TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK
CONNECTIVITY A LOOK INTO THE PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS SHAPING THE MARKET
DIGITAL
SUPPLEMENT TO
. "$ ) * / & % &4*( / t 4:45& . 4 t 5&$ ) / 0 -0( :
Technology handbook
connectivity
Making dollars and sense: Connectors more popular than ever
F
ew industrial innovations have weathered the years as well as rectangular connectors. Invented by Wilhelm Harting in 1950, rectangular connectors are in greater use than ever, an indispensible part of machine and plant design. The HARTING Technology Group, still owned and managed by Harting’s descendants, is the world leader in heavy duty industrial connectivity. Equipment manufacturers continue to switch from point-to-point (hard) wiring to connectorbased cable assemblies to improve their unit costs and productivity. Switching is particularly compelling where electrical connections are undone and redone after fabrication, be it to transport and assemble the machine in the field, or for maintenance. Disconnecting and reconnecting hard-wiring is labor intensive and expensive while connectors are basically plug and play. Connector-based cable assemblies can be pre-assembled and pre-tested, saving on materials and reducing the risk of wiring errors once the machine is ready for testing. They take up less space inside the machine, giving designers more flexibility. Most rectangular connectors are modular and user-configurable. HARTING launched the concept of user-defined modularity in the early 1990s with its Han-Modular® system that allows each customer to assemble a custom connector with stock catalogue components. Han-Modular® has catered to modular machine design and helped popularize it. Different transmission media and contact types – power, signal, D-Sub, coaxial, fiber optic, pneumatic or combinations thereof – can be combined in a Han-Modular® housing to create a highperformance, power or multi-purpose interface optimized for the specific application. One Han-Modular® unit can fit power inserts up to 200 Amps or 5000 volts as well as inserts for pneumatic, data, shielded bus signals and POF or glass fibre optical. Many of HARTING’s other connector series offer similar options in user-configurability, often by incorporating some of the more than 40
2 MA • Technology Handbook Connectivity
Han-Modular® inserts. HARTING innovations like Han-Quick Lock® termination and click-and-mate assembly make factory or field installation as well as maintenance faster and simpler than ever. HARTING connectors are available in different sizes, made from a range of coated and uncoated metals and plastic, with different cable entry angles, termination and latching options. There are slim models to fit compact units or tight spaces and specialty versions in standard sizes optimized for high heat or corrosive operating conditions, high mating cycles, harsh environments (requiring a IP68/69K rating), high current-carrying applications or where extra EMC shielding is required.
HARTING CANAdA, INC. 8455 Trans-Canada Highway, Suite 202 St. Laurent, QC, H4S 1Z1 Phone: (855) 659-6653 Email: info.ca@HARTING.com
www.HARTING.ca
Relax, tomorrow has already been tested. Say goodbye to hardwiring with HARTING connectors.
Reduce the number of wiring errors, save time and headache. HARTING, first established in 1945, delivers unrivaled reliability, efficiency, innovation and performance in connectors. With HARTING you have a partner who ensures you dependable connections that stand the test of time. HARTING.ca
TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK
Connectivity
High Tech Solutions for a High Tech World
Introduction to Wireless Redundancy with Moxa's Advanced AeroLink Protection
I
n industrial applications, such as communication between off-shore oil platforms, or train-to-ground communications, a reliable wireless bridge is essential to minimize system downtime and maximize system availability. Moxa's AeroLink Protection provides a reliable wireless bridge between two networks. As we have seen above, when you are using old-fashioned wireless bridge or WDS connections, the link is exposed to at least one of two types of risks - device failure and wireless link failure. With AeroLink Protection, a network has two or more AeroLink Protection-enabled wireless client nodes connected to a single access point. One serves as the active node, while the others are passive, backup nodes. If the active node stops sending or receiving data for any reason, AeroLink Protection completely restores the communication link within 300ms by bringing backup nodes online. This includes the time required for network convergence and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) update. Furthermore, the passive node can be connected to a different access point on a different frequency, providing frequency-level redundancy. If there is interference on the active channel, the backup path will transmit the data via a backup device and backup frequency. The technology uses the wireless radio's standard wireless protocol to detect that the link has been disconnected. As soon as a serious interruption is detected, Aerolink Protection takes action. The switchover to the passive node, and full network recovery, takes only 300ms. AeroLink Protection not only guards against both device and wireless link failure, but also offers the ability to scale
