Seeq wins Control Engineering 2020 Engineers’ Choice Award in Data Analytics Category
Magazine readers select the best new products, and Seeq takes top honors in the Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data category Seeq Corporation has announced it is the winner of the Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data category award for Control Engineering 2020 Engineers’ Choice Awards program. Control Engineering’s Engineer’s Choice is the premier award program for new products in manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries. Their annual reader-choice award program gives Control Engineering’s audience the opportunity to select the top new products in their fields. Seeq won in the category of Data Analytics for its Advanced Analytics for Process Manufacturing Data. Seeq is an advanced analytics solution for engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly wrangle, investigate, and share insights on manufacturing data. Recent releases of Seeq reflect both the growing use of Seeq for publishing analytics-based views to other employees, and the increased complexity of the use cases where engineers use Seeq. For publishing insights, Seeq has expanded “scorecards,” a feature for the display of calculated tables in Seeq Workbench and Organizer. Scorecards are used for tabulated metrics, measurements, and other summary data, and may be presented in tables with conditional formatting support and user-defined columns—for example, roll-ups by batch or plant. “We are pleased that Seeq was recognized by Control Engineering,” says Michael Risse, Chief Marketing Officer for Seeq. “We are helping process manufacturers accelerate their digital transformation efforts. It is an honor to join the other vendors of the best products in this space as part of the Product of the Year program.” Seeq supports all leading data historians, making it the most widely accessible and extensively used advanced analytics solution in process manufacturing companies. Supported historians include the OSIsoft PI System, GE Proficy, AspenTech InfoPlus (IP) 21, Emerson DeltaV Continuous Historian and Ovation DCS Historian, Honeywell Uniformance PHD Historian, Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Historian, Inductive Automation’s Ignition Historian, DataParc Historian, Aveva’s Wonderware Historian, Citec SCADA, and eDNA Historian, with others in development.
JLT Mobile Computers sets itself up for continued success with new brand identity
Having grown faster than the market over the past seven years and delivering record revenues in 2019, the new JLT brand’s growth strategy emphasizes solutions, expansion of sales channels, R&D, and strategic partnerships to address customers’ business needs After 25 years in business, JLT Mobile Computers, a developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, is continuing its growth strategy under a new brand identity. Having significantly outperformed the competition in its serviceable markets in recent years and posting record sales of SEK 142M in 2019, the new-look JLT is setting sights on further expansion of its market share with a fresh growth strategy centering around expanded product, service, and solutions offerings, with strengthened sales channels, strong R&D and strategic partnerships. As a trailblazer in the field of rugged computers, over the course of 25 years, JLT has amassed solid experience and know-how in developing, producing and installing electronics in unforgiving environments. Maintaining full control over product development, production and service, JLT gained a competitive advantage that resulted in 15% average annual sales growth over the past six years, three times higher than the average annual growth of businesses serving the same markets (based on JLT estimates and data from VDC Research). Recognizing the increasing complexity of customers’ planning, acquisition, implementation and management processes as a result of digitization, IoT, Cloud and Industry 4.0 trends, JLT is strengthening its commitment to customers through the sale of complementary products, services and consultancy to help them solve their toughest business challenges. “We’ve listened carefully to the industry and we know that choosing the right hardware is only one step on our customers’ journey for improving productivity in the warehouse, port, mine or other applications areas,” said Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers Group. “To address customer business needs we are transitioning our business model from being a traditional hardware supplier to becoming a business partner who’s on hand to help customers every step of the way, from device selection to system design, integration, deployment, and ongoing support.” JLT’s strategy to become a provider of end-to-end rugged IT solutions is an ongoing transformation that has been underway for a while. It will move the company from predominantly being a traditional hardware vendor to a brand identity as a business partner and trusted advisor to its customers providing the best combination of JLT’s rugged hardware, software, services and solutions. Looking into the future, JLT’s strategy for ongoing growth and broadening the company’s scope includes: Focus on solutions, highlighting the challenges in a dozen major industries and markets, as well as the growth and productivity enhancement opportunities JLT products and services can offer. Expansion of JLT’s offerings with a combination of proprietary products, sourced products and accessories, and a broader scope of software and services. This enables JLT to comprehensively address customer needs. Through strategic partnerships, JLT has added tablets, handhelds, accessories, as well as new software products for terminal emulation, mobile device management and more. JLT:Care™ already offers totally predictable cost of ownership, and with the launch of JLT:Technology Services™ on the US market, JLT offers installation and maintenance services along with servicing of both JLT’s own and third-party products. Expansion of JLT’s sales channel both through an increase in the company’s direct local presence and expansion of JLT’s global reseller network. High emphasis on R&D with investment both in the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products. Examples are JLT’s research into integrated sensor technologies that yielded the JLT6012™ rugged vehicle-mount computer that has become the fastest growing product in JLT history and a platform for the future development of both products and services. JLT’s R&D also made possible the new rugged VERSO™ Series of computers upgraded with the fastest processor options in the industry, as well as the recent launch of the smallest high-performance 10-inch VMT on the market. Visit JLT Mobile Computers at MODEX 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia March 9 – 12, 2020 booth #7185.
