n TECHNOLOGY ROCKWELL AUTOMATION HAS launched a visual inspection system that uses AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning to “revolutionise” quality control in manufacturing. Called FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI, it is designed to help manufacturers to improve product quality, maximise yield, and gain insights from real-time production data. The no-code application allows quality personnel and plant operators to train AI models easily and to deploy them across production lines without needing specialised machine vision expertise. “FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI empowers manufacturers to detect even the most subtle anomalies in product quality, enabling them to take corrective action quickly,” says Rockwell’s vice-president for industry solutions, Arvind Rao. “It offers manufacturers a robust solution to not only detect anomalies with unparalleled accuracy and time-to-value, but also to optimise decision-making through AIdriven insights, ultimately improving operational efficiency”. Key functions built into the system include: n Anomaly detection It finds and classifies previously undetectable defects, delivering actionable insights n Remote visibility, configuration and management It offers manufacturers remote, centralised configuration and management of all of their inspection systems, and visibility into quality data from any location, helping them to understand performance trends across production lines n Out-of-the-box analytics Built-in quality data analysis using prebuilt dashboards, automated reporting, and quality event notifications, that drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement n Automation integration The system integrates with Rockwell’s control systems for closed-loop quality control n Scalable hardware The system supports real-time inspections at production speeds using off-the-shelf components, and integrates with standard Rockwell hardware such as its ASEM IPCs and Logix PLCs. This technology is supported by a partnership between Rockwell and Elementary, a vision AI company in which Rockwell has invested. FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI is built on secure SOC 2-compliant cloud technology, ensuring enterprise-level manageability and cybersecurity. It integrates with Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Hub and other automation systems, offering a streamlined, scalable way of enhancing manufacturing quality and productivity. www.rockwellautomation.com ‘Revolutionary’ inspection system needs no machine vision expertise SIEMENS HAS ANNOUNCED a device that, it says, offers a quick and easy way to give data transparency down to the industrial field level. The Sirius 3RC7 intelligent link module is a plug-and-play expansion module that combines IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology) functions with minimal installation and commissioning effort. The module can collect and evaluate a variety of load feeder parameters, including voltage, current, phase imbalance, and the number of overload trips. Built-in diagnostic functions help to detect and correct faults rapidly. The data can be used for Siemens’ Senseye predictive maintenance system which uses AI to examine current fluctuations for anomalies that might indicate a defect, for example. This improves planning reliability for maintenance, availability and cost-effectiveness. “Transparency down to the field level is becoming increasingly important,” says Andreas Matthé, CEO of the electrical products business in Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “However, many devices are not connected to the automation system, which means important data is missing. By digitalising the field level, we are creating a new dimension of transparency and enabling data-driven decisions.” The new link modules integrate into automation environments via Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) platform. They are part of the company’s Sirius system of modular industrial controls. The integration with TIA means that users can receive up-to-date status information in their operating software. When using apps such as Node-Red, they can access a dashboard to identify bottlenecks quickly, thus avoiding downtime and increasing system availability. The 3RC7 link modules can also integrate with Siemens’ compact Simatic ET 200SP I/O system, and other common automation systems. Up to 16 load feeders can be connected per BA-Send module bus adapter, thus benefiting from the simple commissioning, scalability and flexibility offered by the I/O system. When used in control cabinets with Sirius switchgear and the ET 200SP I/O system, the link modules ensure reliable, efficient exchange of data between OT and IT environments. Adding the new modules to the existing Sirius portfolio can create intelligent load feeders – pre-assembled digital feeders consisting of Sirius 3RV2 circuit-breakers, 3RT2 contactors and the intelligent link module. www.siemens.com Intelligent module delivers data transparency down to the field level January 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com 20 Rockwell says its FactoryTalk Analytics VisionAI will enhance quality control without needing expertise in vision systems
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