up your redundancy paths by adding additional hardware - providing even stronger protection for your wireless bridge network when needed. If even more robust resistance to radio frequency interference is required, three or more different backup frequencies can be used, when the 5GHz range is available. AeroLink Protection is a client radio feature that negotiates with every other AeroLink Protection-enabled client in range to set up the active node and passive nodes. Because AeroLink Protection works at a low level, layer 2, it is effectively invisible to higher network protocol levels, so it is easy to add an AeroLink Protection bridge to an existing network: it just works. The fast recovery time and simple setup allow users to form a reliable wireless bridge that will ensure their daily operations are uninterrupted, no matter what kind of failures occur. Enjoy Seamless Communication with AeroLink Protection
AeroLink Protection offers cast-iron redundancy by automatically handling both device failure and radio interference. Relying on industry standards for security and interoperability, it offers simple "plug and play" setup and configuration—working well with existing networks. AeroLink Protection is modular and scalable: offering anything from basic redundant wireless bridges, to increasingly robust wireless network configurations for more demanding environments. AeroLink Protection technology is available now in the first of Moxa's new generation of A-series AeroLink Protection-enabled devices, the AWK-3131A Industrial IEEE 802.11n Wireless AP/Bridge/Client.
Manufacturers Automation Inc. 1-800-387-6268 • www.manuauto.com 4 MA t 5FDIOPMPHZ )BOECPPL Connectivity
Connectivity with Wireless, Cellular, Ethernet, I/O and Surveillance Cameras
Outstanding Quality Outstanding Reliability Industrial Wireless & Cellular
Industrial Computing
Industrial Ethernet Switches
Industrial I/OLogik
How May We Help You?
Manufacturers Automation Inc. 1600 King Street North, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 - 1-800-387-6268 - www.manuauto.com
33
rd
TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK
N
Connectivity
A Perfect Blend of Quality, Performance and Exceptional Value
OARK Electric is a global manufacturer of electrical distribution and control products that address a variety of customer needs, ranging from components to intelligent system solutions. Our global product lines include: circuit breakers, contactors, relays and intelligent control. NOARK Electric was established in 2007 and covers the globe with regional headquarters in North America, Latin America, Europe and Middle East/Africa. NOARK Electric is backed by a two billion dollar organization and serves the manufacturing, industrial, commercial, residential, utility and renewable energy markets. In North America, NOARK Electric focuses primarily on industrial OEMs, users and associated channel partners. Our motto is “Excellent product. Exceptional value.” NOARK Electric delivers this to our customer with a perfect blend of quality products backed by a five-year limited warranty; exceptional values that reduce the cost of products, improve profitability and increase margins; and local support and local inventory with superb customer service, a knowledgeable technical support, dedicated sales force, well-stocked inventory and a North American headquarters.
NOARK Electric’s top-selling products are: • Ex9 Series M: Molded Case Circuit Breakers and Switches that offer a complete range of UL 489 2 and 3 poles in four frame sizes: 100 A, 225 A, 400 A and 600 A. Each frame offers a choice of interrupting ratings at voltages ranging from 240~690 Vac and 250~600 Vdc. • Ex9 Series – B1: Miniature Circuit Breakers that offer a complete range of UL 489 and UL 489A listed 35 mm DIN rail miniature circuit breakers up to a 63 A current rating with a red/green contact position indicator. • Ex9 Series – B1: Supplementary Protectors that offer a complete range of UL 1077 listed 35 mm DIN rail miniature circuit breakers up to a 125 A current rating with a red/green
6 MA • Technology Handbook Connectivity
contact position indicator. • Ex9C & Ex9R Series: IEC Contactors and Thermal Overload Relays with four frame sizes that bring optimization of electrical parameters and mechanical dimensions. All frame sizes share accessory auxiliary contacts. Overload relays differ with frame sizes and fit the respective contactor of a given rated current. • Ex9CD & Ex9RD Series: IEC Contactors and Thermal Overload Relays with four frame sizes that these contactors have a refined appearance, a compact structure and ease of installation. All frame sizes share accessory auxiliary contacts. Overload relays differ with frame sizes and fit the respective contactor of a given rated current. • Ex9CK Series: Definite Purpose Contactors, these UL 508 rated definite purpose contactors have a rated current from 20 to 90 A with 1, 2, 3 and 4 pole configurations. • Ex9SN Series: Manual Motor Starters are electromechanical protection devices for the main circuit and used mainly to switch motors manually ON/OFF and protect them fuse less against short circuit and loss-phase. None-fuss protection with a manual motor starter saves costs, space and ensures a quick reaction under short-circuit condition, by switching off the motor within milliseconds. Manual motor starter combinations are setup together with contactors and overload relays. Contact NOARK Electric today to see how we can help you!