U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders increased in December coming in at second highest monthly total for 2019
U.S. manufacturing technology orders rose 24 percent in December from the previous month to $404 million, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. December manufacturing technology orders were the highest in 2019 after March, but down 9 percent from December 2018. The year-end total is $4.5 billion, a decline of 17 percent from the year-end total in 2018. “Despite the overall drop in orders in 2019, it was still one of the strongest years in the past five years,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “And in December, our members received orders that manufacturers had put off for most of 2019 due to a lack of confidence and fear of a recession expected in manufacturing in late 2019 or early 2020.” Woods continued, “Additionally, manufactured durable goods orders grew at about one percent annually as manufacturers continued to reduce their backlogs, and large investments in 2018 did not lead to drastic drops in capacity utilization during 2019. These facts both indicate that a lot of the activity for December was “catch-up” investments to support current manufacturing levels. December 2019 may have seen a bump in investment activity, but it is still too early to tell if that is the start of a trend. We expect the beginning of 2020 to continue to be slow relative to 2019 levels, but the second half of the year should see an upswing in the market.”
Leuze and iTRACE announce the Blockchain Integration of 2DMI with the DCR 200i Camera based code reader
iTRACE Technologies, Inc., a provider of supply chain security applications for anti grey market and anti counterfeit, and Leuze, a global leader in automation sensors, announced the integration of iTRACE 2DMI with the Leuze DCR 200i Camera Based Code Reader for Blockchain registration and authentication. iTRACE helps brands fight the issues of counterfeit, grey market, diversion and production overrun of their products with its blockchain connected 2DMI® supply chain security. With the integration of 2DMI® with the Leuze DCR 200i range of camera-based code readers, customers are now able to capture transaction and authentication information automatically anywhere in the supply chain. “The integration of the Leuze DCR 200i camera-based code reader is using our standard mobile application infrastructure which allows these industrial sensors to automatically capture the same information as the iPhone and Android devices anywhere in the supply chain.» said iTRACE Founder and CEO Mark Manning. »This means that any system can now automatically participate in track, trace and authentication of any item or component and push that data to a blockchain or tracking database via the iTRACE Blockchain Gateway. Using iTRACE 2DMI® and the DCR 200i allows the part being scanned to be securely identified and the transaction recorded on digital ledger technologies like blockchain, enabling a secure connection between the physical product and the digital ledger which is necessary to complete any blockchain tracking or authentication application. The key to the security of the application is the ability to create the digital twin of the physical product to ensure that is the original item that is scanned at each location. “Leuze has recognized that iTRACE 2DMI® provides a much higher level of security and damage resistance than QR-Code, Data Matrix and 1D Barcodes are able to do” said Joerg Woerner , Business Development Manager at Leuze. “This makes the combination of the DCR 200i and 2DMI® ideal for difficult and harsh environment applications in aerospace, automotive and medical device”.
