Drives & Controls Magazine June 2024

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced a new way for its members to exchange ideas and build expertise. Through communities called Connect Forums, members around the world will be able to take part in discussions on topics such as automation and control, digital transformation, safety and cybersecurity, enterprise architecture and networks and operations and management. Connect Forums are hosted on the organisation’s members-only community, ISA Connect, The focus will be on technologies that cross industry segments, allowing members to get insights from anywhere. Any ISA member can propose the creation of a new forum. www.isa.org/Membership/Connect-Forums Report considers the future of industrial automation The MIT Technology Review has produced a report on the future of automation, in partnership with Siemens. The nine-page report, called A vision for the future of automation, examines how next-level automation, driven by the convergence of advanced technologies – in particular, robotics and AI – is poised to transform industry. It looks at the various technologies involved, including digital twins and software-defined automation, and considers how they are creating a moment of opportunity for advanced automation. While businesses will take different routes to advanced automation, the question is when, not if, this transformation will take hold. https://ter.li/mittr_siemens_report_0425 EPD is the first for industrial controls used in DCS ABB has published an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its AC 800M family of controllers, becoming the first company to publish an externally verified EPD for industrial controllers used in DCS (distributed control systems). The EPD will help customers looking to meet regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals. An EPD is a standardised document that provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. https://drivesncontrols.news/lgfly636 eBook explores advances in automation technologies Mouser Electronics has produced an eBook in collaboration with TE Connectivity that explores how advances in automation, connectivity, and intelligent systems are helping to solve manufacturing challenges. In Advancements in Industrial Automation: Smart Manufacturing and Future Technologies, experts discuss how cobots, predictive maintenance, hybrid connectivity, and other technologies are enabling the transition to smart manufacturing. https://drivesncontrols.news/hxtn2b5o 48 n NEW PRODUCTS n DESIGN DATA AND MULTIMEDIA June 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com ISA forums will allow global discussions on automation topics McLennan is offering an integrated servomotor that, it says, delivers a new level of performance, efficiency and flexibility for precision motion control. The JVL MAC1004 motor uses new software and hardware and delivers 1kW of continuous servo power (3kW peak) in an 80 x 80mm format. A uses a faster processor and incorporates a new absolute multi-turn encoder. The motor offers a choice of six built-in Industrial Ethernet options including EtherCat, Profinet and Ethernet IP, with daisy-chain connections. Wireless Profinet, EtherNet IP and Modbus are further options, along with IO-Link, CANopen and other interfaces. Rather than using individual comms modules, the various options are built in, cutting costs and easing selection. A faster processor enables precise, smooth motion control. With its 100% duty cycle operation, the MAC1004 is suitable for demanding automation applications. A selfpowered, battery-free absolute encoder is available for long-life and zero-maintenance applications. The motor is powered from a 115V or 230V AC supply (with 320V DC as an option) and allows machine-builders to reduce machine wiring, as well as usually needing fewer or smaller control cabinets. McLennan 01252 531444 www.mclennan.co.uk Beckhoff has announced a series of “cost-optimised” multitouch HMI panels and panel PCs with revised electronics concepts and standardised connections, designed to offer future-proof designs. The Next panels and panel PCs are characterised by a smart, sleek design, EtherCat communications (FSoE) at the push of a button, and multifinger touch functions. The panels, in sizes from 7–24 inches, come with IP20 or IP65 protection. The panel PC versions are available in a choice of CPU performance classes., and offer a variety of accessories and mechanical extensions. The first of the new panels are the IP20-protected CP49xx builtin panel and the IP65 CP59xx panel for mounting arm installations. The latter can be mounted on a Vesa mount and can optionally be fitted on a mounting arm. Beckhoff Automation 01491 410539 Integrated servomotor offers a choice of Ethernet options Cost-optimised multi-touch monitors and panel PCs are future-proof

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