NOARK Electric North America 2188 Ponoma Blvd. • Ponoma, CA 91768 (626) 330-7007 nasales@noark-electric.com
na.noark-electric.com
Click to view Video
Quality Performance Small Panel Solutions Ex9 Minature Circuit Breakers DIN mounted devices for branch circuit & supplemental protection
Broad product range • Amperage ratings: 0.5 A - 63 A Global acceptance • Certified to UL 489/489A and 1077, CSA C22.2 and IEC 60947-2 Flexible terminals • Less physical demand • Detachable shield makes it faster and easier for installer Three terminal options • Lug terminal • Box terminal • Quick connect Multiple accessories • Extended rotary handle* • Electrical auxiliaries • Locking device* * only available for 489/489A
Ex9C/CS Series AC Contactors & Ex9R Overload Relays
Ex9CD/CM Series AC Contactors & Ex9RD Overload Relays
Ex9CK Definite Purpose Contactors
Ex9SN Manual Motor Starters
NT
IT
Ex9 Series - B1 Miniature Circuit Breakers UL 1077 & 489
A
LIM
Ex9 Series - M Molded Case Circuit Breakers & Switches
Y
5
YEAR ED
WAR
R
Ex9 Series Push Buttons & Indicator Lights
Contact NOARK Sales for more information at: (626) 330-7007 • nasales@noark-electric.com • na.noark-electric.com
TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK
T
Connectivity
A High Performing Machine Automation Network that is Easy to Use
oo often, when an industrial network is selected, tradeoffs have to be made in regard to criteria such as distance for speed, number of devices for performance, determinism for ease-of-use. Today’s industrial Ethernet networks form the core of machine automation. They eliminate or control the tradeoffs while offering a dizzying array of requirements and capabilities. We have reviewed the network choices for you to recommend one that delivers high speed and high performance that is also easy to connect. %FMJWFSJOH %FUFSNJOJTUJD 0QFSBUJPO Early Ethernet implementations tried to apply office grade Ethernet TCP/IP to plant floor operations in a peer-to-peer network. The results raised legitimate concerns that running any type of control over Ethernet jeopardized network determinism. Determinism can be understood as the ability to repeatedly transmit data regardless of other network conditions or data loading. To understand the issue, say a jog request comes in while a file download is occurring. Without a synchronizing clock function or operation prioritization, the network activates the jog output at variable times, potentially operating a device after the target has already passed. Basic deterministic performance was a problem with 10Base Ethernet. Faster 100Base/1000Base Ethernet TCP/IP improved the peer-to-peer performance, but still did not satisfy deterministic machine control needs the way manufacturers’ propriety master/slave networks were able to do. Master/Slave Networks—Still Important To resolve the determination issue, suppliers of automation would often recommend a peer-to-peer network at the top of the control system, used for file upload/download and large data transfer, and a master/slave network for machine control. The master reads and writes data to the slave units. In its simplest form, the master operates on a clock time period and each slave gets a specific time period to have data written to it or read from it by the master. In this way, the determinism issue can be controlled if not resolved. Industrial network providers took note and created Ethernetbased networks that combined the best features of master/slave control and high-speed peer-to-peer capabilities. In today’s market, EtherCAT, Sercos III, Profinet IRT, Ethernet Powerlink
8 MA t 5FDIOPMPHZ )BOECPPL Connectivity
and PROFINET I/O have emerged as robust, highly deterministic networks capable of handling large amounts of I/O, multi-axis motion control and more. High-Speed Performance Compared Motion applications bring network determinism to the forefront. A side by side test of Industrial Ethernet networks was conducted using 2200 I/O and 40 motion axes to determine the cycle time. As shown in the bar graph, EtherCAT delivered the fastest cycle time: 276 microseconds. Sercos III and PROFINET networks require multiple passes through the processor to before a cycle is completed. The delay translates to limits on production throughput. The synchronization challenge of increasing speed for motion control response, logic and sequencing, and network communication all within a single cycle makes new tradeoffs in the number of motion axes handled while maintaining a highly deterministic response. Click the link to find a detailed comparison of each critical aspect that affects network performance. Simple Connectivity EtherCAT uses commonly available hardware such as conventional RJ45 connectors and cables to simplify connectivity and lower the total cost of ownership. Back to basics installation requires no routers, no switches, and no hubs. EtherCAT can be configured in Line, Star, Ring topologies with 100 meters between nodes and possible expansion at each node. These all contribute to maximum network flexibility for machine design. At full-duplex and over 90 percent bandwidth availability, EtherCAT delivers nearly double the performance of the closest network competitor.
