Man & Machine: Are Robotics in Manufacturing for Everyone? The disadvantages of robots Industry giants like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Boeing, and Tesla have attempted to incorporate high levels of automation into their production lines. The goal of this action was to improve business processes. However, these attempts have sometimes led to unforeseen automation challenges. As well as a reversion to more manpower-reliant processes. Mercedes-Benz Group withdrew Sindelfingen factory assembly line robots in 2016 due to difficulty meeting rising demands for vehicle customization. Markus Schaefer, then head of production, remarked that humans had to play a more significant part in industrial processes again. Especially to cater to the variety and pace of changes. Similarly, in 2014, Toyota phased out robotics in key production areas. Emphasising the need for skilled workers to pinpoint problem areas. In both instances, the importance of flexibility and the balance between man and machine were clear. In aerospace manufacturing, a major setback occurred in the summer of 2019 when Boeing's 777 fuselage production automation system failed. Despite its new approach, the system took too long to set up and was inaccurate. Which, eventually led Boeing to revert to more traditional methods involving human machinists. Are Robots Right for Me? Given these experiences, one might wonder: are robotics the right fit for my production line? The answer lies in the complex balance between human workers and intelligent robots. When looking into automation, it's important to first look at your current setup and figure out what needs to be done for merging. Consider factors such as the need for product customisation, process flexibility, and production speed. Robots can improve efficiency and precision greatly, but they can't replace the problem-solving and flexibility of human workers. Most of the time, the best results come from mixing human knowledge with the efficiency of robots in a way that is specific to the operation. In conclusion, robots aren't always the solution for every manufacturing application. However, they can undoubtedly play an essential role when employed judiciously and harmoniously. As we advance into the future, finding the right blend of man and machine will remain a critical task. ABB 086384-001 ABB 086339-001 ABB 086387-001 ABB 086349-001 ABB HIEE305120R0001 ABB 086351-001 ABB 086362-001 ABB 086385-001 ABB 086363-002 ABB 086318-001 ABB 57310001-MP ABB UNS0868A ABB 57310001-LM ABB 086363-002 ABB 57310001-PK ABB 086351-001 ABB PSD604 ABB HIEE205014R0001 ABB HIEE205012R0001 ABB HIEE300766R0001 GE IS220PAICH2A GE IS220PDOAH1A GE IS220PDIAH1A GE IS220PTCCH1A GE IS220PTURH1A GE IS220YDIAS1A GE IS220PDIOH1A GE IS220PRTDH1A GE IS220PRTDH1A GE IS220PSCAH1B GE IS220PAICH1A GE IS200SRTDH2A GE IS200STCIH4A GE IS200ESYSH2A GE IS215REBFH1BA GE GGN32L4XXMFXXXX 3200A GE IS220PRROH1A GE IS220PSVOH1A GE IS220PTURH1A GE IS200SPROH1A Triconex 3007 Triconex 300...

Three automation start-ups to watch While there are many challenges to contend with, there’s a range of automation start-ups who are developing technology to improve manufacturing processes. So, what start-ups are out there? Realtime Robotics Collaborative robotics is becoming essential to the manufacturing industry as we must develop technology that can work alongside humans and other robots. To meet this demand, Realtime Robotics is developing its RapidPlan processer that combines a motion planning accelerator (MPA) with a software-based roadmap. The aim is to enable robots to detect and operate safely alongside human employees, and this is particularly beneficial in manufacturing environments that require both. “Our collision-free motion planning solutions allow robots to perform safely in dynamic, unstructured, and collaborative workspaces, while instantaneously reacting to changes as they occur,” explained Peter Howard, CEO at Realtime Robotics. Kossow Robots Another collaborate robotics start-up is Copenhagen-based Kossow Robotics. The company develops 7-DOF collaborative robotic arms, each with their own built-in torque sensors to detect force and stop the robots if they’re being overloaded. Kassow Robots are constantly developing their range, and they’re all operated using a basic tablet-like process that anybody can use. Their products can be used for picking, placing, machine tending and even labelling tasks. Wandelbots Founded at the Technical University of Dresden in 2017, Wandelbots is developing a suit covered in sensors that allows the user to program actions for robots to replicate. The software backend tracks the user’s motions to live-control the robots. This allows manufacturers to move goods around warehouses and reduce the burden on human employees. “We are providing a universal language to teach those robots in the same way, independent of the technology stack,” said Christian Piechnick, CEO at Wandelbots. 