JLT introduces industry’s smallest fixed-mount vehicle computer at MODEX
JLT Mobile Computers, a developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces the launch of an addition to its popular VERSO™ Series of high-performance vehicle-mount computers. The new VERSO 10 computer provides customers with the industry’s most compact, highest-performing rugged fixed-mount terminal and is perfect for installation even in the tightest spaces. Featuring the smallest footprint in its class, the fixed-mount VERSO 10 is even slimmer than JLT’s existing cradle-mount VERSO+ 10. With all connectors integrated into its casing, the VERSO 10 is also significantly lighter and comes at a lower cost. Secure fixed-mount installation addresses safety concerns inherent in certain vehicle types and deployments. “Available space in a driver’s cabin is a challenge in many industrial vehicles,” explains Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “That’s why we designed our new VERSO 10 computer to fit virtually anywhere. It is the smallest rugged vehicle terminal on the market, giving customers the highest performance regardless of space limitations.” The ultra-compact VERSO 10 computer comes with a standard (400NIT) or high-bright (800NIT) virtually unbreakable 10-inch LED display with JLT PowerTouch™ technology and is designed to withstand the harshest environments. With an IP65 ingress protection rating it is impervious to dust and highly resistant to water, can be used in extremely cold and hot temperatures, offers a wide 9-36 VDC power input, and has an internal battery for graceful shutdown in case of an unexpected vehicle power outage. The high-performance VERSO 10 comes with an advanced Intel© Kaby Lake Core™ i7‑7600U processor with Turbo Boost, or the optional Core i3-7100U processor. Both are optimized for Windows 10 LTSC and come with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support. The computer also features integrated dual-band WLAN 802.11ac with integrated PIFA antennas, Bluetooth, and optional GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou and 4G LTE mobile broadband to ensure reliable connectivity and positioning over large areas. Customers with maximum performance requirements will benefit from up to 60% higher CPU performance with the Intel Core i7 option, making it possible to run advanced thick-client applications such as HD video streaming, positioning calculations and real-time video analysis or high-resolution graphical representations, as well as creating advanced new user interfaces for improving overall user productivity. Even with the Intel Core i3 option, customers with lesser performance requirements will see the same or better performance than was offered in older high-end VERSO models, but with lower power draw and lower cost as additional benefits. JLT created the VERSO 10 for customers with high demands on computing power as well as the need for reliable, trouble-free operation in vehicles where space may be limited. Target customers are found within industry segments such as mining and drilling, forestry and agriculture, GIS, and defense. JLT Mobile Computers will be at MODEX 2020 on March 9 – 12, 2020 booth #7185.
U.S. Manufacturing Technology Industry generally optimistic about 2020 despite decrease in November Orders
U.S. manufacturing technology orders fell 15 percent in November from the previous month to $320 million, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. For the first 11 months in 2019, manufacturing technology orders were $4.1 billion, down 19 percent from $5 billion in 2018 which was an especially strong year. “This figure is in line with expectations we’ve had since January that 2019 spending would be about 20 percent lower than in 2018,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “Given how strong a year 2018 was, current dollar volumes are still healthy compared to the average over the past ten years.” He continued: “November’s drop in the dollar value of orders by 15 percent while units fell by only three percent reflects an aggressive move by sellers to reduce inventory before the end of year. The dollar volume would have been lower if not for the growth in orders for complex machines as larger manufacturers returned to the marketplace. “Another contributing factor to lower November orders was the tax reform enacted in 2017, which established a clear set of rules on tax incentives through 2022. This created a stability that has leveled investments in capital equipment across the year and eliminated the year-end rush to place orders. “We expect to see the manufacturing technology market pick up in the second half of 2020 for several reasons. The U.S.-China trade deal, which will significantly increase Chinese imports of U.S. agricultural products, will lead to increased investment for agriculture equipment. Anticipated approval of USMCA will increase trade throughout North America and lead to new investment in key capital-intensive industries.”
Seeq Corporation expands Series B funding with $24 Million to fuel advanced Analytics Growth Strategy
Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures joins Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, and existing investors to expand Seeq’s international and cloud-based businesses Seeq Corporation, a provider in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, announced that is has secured a $24 million expansion of its Series B funding. This expansion round is led by Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV), the corporate venture subsidiary of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals company, Saudi Aramco. It includes renewed participation by Altira Group, Chevron Technology Ventures, Second Avenue Partners, and other existing investors. Seeq enables engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly analyze, predict, collaborate, and share insights to improve production outcomes. Customers include companies in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process industries. The funding will accelerate Seeq’s expansion of development, sales, and marketing resources, and will also increase its presence in international markets. “Seeq is providing an important improvement in software for customers in process industries to accelerate insights, action, and impact on their production and business outcomes,” comments James Sledzik, Venture Executive at SAEV. “We are pleased to be leading the effort enabling Seeq’s continued growth.” Upon final closing, Seeq expects the Series B expansion to reach approximately $30 million, which is in addition to Series B funding led by Altira Group. “With the backing of SAEV and our existing investors, Seeq is positioned to continue its rapid growth by addressing market demand for advanced analytics innovation,” says Steve Sliwa, CEO and co-founder of Seeq Corporation. “Through our direct sales personnel and more than 50 channel partners, our customer base has expanded to more than 40 countries with deployments as large at 5,000 users within one company.” This announcement follows a momentous 2019 for Seeq. Last month, the company announced it had achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status and that its advanced analytics solution was available in the AWS Marketplace. These achievements will enable Seeq customers to rapidly investigate and share insights from process manufacturing data stored either on premise or in the AWS cloud. Seeq had previously made its advanced analytics software available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application on Microsoft Azure and in the Azure Marketplace. Cloud-based Seeq deployments enable engineers at companies like Royal Dutch Shell PLC to access faster insights and reporting on real-time data. Other companies using Seeq include pharmaceutical industry leaders such as Merck and Roche, as well as chemical industry leaders like Lonza and Covestro. In addition to cloud support, Seeq partners with an extensive set of process automation vendors for on premise deployments by connecting to and working with systems sold by OSIsoft, Siemens, GE, Honeywell, Emerson Automation Solutions, Inductive Automation, AVEVA, AspenTech, Schneider Electric, and others. Highlighting the company’s momentum, in August 2019 Seeq ranked #369 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, and in November 2019 ranked #43 on the Entrepreneur 360 list.
