. Using AI/ML can provide new insights and give companies the tools to help facilities run more efficiently. AI […]
Robot Insights A system has been developed to help robot grasp tools and apply the appropriate amount of force for a given task. This system, called Series Elastic End Effectors (SEED), could be useful where there’s uncertainty in an application or particular setting. Tool use has long been a hallmark of human intelligence, as well […]
Learning Objectives Effective alarm management needs a system that provides consistency and context for situations. Tying an alarm management solution to maintenance also helps operators resolve problems before they become an issue. The best alarm solutions are designed with operators and technicians in mind. Process Safety Insights A good process manufacturing facility needs a […]
Duke University engineers have developed a scalable soft surface that can continuously reshape itself to mimic objects in nature. Relying on electromagnetic actuation, mechanical modeling and machine learning (ML) to form new configurations, the surface can even learn to adapt to hindrances such as broken elements, unexpected constraints or changing environments. “We’re motivated by the […]
Control Engineering‘s top 5 content over the past week covered plant instrumentation and controls, Engineering Leaders Under 40, PLC programming, automation mergers and acquisitions and digital twins. Links to each article below. 1. Plant instrumentation and controls: Modernize or maintain? Best project practices: How to achieve successful plant modernization and how to properly prepare for […]