Cybersecurity portfolio extended.

Honeywell is to acquire SCADAfence, a leading provider of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity solutions for monitoring large-scale networks. SCADAfence brings proven capabilities in asset discovery, threat detection and security governance which are key to industrial and buildings management cybersecurity programs.

SCADAfence is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel and will expand Honeywell’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Tel Aviv. Honeywell has been implementing OT cybersecurity solutions for more than twenty years, delivering thousands of projects in over 130 countries with more than 500 employees worldwide focused specifically on OT cybersecurity.

The OT cybersecurity industry is expected to grow to greater than $10 billion in the next several years. Particularly in the industrial sector, cyberattacks focused on OT systems can be a significant source of unplanned downtime, with estimates that unplanned downtime represents over a trillion dollars in lost revenue for the industrial and critical infrastructure sectors.^*

“It is essential to protect and maintain the integrity of operational systems like process control equipment in manufacturing facilities. A simple breach in the OT environment has the potential to create safety and business continuity risk for organizations of all sizes. OT assets are inherently different than those in the IT environment as they are domain specific. Honeywell has been delivering and installing these systems for decades, which is why we launched our cybersecurity business more than twenty years ago. Adding SCADAfence’s product portfolio will strengthen our capabilities and help our customers defend themselves against cyber security risks which are progressively increasing,” said Kevin Dehoff, president and chief executive officer, Honeywell Connected Enterprise.

The SCADAfence product portfolio will integrate into the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity+ suite within Honeywell Connected Enterprise, Honeywell’s fast-growing software arm with strategic focus on digitalization, sustainability and OT cybersecurity SaaS offerings and solutions. This integration will enable Honeywell to provide an end-to-end enterprise OT cybersecurity solution to site managers, operations management and CISOs seeking enterprise security management and situational awareness. The acquisition strengthens existing capabilities in cybersecurity and bolsters Honeywell’s high-growth OT cybersecurity portfolio, helping customers operate more securely, reliably and efficiently.

“SCADAfence is an ideal complement to Honeywell’s OT cybersecurity portfolio and, when combined with the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity+ suite, it enables us to provide an end-to-end solution with applicability to asset, site and enterprise across key Honeywell sectors,” said Dehoff. “By enhancing our cybersecurity portfolio, we are accessing a growth engine and enabling our customers to operate their OT environments more securely and help to avoid disruption and possible catastrophic events.”

"We are thrilled to join Honeywell as we work towards fulfilling our mission of empowering industrial organizations to operate securely, reliably and efficiently. This combination creates significant opportunity for growth, allowing us to combine our top-tier OT cybersecurity products with one of the world's leading companies in industrial software,” said Elad Ben Meir, chief executive officer, SCADAfence. “With this acquisition, we are poised to deliver some of the most advanced OT security technology to Honeywell's broad customer base, bolstering the comprehensive Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity+ offering. We remain committed to proactively serving and supporting our customers across all verticals and geographies where we currently operate."

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* Arc Advisory Report: "How Cross Domain Solutions Can Protect OT from IT Level Attacks"

@honeywell @HWusers  @SCADAfence #PAuto #Cybersecurity #IIoT

New variants for collaborative robot.

Two new variants of its GoFaTM collaborative robot are being launched by ABB^*. The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 offer new possibilities for companies to leverage cobot automation for enhanced efficiency. Handling payloads of up to 10 and 12 kilograms with market-leading repeatability, the cobots can handle an expanded range of tasks in close collaboration with workers, addressing skills and labor shortages while improving safety and productivity. Offering straightforward programming and rapid integration into production environments, the new variants lower barriers to entry for first-time users, educators and SMEs.

GoFa 10

 “Since we launched our YuMi cobot in 2015, we have built an industry-leading cobot portfolio meeting growing demand for safe and easy-to-use automation solutions to plug gaps in skilled labor,” said Marc Segura President, ABB Robotics. “Addressing the need for collaborative robots with higher payloads and longer reach, our GoFa 10 and 12 cobots extend the benefits of automation to new industrial applications, even for first time users.”

In addition to their enhanced payloads, the GoFa 10 and 12 cobots offer class-beating tool center point (TCP) speeds of up to two meters per second with 0.02-mm of deviation for greater repeatability – a two-fold improvement over comparable solutions. IP67-certified against moisture and dust ingress, they extend the benefits of fast and accurate collaborative robotics to new industrial applications, automating demanding tasks such as machine tending, welding, parts handling, polishing, and assembly. The GoFa 10’s 1.62-meter reach – 14 percent more than others in its class and enough to cover US pallets – makes it ideal for palletizing applications.