Omron Automation & Safety .JMOFS "WFOVF 5PSPOUP 0/ . # 7 5PMM 'SFF &NBJM BTLPNSPO!PNSPO DPN
www.industrial.omron.ca
Connect your Machines for High-Speed Productivity Now and for Future Growth
SQL-Database
Leverage the high-speed, EtherCAT machine network and EtherNet/IP factory network to take the limits off your throughput. Build or retrofit your machines using Omron’s Sysmac platform machine automation controllers that support both networks from a single model. The simple connectivity lets you integrate any combination of Logic, Motion, Robotics, Vision, Safety, Sensing, and Enterprise from one automation platform that can do it all — without multi-vendor complexities.
Prepare your machines to support “Big Data” analysis to optimize production performance using the SQL Client built into NJ5 Series controllers. Collect and report machine and process data in real time. Under one programming environment you can design, configure and commission a complete machine automation system. Make great network connections that work for you with Omron’s Sysmac Automation products.
Explore the Sysmac Automation Platform at omron247.com OMRON AUTOMATION AND SAFETY ! Canada toll free: 866.986.6766 ! www.omron247.com
Technology handbook
connectivity
BUild yoUr iNNovatioN with today’s CollaBoratioN tools innovation and collaboration don’t need to be scary words. While not all businesses may think these concepts go hand in hand, the following cover stories explore how Canadian manufacturers can take advantage of two collaborative tools — the Cloud and local innovation centres — in an effort to boost innovation and drive growth. the belief is that by relying on partners and collaborators, manufacturers will be able to band together and strengthen the industry. Who knows, perhaps the key to your next innovation is right under your nose.
Make THE Move Using the Cloud as a springboard for business innovation By LARRy KORAK
E
arly predictions suggested that manufacturing would lag behind other industries in Cloud adoption by two to three years. This has not been the case. In fact, a 2013 KPMG survey revealed that 41 per cent of respondents are already using Cloud-enabled services in finance, accounting and financial management and 35 per cent of respondents are likely to adopt such services within the next 18 months. The primary driver of Cloud adoption was also thought to be Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and, in reality, speed, agility and risk mitigation have proven to be great motivations for Cloud investments. In this marketplace, very few industry experts would deny that Cloud computing has become a fixture of the business landscape. In fact, for most organizations, it is not a matter of if they will transition to the Cloud but when, especially in an industry such as manufacturing, where organizations need to manage complex value chains, fast-paced projects and meet escalating customer demands. Why are CFOs turning to the Cloud? There are three main reasons: cost efficiency, flexibility and speed. New technology offers cost efficiency and more effective resource usage The ability for a manufacturer to update business and operational processes while moving away from technologies that are outdated, growth constraining and difficult to maintain 10 MA • Technology Handbook Connectivity
and support is more than a motivator — it is a business imperative. When moving operations to the Cloud, the vendor takes on the responsibility of managing upgrades, supporting the environment, maintaining authentication, authorization and access controls, as well as data security. Subscription based pricing and immediate scaling based on changes in headcount are also added benefits to today’s CFO. More options and more choices are available to all-sized businesses As the Cloud market continues to mature, a number of trends are emerging that are likely to accelerate Cloud adoption. One is the ability to adopt hybrid architectures that offer incredibly flexible deployment options for core Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and edge applications. For example, let’s say a manufacturer selected an ERP solution in past years but suddenly needs to support a new plant in a distant location. Using today’s flexible technologies, they can now choose an appropriate Cloud ERP solution and support a new location without risking business integrity. This hybrid approach also allows companies to select focused edge applications that extend core ERP capabilities while maintaining some legacy systems on premise. This is also becoming a popular option for organizations looking to test the waters. Larger businesses are now more likely to pursue a hybrid model rather than entertain total replace-
Technology handbook
