HANNOVER MESSE Showcases Latest Generation of Industrial Robots

Robotics Training at Sofcon India Pvt Ltd

Hannover. The world is at the dawn of a new age in industrial robotics. While industrial robots are mostly still large, heavy items of plant designed to rapidly process repetitive tasks from behind safety barriers in big factories, they are now also making their way into smaller factories, where they are more compact and versatile and are able to work alongside their human “co-workers” without any safety barriers. This proliferation of new application areas, coupled with burgeoning worldwide demand, is driving strong growth in robotics sales. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that its members sold around 170,000 industrial robots in 2013, an increase of 12 percent on 2012, and that 2014 is headed for similar growth.

With such a lot happening in the robotics industry, it is imperative that factory owners keep up to date with the latest developments. And there’s no better place to do this than in Hannover, Germany. Marc Siemering, Deutsche Messe’s Senior Vice-President responsible for HANNOVER MESSE: “At HANNOVER MESSE 2015, the world’s leading robot manufacturers will demonstrate that robotics is the key to enhanced competitiveness and flexibility in industrial production. Big names like Fanuc, Güdel and Kuka will be showcasing the latest generation of robots and highlighting the key role played by robotics in the fourth industrial revolution.”

Fanuc will be presenting its latest robotics and control/servo-drive solutions in what will be its first appearance at HANNOVER MESSE since 2003. “We will make extensive use of the fair to profile our multidisciplinary robotics and factory automation technologies,” said Fanuc Germany CEO Olaf Kramm.

Fanuc, Güdel and Kuka will be presenting their products and solutions at HANNOVER MESSE’s Industrial Automation show, as will Comau, Kawasaki, Stäubli, Mitsubishi, Epson, IBG, ABB and several other leading providers of robot-assisted automation technology. Among the innovations on show will be robots that are wonderfully simple to program and feature intuitive touchpad control technology. There will be robots that are capable of taking on a much greater range of tasks than conventional machines thanks to the latest sensor technology. 

ABB, of instance, will be launching YuMi, a two-armed collaborative assembly assistant that can see and feel its way around. Its soft, padded arms ensure that it can interact safely with its human counterparts. Siemering: “These latest robots give factories the flexibility to accommodate today’s steadily growing demand for customer individualization in series production. They are also much more affordable and simpler to program, which puts them within reach of small and medium enterprises.”

The exhibition area at Industrial Automation will be supported by an array of amazing special displays and shows. At the Robotics, Automation & Vision display area, for example, system integrators will demonstrate their applications and solutions for robot-assisted automation in a range of industries. Mobile Robots & Autonomous Systems is another must-see special display. It will feature the latest technologies and innovations in mobile industrial and service robotics.

2015 will also be the fifth time that the ROBOTICS AWARD is offered by the organizers of HANNOVER MESSE. The Award honors companies that develop products, projects and technological advancements that make an innovative contribution to robotics-based solutions in the areas of industrial automation, mobile robots and autonomous systems. Olaf Lies, the Lower Saxony Minister for Economics, Labor and Transportation, with present the winners with their prizes at a special ceremony at the Automation Forum on 14 April 2015.

But before then, there’s the 4th ROBOTICS CONGRESS, which will be held in Hannover on Tuesday 9 December 2014 and will explore current trends in applied robotics. Among the discussion topics will be the move towards robots which are easy to operate and integrate and hence open up new areas of application. One such area is human-machine collaboration – as reflected in the congress’s lead theme of “Human-Robot Collaboration.” The program includes technical presentations and discussions, not to mention keynotes from such notables as Dr. Norbert Elkmann, Director Robot Systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation (Fraunhofer IFF). Dr. Elkmann’s address is titled “Safe Human-Machine Collaboration – Current Developments and Projects.” The congress will be held in the Convention Center (CC) at the Hannover Exhibition Center.

HANNOVER MESSE – Get new technology first!

The world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology is staged annually in Hannover, Germany. The next HANNOVER MESSE will run from 13 to 17 April 2015 and feature India as its official Partner Country. HANNOVER MESSE 2015 will comprise ten flagship fairs: Industrial Automation • Motion, Drive & Automation (MDA) • Energy • Wind • MobiliTec • Digital Factory • ComVac • Industrial Supply • Surface Technology • Research & Technology. The upcoming event will place a strong emphasis on Industrial Automation and IT, Power Transmission and control, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Industrial Subcontracting, Production Engineering and Services and Research & Development.