Food Logistics names Raymond a top software and technology provider
The Raymond Corporation was named to Food Logistics’ 2019 FL100+ list, highlighting Top Software and Technology Providers. Raymond makes this year’s list for its expanded iWAREHOUSE® intelligent solutions platform system that helps the food and beverage industry address a number of challenges including the skills and labor gap and increasing consumer demands for obtaining products faster. In response to the industry’s skills and labor gap, Raymond expanded its capabilities of the iWAREHOUSE fleet management and warehouse optimization system to encompass the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 platform, helping customers manage warehouse and staffing needs. The iWAREHOUSE solutions have integrated offerings in telematics, automated vehicles, labor management, location tracking, virtual reality education and energy solutions. “Telematics data is crucial for any warehouse, plant or facility because it can be used to enhance productivity and identify pain points within the workforce or operation,” said John Rosenberger, director of iWAREHOUSE GATEWAY™ and Global Telematics at The Raymond Corporation. “With electronic checklists, load sensing, task selection and battery monitoring, the iWAREHOUSE platform has an extensive list of items that can assist operators in their daily tasks, eliminating unnecessary downtime.” The iWAREHOUSE platform can be used with existing mixed fleets and vehicles, no matter the brand, to provide a comprehensive view of customers’ warehouse equipment. Additionally, iWAREHOUSE is scalable, helping warehouses meet their basic needs for telematics and current technological innovations, such as virtual reality (VR) and IoT, can help engage current and potential talent. The annual FL100+ Top Software and Technology Providers resource guide showcases suppliers whose products and services are critical for global food and beverage supply chain success. These solutions and services provide companies the opportunity to improve productivity and gain efficiencies within their enterprise.
JLT Mobile computers to showcase total rugged IT Solutions for the Supply Chain at MODEX 2020
Leveraging decades of product development and industry experience, JLT offers end-to-end rugged computer solutions, consultancy and problem solving for the supply chain, distribution and manufacturing industries JLT Mobile Computers, a developer and manufacturer of reliable computers for demanding environments, will be presenting a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, management and integration services for the supply chain, distribution and manufacturing industries at MODEX 2020, Booth 7185. On the hardware side, JLT is showing its range of rugged computers that provide unmatched reliability and leading performance, including the 5-inch MH1005A™ rugged handheld, the 7-inch MT1007A™ and 10.1-inch MT2010A™ rugged tablets, as well as the high-performance version of the rugged MT2010™ tablet, and the MT2010K™ tablet with integrated keyboard for easy data input. Also shown will be the game-changing JLT6012™ vehicle-mount logistics computer. Recognizing and addressing the increasing complexity of today’s manufacturing and supply chain industry, JLT is also using the MODEX showcase to highlight its total solutions expertise that helps customers solve their toughest business challenges. “JLT has been building the best rugged computers in the industry for years, earning our customers’ business and trust,” says Eric Miller, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers, Inc. “By offering significant services around our leading rugged hardware, we aim to support our customers even better. We want them to think of JLT as not just a device manufacturer, but as their solutions provider, consulting partner, and problem solver. We have the expertise and our customers know we are here for them today and for tomorrow.” As a solutions provider, JLT offers customers: Experience: JLT Mobile Computers has been in the business of designing, developing and manufacturing computers for demanding environments since 1994. Since its inception, JLT has delivered over 100,000 computers for deployments in fields that demand complete reliability in the face of moisture, dust, vibration, electromagnetic fields or extreme temperature. Industry knowledge: Working with industry clients for over a quarter of a century has given JLT a detailed understanding of customer markets and the very specific requirements and priorities of those markets. Broad product range: In the manufacturing and supply chain industry, one size and type of rugged computing product doesn’t fit all. That’s why JLT offers a broad range of rugged handheld, tablet and vehicle mount computers as well as the mounting, cabling