140CPS11100 140CPS11100 140CPS21400 140CPS21400 140XBP00600 140XBP00600 140ACO13000 140ARI03010 140ARI03010 140ARI03010 140CPU43412U 140CRP93100 140CRP93100 140DAO84000 140DAO84000 140DDI84100 140DDO84300 1756-OB16D 1756-OB16E 1756-RMC10 1756-RMC10 1768-EWEB 1768-L43S 1768-MO4SE 1786-RG6 1786-RG6 1756-L61 1786-TPS 1786-TPS 1786-TPS 1756-EN2F 1756-IA16 1756-IA16I 1756-CNB HIEE205014R0001 HIEE205012R0001 HIEE300766R0001 HIEE300910R0001 HIEE401481R0001 HIEE300900R0001 HIEE205011R0002 HIEE305089R0001 HIEE300661R0001 HIEE300936R0101 3BHB002916R0101 3BHE037864R0101 3BHE024855R0101 3BHB000652R0101 HIEE300661R0001 DS200TCRAG1AAA DS200TCCAG1AHB We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311

Difference between PLC, PAC and IPC PLCs have many advantages compared to previous technology and are rugged and reliable. However, they have a single microcontroller and therefore limited logic capacity. This makes them unsuitable for complex applications that require motion control, which can be achieved only by adding separate modules to the PLCs or by using a hybrid system with one or several PLCs and an industrial PC. As a consequence, PLCs are ideal for smaller automation projects in which simple tasks are performed. PACs offer in fact the same advantages of a hybrid system but without the added hardware. They mount two or more microcontrollers and have a more sophisticated logic system than a PLC. As a result, they can operate in multiple domains such as motion, discrete and process control using a single platform. They also provide better integration with SCADA, which allows them to manage complex industry-specific instructions. Industrial PCs appeared on the market in the 1990s, allowing users to run PLC-style applications on a regular PC operating system. The first IPCs were not rugged enough to withstand harsh plant environments and their operating systems had serious stability issues, but more recent versions have tackled these problems and are now successfully used in larger applications, alone or in combination with one or more PLCs. However, if in the 1990s it seemed that IPCs were about to take over, it is now clear that PACs are leading the field. Which one is best for you? PACs combine the functionality and reliability of a PLC with the processing capability of an IPC, which is why they are now the preferred type of controller in many manufacturing plants. One single PAC can replace several PLCs or a hybrid system and offer the added advantage of having all applications running in one single controller. However, the rule of thumb when choosing a controller is that the size of its capabilities should match the size of your automation project. In other words, there’s no need to invest in a PAC or a hybrid system if your automation needs can be handled by a traditional PLC. Ultimately, if you choose the appropriate controller for your application’s size and plan some room for expansion, you will be able to work with it efficiently for decades. 1746-IC16 1747-SCNR 1747-SCNR 1747-SCNR 140DAI74000 140DAI74000 1768-M04SE 1768-PB3 140NRP95400 MA0329001 MA0329001 490NRP25300 MA0186100 MA0186100 140CPS11100 140CPS11100 140CPS21400 140CPS21400 140XBP00600 140XBP00600 140ACO13000 140ARI03010 140ARI03010 140ARI03010 140CPU43412U 140CRP93100 140CRP93100 140DAO84000 140DAO84000 140DDI84100 1746-A13 1746-IV16 1746-NIO4V 1746-OA16 1756-OB16D 1756-OB16E 1762-IQ8 1762-L24AWA 1762-OA8 1762-OB8 1766-L32AWA 1769-L33ERM 1769-OB32T 1769-OW8 1769-PA2 We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311

