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Manufacturing AUTOMATION magazine “Canada’s leading publication providing industrial automation news and technology information aimed at the discrete and process industries.”
Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...
In this issueFrom the editor: When I grow up...
Product focus: Process control Mark your calendars |
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From the editor
When I grow up...
How young is too young to introduce a child to automation? I recently had a chance to think about that topic when a news release crossed my desk that caught my eye.
Sent by National Instruments (NI) and LEGO, it was introducing a new program that would continue the companies’ educational robotics collaboration. The new LEGO Education WeDo classroom robotics platform is powered by NI LabVIEW graphical design software and offers a drag-and-drop, icon-based environment that lets students easily program their own robotics inventions.
The catch? The students in question are ages seven to 11.
Certainly the partnership between NI and LEGO wasn’t news to me. In fact, we covered the partnership between NI and LEGO in our January/February 2008 issue focusing on Automation Education and Training. The partnership is designed to introduce young students to engineering, and (let’s hope) make them interested in perhaps one day becoming part of the profession.
As someone who has been sounding the alarm for years about the looming skills shortage, I think the partnership is a fantastic idea. Exposing kids to robotics, engineering and automation is just about the best thing we can do to show them how worthwhile and fulfilling a career in manufacturing automation can be.
But I’m also a parent, and a little part of me wonders if age seven is a bit too young to be pushing kids into engineering. Not that this program is necessarily pushing kids into choosing a profession already (it’s really just whetting their appetites, so to speak), but I remember being seven, and quite honestly, I wanted to be a movie star – not exactly the career path I ended up taking! My own five-year-old son wants to be “an astronaut and a bus driver.” He doesn’t even know what engineering is, let alone want to become an engineer when he grows up. And I don’t think that’s a decision he needs to make right now.
Then again, is it really so wrong to open a child’s eyes to the world of manufacturing? My little guy is already obsessed with robots (thanks to Transformers) and LEGO. If, in two years, he wants to learn to program his own robots, I’m going to encourage him all the way. I won’t explicitly push him into the engineering profession, but it certainly can’t hurt to introduce him to the world of automation.
After all, the class of 2025 will need a few engineers in the group.
All the best,
Alison Dunn
Acting Editor
adunn@clbmedia.ca
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WE’VE GONE DIGITAL!
The digital edition of the June 2008 issue of Manufacturing AUTOMATION includes: |
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Stay tuned!
The September 2008 issue of Manufacturing AUTOMATION will include: Cover story: 40 years of the PLC On January 1, 1968, after a night of New Year’s Eve revelry, Dick Morley put pen to paper and created the first draft of what would eventually become the programmable logic controller. The invention of the PLC is perhaps the single greatest innovation in the automation industry, and it revolutionized the manufacturing process. In this special issue, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the PLC with a retrospective of how it all began. Feature: Wireless technology Wireless technology is a multifaceted technology that requires many questions to be asked before installing a system in a facility. The right decision will help improve safety, optimize the plant and ensure compliance. But how do you choose the right industrial wireless network for your plant? In September, we’ll explain which questions to ask and what system components you should consider for your facility. Feature: Safety There are plenty of new machine guarding and safety technologies on the market to keep workers safe on the shop floor. But machines killed 223 Canadian workers from 2002 to 2006. The technologies exist — why aren’t we using them? Plus: The latest automation industry news, education and training updates, appointment announcements and trends, as well as a selection of the latest programmable control, enclosures and workstations, RFID, safety, wire and cable and wireless technology and security products. |
Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...
In the news
Manufacturing sales up in June
Ottawa, Ont.
— Despite gloomy reports to the contrary, a new report has found that
Canadian manufacturing sales doubled expectations in June.
For the full story, click here.
DCS market continues its strong growth
Dedham, Mass.
— Despite global economic uncertainty, a new study from ARC advisory
group has found that the market for process manufacturing and
automation is still going strong, particularly the global market for
DCS.
For the full story, click here.
Tax write-offs for manufacturing should be temporary, says think-tank
Ottawa, Ont.
— The federal and Ontario governments made a smart move by offering
manufacturers tax write-offs, but the deal shouldn’t last forever, says
a prominent Canadian think-tank.
For the full story, click here.
Bosch joins greenhouse gas emissions registry
Farmington Hills, Mich.
— Bosch has become a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), the
world’s first and North America’s only voluntary, legally binding
greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program.
For the full story, click here.
Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...
People watching
Siemens appoints Joris Myny to head Industry Automation & Drive Technologies
Mississauga, Ont. — Siemens Canada Limited has appointed Joris Myny as vice president, Industry Automation & Drive Technologies, Siemens Canada Limited. In his new position, Myny will be responsible for the portfolio management and marketing of all IA and DT offerings. In addition, he is responsible for contributing to the growth and profitability of the business.
SAP Canada names Mark Aboud president and managing director
Toronto, Ont. — SAP Canada Inc has named Mark Aboud, formerly the company's executive vice president, Small and Midsize Enterprises (SME) and Public Services, president and managing director for SAP Canada. In this role, Aboud will be responsible for all SAP business operations in Canada, as well as for continuing to drive growth of SAP's market-leading business management software applications.
Today's e-newsletter is sponsored by...
Product focus: Process control
Production control and information system
Rockwell
Automation recently introduced the latest version of its Integrated
Architecture production control and information system with more than
30 new capabilities for end users and machine builders. Featuring the
Rockwell Automation Stratix family, advanced process control and safety
functionality and three new Logix programmable automation controllers
(PACs) for midrange machine builders and end users alike, this
expansion is designed to help improve integration and performance
within the manufacturing and IT infrastructure. The Rockwell Automation
Integrated Architecture is a production control and information system
allowed by fully integrated control, network, visualization and
information technologies. The Integrated Architecture platform
addresses a full range of control and information needs for discrete,
process, batch, motion, drive and safety applications, and addresses
enterprise performance information needs including quality and
compliance, production management and asset management.
