By Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software lead at Schneider Electric.
Renowned trend forecaster and designer, Li Edelkoort said: “We will design out of hope and not out of fear” − a quote that transcends so many industries and undoubtedly underscores man’s infinite desire to innovate and grow; and today, automation is undoubtedly at the forefront of this hope that man and machine will meet to create a technological world that is both efficient and safe.
Is it blade, is it a runner?
It would come as no surprise that AI and ML are at the forefront of the increased efficiency movement, and are vital cogs in this sophisticated automated machine. For example, AI-driven predictive maintenance can, like a quasi-mirror ball, predict equipment failures before it occurs.
A development that is extremely exciting, is autonomous systems. Like a jedi of sorts an autonomous system can operate independently and adapt to conditions without human intervention.
Indeed, autonomous robots and vehicles are becoming increasingly commonplace in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. It is a world Philip K Dick and his sci-fi writer peers would be proud of.
Again, these automatons can navigate complex environments, perform intricate and downright dangerous tasks and importantly, co-exist with their human counterparts.
Similarly, human-machine collaboration is fast becoming a reality. We’re seeing man and machine working together to achieve excellence. Perfection is after all what our Borg friends in Star Trek strived to.
Here, collaborative robots (cobots) can assist human workers with tasks that require both precision and strength while humans provide the creativity and problem-solving skills that machines lack.
Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software lead at Schneider Electric.
Making the circle wider, 5G and service are now friends with automation
5G is set to make industrial automation even faster. It offers reliable connectivity that lend itself to real-time data processing and communication. 5G offers blistering speeds of up to between 10 and 20 Gbps. With 5G, we can implement more sophisticated IoT devices and sensors, creating a highly interconnected and responsive manufacturing environment.
Automation as a Service (AaaS) is another exciting option. It allows organisations to access all the benefits that come with automation in a staggered, attainable manner. Subscription reduces upfront costs whilst providing flexible and scalability, as and when required. Furthermore, AaaS provides companies with the absolute latest in automation technologies, which is particularly beneficial in a marketplace that is evolving at pace.
At Schneider Electric we offer automation services through a subscription model called Energy as a Service (EaaS) which enable our customers to access advanced automation and energy management solutions without the need for significant upfront capital investment.
The DeepSeek effect: navigating AI’s new frontier
IT in Manufacturing
DeepSeek has emerged as a game-changer in artificial intelligence, offering a robust platform redefining how businesses approach AI integration. This change is especially important since it opens up AI to a wider range of organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises that could have previously been priced out of the market.
Read more...Agentic AI: are we building castles on quicksand?
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence is in a strange spot. With the explosion of AI tools and applications, we find ourselves teetering between two inseparable yet intertwined paths – the promise of extraordinary capability and the peril of unmitigated risk.
Read more...Ball valves and actuators to optimise HVAC performance Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa offers the full range of innovative SpaceLogic and EasyLogic ball valves and actuators. These cutting-edge products are designed to optimise HVAC system performance, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in industrial, commercial and residential buildings.
Read more...There’s a reason the A stands for Advanced in APC Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Today’s mineral processing companies face almost universal challenges, efficiently managing resources and high energy consumption, environmental compliance, barriers to technological adoption and the perpetual shortage of skilled labour. While there’s no miracle intervention, there are undoubtedly solutions that improve the above, and one is Advanced Process Control.
Read more...Digital twins in manufacturing Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can transform the work of product development too.
Read more...New generative AI-powered maintenance offering Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens Industrial Copilot is revolutionising industry by enabling customers to leverage generative AI across the entire value chain – from design and planning to engineering, operations and services.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments ACTOM Electrical Machines
IT in Manufacturing
Extreme temperatures, corrosive substances and high pressures are just a few of the elements that make up the unforgiving operational environments characteristic of the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors. A proactive and nuanced approach to industrial maintenance is no longer optional for organisations, it is an absolute necessity to avoid disruptions and create the right conditions for success.
Read more...Next-generation PLC technology with advanced chatbot functionality Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Beckhoff is taking automation technology to the next level with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime are noticeably faster, without compromising on TwinCAT’s signature strengths of seamless integration, compatibility and openness.
Read more...SIs - the channel’s conductors of light Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.
printer friendly version