Artificial intelligence for all

Tensor-Koprozessoren verleihen Embedded Computing KI-Fähigkeit

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are very well suited for pattern recognition, enabling flexible decision making, for example, for driver assistance systems in cars or for industrial applications such as quality assurance. The availability of specialised tensor coprocessors and their integration into single-board computers and Computer on Module (COM) boards enable the execution of extremely CPU-intensive […]

Lend me your arm

Maschinen durch Roboterintegration transformieren

We usually see industrial robots working as standalone complete machines. However, in recent times, there has been much talk of cobots—robots that are optimised to work with humans. No less exciting is the use of robots in conjunction with production and packaging machinery. A silver bullet is not forthcoming, instead we have three completely different […]

Developer boards in industrial applications

Entwicklerboards im industriellen Einsatz

Boasting benefits such as a compact design, low power consumption and an affordable purchase price, developer boards are suitable for a wide range of projects. They are also being increasingly used in industrial applications. Engineers now have a number of interesting development boards at their disposal for this purpose—with Arduino products coming in first. Below, […]

Closing digitalisation gaps

Requirements for consistent automation concepts: Closing digitization gaps

Over the past few years, trade and industry have invested a great deal in digitalising production processes. Nevertheless, the path to Industry 4.0 is still a long one for many companies, particularly smaller ones. It is also littered with digitalisation gaps that, like potholes in the road, slow down efficiency. Closing these gaps opens up a path towards the transformation of production processes.

Guaranteed safe functioning

Use safety sensors for "grey" and "yellow" tasks

The broader the decision-making basis in automated machines or plants for their control or higher-level systems, the more precisely the production result can be controlled. Sensors provide the basis for this, which is why more and more of them are being used. Hardware requirements can be limited by using safety-related sensors for even non-safety-related purposes. […]

How to ensure a small CO2 footprint

Der Weg zum schlanken CO2-Fußabdruck

When developing products, it is more relevant than ever to think about their environmental impact. A large number of components must be taken into account. The earlier in the process the various factors are weighed up in order to resolve the conflicts of goals with the best possible compromises, the better the overall result will be. The most effective way to do this is to plan production and its automation right from the product definition stage.

Smarter robots can do more

Smarter robots can do more

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications improve the ability of industrial robots to react quickly and precisely to sensor and image data. Integrating AI functionality directly into the robot control system enables not only accelerated object recognition, but also increases in quality, reliability and speed, as well as extending the possibilities for working with people.

Solid gold is not always best

Connector geometries that original come from the office environment, such as RJ45 and USB, have also established themselves in industrial applications and are available in corresponding versions.

Often neglected, connectors are essential parts of many electric and electronic devices, machines and systems. The overwhelming variety of shapes and versions can really make selecting a connector difficult and there is no universal solution in terms of material either – not even solid gold-plated contacts. This article should provide you with a brief overview […]

IoT Enabler — LoRaWAN

The collection and evaluation of data from all production systems requires system operation and maintenance to be more efficient and more robust. It also requires more new business models to be developed.

The digitalisation of all business and production processes requires the comprehensive networking of all assets as part of the Internet of Things (IoT). This must also include remote or mobile system components. Independent IoT network technology LoRaWAN enables this integration into complete system automation without the need for large investments in infrastructure or escalating operating […]

Distributed Intelligence

distributed intelligence

Single board microcontrollers are in many electronics applications, developing customised systems for individual subsystems and combining them to meet requirements is more productive than having one all-encompassing solution. Single board microcontrollers are affordable components for software-based solutions to individual control and/or data preparation tasks. They deliver the required intelligence exactly where it is needed in […]