Manufacturing Hub Network

Matt Paulissen delves into the complexities of programming and offers valuable strategies to enhance the quality of PLC and automation software. Catch the full episode with Matt Paulissen here: https://lnkd.in/dbpTuRr2 #manufacturing #MHpodcast #industrialautomation #efficientengineering

In this eye-opening chat, Pawel dives deep into the world of robotic programming, giving us a rundown of the latest trends and tools in the industry. Did you know that Pawel mainly uses native tools like FANUC and Robo Guide for his programming work, which have proven to be super effective? We also touched upon the changing landscape of robotic programming, discussing the integration of PLCs and how the role of programmers might evolve. Pawel stressed the importance of weighing the costs and benefits of automating processes, as well as the crucial factor of lead time in getting the necessary components for automation. Speaking of skills in the field, Pawel brought up the shift in programmer roles and the potential merging of robot and PLC programming tasks. He also raised concerns about the rising expectations for programmers to be well-versed in multiple areas, similar to the challenges seen in the IT sector. We delved deeper into robot programming, comparing the nuances between Europe and the USA. Pawel highlighted the need for application-specific skills, noting that successful programming goes beyond just knowing the robot itself and requires mastery of application tools. Looking ahead, Pawel predicts a move towards virtual environments and remote support for on-site robot programming. He shared his experiences with remote programming, hinting at the potential of virtual reality tools for more streamlined troubleshooting and implementation solutions. Our chat also explored the role of simulation tools in the programming process, with Pawel mentioning software options like RoboDK and Siemens Process Simulate. He stressed the growing importance of simulation, foreseeing a future where virtual commissioning becomes the standard, reducing the need for extensive on-site programming. Overall, Pawel provided a thoughtful look into the current and future landscape of robotic programming, covering industry trends, skill requirements, and the game-changing impact of simulation tools. #RoboticProgramming #IndustryInsights #SimulationTools

Wastewater treatment facility integration has unique characteristics that distinguish it from many other industries. Here's a snapshot based on the description provided: 1. Open Sharing: Nature of the Industry: Wastewater treatment facilities are often not commercial competitors in the traditional sense. They usually serve public needs and their primary objective is the wellbeing of the community. Hence, if one facility discovers a better treatment method, it's in their interest—and the interest of the broader community—for that knowledge to be disseminated. Absence of Competitive Secrecy: Unlike a manufacturing company that might keep its processes secret to maintain a competitive advantage, wastewater plants share for the benefit of all. This is a stark contrast to many industries where NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) and proprietary secrets are commonplace. 2. The Power of Word-of-Mouth: Immediate Feedback Loop: If a certain tool or instrument doesn’t work in a plant, the operators might quickly disseminate this information within their network. This can have cascading effects on the acceptance of that tool or instrument in an entire region. Reputation Matters: Due to this quick feedback mechanism, vendors must ensure their products work effectively and efficiently. One bad review can significantly impact their business in a particular area. 3. Standardization Tends to Be Regional: Based on Recommendations: If a particular system (say, an Allen Bradley or Schneider Modicon) works well in one facility, neighboring facilities might adopt the same due to word-of-mouth recommendations. Influence of Local Integrators: Local integrators, trusted by the facilities, might have preferences for specific systems. If they prefer a particular brand or system, that might become the norm in the region they serve. It's not just about the system itself but also about the post-purchase support and service the integrators provide. 4. Resistance to Change: Reliance on the Familiar: Due to the critical nature of their operations, many wastewater plants prefer to stick with what they know works, rather than experimenting with the new and unfamiliar. Financial Constraints: Updating or changing systems can be expensive. Given that many wastewater plants might operate under municipal budgets, there could be limitations on available funds for experimentation or change. In essence, the wastewater integration landscape is shaped by the non-competitive nature of the industry, the importance of trust and reputation, regional standardizations influenced by trusted integrators, and a general conservatism driven by the high stakes of the job. This clip was taken from Manufacturing Hub Episode 120 - https://lnkd.in/e7-bvjzf With guest - Jason Hamlin #manufacturing #automation #utilities #industry40 #digitaltransformation