A bit of history: the emergence of PLCs PLCs started to be used in the late 1960s in automotive manufacturing and soon spread to other sectors where continuous process is required, such as electronics assembly, food and beverage—for example in bottling and packaging facilities—and the pharmaceutical industry. PLCs were introduced to substitute hardware-based relay racks, which had the disadvantage of taking up a lot of space, consuming massive amounts of electricity and being very expensive to set up and maintain. In fact, before the introduction of PLCs, whenever the production process had to be modified thousands of relays were manually re-wired, an expensive and time-consuming process. The first PLC, the Modular Digital Controller (Modicon), allowed to replace manual rewiring with software program changes. It was designed to be programmed in a ladder logic, which was similar to the diagrams of relay logic it was replacing, making the transition from relays to PLCs easier to engineers and manufacturers. PLCs started to be commonly used in industrial applications during the 1970s and early 1980s and since then they have undergone substantial improvements. These include reduced size, expanded memory and increased processing power. Today’s PLCs can be very powerful controllers and remain the basic building blocks for small automation projects. DS200TCQCG1AFC DS200DTBAG1AAA DS200QTBAG1ACB DS200QTBDG1AAA DS200PTBAG1ABA DS200CTBAG1ACC DS200TBQAG1ABB DS200DTBBG1AAA DS200TBCAG1AAB DS200TBQDG1AFF DS200TBCBG1AAA DS200TBQCC1AAA DS200CTBAG1ADD DS200DTBBG1ABB DS200DTBDG1ABB DS200QTBAG1ADC DS200DTBCG1AAA DS200TBQBG1ACB DS200TBQCG1ABB DS200SDCIG1AFB 07BT62R1 07EA63R1 07EB62R1 07KP60R101 07KP90 07KR51 07KR91 GJR5250000R0101 07KT94 07KT97 WT97 07NG61R1 07PS62R2 07SK90R1 07ZE61R302 GJV3074321R302 07ZE63R302 2012AZ10101B 35AE92A 3BSE003879R1 3HAC14551-2 3HNM09846-1 3HNP04014-1 IC693CPU364 IC693MDL330 IC693MDL646 IC693PBS105 IC697ALG320 IC697ALG321 IC697BEM711 IC697BEM713 IC697BEM733 IC697CHS750 IC697CMM741 IC697CPU731 IC697CPU772 IC697CPU782 IC697CPX772 IC697CPX935-FD IC697MDL240 IC697MDL250 IC697MDL350 IC697MDL653 We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311

How small manufacturers can implement digital technologies Industrial digitalisation offers huge benefits to manufacturers — not only could it increase profits within a company, but also improve productivity by 25 per cent. However, the cost, risk, complexity and lack of applicable digital skills make it hard for smaller manufacturers to implement this revolutionary change. So, how can small manufacturing companies keep up with the competition? With many businesses feeling the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic instability over the last couple of years, it has become clear that those that can adapt and respond quickly to changes are the ones with tools and processes that are flexible to change, digital tools offer that flexibility. There are many tips on how small manufacturers can overcome these obstacles, such as starting small and focusing on the small changes the business can make instead of the large, expensive and burdensome projects that can take years to make a profit. For example, companies can buy low cost cobots like the Automata six-axis cobot arm for £5,000 or they can retrofit sensors on legacy equipment to keep costs lower. Implementing many small digital changes can have the impact of one large change without the added challenges that come with larger projects, such as integration issues, added training and extra maintenance. The solution on a shoestring Digital manufacturing on a shoestring is said to be a low risk, low-cost approach to digital solutions. To create this programme, McFarlane's team surveyed and classified low-cost technologies that they then organized into a set of 59 digital solution areas that can be reused, adapted and combined. Some of the solutions in this programme include consumer-grade microcomputers, like the Raspberry Pi, and low-cost sensors. These low-cost alternatives can be placed in an industrial-proof casing, protecting them from the factory environment in a cheaper way. Using this programme, 14 industry partners have successfully started or completed a pilot with a Shoestring solution, giving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Although industrial digitalisation may be difficult for small businesses to implement, it is not impossible. With helpful tips and low-cost alternatives available, it is time for all manufacturing companies to move into industry 4.0. IS220PRROH1A IS220PSVOH1A IS220PTURH1A IS200SPROH1A IS200TSVCH1A IS200TSVCH1A IS200TTURH1C DS200UPSAG1A DS200TCPAG1A DS200TBQDG1A DS200PTBAG1B DS200TBQCG1A DS200EXPSG1A DS200TBQBG1A DS200TCCAG1B DS200TCDAH1BHD DS200TCDAG1A DS200SHVIG1B DS200SLCCG3A DS200TCTEG1A ABB 086384-001 ABB 086339-001 ABB 086387-001 ABB 086349-001 ABB 086351-001 ABB 086362-001 ABB 086385-001 ABB 086363-002 HIEE205014R0001 HIEE205012R0001 HIEE300766R0001 HIEE300910R0001 HIEE401481R0001 HIEE300900R0001 HIEE205011R0002 HIEE305089R0001 HIEE300661R0001 HBHE013940R0002 HIEE300698R0001 HIEE305120R0001 6SN1123-1AA00-0HA1 6SN1123-1AA00-0AA2 6SE7090-0XX84-0AD1 6S...