connectivity ment, as they would have done in the past. Motivated by a growing recognition that the cloud can serve more broadly as a springboard for process transformation, innovation and increased business agility, CFOs are increasingly anxious not to get left behind. Initially, the Cloud was attractive to smaller and mid-sized organizations but there is now clear evidence of larger organizations transitioning to the Cloud. In fact, Gartner previously noted that nearly half of large organizations will have hybrid cloud deployments by the end of 2017. In addition, the Cloud is also where many businesses will find the latest innovations and opportunities for process improvement, since newer applications developed specifically for the Cloud are displacing older, on-premise capabilities. CFOs are finding that it is easier to drive innovation since the SaaS (Software as a Service) business model allows all users to take advantage of new functions and capabilities as soon as they become available, without resorting to individual upgrades and migrations which has historically been the case. Organizations who have yet to invest in Cloud solutions will be relieved to find that there are also more trusted vendors in the marketplace offering these solutions. There has been a notable shift toward increased dependability, with established vendors introducing new Cloud-based applications that have been specifically developed for deployment. Businesses are more flexible and agile in the face of change Perhaps the greatest benefit is the business agility that companies can realize through Cloud deployment. For example, companies expanding into emerging markets in pursuit of growth are able to test the market, rapidly deploy Cloud applications into new ventures, and scale them up or down in concert with market developments. Similarly, Cloud-based applications can help businesses to standardize transaction processing and reporting in new acquisitions or smaller subsidiaries where traditional solutions based around on premise applications would have taken months to bring to fruition. The accessibility and immediacy of Cloud-based solutions means that a newly acquired company could be up and running on a new budgeting application in the Cloud, for example, within a matter of days, where a comparable on premise solution requiring investment in infrastructure could take weeks or months. CFOs are moving to the Cloud, and cost efficiency, flexibility and speed are the key reasons. Aging legacy applications just can’t keep pace with the agility of new solutions and outdated systems continue put a drag on productivity — and profits. With this in mind, 2015 should prove to be a banner year for cloud applications as more and more companies realize the cost savings associated with the Cloud and solidify its position firmly in the mainstream. • Larry Korak is Industry Strategy Director for Infor’s Industrial Manufacturing vertical. He has extensive experience in product, customer and supply chain consulting.
Wireless technology and cybersecurity By IAN VERHAPPEN
O
ne of the reasons often cited for not using wireless networks, especially in an industrial setting, are the concerns related to security — or, more accurately, cybersecurity. Though it is true that a wireless signal propagates in many directions, this does not mean it is freely available to be compromised. The two primary industrial wireless protocols — WirelessHART and ISA100.11a, which are based on IEEE802.15.4 radio technology — use both Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology. These two Data Link Layer (DLL) security features work together to protect the system from outside attacks. DSSS divides the information signal into small fragments that are spread across the available frequency channel, while FHSS is used to select alternating channels for data transmission in a pseudo-random sequence. The channel change happens on a packet level, meaning the transmission of a packet will take place on one channel, while the next packet transmission will be on another channel, thus making it very difficult to capture packets and gain access to the network in the first place. The standards also include additional security features in the communications layers to protect from someone who managed to get on the network. This end-to-end communication layer message protection is handled by the Network Layer (NL) for WirelessHART and by the Transport Layer (TL) in ISA100.11a. Both standards also support cipher block chaining message authentication code (CCM) mode in conjunction with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-128 (standard with 128-b block size) block cipher using symmetric keys for message authentication and encryption to provide both data authentication and privacy. The above is only one step in providing a secure control environment, especially now that control systems are being tightly integrated with business systems. Fortunately, there is a significant effort underway in the cybersecurity space based on work done in the 1990s at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Internet Engineering Lab under the leadership of Eric Byres, who is now leading the Tofino team at Belden. This effort is continued by a strong contingent of Canadians, including Eric Cosman, chairman of the ISA99 committee; Gabriel Faifman and the Achilles team at Wurldtech; Tony Capel of Comgate; and my former supervisor at Syncrude Canada Ltd., Aris Espejo, to name just a few. Continued on page 12 Connectivity Technology Handbook • MA 11
