Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere these days, but it’s been a part of machine vision technology for years now. Given those years of use and the growth of new capabilities in AI, what’s the outlook for AI machine vision use in manufacturing. In this podcast discussion with Kevin McCabe of IDS Imaging Development Systems, we look at how AI enables vision system use in quality control, the connection between machine vision AI and large language models such as ChatGPT, and how to begin exploring use of AI-powered machine vision in your operations.

Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere these days, but it’s been a part of machine vision technology for years now. Given those years of use and the growth of new capabilities in AI, what’s the outlook for AI machine vision use in manufacturing. In this podcast discussion with Kevin McCabe of IDS Imaging Development Systems, we look at how AI enables vision system use in quality control, the connection between machine vision AI and large language models such as ChatGPT, and how to begin exploring use of AI-powered machine vision in your operations.

Is AI-Powered Vision Beneficial to Manufacturing?

In this episode we connect with Kristen Ballistrea of B&amp;R Industrial Automation to learn about B&amp;R's Acopos 6D levitating transport system. This transportation system uses levitating shuttles to move materials and parts between various production systems for applications ranging from assembly to packaging. 

In this episode we connect with Kristen Ballistrea of B&amp;R Industrial Automation to learn about B&amp;R's Acopos 6D levitating transport system. This transportation system uses levitating shuttles to move materials and parts between various production systems for applications ranging from assembly to packaging.

Levitating Transport Systems

In this discussion with Nazario Biala of Harting, we address how industry’s digital transformation is impacting the design of automation devices and connector functionalities required to support Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

In this discussion with Nazario Biala of Harting, we address how industry’s digital transformation is impacting the design of automation devices and connector functionalities required to support Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Connectivity Trends for Automation Devices

In this episode, we connect with Brian Burke of Bishop-Wisecarver  to learn why guide wheels are often used as a component of  linear motion systems in automated machinery and why they're considered critical to the dependability of such systems, especially in harsh environments.

In this episode, we connect with Brian Burke of Bishop-Wisecarver  to learn why guide wheels are often used as a component of  linear motion systems in automated machinery and why they're considered critical to the dependability of such systems, especially in harsh environments.

Why Use Guide Wheels in Linear Motion Systems?

In this episode, we connect with Stephen Lacey of Belden to learn about the high costs of reactive maintenance and how moving to more proactive—and even predictive—maintenance can be achieved without major investments and executed in small, easily incorporated steps.

In this episode, we connect with Stephen Lacey of Belden to learn about the high costs of reactive maintenance and how moving to more proactive—and even predictive—maintenance can be achieved without major investments and executed in small, easily incorporated steps.

Understanding Equipment Failures and How to Respond

In this episode we connect with Sam Russem of system integrator Grantek to learn how MES software tracks key production metrics and  how manufacturers should go about assessing their operations to figure out which metrics to track with MES software.

In this episode we connect with Sam Russem of system integrator Grantek to learn how MES software tracks key production metrics and  how manufacturers should go about assessing their operations to figure out which metrics to track with MES software.

Determining Metrics for MES

Two of the biggest trends in automation over the past few years have been the trend away from closed, proprietary systems and toward open systems, and increased reliance on automation to achieve sustainability goals. In this episode, we connect with Michael Martinez of Schneider Electric to better understand the connections between the use of open industrial automation software and sustainability.

Two of the biggest trends in automation over the past few years have been the trend away from closed, proprietary systems and toward open systems, and increased reliance on automation to achieve sustainability goals. In this episode, we connect with Michael Martinez of Schneider Electric to better understand the connections between the use of open industrial automation software and sustainability.

How to Connect Sustainability and Automation

In this episode, we connect with Michael Guelker of Festo to learn about the different types of robot grippers—pneumatic, electric, vacuum, soft adaptive, and magnetic—and how to select them based on capabilities and robot/automation supplier relationships.

In this episode, we connect with Michael Guelker of Festo to learn about the different types of robot grippers—pneumatic, electric, vacuum, soft adaptive, and magnetic—and how to select them based on capabilities and robot/automation supplier relationships.

Choosing Robot Grippers

In this episode, we connect with Jacob Becker, system solution architect at system integrator Tri Tech Automation, to answer an Automation World reader question about how soft starters and VFDs compare.  We explore their differences and similarities regarding motor speed control, cost, performance parameters and tuning capabilities, and for which applications each technology make the most sense.

In this episode, we connect with Jacob Becker, system solution architect at system integrator Tri Tech Automation, to answer an Automation World reader question about how soft starters and VFDs compare.  We explore their differences and similarities regarding motor speed control, cost, performance parameters and tuning capabilities, and for which applications each technology make the most sense.

What’s the Difference Between Soft Starters and Variable Frequency Drives?

In this episode, we connect with Sean Gregerson, vice president of asset management at Aveva, to learn about: Information Digital Twins; data democratization and what it means for industrial use of operations data; and why the gap between collected data and analyzed data remains so large at most companies.

