August 2024 industry news: events, standards and executive appointments

In this episode of Control Intelligence, managing editor Anna Townshend shares machine builder and system integrator news highlights from the month of August.

Transcript

New certifications

1. Zimmermann has expanded its portal milling machine lineup with the FZU22, a five-axis gantry mill designed for large, lightweight applications. The FZU22 is engineered to handle materials like aluminum, composites and wood, offering precise machining with a specially developed five-axis milling head and a 15 kW spindle. The machine is also designed for the finishing of carbon fiber reinforced and other composite materials. The standard FZU22 machine includes a toolchanger for 24 tools and a CNC from Siemens or Heidenhain for full motion control and tracking. President Cornelius Kiesel said the FZU22 is positioned as a cost-effective solution with lighter weight machining applications for large structures. A recent acquisition of a Germany company provided a reliable source for this type of machine. Zimmerman machines are used in aerospace, automotive, moldmaking, transportation, off-highway and mechanical engineering sectors, and will be showcased at IMTS, Sep. 9 to 14 in Chicago.

2. Amada Weld Tech, a manufacturer of resistance welding, laser welding, marking, cutting and micro machining equipment and systems, has launched the WL-300A precision laser welding workstation. The system integrates laser, motion, cameras, and a process monitor into a compact unit. Designed for low- to medium-volume production, this workstation is ideal for welding metals and select plastics in electronic manufacturing. The system offers high precision with options for multiple axes of motion, off-axis and on-axis camera viewing, and advanced software features. Amada Weld Tech was founded in 1948 and serves a wide range of markets including aerospace, automotive and electric components.

3. System integrator Omnicon has achieved its fifth consecutive recertification from the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). This certification underscores Omnicon's commitment to excellence in industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and data integration. The recertification process involves rigorous auditing to ensure the highest standards in management, project execution, and cybersecurity. Omnicon’s ongoing certification reflects its dedication to delivering reliable and safe automation solutions. In addition to maintaining CSIA certification, Omnicon was honored in 2021, as the CSIA Integrator Member of the Year, recognizing its industry leadership and excellence. In 2020, CEO Eduardo Acosta received the prestigious Charlie Bergman Award.

4. Electronic Drives and Controls (EDC) has announced the recertification of Anthony Fasolo under the UL508A standard, ensuring its control panels meet stringent safety and reliability standards. EDC’s engineers also maintain certifications from Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Ignition, and the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). Chuck Dillard, vice president of EDC, emphasized the significance of the most recent certification: “The UL508A recertification is a testament to our rigorous standards and commitment to delivering safe and reliable control panel solutions. This certification not only assures our clients of our technical proficiency, but also demonstrates our adherence to the highest safety standards in the industry.”

Upcoming event

Registration is open for ODVA’s next EtherNet/IP PlugFest in December, offering developers a crucial opportunity to test their products' interoperability with others in real-world scenarios. This event helps identify and resolve potential issues in product performance, particularly in multi-vendor environments. With a focus on EtherNet/IP Interoperability Test Procedures, the PlugFest also allows for additional testing of CIP Security and CIP Safety protocols, ensuring robust and reliable industrial networking solutions. The event will be held from Dec. 3 to 5 in Esslingen, Germany.

Membership

UniversalAutomation.Org (UAO) has recently grown its membership, closing in on 100 members and reflecting the growing industry interest in its International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61499-based automation approach. Unlike the traditional IEC 61131 standard, IEC 61499 offers a decentralized and hardware-independent framework, facilitating greater flexibility in automation projects. In contrast, but not in competition with approaches such as MTP, NOA, OPC UA or O-PAS, the UAO Runtime Execution Engine is designed to eliminate proprietary automation structures. If the runtime is implemented in a programmable logic controller (PLC), for example, it does not require a development environment from the same manufacturer or generation to program it, ultimately decoupling hardware and software.

Executive appointments

1. Raquel Torres has been appointed president of UniversalAutomation.Org (UAO), succeeding John Conway, who announced his retirement in May. A new board of directors was also elected at the annual general meeting in Barcelona in May. Torres is chief ecosystem officer for UAO, having previously worked at Schneider Electric, AVEVA and SAP. She hopes to continue to grow membership through the use of its runtime technology and its manufacturer-neutral automation approach.

2. Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE), has appointed Dr. Jill Zullo as its executive vice president and chief operating officer. Zullo, a biotechnology commercialization pioneer, brings nearly three decades of experience from Cargill, where she developed new technologies and led initiatives in renewable bioplastics and industrial biotech. Her role at BioMADE will focus on strengthening the U.S. bioeconomy, enhancing innovation in biomanufacturing, and building a competitive STEM workforce. BioMADE was started by the U.S. Department of Energy and is a member of Manufacturing USA, a public-private partnership supporting 17 manufacturing institutes throughout the country. 