Technology handbook
connectivity
Wireless technology and cybersecurity
View from the
Continued from page 11 As a result of Byres’ work, ISA began development of the ISA99 “Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security” series of standards. The original and ongoing ISA99 work is being used by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in producing the multi-standard IEC 62443 series. The standards in the series include:
toP
• ISA-62443-1-1 (IEC 62443-1-1) “Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems Terminology, Concepts and Models” • IEC 62443-2-1:2010 “Industrial communication networks - Network and system security - Part 2-1: Establishing an industrial automation and control system security program” • IEC 62443-2-4 “Security for Industrial Process Measurement and Control – Network System security, certification of IACS supplier security policies and practices” • IEC/TR 62443-3-1:2009 “Industrial communication networks - Network and system security - Part 3-1: Security technologies for industrial automation and control systems” • IEC 62443-3-3:2013 “Industrial communication networks - Network and system security - Part 3-3: System security requirements and security levels” More information on the work of ISA99 can be found at http://isa99.isa.org/ISA99%20Wiki/Home. aspx. Information on the latest version (5) of the NERC CIP is at http://www.nerc.com/pa/ci/pages/transitionprogram.aspx. Remember, the field sensor network — whether it uses a wired fieldbus or a wireless network — is but one piece of an integrated system. Cybersecurity continues to be a critical consideration in the design of digital communications systems. • Ian Verhappen, P.Eng. (iverhappen@ gmail.com), is an ISA Fellow, ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and a recognized authority on Foundation Fieldbus and industrial communications technologies. Verhappen leads global consultancy Industrial Automation Networks Inc. specializing in field-level industrial communications, process analytics and heavy oil / oil sands automation. 12 MA • Technology Handbook Connectivity
Mobile technology and wearables enable Cloud-based industry 4.0 concepts
By ANdy BURLEIGH
I
n North American industries that are continuously adapting new technologies, Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) are two concepts gaining meaningful momentum. While IoT covers a broad range of application areas for highly-connected devices — from the plant floor all the way to the consumer — Industry 4.0, as the name implies, is entirely focused on manufacturing. The philosophy behind it highlights the ideal of the smart factory: a network of cyberphysical operations monitoring physical plant processes and establishing advanced monitoring for better troubleshooting and improved decision-making. This infinitely-connected manufacturing enterprise is not just a dream of the future, IoT and Industry 4.0 converge today in forward-thinking communication standards, such as OPC UA. In fact, the concepts and goals of Industry 4.0 can be achieved through utilization of the significant advances in secure connection, Cloud-based technologies, and increased usage of mobile devices for dynamic data sharing. The realization of the smart factory is happening now. Mobile phones and tablets come immediately to mind
connectivity
as a means of enabling dynamic remote access to shared data; the capabilities of these devices increase rapidly as new technologies are released to increase their computing power and functionality. However, the latest technologies in mobile devices can be found with ‘wearables.’ As form factors continue to shrink, devices such as smartwatches and Google Glass provide the foundation for a Cloudconnected revolution, continuously improving access to critical data. Development of these unobtrusive, multi-use devices continues unabated, lowering the barrier of entry for companies looking to implement the principles and processes of the smart factory, as outlined by the ideals of Industry 4.0. Beckhoff currently has a demo travelling the North American tradeshow circuit, which features a delta robot and a 3-axis machine module, controlled with an embedded PC and TwinCAT software. The system pushes performance data into the Cloud, in this case to an Amazon Cloud server, where it can be accessed via any user device. The remote interface provides users the ability to con-