Communicating an automation project Manufacturers are increasingly investing in robotics to automate tasks such as welding, packing, dispensing, cutting and handling. Developments in robotics, industrial vision and cobots are opening new opportunities for companies to apply automation to mass production processes. As well as this, businesses operating high-mix, low-volume production environments looking to incorporate lean manufacturing principles can see a powerful business case for automation. While the benefits of automation to the bottom line of the business are clear, the benefits to employees may be more shrouded in doubt. Though an increase in automation means that job roles are changing, rather than lost, concerns around job security could potentially threaten employee support for an automation project. In the 2019 Annual Manufacturing Report, Cara Haffey, Industrial Manufacturing and Automotive Leader at PWC, highlighted the need for clear and strong leadership in automation. Manufacturing managers are leading the charge towards automation and as part of this, must remember to minimise the risk of miscommunication about the impact of automation on their employees. ABB 086384-001 ABB 086339-001 ABB 086387-001 ABB 086349-001 ABB UNS0868A-P HIEE305120R0001 ABB 086351-001 ABB 086362-001 ABB 086385-001 ABB 086363-002 ABB 086318-001 ABB 57310001-MP ABB UNS0868A ABB 57310001-LM ABB 086363-002 ABB 57310001-PK ABB 086351-001 ABB PSD604 HIEE205014R0001 HIEE205012R0001 HIEE300766R0001 HIEE300910R0001 HIEE401481R0001 HIEE300900R0001 HIEE205011R0002 HIEE305089R0001 HIEE300661R0001 HBHE013940R0002  UNS0866B-P HIEE300698R0001 DS200SDCCG5AHD DS200TCOBG1AEB DS200TCQRG1RFC DS200TCEAG28TF DS200TCQCG1AFC DS200DTBAG1AAA DS200QTBAG1ACB DS200QTBDG1AAA DS200PTBAG1ABA DS200CTBAG1ACC DS200TBQAG1ABB DS200DTBBG1AAA DS200TBCAG1AAB DS200TBQDG1AFF DS200TBCBG1AAA DS200TBQCC1AAA DS200CTBAG1ADD DS200DTBBG1ABB DS200DTBDG1ABB DS200QTBAG1ADC DS200DTBCG1AAA DS200TBQBG1ACB DS200TBQCG1ABB DS200TBCBG1AAA DS200TBQCG1AAA DS200TBQDG1ACC DS200DTBBG1AAA DS200TCQCG1A 1783-BMS10CL 1783-BMS20CA 1783-BMS20CGL 1783-BMS20CGN 1783-BMS20CGP 1783-BMS20CL 1783-BMS10CA 1783-BMS10CGL 1783-BMS10CGN 1783-BMS10CGP 1783-US16T 1783-US5T 1783-US8T 1769-L24ERQB1B 1769-IQ16 1769-PB4 1769-OB16 1769-L30ER 1769-L24ERQBFC1B 1769-L33ER 1769-OF2 1769-SDN 81001-450-52-R 81001-451-82-R 1756-IF16H 2198P031 2198P141 2198208 We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311

The role of machine learning in industry Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) where computers independently learn to do something they were not explicitly programmed to do. They do this by learning from experience — leveraging algorithms and discovering patterns and insights from data. This means machines don’t need to be programmed to perform exact tasks on a repetitive basis, they can independently identify and correct any errors in a process. Machine learning is rapidly being adopted across several industries — according to Research and Markets, the machine learning market is predicted to grow to $8.81 billion by 2022, at a compound annual growth rate of 44.1 per cent. One of the main reasons for its growing use is that businesses are collecting Big Data, from which they need to obtain valuable insights. Machine learning is an efficient way of making sense of this data, for example the data sensors collect on the condition of machines the factory floor. As the market develops and grows, new types of machine learning will emerge and allow new applications to be explored. However, many examples of current machine learning applications fall into two categories; supervised learning and unsupervised learning. It’s no longer just humans that can think for themselves — machines, such as Google’s Duplex, are now able to pass the Turing test. Manufacturers can make use of machine learning to improve maintenance processes and enable them to make real-time, intelligent