Top 5 Control Engineering articles January 30 to February 5: IIoT advice, matrix VFD technology, choosing the best controller, more

Articles about the IIoT and manufacturing, matrix VFD technology, choosing the best controller for each application, 2017 manufacturing technology predictions, and robotics software for the next generation were Control Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 30 to February 5. Miss something? You can catch up here.

By Chris Vavra February 6, 2017

The top 5 most read articles online, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 for Control Engineering, covered the IIoT and manufacturing, matrix VFD technology, choosing the best controller for each application, 2017 manufacturing technology predictions, and robotics software for the next generation. Links to each article below. 

1. IIoT arrives; It’s time to get started

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has progressed from dream to hype to reality. Today, the basic deployment scenarios of the IIoT solutions we implement for our end user manufacturing customers.

2. The fundamentals of matrix variable frequency drive technology 

Providing cost, space, and energy efficiency for VFD applications.

3. How to choose the best controller for each application

Cover Story: Consider the features and typical applications for industrial controllers to understand what type of controller fits each application. Do you need a programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable automation controller (PAC), or industrial PC (IPC)? See comparison tables for PLCs, PACs, and IPCs.

4. Four predictions for manufacturing technology in 2017

As 2017 kicks off, one thing is certain for manufacturers: access to meaningful and actionable data will play a big role in achieving success this year. 

5. Robotics software for the next generation 

Educators, researchers, and robotics companies have collaborated to develop software that enables robots to work in new applications to help shrink the industrial manufacturing skills gap. As a result, more intelligent robotics software now is enabling greater robotics capabilities for the next generation of technology and manufacturing workers. See video.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, January 30 to February 5, for articles published within the last two months.

Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.


Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.