 Workforce development

1. Fanuc America has launched a $1 million scholarship fund in collaboration with the SME Education Foundation to support careers in advanced manufacturing and automation. The Fanuc Automation Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide $50,000 annually to students in the U.S. and Canada pursuing careers in these fields. Since 2019, Fanuc America has created more than 400 jobs in Michigan and has invested more than $187 million across the continent. This latest initiative is part of Fanuc's broader strategy to address the projected shortage of 2.1 million skilled workers by 2030 and to sustain industrial automation's growth in North America. The SME Education Foundation will accept scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year starting November 1.

2. Franklin Electric recently hosted its second annual Future Franklineers Day, engaging more than 60 students in STEM career exploration at its Indiana headquarters. The event offered hands-on learning experiences, including motor-building activities and tours of research and testing facilities. This initiative is part of Franklin Electric’s efforts to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians in the water systems industry.

3. Dematic has awarded scholarships to students pursuing STEM careers as part of its partnership with the FIRST Robotics program. This year, Dematic provided more than $60,000 in scholarships to students across North America, continuing its commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in science and engineering. The company has invested more than $310,000 in FIRST Robotics since 2008, supporting student teams and events that encourage innovation and technical skill development in the field of industrial automation.

 Awards

1. ASMPT, maker of integrated products for the manufacturer of semiconductors and electronics, has been honored with Texas Instruments' 2023 Supplier Excellence Award for the second consecutive year. This recognition places ASMPT among the top performers in TI's extensive supplier network, which includes more than 10,000 companies. The award acknowledges ASMPT's exemplary contributions in technology, quality, cost, and environmental and social responsibility. ASMPT’s offerings encompass the semiconductor assembly and packaging and surface-mount technology (SMT) industries, ranging from wafer deposition to the various products that organize, assemble and package delicate electronic components into a vast range of end-user devices, including electronics, mobile communications, computing, automotive and industrial.

2. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded ABB's Baldor-Reliance EC Titanium motors with the 2024 Energy Star Emerging Technology Award. This recognition highlights the motor’s ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in commercial HVAC systems. The EC Titanium motors combine synchronous reluctance and permanent magnet technologies, offering high efficiency when paired with variable speed drives. This innovation is ideal for applications in fans, pumps, blowers, and other variable speed systems.

Vender news

1. Motion Industries has committed to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) through the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program. This initiative supports the company's efforts in leadership, employment, business development, and community relations with Indigenous communities. By participating in the PAIR program, Motion aims to foster meaningful relationships and contribute to economic prosperity within Indigenous communities across Canada.

2. Independent inspection and testing service provider, TÜV Rheinland has inaugurated its largest laboratory in China, near Shanghai. This new $30 million facility focuses on testing electronic products, photovoltaics, and components for e-mobility and autonomous driving. The lab is part of TÜV Rheinland’s strategy to meet the rising demand for testing services in the Yangtze River Delta, a key region for industrial manufacturing in China. The facility also enhances TÜV Rheinland's capacity to support global market access for local manufacturers.

3. Motion control provider Servotecnica has expanded its U.S. operations in Fair Oaks, California, to better serve its slip-ring customers. The company specializes in motion control and mechatronic products, offering a wide range of slip rings for various industries. With configurations ranging from 12.4 mm to 100 mm, Servotecnica provides both standard and custom solutions. This expansion is part of the company’s strategy to enhance customer support and service in the U.S. market.

4. Endress+Hauser’s ultrasonic and Coriolis flowmeters have received approval from the EPA for use in measuring biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG). Endress+Hauser’s Proline Promass and Proline Prosonic Flowmeters offer precise measurement capabilities, supporting efficient and compliant production of renewable fuels. The Proline Promass Coriolis flowmeters can measure mass flow and temperature simultaneously. The EPA approvals allow biogas and RNG producers to use Endress+Hauser flowmeters under the current regulation, provided they meet all other applicable regulatory requirements.

Partnerships and acquisitions

1. Sick and Endress+Hauser have formalized a strategic partnership, leading to the transfer of around 800 Sick employees to Endress+Hauser by early 2025. This partnership will see Endress+Hauser take over the sales and service of Sick’s process analyzers and gas flowmeters. Additionally, a joint venture will be established to oversee the production and further development of these products. This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and support the sustainable transformation of the process industry.

2. Kundinger has expanded its automation offerings by partnering with Aubo Robotics USA, a manufacturer known for collaborative robots (cobots). Aubo’s cobots feature an open architecture, allowing easy integration without the need for specialized coding or licenses. This partnership aligns with Kundinger’s mission to provide accessible automation solutions, offering businesses of all sizes the ability to implement advanced automation technologies with minimal technical expertise.

3. Mahr Group has acquired OptoSurf, enhancing its capabilities in optical surface metrology, particularly for applications requiring high precision, such as in electromobility and aerospace. OptoSurf’s scattered light technology offers high-speed and high-accuracy surface measurements, crucial for minimizing friction and wear in finely machined components. It can detect roughness down to the nanometer range, deriving surface parameters from the distribution of micro-profile angles within the measuring spots rather than from a height profile as with conventional tactile or optical methods. The technology's high vibration and distance insensitivity make it suitable for direct use in the production environment. This acquisition positions Mahr to provide more comprehensive surface analysis solutions.