Lowering barriers to automation for first-time users and SMEs.
The GoFa 10 and 12 cobots are straightforward to program, deploy, and use, lowering barriers to automation for first-time users and SMEs. Setup is made easy with lead-through programming and ABB’s Wizard easy programming software, allowing even non-specialists to quickly automate their applications by manipulating simple graphical command blocks rather than writing complex programming code.

Pre-installed on the cobots’ ABB’s FlexPendant robot controller, the ABB SafeMove app features safe speed limits, standstill monitoring, and orientation supervision, enabling close collaboration between robots and factory workers without requiring bulky protective barriers or fencing.

The GoFa 10 and GoFa 12 cobots are powered by ABB’s OmniCoreTM controller. The combination of OmniCore’s class-leading motion control provided by ABB’s TrueMove and QuickMove motion control technologies and GoFa’s intelligent torque and position sensors ensures the smooth movements needed for high precision surface finishing, fastening, assembly, and testing tasks. Energy saving features including power re-generation and brake energy recovery reduce power requirements by up to 20 percent, enhancing sustainability.

Leveraging innovation from the ABB Robotics ecosystem.
Responding to the growing diversification of automation applications, ABB also launched its ABB Robotics Ecosystem program. Bringing together third-party accessories such as grippers, cameras, and customized software that are compatible with the ABB portfolio, including the new GoFa cobots, the program lets users easily leverage innovation from across the fast-growing ABB Robotics ecosystem.

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^* The GoFa 12 cobot will be making its debut at ABB’s stand at Automatica 2023 (Hall B5, booth 319, June 27th-30th) as part of two demonstrations showcasing high precision machine tending and ultra-lean palletizing applications. 

ABB partner Schunk will also be at the show with a GoFa 12 cobot, demonstrating its range of grippers and tools with a polishing application (Hall A5, booth 502).

Book your tickets to Automatica here.

Those unable to attend Automatica are invited to join the digital launch hosted on LinkedIn Live on June 29th).

@ABBRobotics @ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @automaticafair @NapierPR  #PAuto #Robotics #Manufacturing

Packaging that doesn't cost the Earth.

Globally, companies are seeking opportunities to reduce waste and the carbon footprint of their products. This has increased demand for environmentally responsible packaging, and the manufacturing company Futamura has become the world’s largest producer of sustainable cellulose packaging films, including their leading NatureFlex™ range.

The production of sustainable films requires precise monitoring and control of process conditions. Highly accurate temperature and humidity measurement is therefore essential, particularly during the film drying process and when finished products are stored.

Futamura UK uses Vaisala measurement equipment across their site, including Vaisala HUMICAP® humidity and temperature transmitters HMT360 in their coating towers inside their conditioners. The coating towers contain solvents which are flammable, so the products used in these areas must be certified for the Ex environment. The Vaisala HMT360 transmitters, now superseded by the ATEX-certified HMT370EX, are intrinsically safe, making them ideal for use in hazardous areas such as these.

Their measurement instruments can also be found on Futamura UK’s casting machines, installed in the dryer ducting, measuring humidity and temperature. The Vaisala humidity and temperature meter Series HMT330 is designed to provide highly accurate measurements in demanding industrial applications. These transmitters control a valve which manages the amount of steam that goes into the dryers, allowing the humidity to be maintained at the drying set-point needed for each type of film. Moisture content is a significant factor in the properties of the final film, so accurate control is important to ensure product quality and minimise waste. The HMT330 is an older model, so, seeking to future-proof their measurement instrumentation, Futamura contacted Vaisala for advice.

A member of Vaisala’s technical sales team therefore visited Futamura’s site in Wigton, Cumbria (GB) to demonstrate the benefits of switching to Vaisala’s Indigo platform, and to discuss the options with Electrical Engineering Chargehand, David Carr, and Technical Engineers David Mansergh and Chris Reid.

David Carr

“We described the applications for the HMT330 series instruments and the Vaisala representative suggested we try the Indigo520 display with a relative humidity and temperature probe HMP5,” explains David Carr. “We were more than happy with the suggestion. His vast product knowledge and expertise in engineering and process systems was a huge benefit in the decision-making process. He also went through the calibration process and explained how to set up the equipment with our electrical engineers. Vaisala’s service and support have been first class – they have gone above and beyond to help us.” 

The Indigo520 can connect with two separate probes simultaneously and has a simple, clear, intuitive touchscreen display. Futamura particularly appreciates the screen size and easy-to-read graphs, as well as the ability to swap out probes for calibration. It has also been advantageous that the new HMP5 probes work mechanically in the same way as the previous devices, with which they were already very familiar.

Vaisala Indigo installation at Futamura UK

The key benefit of using Vaisala’s measurement instruments in Futamura’s manufacturing process is that they enable accurate control of the production process, which ensures consistent product quality and reduces waste.

