w w w. d e s i g nw o r l d o n l i n e . c o m / M C 2
Lisa Eitel
Intelligent connectivity for electric automation Connectivity is at the core of modern automation in manufacturing and beyond. System links between devices, controls, machines, and the cloud facilitate the use of data so important to IIoT (Industrie 4.0) functionalities. Here, leading trends include the rise of edge computing (including the use of industrial gateways), services that support cloud connectivity, Ethernet-based networks, wireless communications for industrial components, various forms of standardized protocols, open-source programming code, and uni ing so ware environments to facilitate interoperability. When conjuring such systems, most engineers are likely to picture the traditional automation-communications pyramid. Such architectures include data exchanges between field-level sensors and higher implementation layers … as well as some communications between controls … finally rising to the pinnacle of the enterprise level. But as the Design World editors illustrate in the latest Motion Classroom installment — online at www. designworldonline.com/intelligent-connectivity-classroom — several technologies have facilitated distributed and intelligent systems with flatter and more flexible machinery communication structures. Access this and other MC2 installments by visiting designworldonline.com/MC2.
Festo CMMT-AS servo drives for industrial Ethernet offer hardware and software connectivity along with top efficiency and easy operation. They excel in applications needing point-to-point and interpolated motion — and especially dynamic motion and precise positioning. They also allow direct fieldbus integration and easy commissioning with the Festo Automation Suite.
DESIGN WORLD
MC Classroom_12-21_FESTO_Vs1.indd 41
This educational installment sponsored by:
www.designworldonline.com
December 2021
41
11/30/21 2:31 PM