MH 115.2 - Autonomous Factories are the Future of Manufacturing. w/ Bernd Bergner from Siemens Certainly, an autonomous factory is a compelling vision for the future. Siemens shares your dream and is actively working towards developing products that support the realization of autonomous factories. The key to achieving an autonomous factory lies in establishing seamless communication between machines. This entails ensuring smooth communication across different operating systems and devices. To facilitate this, a highly open and adaptable communication platform is essential. Siemens recognizes the importance of communication in the manufacturing landscape and continuously explores ways to simplify and enhance machine-to-machine communication. The aim is to create a communication infrastructure that not only facilitates autonomous factories but also brings about operational efficiencies across various industrial processes. While Siemens is committed to advancing communication capabilities and enabling the vision of autonomous factories, it's important to note that the successful implementation and operation of such factories also depend on various factors, including technological advancements, integration, and ongoing maintenance. Collaboration between technology providers, industrial experts, and manufacturers is crucial to realize the full potential of autonomous factories. Siemens remains dedicated to driving innovation in the field of manufacturing and supporting the transition towards autonomous factories through its extensive portfolio of products and solutions. #Automation #Manufacturing #IT #OT

Indeed, the landscape of engineering and technology is multifaceted, with layers of complexities on both ends. Open LinkedIn, for instance, and you'll be inundated with trending buzzwords such as Industry 4.0, Cloud IIoT, and the likes. Clients, intrigued by these terms, often approach us with projects specifying these very features. However, they sometimes lack a comprehensive understanding of these technologies, creating an interesting dynamic. There's a distinct dichotomy between those who commission projects and want to leverage these trending concepts, and the engineers tasked with practical implementation who may have more realistic perspectives. This tension reveals a prevalent communication gap between client expectations and what can realistically be achieved from an integration and engineering standpoint. This gap is something that we, as a community of professionals, must strive to narrow in the future. Let's consider an instance where a client wishes to monitor downtime values for all machines across a facility. On the surface, this sounds like a terrific idea to the management team. They envision insights into which machines are down and the reasons behind their downtime. As engineers, we would initially agree, enthusiastic about the potential value. However, upon more in-depth examination—often after the project has already commenced—we uncover obstacles, like a complete lack of connection to these machines, even basic Ethernet connectivity. Such challenges raise vital questions about project feasibility that should ideally be addressed from the start. Unfortunately, we often encounter unrealistic expectations that disregard the initial conditions, such as the aforementioned lack of connectivity. This narrow example is representative of a broader trend. We encounter similar issues with ERP integrations and data collection from various systems. Bridging this communication gap, then, emerges as a crucial challenge that we must overcome. It's imperative that we refine our communication and expectation management skills across the board, to enable smoother project trajectories and more successful outcomes. This clip was taken from Manufacturing Hub Episode 119 - https://lnkd.in/egY9-x7J With guest - Addison Waege #manufacturing #automation #data #industry40 #digitaltransformation

Josef Waltl from Software Defined Automation discusses how Automation Ops and cloud IDEs can empower industrial engineers to work better. Catch the full episode with Josef Waltl here: https://lnkd.in/ecYgQ2gA #manufacturing #MHpodcast #industrialautomation #efficientengineering

Integrating an arm onto an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) opens up a wide range of applications, but the coordination between vision, arm, and AMR is crucial for their seamless operation. In scenarios where an AMR is equipped solely with an arm, the absence of a vision system poses challenges in terms of precision and repeatability. Without visual guidance, the AMR would need a reliable method to align itself with the target object. One potential approach could involve a specialized hitch mechanism that ensures accurate positioning as the AMR drives into place. However, this method may offer limited repeatability compared to traditional robotic arms. To compensate for the lack of precision, leveraging a vision system becomes essential. By incorporating cameras onboard the AMR, operators can identify and utilize landmarks within the environment to establish reference points. These landmarks serve as recognizable patterns that the camera can detect, enabling the creation of a coordinate system for positioning and alignment purposes. With the aid of vision technology, the AMR can navigate towards the target area and position itself within proximity of the desired object. Once the AMR has positioned itself appropriately, the arm can then take over to perform specific tasks. Utilizing the information gathered from the vision system, the arm can adjust its position and orientation relative to the target object, ensuring accurate manipulation and interaction. Overall, the synergy between vision, arm, and AMR is pivotal in achieving efficient and precise robotic operations. By harnessing the capabilities of each component, manufacturers can unlock new possibilities for automation across various industries.