In this episode, we connect with Sean Gregerson, vice president of asset management at Aveva, to learn about: Information Digital Twins; data democratization and what it means for industrial use of operations data; and why the gap between collected data and analyzed data remains so large at most companies.

How Does an Information Digital Twin Democratize Industrial Data?

Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered is a podcast series featuring industrial automation subject matter experts answering questions about automation technologies submitted by end users from the discrete and process manufacturing industries.

In this episode, we connect with Ross Turbiville, senior director of global industry sales of flow control products at Emerson Automation Solutions, to learn about the different types of commonly available automated valves, valve sizing and performance issues, how piping  and valve materials can impact valve choice, and deciding among electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic valve actuators. 

In this episode, we connect with Ross Turbiville, senior director of global industry sales of flow control products at Emerson Automation Solutions, to learn about the different types of commonly available automated valves, valve sizing and performance issues, how piping  and valve materials can impact valve choice, and deciding among electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic valve actuators.

How to Select the Right Valve

In this episode we connect with Chris Radebaugh of Emerson to learn how DeltaV Simulation Cloud is used to effectively train operators whenever engineering changes are made to production systems, what industries are using it, and how cloud-based engineering and simulation software stacks up to on-premises software.

In this episode we connect with Chris Radebaugh of Emerson to learn how DeltaV Simulation Cloud is used to effectively train operators whenever engineering changes are made to production systems, what industries are using it, and how cloud-based engineering and simulation software stacks up to on-premises software.

Why Choose the Cloud for Engineering and Simulation Software?

In this episode, we diverge a bit from our typical course of answering listener questions about automation technologies to explore the surge in interest around investing in industrial automation. With our guest Jim Carlisle, managing director at Thomas H. Lee, a Boston-based private equity firm, we look at why investment firms are increasingly focused on automation and the factors they see impacting this market.

In this episode, we diverge a bit from our typical course of answering listener questions about automation technologies to explore the surge in interest around investing in industrial automation. With our guest Jim Carlisle, managing director at Thomas H. Lee, a Boston-based private equity firm, we look at why investment firms are increasingly focused on automation and the factors they see impacting this market.

Inside the Investing Surge in Automation

Learn the details of machine risk assessments, what types of equipment require them, who's responsible for them, when to begin the process, and how to comply with machine risk assessment regulations in this episode featuring Devin Murray, tec.nicum services manager at Schmersal USA.

Learn the details of machine risk assessments, what types of equipment require them, who's responsible for them, when to begin the process, and how to comply with machine risk assessment regulations in this episode featuring Devin Murray, tec.nicum services manager at Schmersal USA.

What Is A Machine Risk Assessment?

In this episode, we connect with Doug Yerger of system integrator Grantek to discuss the differences among and preferences for Instruction List, Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart PLC programming languages, as well as C and C+. 

In this episode, we connect with Doug Yerger of system integrator Grantek to discuss the differences among and preferences for Instruction List, Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart PLC programming languages, as well as C and C+.

How to Evaluate PLC Programming Languages

In this episode we connect with Dan Riley of system integrator firm  Interstates to learn how digital twins are used to represent specific pieces of equipment as well as entire plant floor operations. We also discuss the specific value provided by a digital twin to improve production operations and what industry segments are using this technology most.

In this episode we connect with Dan Riley of system integrator firm  Interstates to learn how digital twins are used to represent specific pieces of equipment as well as entire plant floor operations. We also discuss the specific value provided by a digital twin to improve production operations and what industry segments are using this technology most.

How Does a Digital Twin Work in Practice?

Remote

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Bryan Little of Avanceon to answer a reader question about the use of remote I/O in the main electrical enclosure. In our discussion, we clarify the differences among remote I/O, distributed I/O, and local I/O; why using remote I/O in the main control enclosure doesn't go against the idea of remote I/O; and how wireless remote I/O can be beneficial depending on your application of it.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Bryan Little of Avanceon to answer a reader question about the use of remote I/O in the main electrical enclosure. In our discussion, we clarify the differences among remote I/O, distributed I/O, and local I/O; why using remote I/O in the main control enclosure doesn't go against the idea of remote I/O; and how wireless remote I/O can be beneficial depending on your application of it.

Using Remote I/O in the Main Control Enclosure

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Ben Manlongat of system integrator Outbound Technologies to learn about the risks of remote access and read-only SCADA data and how to secure this critical automation system component.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast, we connect with Ben Manlongat of system integrator Outbound Technologies to learn about the risks of remote access and read-only SCADA data and how to secure this critical automation system component.

Is SCADA IoT Control Too Risky?

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Nate Kay of industrial control system integrator Martin CSI to learn about the key differences between programmable logic controllers, programmable automation controllers, and industrial PCs. He also explains how to choose from among these options based on your control application.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Nate Kay of industrial control system integrator Martin CSI to learn about the key differences between programmable logic controllers, programmable automation controllers, and industrial PCs. He also explains how to choose from among these options based on your control application.