decisions based on data. 1783-BMS10CL 1783-BMS20CA 1783-BMS20CGL 1783-BMS20CGN 1783-BMS20CGP 1783-BMS20CL 1783-BMS10CA 1783-BMS10CGL 1783-BMS10CGN 1783-BMS10CGP 1783-US16T 1783-US5T 1783-US8T 1769-L24ERQB1B 1769-IQ16 1769-PB4 1769-OB16 1769-L30ER 1769-L24ERQBFC1B 1769-L33ER 1769-OF2 1769-SDN DS200DTBDG1ABB DS200QTBAG1ADC DS200DTBCG1AAA DS200TBQBG1ACB DS200TBQCG1ABB DS200TBCBG1AAA DS200TBQCG1AAA DS200TBQDG1ACC DS200DTBBG1AAA DS200TCQCG1A DS200SDCCG5AHD DS200TCERG2BTF 531X306LCCBEG3 531X306LCCBCG3 DS200TCPSG1AME GEN450B-003 DS200DTBAG1AAA DS200TBQCG1AAA DS200QTBAG1ADC DS200TBQAG1ABB DS200QTBAG1ACB DS200CTBAG1ACC 3BHE014967R0002 3BHE014967R0001 3ADT309600R0002 3BHE003855R001 3ADT309600R0012 3BHE006422R0001 3BHE009319R0001 3BHB005922R0001 HIEE305106R0001 3BHB006338R0001 SPCD3D53 3BHE004059R0001 HIEE305098R0001 HIEE305120R0002 HIEE405246R0002 SC510 3BSE003832R1 MB510 3BSE002540R1 CI532V02 3BSE003827R1 CS513 3BSE000435R1 TC520 3BSE001449R1 PM511V16 3BSE011181R1 PU515A 3BSE032401R1 We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311

Cutting Coal Sustainability Reducing demand from electric motors The average fixed speed electric motor has two settings, on and off. This is because the motor is driven by electricity at a set frequency, meaning the only way to adjust the speed is with a brake, be that mechanical or electrical. As a result, motors waste a lot of energy. Considering that about a quarter of electricity produced worldwide is used to drive industrial electric motors, even a small increase in efficiency promises tangible benefits. One option to change this is a variable speed drive (VSD), which adjusts the speed of a motor by varying the power supplied dependent on the speed required. Predictive maintenance If maintenance is not done proactively, manufacturers may find their equipment running at low efficiency. In heat-sensitive industries such as baking or metalworking, the oven or furnace would then take additional energy to heat, increasing energy usage. By collecting and analysing data from sensors on equipment in a facility, manufacturers can predict when parts will fail and plan maintenance to minimise disruption. Consider refurbished Recently there’s been quite an emphasis placed on single-use plastics, their effect on the oceans and what can be done to combat the issue. Admittedly, an electric motor is unlikely to be discovered bobbing around the Pacific, but the concepts of reuse, recycling and the circular economy can happily be applied to industrial settings. Just like the plastic bottle, if we can reuse refurbished parts then all the energy and materials needed to manufacture of a new part can be saved. Why splash out on purchasing the latest factory-fresh model if a previous configuration does the job just as well? It seems like an obvious question to ask, but unless you’re organised it can be difficult to get hold of the right part. With a little bit of groundwork and a relationship with a reliable automation equipment supplier, you can spot where using refurbished or obsolete parts can benefit both you and the planet. DS200SDCCG5RHD DS200TCQCG1BKG DS200TCQEG2AED DS200SLCCG3RGH DS200TCEAG2BTF DS200TCQCG1AHD DS200TCQAG1BHF DS200SDCCG5AHD DS200TCPSG1ARE IS200VVIBH1CAB DS200TCDAH1BHD DS200TCCBG1BED DS200TCQAG1AFC F31X301DCCAPG1 DS200TCEAG1APB DS200TCQBG1AEB DS200TCPDG1ADC DS200TCQBG1BBA DS200TCQCG1BJF 531X301DCCAGG2 DS200TCEBG1BAA DS200TCDAH1BHE DS200TCDAH1BHD DS200TCQRG1AFC DS200TCCAG1BAA DS200TCEAG1BTF DS200TCQCG1RJD DS200TCQFG1ACC DS200SLCCG3AGH DS200TCCAG1BAA DS200TCRAG1ABB DS200TCEAG2BTF DS200TCCBG1AKC DS200TCTGG1AFF DS200TCCAF1ADD DS200TCEAG1AGB DS200TCQBG1AGB DS200TCDAH1BGD DS200TCQAG1ADC DS200TCEAG2BTF DS200TCRAG1AAA DS200TCEBG1AAB DS200TCQAG1AFC DS200TCPSG1ARE DS200TCDAG1ADA We still have a lot of PLC/DCS/ESD/TSI automation spare parts module in stock, contact us quickly for prices. +86 18030235311 jessica01235483 info@apterpower.com hu18030235311