About Deutsche Messe AG : 

With revenue of 312 million euros (2013), Deutsche Messe AG ranks among the world’s ten largest trade fair companies and operates the world’s largest exhibition center. In 2013, Deutsche Messe planned and staged 119 trade fairs and congresses around the world – events which hosted a total of 41,000 exhibitors and some four million visitors. The company’s event portfolio includes such world-leading trade fairs as CeBIT (IT and telecommunications), HANNOVER MESSE (industrial technology), BIOTECHNICA (biotechnology), CeMAT (intralogistics), didacta (education), DOMOTEX (floor coverings), INTERSCHUTZ (fire prevention and rescue), and LIGNA (wood processing and forestry). With over 1,000 employees and a network of 66 representatives, subsidiaries and branch offices, Deutsche Messe is present in more than 100 countries worldwide.



Source:-http://www.aandctoday.com/newsline/312-hannover-messe-showcases-latest-generation-of-industrial-robots

Aplus Finetek announces EST Grain Temperature/Level Monitoring System

Temperature/Level Monitoring System for use in monitoring grain quality in storage through multiple point temperature measurement within each grain bin.  The product line consists of two sensor cable types, the EST110 temperature monitoring cable and the EST120 temperature/level monitoring cables.  Each use sensing technology to minimize installation costs and maximize performance and value.  Readout via PC-software and a future wall-mounted graphic display/keypad interface.

Monitoring grain temperatures throughout storage bins is an important function to maintain adequate grain quality by detecting insect infestation and mold growth.  The EST110 grain temperature monitoring cables use simple high performance 1-wire digital temperature sensors that can be located at multiple points within a single cable of overall length up to 98.5ft (30m).  The use of these digital sensors simplifies installation as only a single pair of wire is needed from each multiple point temperature cable.  Each cable will connect locally at each bin to our HubLink data processor which provides an easily installed RS485 MODBUS 2-wire connection into the system.  Multiple HubLink units can be daisy-chained with a single 2-wire cable to the PC or operator interface.  Aplus Finetek’s MMS-TLA Series software provides the graphic interface to the entire system.

The EST120 combines multiple point temperature sensing using 1-wire digital sensors with continuous capacitance level measurement to provide an RS485 MODBUS connection into the system with or without HubLink units to the MMS-TLA PC software or the future RCU graphic wall-mounted interface.



Source:-http://www.automation.com/automation-news/aplus-finetek-announces-est-grain-temperaturelevel-monitoring-system

IEC 61131-3-Based Building Automation System

By Bill Lydon, Editor

Beckhoff Automation’s new $8 millionUSA headquarters features a building automation system (BAS) based on Beckhoff‘s own hardware, TwinCAT software, and IEC-61131-3 control logic. The new 44,500 square foot building in Savage, Minnesota opened in May 2013.  During their open house, I toured and reviewed the building automation system with Sree Swarna Potluri, Beckhoff Application Engineer, who was a key team member in the design and implementation of the system.
Potluri explained that the Beckhoff hardware and software provided the ability to freely implement any functions required for the BAS for initial project.  There is also complete flexibility for future enhancements. The system was implemented using Beckhoff’s programmable controllers and software based on IEC 61131-3 and a standard library of building automation functions including lighting control, window shade control, climate control, and energy consumption monitoring. The BAS uses BACnet communication as its backbone plus interfaces to other commonly-used building automation subsystems.

The building is served by seven rooftop units and boilers for hot water heating. Four of the rooftops units serve the warehouse area by supplying air-conditioning and heating. The other three rooftop units (air conditioning only) serve the balance of the building. That same balance of the building is heated with hot water heating coils served by dual boilers with redundant circulating pumps. Potluri explained that each boiler can handle 75% of ‘worst case’ heating design requirements in the event that one fails – an important factor during Minnesota winters.

The building has a weather station on the roof which communicates with the controllers using the Modbus RTU protocol to automatically make temperature adjustments, optimizing HVAC efficiency. The actuators on the Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes are controlled directly from Beckhoff controllers over the Belimo MP-Bus network interface.