Summarising David Carr said: " Futamura has been using Vaisala measurement instruments for many years helping us ensure the quality of our sustainable packaging films, and we will continue to do so in the future. When you find products, and a company, that you can trust, it makes good business sense to continue the relationship. As a plant we like to standardise because it makes spares management and equipment replacement simpler. It’s safe to say that Vaisala is our brand of choice because of product reliability and ease of installation and operation."

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@VaisalaGroup @_Enviro_News @NatureFlexFilms #PAuto #Environment #Britain

Functional WirelessHART gateway.

FieldGate SWG50 is a new WirelessHART gateway from Endress+Hauser, primed for secure communication from your field devices. FieldGate SWG50 is a compact and cost-effective ready for Netilion integration while providing an easy-to-use solution for multiple standard monitoring applications across various industries. Netilion is a cloud-based IIoT ecosystem designed for industrial processes, connecting the physical and digital worlds to send information from the field straight to a phone, tablet or another device.

The WirelessHART gateway FieldGate SWG50 enables users to monitor measurements and health statuses using WirelessHART connectivity. This offering is an economical alternative to complex and costly cable installations, reducing expenditure for process automation by up to 30%. It is a cost-effective concept that adapts to the process plant, both in greenfield and brownfield applications, giving customers simple access to digital communication.

With the launch of FieldGate SWG50, Endress+Hauser expands its WirelessHART portfolio focused on straightforward implementation, set-up and management of different monitoring applications.

Routinely used in monitoring applications, the WirelessHART network is a solution for standard level measurement, energy management or machinery performance monitoring.

As a gateway ready for digitalization, the integration of FieldGate SWG50 into Netilion is simple and transparent using EdgeDevice SGC500, which is only available for purchase by Netilion users and for those with WirelessHART networks. This launch is the first of many new features Fieldgate SWG50 will receive.

FieldGate SWG50 can be paired with their FieldPort SWA70 and SWA50 adapters. It also works and seamlessly integrates with any WirelessHART device on the market. Holistically, FieldGate SWG50 allows for:
•       Network migration: Change the network ID and join keys for the complete network after the network is running
•       A device list with color code for a simple understanding of the device status.
•       4 x RJ-45 connectors for easy access to the connection of plant and cloud networks as well as its web interface for configuration
•       Redundant power supply
•       Modbus TCP and HART-IP outputs
•       Indoor housing rated at IP20 with DIN rail mounting
•       Connection to 100 nodes
•       CommDTM to see and configure devices behind SWA50 and SWA70 in FieldCare

@Endress_Hauser @Endress_UK @Endress_US #PAuto #Communications

Automation for biomass power plant.

ABB has secured its ninth contract with TOYO Engineering Corporation in Japan to supply its distributed control system (DCS) ABB Ability™ Symphony Plus, to the Wakayama Gobo Biomass Power Plant, around 120 km south of Osaka.

When operational in 2025^[1] the 50 MW biomass power plant, which will use wood pellets and agricultural byproduct as a feedstock, will be capable of supplying enough power for up to 110,000 Japanese households a year. The plant is being developed in partnership by Enewill (formerly JAG Energy), Osaka Gas and SMFL MIRAI Partners who have employed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor TOYO to design and build the facility.

ABB’s DCS solution will deliver complete visibility of operations, enabling operators to make informed decisions in real time to help optimize production, improve processes, and drive efficiencies. ABB will also deploy its Adaptive Execution™ project management methodology which utilizes digitalization to speed up delivery schedules and achieve faster site start up.

The new order, booked earlier this year, follows ongoing collaboration between ABB and TOYO, with the company integrating its automation solutions at eight other biomass facilities being constructed across Japan.

With domestic supply of energy increasing over four percent year-on-year, Japan, previously seen as a carbon intensive country^[2], is investing in ways to match growth in demand with reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. In 2022 its renewable energy output increased by 11.7 percent, driven primarily by solar power and biomass generation^[3].

“In its sixth Basic Energy Plan^[4], Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced a target of 8 GW for installed biomass capacity in the country by 2030 which would cover five percent of its projected power demand,” said Brandon Spencer, President of ABB Energy Industries. “The nine projects that we are involved in will deliver a collective generation capacity of 500 MW, achieving over six percent of the Government’s target and providing energy to power more than one million households.”

Japan is currently the world’s fifth largest biomass market^[5] and is expected to grow by 5.4 percent a year until 2025 and 3.7 percent a year through the following decade^[6]. ABB is an established leader in the power generation market in Japan, with expertise when delivering process control systems. This, coupled with new initiatives that have been proven on other TOYO projects, made ABB the partner of choice.

