On Your Mark. Get Set. Go! Robot Solves Rubik’s Cube in Seconds

Challenged with exploring the capabilities of a Siemens PLC, creative engineering students at Rowan University College of Engineering developed a robot that can solve the Rubik’s Cube puzzle in record-breaking time. Read on and view the robot in action! It spins with the thunderous staccato rata-tat clatter of a machine gun while it answers a question people have been struggling with since the late 1970’s. No, it’s not trying to define the nature of George Lucas’... Read More

Automation Users Prove Software Framework Integrates PLCs, HMIs and Networks

This is the third in a series of three articles outlining Siemens new TIA Portal software framework.  For more technical details, please go to http://www.engineering-redefined.com. In November 2010 Alpharetta, GA-based Siemens Industry Inc., released the TIA Portal, a software framework designed with comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) principles and architectures to introduce unprecedented degrees of integration and ease-of-use to industrial automation. TIA... Read More

Siemens Releases Next Generation of SIRIUS Modular System

New ‘SIRIUS Innovations’ Products are Efficient, Flexible and Connected With the SIRIUS Innovations line of power control products, Siemens Industry, Inc. has introduced the next generation of its SIRIUS Modular System. In addition to improving on the previous system with sustainable elements that reduce power consumption, make more efficient use of space and simplify assembly, SIRIUS Innovations breaks new ground with the inclusion of IO-Link communication modules that reduce... Read More

Key Panels for use in Tough and Safety-Related Industrial Applications

Siemens Industry has released a pair of new key panels for its HMI (human machine interface) systems that promise to deliver enhanced functionality to users on the shop floor. The new Simatic HMI KP8 and KP8F feature eight large, programmable, backlit keys that Alan Cone, Siemens spokesperson, says will make machine control on the shop floor easier than ever before. “These panels are backlit so you can see them easily and clearly no matter what the ambient lighting in your environment,”... Read More

Siemens vs. Allen-Bradley: Choosing the Best Safety PLC

This article sets the stage for using safety systems and examines the safety offerings of the two companies. In an upcoming webinar on this topic, a more in-depth analysis and comparison will be discussed. Picking the right hardware and software plays a huge role in a company’s machine safety programs.  Knowing which issues are important and getting unbiased information about this hardware and software is often a difficult chore. Many times, engineers are comparing equipment... Read More

Video Tutorial: Siemens Machine Safety Reduces Integration Costs

Traditional machine safety system upgrades can be costly and time consuming. Learn how Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) can eliminate high integration costs and engineering time on your next machine safety upgrade. This graphical animation video will highlight several techniques for reducing cost when integrating machine safety for a manufacturing or process control system.Have an Inquiry for Siemens about this article? Click Here >>    Read More →

Video Tutorial: Siemens TIA Reduces Machine-to-Machine Integration Costs

Interlocking multiple machines in a production line can make or break an automation budget. Learn how Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) can eliminate costly hardwiring, troubleshooting and programming overhead when connecting multiple machines in a production line system. This graphical animation video will highlight several techniques for reducing cost when integrating multiple pieces of equipment for a manufacturing or process control system.Have an Inquiry for Siemens... Read More

Safety Modules Prevent Explosions

When gases, vapors, mists and dusts form explosive atmospheres, electronic systems must be designed to avoid any chance of sparking under any conditions. The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed three fail-safe modules to meet these requirements. The new modules, for the SIMATIC ET 200iSP intrinsically safe distributed I/O system, are the 8F-DI Ex NAMUR, 4F-DO Ex 17.4V/40 mA and 4F-AI Ex HART. They meet the high safety requirements in accordance with the relevant... Read More

Safety Relay Simultaneously Monitors Multiple Parameters

A new safety relay from Siemens Industry Inc. provides enough performance to handle simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters such as machine speed and motor standstill. The SIRIUS 3TK2810-1 is part of the SIRIUS 3TK28 safety relays family. The latest addition to the line can simultaneously monitor three parameterizable limit values for downtime, setup speed and automatic speed. For example, speed limits are defined using buttons on the front of the unit and an LCD display. Diagnostics... Read More

Latest Microprocessors Expand User Control

Adopting Intel™ multicore processors lets Siemens cut costs, improve performance Chipmakers who are vying for increased market share in consumer products and personal computers continue to pour huge investments into microprocessors, bringing rapid performance advances. That’s good news for designers and users in industrial automation and other fields that can utilize the powerful devices designed for high volume markets. The days when ruggedized markets like the military,... Read More