Potluri implemented a hot water reset on the boilers based on outdoor temperature and value positions at the heating coils to optimize energy. Nighttime sub-cooling is used in the summer season to take advantage of off-peak electric rates. Building ventilation control is optimized for occupancy based on input from CO² sensors.

Lighting Control:-

The system provides adaptive lighting control for daylight harvesting based on outside natural lighting, time of day schedules, automated window shades, and motion sensors to determine room occupancy. The motion sensors and lighting fixtures are interfaced directly to the Beckhoff controllers using the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) communications network. In this configuration, the Beckhoff controllers are the DALI masters providing fully programmable lighting control.

Sun Blinds:-

The building incorporates automated window blinds for glare control and to reduce heat gain in cooling seasons. Blinds are controlled based on sun position and radiation information from the building’s weather station. The use of automated window blinds is common in other parts of the world and is starting to be implemented in leading new building designs in the United States.

Maintenance:-

The Beckhoff BAS monitors and sends alarms for maintenance information including exceeding runtime limits and faults. Users can be notified with alarms directly on a computer, via email or other means.

User Interface:-

The system can be accessed by any computer that is on the building’s Ethernet network or remotely through the Internet, provided the user has the correct password access rights. The building has Beckhoff CP6607 displays built into walls so occupants (with access privileges) can control functions including lighting, blinds, and temperature. The Beckhoff CP6607 is a panel PC with a 5.7-inch display, 640 x 480 pixel VGA resolution, Compact Flash card slot and a Mini PCI slot.

Wall mounted touch screen computers make it easy to make changes for special situations such as off hour meetings.

Controllers:-

The controllers for the system are three Beckhoff CX5020 Embedded PCs running Windows XP Embedded.  The PC incorporate a 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ Z530 processor that supports hyper threading technology with two virtual CPU cores for more effective execution of software. A key to this application is the freedom to control all aspects of the control program using IEC 6 1131-3.

Beckhoff CX5020 Embedded PC controllers communicate on BACnet mounted in field cabinet with I/O and interfaces to DALI and MP-Bus networks.

After the tour, Potluri introduced Beckhoff’s new BC9191 Building Automation Room Controller which was designed specifically for building automation projects. Unfortunately, the controller was not released in time for use on this project. The BC9191 has dual switched Ethernet ports, RS-485 sub-bus, and the following onboard I/O:

• 3 Digital contact inputs
• 3 Analog Inputs 0-10 volt
• 1 Pt/Ni1000 Analog Input
• 1 Digital 230 VAC, 10 A, relay output
• 3 Relay Outputs 230 VAC, 1 Amp
• 2 Triac Outputs 230 V AC, 1 A
• 2 Analog outputs, 0…10 V

The BC9191 controller also can accommodate additional I/O expansion using Beckhoff I/O modules for a wide range of I/O and interfaces including EnOcean technology, MP-Bus master, DALI/DSI master and power supply, M-Bus master, LON Bus Terminal, and 3-phase power measurement.

BC9191 incorporates controller and I/O for Building Automation

Bottom Line:-

Beckhoff showcased the flexibility and performance of their products for building automation systems in their new USA headquarters.  This is not surprising because their products have been used for this purpose in a number of large projects already. Around the world, Beckhoff controllers and software are used for BAS applications in some interesting buildings including Maple Leaf Square in Toronto, Allianz Arena in Munich, and Microsoft Technology Center in Cologne.
The building automation industry has yet to embrace the openness of the IEC 61131-3 software standard for the type of control that is illustrated in this application.

Building Automation Systems for Process Chillers | Building Automation Engineer Course at Sofcon

This touchscreen PLC is used in a process chiller and allows end users to control a chiller from anywhere in the world with a few clicks of a mouse.

With the growing influence of technology in other verticals such as the automotive industry, chiller manufacturers are embracing technologies that make plant-wide communication more efficient. Today, connectivity is the name of the game.

One emerging trend is the development of machine controls, thereby providing the ability to communicate across different platforms and with a building automation system (BAS). Broadly defined, a BAS is a centralized, interconnected network of hardware and software that monitors and controls the environment in all types of facilities and buildings. These systems control many types of equipment, including chillers, air-handling units, fan coil units and heat pump units.

The Language of Chillers There are three main networking platforms being used in the process chiller automation industry: Modbus. The granddaddy of all building automation system languages, Modbus was originally published by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979. BACnet. This automation language was developed under the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). LonWorks. This language was built on a protocol developed by the Echelon Corp.

