Advances in automation technology – practical solutions

Digital transformation, Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and Industry 4.0 are just a few of the reoccurring themes that dominate when discussing advancing technology for industrial automation. As a manufacturer or machine builder, the question is how to translate these themes into effective solutions that could benefit your current automation processes. Korina Parker, marketing manager at Murrelektronik UK, looks at workable solutions for these advances that are easy to integrate and have long-lasting advantages.

The future will be completely cabinet-free, and so decentralised solutions are a core aspect of Murrelektronik’s technology. Often, going cabinet-free is perceived as a radical overhaul of a complete system, but this is not the case. Murrelektronik’s range of decentralised solutions have been designed to offer maximum flexibility and ease of integration.

Solutions include fieldbus modules, switches, power supplies, IO-Link, cables and connectors all working together to make automation easier and simpler. When needed Murrelektronik application engineers can assist with planning, design, test and integration into your existing systems. Saving installation and design time, which in turn saves money and resources.

IO-Link made easy

IO-Link is recognised as the standard industrial communications protocol that connects sensors and actuators to high-level controllers. IO-Link offers a huge advantage and is a gateway to smart manufacturing as it allows for all types of data (service/process/event) to be transferred at high speed to and from controllers and devices. This means more efficient and agile processes, greater machine availability and permanent data access (for identification, diagnosis and configuration).

The IO-Link Pro system is a universal installation system, perfect as a starting point for digitalisation and, at the same time, delivering a future-proof IIoT concept. Advantages include easy integration of smart devices, transparency from the device level to the cloud, easy access to data for analysis.

IO-Link masters, hubs and analogue converters can be integrated into your existing system or be the core of a new system or machine. Another great advantage is that Murrelektronik’s application engineers are specially trained in IO-Link technology, helping customers to plan and install IO-Link and make end-to-end signal communication as easy as possible.”

Machine vision intelligence

Advancing industrial image processing technology is revolutionising machine vision applications. Vision systems are becoming increasingly important in industrial manufacturing and logistics. When it comes to Industry 4.0 technologies, industrial image processing cameras are a crucial component.

Murrelektronik’s ‘plug and play’ solution for machine vision technology enables quick connection for power supplies and signal/data management, allowing for the smart networking of cameras in industrial production, processes and logistics applications.

Modular, scalable and flexible, the range includes switches, distributors and power that can be mounted on the machine, as well as the corresponding high-performance cable and connector technology. These components minimise installation effort and maximize performance for both new and existing machines and systems.

Smart data management

As the need for machine and system communications grow, industrial networks become the lifeline for data. For successful digitization a powerful and reliable network technology is required.

Murrelektronik’s network technology ranges basic switches all the way up to the latest in POE technology – plus the cables to connect them. The company can also provide support and tips to help optimise data flow while reducing wiring efforts.

The Xelity 10 TX IP67 managed switch offers new possibilities for smart data management that can be decentralised and field mounted. It offers up to ten gigabit ports and features high level of robustness and variety. The compact, robust metal housing with the high degree of protection IP67 allows the switch to be used even in extremely harsh industrial environments, while the M12 L-coded power connectors ensure easy connection with power transmission.

And finally, we can’t discuss advances in automation technology and not mention Murrelektronik’s Vario-X – a modular, flexible and stand-alone automation system which has the ability to communicate to high level systems, as well as other PLC systems. Vario-X is networked, pluggable and cost-efficient. With seamless integration of servo drive technology, it ensures reliable voltage, signal and data management directly in the field. This means that, for the first time, all automation functions can be implemented without a panel in sight.

The plant automated by VARIO-X has a digital twin right from the start. A movable 1:1 image of the real plant, which contains all functions and parameters of the later system – and this is all in the project phase before even the first mechanical component has been ordered or assembled.