Rockwell Automation touts smart, safe, sustainable manufacturing solutions

Plant-wide optimization, machine-builder performance, and sustainable production are among highlights from Rockwell Automation at 18th annual customer and partner event, Automation Fair.

By Bob Vavra November 12, 2009

Rockwell Automation opened its Automation Fair event today in Anaheim, CA, to nearly 9,000 customers, Rockwell Automation Partner Network members, industry analysts and media, the company said. Themed "Smart, Safe and Sustainable Manufacturing," the event provided attendees the opportunity to see the newest technologies and solutions available to help improve plant-wide optimization, machine-builder performance and sustainable production.

Rockwell Automation says it offers:

  • Plant-wide optimization – A changing global economy is driving manufacturers to seek new continuous improvement methodologies – enabled by the convergence of industrial automation and information technology. Through customer round-table discussions, theater presentations and technical sessions, attendees can identify ways to use automation investments to drive innovative engineering, flexible operations and efficient maintenance across their organizations.
  • Machine-builder performance – Machine builders manufacture industrial equipment that uses different levels of automation technology, depending on the end use of the machines. They require flexibility and seek Rockwell Automation solutions to help reduce total cost to design, develop and deliver machines and improve time to market.
  • Sustainable production – Sustainable production is the only long-term solution to overcoming the rising costs of energy, raw materials, environmental regulations, workers’ compensation and product liability. Rockwell Automation solutions help manufacturers overcome today’s economic pressures, achieve long-term business goals, improve global competitiveness and brand value, and have a more positive impact on society and the environment.
    • "Our goal this year is to help customers make the most of their investment in automation and information technology, improve their competitiveness, and make sure they are well-positioned to capitalize on the economic recovery," said Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO.
      "Plant-wide optimization represents a new era in manufacturing. Companies making the investment are better-positioned to address new sustainability objectives and respond to changes in consumer demand," Nosbusch said.
    • On Nov. 10, Nosbusch and executives other industry organizations spoke at the company’s annual Manufacturing Perspectives global media forum. Speakers described the trends driving global manufacturing and offered insight into the global economic outlook. In addition, Nosbusch provided an overview of the new products, services and developments that highlight this year’s Automation Fair event. These included:
    • An industrial energy management "greenprint" that helps manufacturers take an "inside-out" approach to energy management;
    • The launch of the FactoryTalk VantagePoint EMI software and FactoryTalk Historian Machine Edition software;
    • A portfolio of integrated motion solutions over EtherNet/IP;
    • A new series of servers and workstations for building a process automation system;
    • New Allen-Bradley products, such as an extension to the safety light-curtain line, a new safety controller for midrange applications, a new managed switch, two new Allen-Bradley ControlLogix controllers, and servo motors and drives.
      • The Automation Fair event continues today and tomorrow with workshops, technical sessions, industry forums, hands-on labs and more than 100 exhibitors, which include members of the PartnerNetwork platform.

         


Author Bio: Bob is the Content Manager for Plant Engineering.