With the advent of building automation systems, many functions can be controlled remotely, from lighting and sprinkler systems to security and safety controls. Many buildings can have as many as 10 different systems automating various functions. At its core, a building automation system monitors performance and device functions and alerts when there is a malfunction. It also can reduce energy and maintenance costs. If one has a well-run building automation system in place, energy expenditure can be reduced by maximizing the efficiency of the various pieces of equipment, including the process chiller.
A critical component of a building automation system is the controller. These are small computers used to control process equipment and building functions. Chiller manufacturers, usually slow to embrace technology, are incorporating machine controls into their infrastructure to communicate with these building automation systems. With these units, chillers now have the capability to remotely communicate with the buildings they are housed in. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) integrated with a chiller system can communicate with buildings on behalf of the chiller.
But there is one big challenge with adding BAS connectivity: There are several “languages” being used in industry to “talk” to the equipment installed. A problem occurs when the process chiller is using one language, and the facility is communicating using a different language. Fortunately, translators on the market resolve this problem easily. For instance, one translator known as Babel Buster will translate from Modbus to LonWorks.
With a building automation system and technology equipped with remote access, a technician can communicate with a chiller that is 3,000 miles away. A lot of problems, including overall system failures, can be avoided with this simple communication system.
The emergence of building automation systems has certainly inspired a needed spark in chiller manufacturing. Innovation in this arena is already changing how chiller manufacturers do business. But there are other trends that are impacting the BAS industry itself:

• Wireless technology is quickly replacing traditionally wired infrastructure.
• Consolidation is occurring among BAS manufacturers.
• Controls are becoming a standard part of new equipment being built and brought to the construction site.

In the long run, there are many benefits to having machine controls integrated onto all industrial chillers, from reduction in management and infrastructure equipment costs to time and resource savings.


Source:-http://www.process-heating.com/articles/90435-building-automation-systems-for-process-chillers

IBASE introduces MI981 Mini-ITX Motherboard

December 26, 2014 - IBASE introduces MI981 Mini-ITX Motherboard with an Intel Q87 chipset and the new generation of Intel Core processors.

By integrating the 4th Generation Intel Core processors manufactured on 22nm process technology with 3-D tri-gate transistors, the MI981 provides more excellent computing and graphics performance and enhanced security over earlier platforms built with the 3rd Generation Intel Core processors. High-end graphics capabilities can be experienced with the available display interfaces, including VGA CRT, DVI-D, LVDS and Display Port. TPM version 1.2 helps assure computer platform integrity and iAMT 9.1, when used with a software management application, allows remote system monitoring, upgrading and repairing.

MI981 supports two DDR3-1600 SO-DIMM memory slots for a maximum capacity of 16GB. It provides advanced and essential I/O connections such as six USB 3.0, six USB 2.0, six serial ports, four SATA III ports and two Gigabit Ethernets. Adding expansion cards is made possible by two Mini PCI-E, one mSATA and one PCI-E(16x) slots.

MI981 FEATURES:

• 4th Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3 Processor, up to 4.0GHz
• 2x DDR3-1600 SO-DIMM, Max 16GB
• Supports DVI-D,VGA,LVDS and DisplayPort
• 2x Intel PCI-E Gigabit LAN
• 6x USB3.0, 6x USB2.0, 6x COM, 4x SATA III
• 2x Mini PCI-E slots, 1x mSATA , 1x PCI-E(16x)
• Watchdog timer, Digital I/O, iAMT(9.1), TPM(1.2), iSMART3.0

Happy New Year to All of you | New Year's Day in India

New Year’s Day according to the Gregorian calendar (January 1) is one of the most popular occasions in India. Many people throughout India celebrate this festive occasion with loved ones or in large gatherings.

New Year's Day on January 1 in the Gregorian calendar is celebrated in many countries including India.

©iStockphoto.com/scampdesigns

What Do People do?