and peripheral infrastructure for complete solutions. Communications expertise: Reliable wireless communication is crucial in supply chain and related deployments where coverage, roaming, dead spots, hand-offs and access security identifications matter. JLT’s expertise in designing for industry-specific connectivity issues and performance addresses these areas both at the device and the solution levels. Range of services: Today’s customers expect more than just products. They want to know that they can rely on their provider for industry-specific solutions as well as services to protect their investment. With JLT’s flexible repair maintenance agreements and the JLT RepairEngine™ customers can count on first-rate service with quick turn-around no matter what happened or where they are. Device management solutions: Time is money, and downtime for system and device upgrades, and software deployment eats into that. JLT’s automated device management solutions address those issues, configured precisely to customer requirements. Strategic partnerships: New trends, advances and technologies relating to IoT, Cloud and Industry 4.0 require dealing with a multitude of industry leaders such as Google/Android, Avnet IoTConnect, SOTI and Ivanti. JLT can provide and manage those and many other valuable industry relationships.
CES 2020 opens with innovation that will change the World
CES® 2020 opens today unveiling the next generation of innovation that will redefine industries, create jobs and solve many of society’s challenges. With more than 4,400 exhibiting companies, including 1,200 startups, CES 2020 features the latest transformative technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, digital health and more. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® , CES 2020 runs through Friday, January 10, in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The innovation on display this week at CES embodies the drive and passion that fuels our industry and furthers economic growth on a global scale,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “The entire tech ecosystem is here at CES 2020, and the products and technologies launching this week will inspire, connect and change lives for the better.” While the CES exhibit show floor opens today, the full week of innovation kicked off on Sunday and Monday with Media Days, CTA’s 2020 Tech Trends to Watch presentation, CES Unveiled Las Vegas, conference programming at the ARIA and preshow keynotes from Samsung and Daimler. Pre show keynotes Samsung Consumer Electronics President and CEO H.S. Kim delivered the first CES 2020 keynote. Kim focused on the “Age of Experience,” a decade of human-centric innovation that combines hardware and software to create personalized experiences to make life more convenient, enjoyable and meaningful. Highlighting the company’s latest advances in intelligent robotics, AI, 5G and edge computing, Samsung offered a snapshot of the future in which these technologies will come together to offer richer, more adaptive experiences for consumers. “In the Age of Experience, we need to re-think the space we have to accommodate our diverse and evolving lifestyles,” said Kim. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz, delivered a keynote address Monday evening, where he shared the company’s plans for a sustainable autonomous future. “When you come to CES you ask yourself ‘What’s Next’ and that question is what we have been asking ourselves for 130 years,” said Källenius. He was joined on stage by director James Cameron to unveil Mercedes Benz’s latest concept car, the Vision AVTR, a partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Cameron’s film franchise. The car has no doors and 33 movable, multidirectional “bionic flaps” that are meant to look like scales on a reptile. The Vision AVTR detects your pulse and can sense your breathing. Mercedes designed the concept car to merge the passenger and automobile into a “symbiotic organism.” 2020 Tech Trends to watch presentation CTA’s Steve Koenig and Lesley Rohrbaugh presented 2020 Tech Trends to Watch on Sunday and gave an exclusive preview of the January U.S. Consumer Technology Sales & Forecasts. Skyrocketing popularity of streaming services along with 5G connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled devices will drive revenue growth for the U.S. consumer tech industry to a record $422 billion in retail revenues in 2020 – nearly 4% growth over last year. For more visit CTA.tech/SalesandForecasts. Unveiled Las Vegas Sunday evening featured one of the largest CES Unveiled events in show history, with more than 220 exhibiting companies, including 98 startups from Eureka Park, the startup hub at CES 2020. More than 1,900 media gathered at CES Unveiled for a sneak preview of the innovation debuting this week