Rockwell Automation
www.rockwellautomation.com
Temperature/process controllers
Omega’s
new CN6201 1/16 DIN ramp/soak temperature/process controllers feature a
dual display and a splash-proof and dust-proof design. The universal
input supports thermocouple, RTD and voltage input types. This series
of temperature/process controllers has one program pattern consisting
of 16 segments that can easily be set and operated. Options include
dual alarms, retransmission output and RS485 communications interface.
This product is perfect for automotive, food, plastics, petroleum,
water and any temperature or process industry. Recommended applications
are heat treating, water baths, industrial oven control and any process
control application.
Omega
www.omega.ca
Mark your calendars
NETcomm Maritimes 2008 Conference
September 3 - 4, 2008
Halifax, N.S.
This unique conference, brought to you by Network & Cabling —
Canada's ITS Magazine — combines a trade show-like forum with a series
of training seminars and technical workshops for the telecom/datacom
sectors. The event features top-quality seminars to give you the edge
you need to get ahead.
Some of the event's confirmed seminars include:
• TechReady
• The Data Centre: Changes in Infrastructure and Design
• Wireless 802.11n Technology
• Non-Line-of-Sight Wireless Broadband Networks
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
• The Next-Generation Technician
• Reflectometry versus Loss Testing: OTDRs
• TIA 606: Labelling Standard
• Pre-terminated Cabling Solutions
• LEED and the Impact on the RCDD
For more information, visit
www.networkcablingmag.ca/index.php/NETcomm-Maritimes-2008-Delegate.html.
International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS)
September 8-13, 2008
McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill.
IMTS brings together the worldwide manufacturing community to showcase
the latest innovative technologies in metalworking equipment and
services. For more information, visit www.imts.com.
exiderdome
September 8 - 12, 2008
Montreal, Que.
Siemens Canada Limited's global road show, exiderdome, has arrived in
Canada. Siemens' exiderdome is a two-storey exhibit constructed from 55
containers that transform into a must-see exposition of technological
innovation. The exiderdome allows visitors to experience Siemens'
world-leading expertise in various industries such as oil & gas,
food & beverage, automotive and building construction. Siemens has
the largest global standardized range of automation and drive
technologies, which has been leveraged and made more efficient on the
basis of Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) and Totally Integrated
Power (TIP).
Representing more than 130,000 products and combining 220 tons of steel and 20 kilometres of power cables assembled on two floors, the exiderdome boasts eight showrooms, one multimedia theatre with a 34-metre wide display and meeting rooms. Once assembled, the exiderdome is entirely self-contained, including air conditioning, heating, wireless internet, power generation and a fully operating kitchen. Due to its flexibility and mobility, the exhibit can be easily transported by sea, air or road. For more information, visit www.exiderdome.ca.
Motion Control Made Easy
September 9, 2008
Dorval, Que.
This live seminar by Galil provides the practical information you need
to successfully implement motion control systems. Whether your
application requires complex contouring, XYZ motion, electronic gearing
or master/slave control, the seminar will make your design task easier.
You'll learn about the basics of motion control as well as the latest
innovations in servo technology. For more information, visit www.electromate.com.
Motion Control Made Easy
September 11, 2008
Toronto, Ont.
This live seminar by Galil provides the practical information you need
to successfully implement motion control systems. Whether your
application requires complex contouring, XYZ motion, electronic gearing
or master/slave control, the seminar will make your design task easier.
You'll learn about the basics of motion control as well as the latest
innovations in servo technology. For more information, visit www.electromate.com.
ENEX08 (Energy Excellence 2008)
September 23 - 24, 2008
Mississauga, Ont.
Canada's largest manufacturing consortium, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) and the editors and publishers of Energy Management, Green Business and PEM Plant Engineering and Maintenance
magazines, have joined forces to create Canada's leading energy
management & efficiency conference and exhibition. ENEX08 (Energy
Excellence 2008) is an innovative learning and networking conference
and exhibition focused on World-Class Best Practices in Energy
Management & Efficiency. The inaugural ENEX08 event is being held
at Stage West Hotel & Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ont. ENEX08
will feature keynote speakers, expert presentations, 'bear pit' working
sessions, case studies and a half-day of technical training on energy
management, measurement and efficiency. This two-day event will welcome
100-200 key industry leaders and decision makers operating, managing
and maintaining Canada's small, medium and large manufacturing firms,
as well as institutions and commercial business. Participants will
include senior managers and owners, plant managers, engineers and
maintenance managers; directors of engineering, operations, production
and operations, as well as facility managers, technicians, purchasers,
and anyone involved in controlling, monitoring or reducing energy usage
and consumption in their facilities. For ENEX08 registration and
sponsorship information, visit: www.energyexcellence.ca.
A more comprehensive list of events can be found on our website.
The PowerPack Direct Response Card Deck, available online at http://cardpack.clbmedia.ca,
brings the depth and breadth of the web together so you can reach
industrial buyers! And we've made it easy for the online user to search
by product, key word and company name. Plus, users have the choice of
connecting directly to your website, e-mail a request directly to you,
or print out the card for future reference!
| WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU |
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If you would like to share your comments about this e-newsletter, or have a news tip for Manufacturing AUTOMATION, please e-mail Alison Dunn, Acting Editor. |
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