In this segment, we explore the pivotal role of government-subsidized programs and educational initiatives in addressing the growing skills gap in robotics and automation. The conversation opens with an acknowledgment of the abundance of programs aimed at providing free or subsidized education in robotics, albeit with the caveat that awareness of these opportunities remains limited. The speakers emphasize the need for improved dissemination of information regarding government-funded programs, noting that many individuals are unaware of these resources unless actively sought out. Despite the challenges of awareness, the discussion highlights the accessibility and potential impact of these programs in fostering robotics education and skill development across diverse demographics. Furthermore, the conversation delves into the practical benefits of hands-on learning experiences facilitated by initiatives such as Control Robotics. By engaging with students at various educational levels, from grade schools to high schools, these outreach efforts aim to demystify robotics and instill an early interest in STEM fields. Through interactive demonstrations and discussions, students gain firsthand exposure to robotics technology, thereby cultivating a foundational understanding of its applications and career pathways. The speakers underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in raising awareness and promoting participation in robotics education programs. By leveraging existing platforms such as STEM programs and state-sponsored training initiatives, stakeholders can collectively contribute to closing the skills gap and nurturing a diverse talent pool in the field of robotics. Moreover, the conversation highlights the strategic imperative of fostering a culture of continuous learning and skills development. In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, individuals must embrace lifelong learning opportunities to remain competitive in the job market. Government-sponsored programs offer a gateway to acquiring new skills and staying abreast of industry trends, empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in evolving work environments. In conclusion, the segment advocates for concerted efforts to leverage government programs and educational initiatives in promoting robotics education and addressing the skills gap. By raising awareness, fostering hands-on learning experiences, and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning, stakeholders can collectively contribute to building a skilled workforce equipped to harness the transformative potential of robotics and automation.

When it comes to the ownership of standards or intellectual property (IP) created while working for a client, it is essential to establish clear boundaries. Historically, there have been methods like lockable add-on instructions and function blocks to protect one's work. In older systems like Step 7, the security was arguably lax, but with the advent of the Tia Portal, the lock-down capabilities are much more robust, although it comes with its own set of challenges like the critical importance of password management. A pertinent issue arises when a client lacks the resources to pay but offers IP ownership in lieu of monetary compensation. From the perspective shared, if a client pays for the time taken to develop a program, regardless of the methods or function blocks used, the client owns that intellectual property outright. It's theirs to share, modify, or even pass on to another developer in the future. In the context of training, it's highlighted that the focus is on teaching software usage and best practices rather than programming per se. Standardization, like the specific folder structuring in Tia Portal, is emphasized. A consistent approach to organization ensures that any project emerging from a particular source, like Think Plc in this case, maintains a recognizable and intuitive structure. This consistency aids in ease of navigation and adaptability. Moreover, having a base program or template facilitates faster development by providing foundational blocks, particularly for recurring tasks like alarming. The hope expressed is for future systems to automate more of these tasks, further reducing the need for manual coding. In essence, when it comes to code or standards ownership, clarity and mutual understanding between the developer and the client are paramount. If an individual or another company emulates or adopts the practices taught, it's taken as a compliment, indicating the effectiveness and appeal of the approach. Manufacturing Hub Episode 121 - With Special Guest - Bobby Cole! #manufacturing #automation #industry40 #digitaltransformationThis clip was taken from

The field of industrial engineering or electrical engineering often lacks a robust emphasis on delving into software components. This deficit can be supplemented by proactive self-learning, which is what I did. For example, I explored databases and programming independently, an endeavour I found far more beneficial than the courses offered during my formal education. When it comes to Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), I argue that possessing a solid background in process engineering is more crucial than a proficiency in programming. At Vertech, our team predominantly consists of professionals from the disciplines of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering rather than software engineering. The rationale behind this is simple: it's easier to learn software skills than to comprehend the intricacies of a given process. Therefore, for anyone considering a foray into this field but harboring reservations about their lack of programming experience, I'd say don't worry. If you've mastered the process engineering aspect, the rest will follow naturally. Considering the current trend, the importance of MES, SCADA, and data analytics has significantly risen. Yet, the number of individuals skilled in these areas fails to meet demand. We rarely encounter graduates with degrees specifically in MES, which can make bridging the skills gap challenging. That's why I'd argue that those hailing from chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering disciplines are more likely to succeed in this domain due to their foundational knowledge. For those aspiring to work in MES, I recommend starting as a systems integrator rather than joining a specific company. The reasoning is straightforward: working in a specific company as an MES or data engineer allows you to learn one particular way of doing things, whereas a systems integrator role exposes you to a multitude of projects and ways of working. This broader experience, I believe, is invaluable for early career development, as opposed to confining oneself to a single industry or vertical. This clip was taken from Manufacturing Hub Episode 119 - https://lnkd.in/egY9-x7J With guest - Addison Waege #manufacturing #automation #data #industry40 #digitaltransformation