Technology handbook
trol the speed and operation of the robot. Demonstrating the openness of the system, users can access the operations by scanning a QR code, and are then directed to a web page containing an interface to control the robot, as well as real-time performance data. Taking access to the next level, this information and control has been made available through a number of wearable devices, most recently a variety of smart watches and Google Glass. Here, users can utilize the Google Glass to access the robot data, as well as controlling the robot operations with both touch and voice activated functions. The wearables market is highly dynamic from a hardware perspective, and emerging hardware designs will support established connectivity technologies. For example, the Explorer Edition of Google Glass is no longer available, although an updated version will likely be introduced soon, and there are already a number of data glasses concepts from other manufacturers in various stages of development. Provided that these upcoming devices have an open web browser, they can be connected to controls in similar ways. This clearly demonstrates the flexibility of highly-connected access using currentlyavailable, secure communication standards such as OPC UA and PC-based control technology. As an open standard with builtin data security and encryption, OPC UA fosters innovative design and integration by encouraging interoperability in automation. Open specifications enable the standardization of communication, ensuring seamless connection and operation of devices from independent manufacturers around the world. The dream of a true smart factory hinges on the ability of these types of multi-platform, multi-vendor devices to work seamlessly, with little or no effort from the end user, and OPC UA provides a standard to deliver this high level of functionality. The industrial potential for Cloud-connected wearable technology is limitless, and is usable in any number of vertical markets. Wearable devices have the potential to take great strides in changing the current operating philosophy on machines as a complement to the traditional HMI. Innovations of this magnitude clearly demonstrate how the fusion of IT and automation technology can work within the framework of Industry 4.0 and connected smart factories. • Andy Burleigh is a senior application specialist with Beckhoff Automation Canada. Connectivity Technology Handbook • MA 13
Don’t miss out on your next issue of
it’s fast, it’s easy and it’s free! FOR FASTEST SERVICE VISIT
www.automationmag.com
Here’s
How:
FINDING FUNDS
Government funding that supports HR and training
MACHINE SAFETY
The challenge of developing a custom guarding solution for a sterile environment
and click the subscription button
ROBOTIC SIMULATION Software helps build advanced assembly systems for an Ontario manufacturer
AUTOMATION TRENDS
The top technologies that will impact the plant floor in 2014
INVESTING IN ERP Food manufacturer optimizes business processes with ERP software
FUNDING NEWS Feds invest in Centre for Smart Manufacturing in Ontario
J U N E 2 014
J A N . / F E B . 2 014
www.AutomationMag.com
M AC H I N E D E S I G N • S YS T E M S • T E C H N O L O G Y
CYBERSECURITY Three common cybersecurity issues in industrial control systems and how to manage them
2014 SOFTWARE CASE STUDY GUIDE The latest software solutions help manufacturers solve their biggest challenges
AUTOMATION UPFRONT Inside Mohawk College’s new Additive Manufacturing Resource Centre
Finding Funds Five steps to improved energy efficiency
S E P T E M B E R 2 014
www.AutomationMag.com
the Future oF sensors harnessing technology to www.AutomationMag.com create smarter plant floors
M AC H I N E D E S I G N • S YS T E M S • T E C H N O L O G Y
M A r C H / A p r I L 2 014
M AC H I N E D E S I G N • S YS T E M S • T E C H N O L O G Y
CYBER WARFARE Manufacturers arm themselves for battle
demand management automation puts manufacturers in control of energy costs
www.AutomationMag.com
SAFETY Q&A Important questions to ask machine builders when buying new equipment
M AC H I N E D E S I G N • S YS T E M S • T E C H N O L O G Y
AUTOMATION UPFRONT Ontario unveils new vision for education
M AY 2 014
www.AutomationMag.com
EMPLOYEE EDUCATION Ottawa-based manufacturer launches work-supported apprenticeship program
M AC H I N E D E S I G N • S YS T E M S • T E C H N O L O G Y
THE
The
SECRET to my SUCCESS How one manufacturer experienced substantial growth during the industry’s most difficult years
energy
BRIGHT SIDE
Our editorial advisory board discusses positive trends in the manufacturing industry, and where we go from here
well spent
PM #40065710
PM #40065710
Investing in
Cement manufacturer sees huge savings with automation strategy SubScriber action required pg. 25
MA_MArApr2014.indd 1
2014-02-26 1:27 PM
www.automationmag.com
14 MA • Technology Handbook Connectivity