How to Decide Whether to Use a PLC, a PAC or an Industrial PC?

In this episode of the Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Luke Stephenson of Enterprise Automation to understand the best methods for connecting older devices and machines for data analysis.

In this episode of the Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Luke Stephenson of Enterprise Automation to understand the best methods for connecting older devices and machines for data analysis.

How to Connect Legacy Equipment for Data Acquisition and Analysis?

Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered

In this podcast, Automation World connects with Michael Bowne, executive director of PI North America, to explain industrial network topologies. In our discussion, we address how these topologies apply to fieldbus, Ethernet and wireless networks; how to determine best topology type for an existing application; and how to select the best topology type for future growth.

In this podcast, Automation World connects with Michael Bowne, executive director of PI North America, to explain industrial network topologies. In our discussion, we address how these topologies apply to fieldbus, Ethernet and wireless networks; how to determine best topology type for an existing application; and how to select the best topology type for future growth.

Industrial Network Topologies Explained

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Eric Roggeman and Greg Dieck of Omron Industrial Automation to find out if servo motor/drive/controller combinations sourced from one vendor are the best option or if mixing and matching components is preferred.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Eric Roggeman and Greg Dieck of Omron Industrial Automation to find out if servo motor/drive/controller combinations sourced from one vendor are the best option or if mixing and matching components is preferred.

Are Servo Motor & Drive Combinations from One Vendor Better?

In this episode, Jeff Johnson, Mechatronics Product Manager at Beckhoff, explains some the biggest factors impacting how OEMs are designing their machines to incorporate linear transport systems today and how Beckhoff is adapting in response.

In this episode, Jeff Johnson, Mechatronics Product Manager at Beckhoff, explains some the biggest factors impacting how OEMs are designing their machines to incorporate linear transport systems today and how Beckhoff is adapting in response.

How Can OEMs Improve Their Machines’ Material Handling Capabilities?

In this episode, we connect with Shishir Rege of Balluff to learn about the IO-Link device communication technology and whether or not it is difficult to integrate into existing operations.

In this episode, we connect with Shishir Rege of Balluff to learn about the IO-Link device communication technology and whether or not it is difficult to integrate into existing operations.

What is IO-Link?

Enclosures protect the critical automation devices that keep your operations up and running. To get a better understanding about the role of enclosures in production facilities, and the distinction between certified and standard enclosures, we connect with Josiah Haas of Bud Industries, a manufacturer and supplier of electronic enclosures. 

Enclosures protect the critical automation devices that keep your operations up and running. To get a better understanding about the role of enclosures in production facilities, and the distinction between certified and standard enclosures, we connect with Josiah Haas of Bud Industries, a manufacturer and supplier of electronic enclosures.

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Certified Enclosures?

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Dan Schaffer of Phoenix Contact to learn about the best practices surrounding industrial network upgrades. Podcast sponsored by Allied Electronics &amp; Automation.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with Dan Schaffer of Phoenix Contact to learn about the best practices surrounding industrial network upgrades. Podcast sponsored by Allied Electronics &amp; Automation.

How Often Should You Upgrade Your Industrial Network?

In this fourth episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" Podcast series, we connect with Benson Hougland and Terry Orchard of Opto 22 to find out if open source software is suitable for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) applications.

In this fourth episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" Podcast series, we connect with Benson Hougland and Terry Orchard of Opto 22 to find out if open source software is suitable for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) applications.

Open Source Software for SCADA

In this third episode of the “Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered” podcast series, we connect with Justin Shade of Phoenix Contact to explore industrial wireless technologies and their OT/IT collaboration requirements, speed capabilities, and security concerns. This podcast is sponsored by Allied Electronics and Automation.

In this third episode of the “Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered” podcast series, we connect with Justin Shade of Phoenix Contact to explore industrial wireless technologies and their OT/IT collaboration requirements, speed capabilities, and security concerns. This podcast is sponsored by Allied Electronics and Automation.

Configuring Wireless Networks for Mobile Use

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with David Hoysan of Phoenix Contact to understand how manufacturing and processing companies should address the safety and security of mobile devices in their facilities.

In this episode of the "Automation World Gets Your Questions Answered" podcast series, we connect with David Hoysan of Phoenix Contact to understand how manufacturing and processing companies should address the safety and security of mobile devices in their facilities.

Ensuring Mobile Device Safety and Security for Industrial Use

In this episode, we connect with Matt Boese of Columbus Global to better understand how to assess analytics software and how manufacturers and processors can effectively apply analytics for a fast return on investment. 

In this episode, we connect with Matt Boese of Columbus Global to better understand how to assess analytics software and how manufacturers and processors can effectively apply analytics for a fast return on investment.

How to Get A Quick ROI from Analytics Software

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!