The Next Big Uses of Drones in the Industrial Setting

Feb 16th, 2017

Drones are changing the way many in industrial automation spend time on the job.

Sure, drones have a lot of entertainment value. And they’ve brought photography and videography to a whole new level. But there’s more to their use than simple fun or fad.

If you’re the person responsible for climbing a wind turbine, would it be safer to send a drone?
If you’re a water district supervisor surveying an area for the next water main to install, could you save time by using a drone to survey the land?

Drones are becoming a competitive advantage to many companies embracing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). How would they be useful in your application? Or are you already using them?

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OnRobot Showcases Sander Tool for Cobots

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Schneider Electric Continues its Open Automation Journey

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Cognex In-Sight 2800 | Machine Vision Made Simple

Cognex In-Sight 2800 | Machine Vision Made Simple

Cognex In-Sight 2800 vision system enables users of all skill levels to use the power of deep learning to automate error detection. See for yourself by entering for your chance to win one of five In-Sight 2800.

This image depicts how MQTT Sparkplug can be used to reduce the complexity of industrial device communications and connectivity. Source: Eclipse Sparkplug Working Group.

Plug-and-Play Coming to Industrial IoT

Launch of the Sparkplug Compatibility Program enables automation technology suppliers to certify compatibility with the Eclipse Sparkplug protocol and MQTT-based Internet of Things infrastructures.

The Paperless Process Recorder records process parameters like temperature, flow, and pressure, and uses the Legendary cloud-based software to securely store those records.

Digital Recorder Replaces Cumbersome Paper Charts

With its Paperless Process Recorder and cloud-based Legendary software, Anderson-Negele aims to digitalize—without necessarily reinventing—the recording of process parameters in food and beverage plants.

Why OEE Still Matters

Though some say OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) is outdated, its use to continuously improve production operations across industry prove the value provided by this key metric.

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UR5E Cobot with 3D Scanner for Metrology Inspection

Universal Robots exhibited how its UR5E Series collaborative robots can be equipped with 3D scanners to automate metrology inspections at Automate 2022.

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KUKA Exhibits End-to-End Production Cell

At Automate 2022, KUKA showcased how its various products can be used together to create an end-to-end production cell for the fast moving consumer goods segment.

Cognex In-Sight 2800 | Machine Vision Made Simple

Cognex In-Sight 2800 | Machine Vision Made Simple

Cognex In-Sight 2800 vision system enables users of all skill levels to use the power of deep learning to automate error detection. See for yourself by entering for your chance to win one of five In-Sight 2800.

Brian May Hi Res Photo

Manufacturing in the Metaverse

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The HG-KR23K servo puts motion control logic within the drive itself, taking the load off of the PLC and simplifying programming.

Precise Automation Required for Pick-and-Pack Machine

使用三菱电机伺服电机和易达利gent drives enabled Hamrick Manufacturing to create a machine with a lower cost controller that reduced changeover times by nearly 98%.

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Creating the Monetary Information to Measure Equipment Efficiency Improvements

This column presents a simple example of the type of information needed to address the common deficiencies in typical financial accounting information.

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Palletizer Upgrade? It’s Likely Overdue

Learn what you can to do upgrade and maintain your palletizing machines.

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Siemens Digital Industries Software Focuses on Digital Transformation

Lean about what what shared at Siemens Digital Industries Software's analyst/media event this year.

The Raytek Marathon MM infrared temperature sensor from Fluke Process Instruments.

Sensors Help Increase Batch Capacity

Non-contact infrared sensors enabled global plastics and rubber processor Ilpea Industries Inc. to increase yields and reduce cycle times.

Michael Lehrich

The Significance of Historians

As the importance of data grows across industry, more attention needs to be paid when picking a data historization platform.

The Evolution of Robotics Engineering

Otto Motors and HP offer simulation and 3D printing technologies to improve robot performance.

More in Home

Getting supply chain management and planning right is one of the most effective shock absorbers any food and beverage processor can have, shielding them from fluctuations in availability and demand.

How to Tame an Unpredictable Supply Chain

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Digital Twin image. Source: Siemens Digital Industries Software

Digital Twin Application Considerations

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Ladder Diagram example. Source: automationprimer.com

PLC Programming Language Decisions

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Enabling Human-Centric Manufacturing through Digital Operations

While discussion about AI and smart manufacturing abound, they are less common in practice. TilliT’s James Balzary shares some tips on how companies can begin applying digital technology to their operations.

How SaaS and MaaS Impact Industry

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Emerson’s Zedi Cloud Moves to Microsoft Azure

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Iveco Reduces Worker Injuries with Wearable Exoskeletons

Vehicle manufacturer Iveco has been successfully outfitting assembly workers with Comau’s Mate exoskeleton since 2018.

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Delphon Puts Robots-as-a-Service to Work

Delphon hires the Rapid Machine Operator from Rapid Robotics to improve production in its TouchMark and Gel-Pak operations.

Implementation of a Data Pump with Ignition

A “data pump” approach to historicizing data can be advantageous in batch operations that require highly detailed records be kept.

Private 5G for Industrial Environments

Following major deployments by TCL Manufacturing, Volkswagen, and British Sugar, 5G is continuing to gain steam.

一台机器的风险评估是什么?

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4 Questions to Ask About Industrial Cybersecurity Software

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