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[1] 50 MW biomass power plant
[2] Japan 2021 – Analysis - IEA
[3] FY2021 Energy Supply and Demand Report (Revised Report) (meti.go.jp)
[4] 6th_outline.pdf (meti.go.jp)
[5] Japan: biomass energy market size 2035 | Statista

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation @AdmiralPR #PAuto  #DCS #Japan

State of the art IR Thermometers.

Teledyne FLIR has created two new state-of-the-art spot IR thermometers: the FLIR TG54-2 and FLIR TG56-2. Built on the solid foundation of the TG54 and TG56 models, the new thermometers provide professionals in utility, manufacturing, building electricians, and industrial mechanics with advanced tools to perform accurate inspections and detect hazards before any contact is made.

The new TG54-2 is a 20:1 spot IR thermometer is designed to provide non-contact temperature readings swiftly and effortlessly. The tool offers a distance-to-spot ratio of 20:1, allowing users to measure smaller targets from a safer distance. Equipped with infrared technology, Class II laser sighting, and the ability to measure up to a maximum IR temperature of 850°C (1562°F), the TG54-2 ensures pinpoint precision. Built to endure a 3 m (9.8 ft) drop and carrying an IP65 rating, it's ready for even the most demanding applications.

FLIR TG54-2 20:1 Spot IR Thermometer:
Easily perform temperature measurement at safe distances
Accurately target objects at long distances with a 20:1 distance to spot ratio
Quickly adjust settings, set high/low alarms to efficiently perform inspections
Equipped with Class II laser sighting for focused measurements
Maximum IR temperature of 850°C (1562°F) for accurate measurements of high temperature targets.
Store up to 99 measurement points that can be quickly referenced for comparison and trending
Built-in LED worklights to illuminate dimly lit areas for faster and safer inspections
IP65 rating to meet the demands of harsh environments
3m (9.8 ft) drop tested protecting the longevity of the tool

For those dealing with higher temperature readings, the FLIR TG56-2 measures IR temperature up to 1300°C (2372°F) and includes a Type K thermocouple for contact temperature measurements. The TG56-2 is also designed to offer non-contact temperature measurements from an even safer distance, thanks to its infrared technology, 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio and Class II laser sighting. The TG56-2's color display screen is designed for easy viewing of current and reference temperature readings simultaneously.

FLIR TG56-2 30:1 Spot IR Thermometer with Type K Thermocouple:
Easily perform temperature measurement at safe distances
Accurately target objects at long distances with a 30:1 distance to spot ratio
Quickly adjust settings, set high/low alarms to efficiently perform inspections
Equipped with Class II laser sighting for focused measurements
Maximum IR temperature of 1300°C (2372°F) for accurate measurements of high temperature targets.
Store up to 99 measurement points that can be quickly referenced for comparison and trending
Type K Thermocouple to capture contact temperature measurements
IP20 rating for proper operation in common industrial environments
Ergonomic ‘Single Hand’ design for simplified measurements and menu access

Whether the TG54-2 or TG56-2 are chosen, both models are designed to be trusted tools for professionals who require reliable, accurate, safe temperature measurements in their everyday work.

Experience safer temperature readings and achieve pinpoint precision with the TG54-2 and TG56-2 spot IR thermometers.

@flir @mepaxIntPR  #TandM #PAuto

Large switch contract for train.

A large Swiss-based train builder has selected Westermo as network platform provider for their new generation tram-trains. The contract runs for three years, with a total contract value estimated to about 85 million SEK (€7.56m). Westermo is to provide its Viper switches for the onboard data networks supporting both train control and management as well as passenger information systems.

"This strategic contract further solidifies Westermo's position as a market leader in providing cutting-edge onboard network solutions," says Jenny Sjödahl, CEO of Westermo. "Westermo's extensive portfolio of rail-certified solutions for both critical and non-critical onboard systems, combined with its technical expertise and a collaborative approach, paved the way for this deal."

Westermo will supply several models of its compact EN 50155-certified Viper Ethernet switches, powered by Westermo’s WeOS operating software, to manage the onboard data networks on the trams. The trams feature a fully digital vehicle control system with integrated collision warning and support for transfer of telemetry data for predictive maintenance.

“We are delighted that the customer has decided to extend its collaboration with Westermo. This platform contract demonstrates the trust and confidence they have in our resilient onboard network solutions and industry expertise," says Kim Dong Nguyen, global key account manager at Westermo. "Our proven portfolio of rail switches will ensure the best possible performance and reliability for these trams rolled out across Europe in the coming years."

Orders will be placed continuously during the contract period. Deliveries of Westermo products will commence at the end of 2023 and continue for three years.

@WestermoUK @westermo @HHC_Lewis  #PAuto  #Transport #Switzerland