People in all parts of India dress colorfully and indulge in fun filled activities such as singing, playing games, dancing, and attending parties. Night clubs, movie theatres, resorts, restaurants and amusement parks are filled with people of all ages.
People greet and wish each other Happy New Year. Exchanging messages, greeting cards and gifts are part and parcel of the New Year celebration. The media covers many New Year events which are showcased on prime channels for most of the day. People who decide to stay indoors resort to these New Year shows for entertainment and fun. The age-old tradition of planning new resolutions for the coming year is a common sight. A few of the most popular resolutions include losing weight, developing good habits, and working hard.
Larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai organize live concerts which are attended by Bollywood stars and other well-known personalities. Large crowds gather to attend such shows, while some individuals prefer to celebrate with their close friends and family members. The fun filled occasion is considered a great opportunity to get closer to the loved ones in your life and to revive contact with lost friends. The idea is to wave goodbye to the year gone-by and welcome the New Year in the hope that it will invite truckloads of happiness and joy in everyone’s life.

Public Life

New Year’s Day on January 1 in the Gregorian calendar is a restricted holiday in India. Individuals can take a limited number of restricted holidays but government offices and most businesses remain open and public transport remains available. Most people are known to report late to work on January 1 due to late night celebrations.
The security is tightened in prime cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore as incidents of molestation and fights have been rising the last few years. The arrival of foreign tourists is at its peak during New Year’s Day on January 1, especially in locations such as Goa which is known to be a favorite tourist destination.

Background

The New Year signifies that the time has arrived to bid farewell to the by-gone year and to welcome the New Year. Traditionally, the New Year was celebrated on the first of March every year. However, this date was switched to January 1 as it is considered to have a more religious significance. With the growth of the western culture across the globe, New Year’s Day on January 1 in the Gregorian calendar has been one of India’s many celebrations. There are different opinions as to when New Year’s Day that falls on January 1 in the Gregorian calendar was first celebrated in India. Some say that it was observed when the British colonized India while others say that its popularity bloomed only after the 1940s.
It is important to note that different calendars are used among different groups in India so the New Year is celebrated at different times, based when it is marked in these calendars. This article is about New Year’s Day in the Gregorian calendar, which is celebrated worldwide and falls on January 1. Other New Year’s dates include Diwali (Hindu calendar).

Symbols

As such there are no materialistic symbols linked with this event in India however one gets to experience the vibrant colors and joyful atmosphere filled with parties, prayers and social feasts. People across India escalate their happiness with good music, dance, crackers and lighting.

About New Year's Day in other countries

New Year's Day Observances

Note: Individuals can take a limited number of restricted holidays but government offices and most businesses remain open. This system gives individuals the flexibility to take time off to celebrate a holiday within India's vast religious and cultural society.

Siemens Ltd. surpasses 100,000 milestone for energy-efficient industrial motors

Siemens Limited announced that it has surpassed a key milestone in manufacturing and delivering International Efficiency (IE) class industrial motors by handing the 100,000th motor to UltraTech Cement Ltd. in Mumbai. This translates to energy savings of 300GWh, which is equivalent to the power required by 80,000 average Indian households for an entire year, since the launch of the motors in January 2012.

• Becomes the first company in India to achieve this distinction for IE motors.
• Energy savings through the use of these motors is 300GWh, which is equivalent to power required by 80,000 average Indian households in an entire year.
• In 2012, Siemens was the first company in India to launch a complete range of locally-manufactured IE2 and IE3 efficiency class energy efficient motors.

 

Mr. Dirk Hoke, CEO, Large Drives, Siemens AG presenting the 100000th Motor to Mr.K.C.Sharma, Vice President E & I Projects, UltraTech Cement Ltd

Siemens Limited was the first company in India to launch locally-manufactured IE2 and IE3 efficiency class energy efficient industrial motors; IE3 is currently the highest efficiency class as recognized by Indian Standards. These motors are capable of offering energy savings of up to 10% depending on the frame sizes when used in place of standard effi-ciency (IE1) motors.

“Energy costs are steadily rising over the last few years and will continue to rise as con-sumption grows. This has compelled industrial units, especially those that rely heavily on processes, to invest in energy-efficient equipment like energy-efficient motors. The IE class energy efficient industrial motors from Siemens help customers improve their business performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and meet environmental regulations. The achievement of this milestone only reiterates the growing awareness and need for such motors by our customers,” says Bhaskar Mandal, Country Division Lead, Process Industries and Drives, Siemens India.

Source:-http://www.aandctoday.com/newsline/317-siemens-ltd-surpasses-100-000-milestone-for-energy-efficient-industrial-motors