The OPC Foundation continues to forge ahead with technology advancements. Recent highlights include the launch of the UA Cloud Library developed in conjunction with CESMII and completion of the second release candidate for the OPC UA FX (Field eXchange) specifications that is part of the FLC initiative.

New automation and machine control networking solutions include direct integration of OPC UA Pub/Sub for real-time communication, a server inference engine for increasing machine learning requirements and a TwinCAT/BSD Hypervisor that increases availability through integrated virtual machine environments.

Looking at industry and the need for fully Ethernet-based networks, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers a promising solution. SPE only requires two wires to transfer data and power and is designed in a way that, over an entire network, all machines can talk in the same language.

Top predictions for edge computing are related to technology advancements, hybrid edge-cloud architectures and impact to industries. The effect of edge computing on blockchain, and other digital ledger technologies, will become clearer in a few years. Similarly, 5G’s impact on edge computing is still too early to predict.

Networking technology is factoring into current trends shaping industrial transformation, but connector innovations in particular are playing a special role. The focus is on reliable “All for Ethernet” solutions for industrial applications, and meeting the challenges of the future with connectivity options.

A completely decentralized automation platform brings devices into the field without control cabinets. Vario-X combined with Digital twin technology saves time and money in all phases of an automation and control project: from planning to installation, operation and service.

Enabling AI capabilities at the edge can improve operational efficiency and reduce risks and costs for industrial applications. Choose the right computing platform for your industrial AIoT application by addressing specific processing requirements during implementation.

Connectivity solutions are at the heart of advances in automation and machine control networking. This special report provides the perspective of industry experts, and how meeting cybersecurity requirements and concerns has come forward as a front and center issue for automation connectivity technologies.

pLTE is truly a paradigm shift for industrial customers with challenging wireless needs. Businesses requiring a more secure network with higher reliability, more mobility, and broader coverage areas should seriously consider pLTE technology.

Industrial edge computing can mean data are processed locally and never leave the site, or data can be forwarded for processing to a central platform. Hybrid systems with a mix of local and centralized data processing are the most common model used in practice but the key is potential advantages…