at the show, including the Source Hydropanel, which can extract water from air and electricity; a smart bathmat that tracks weight, BMI and posture; a service robot for those with disabilities; AR/VR software that shows before and after workout results and a smart thermometer that measures and adjusts oven temperature. Check out all the highlights here. CES Media Days featured two days of preshow press events from CES exhibitors, including major brands and emerging startups. Twenty-nine companies announced products, including: AMD – The Ryzen 4000 Series mobile processor, the world’s first 7nm laptop processor. Bosch – Vivascope, a smart device that creates digital microscopic images of cells and analyzes them using AI. BrainCo – Showcased the final model of its AI-powered prosthetic hand, which works with an amputee’s brain waves and muscle signals. Brunswick Corporation – Debuted the SLX-R 400e, a 22-passenger yacht-certified watercraft capable of speeds of 65 mph. BYTON – Announced its first wave of content partnerships, including ViacomCBS, to be featured on its 48-inch digital dashboard screen in the M-Byte SUV. Continental Automotive – Natural 3D Centerstack display, offering drivers a 3D experience without the need for special glasses. HDMI – Ultra High Speed HDMI certification program that assures support for all HDMI 2.1 features, including 8K. Hisense – The dual-cell XD9G LCD TV layers two liquid crystal modules one on top of the other inside a single cabinet. Hyundai – Showcased a model of the S-A1, an electrically powered “personal air vehicle” capable of carrying up to four passengers. Impossible Foods – Introduced two new plant-based meat substitutes, Impossible Pork and Impossible Sausage. Intel Corporation – Announced Tiger Lake, the latest chip in the Intel Core mobile processor family. LG – OLED (LG Signature OLED 8K) and LCD (LG 8K NanoCell) TV models delivering a ‘REAL 8K’ UHD viewing experience. Living in Digital Times – Announced several lifestyle products including the mamaRoo sleep™ bassinet and NEUTROGENA’s Skin360™ app. Monster – MultiLink Bluetooth technology, enabling multiple Bluetooth devices to play audio in sync. Panasonic – Flagship HZ2000 OLED TV with support for the UHD Alliance’s Filmmaker Mode. POW Audio – Biz is a pocketable magnetic speaker offering superior teleconferencing with a 360° mic, echo cancellation, and noise suppression. Procter & Gamble – Charmin’s RollBot, a concept robot that brings you toilet paper and Oral-B’s new connected electric toothbrush, the iO. Qualcomm – Debuted the Snapdragon Ride autonomous-driving platform. Royole Corporation – Unveiled its Mirage Smart Speaker, an Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speaker featuring an 8″ AMOLED flexible touch display. Schneider Electronics – Launched Square D Connected Home suite for North America. Sony – Unveiled the Vision S electric concept car featuring 33 different sensors and a newly-designed EV platform. Taiwan Excellence – Showcased multiple innovations from Taiwanese companies, including Noodoe’s intuitive charging stations for electric cars. TCL Corp – Vidrian mini-LED display technology offers increased brightness, sharper contrast, and long-life performance. Toyota – Showcased Woven City, its “prototype city of the future”
BeBop Sensors brings first VR Haptic Glove to CES
Forte Data VR Glove lets you “Touch” & “Feel” textures and surfaces and move digital objects as they exist in real life BeBop Sensors the provider in smart fabric sensor technology with over four million state-of-the-art wearable smart fabric sensors shipped, will announce at CES 2020 the Forte Data Glove, the first VR haptic glove integrated and exclusively designed for Oculus Quest, Oculus Link, Oculus Rift S, Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality, HTC Vive Cosmos, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Focus Plus, and Varjo VR headset technology. The Forte Data Glove is the first haptic glove for the HTC Cosmos and first haptic glove for the Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality Headsets, including HP, Lenovo, Acer, Dell, and Samsung, through integration with the HP Reverb. In addition, the Forte Data Glove is the first haptic VR glove to fully support Oculus Quest Link, which allows Oculus Quest to leverage the graphics capabilities and processing power of a VR computer for higher end VR interactions. VR Enterprise Training, Maintenance, and Gaming Anywhere/Anytime The first affordable all-day wireless VR/AR data glove, the BeBop Sensors Forte Data Glove provides a complete VR headset/data glove solution that fits in a small bag for easy portability with almost no set-up for on-the-go VR enterprise training, maintenance, and gaming anywhere/anytime. The Forte Data Glove ushers in the next generation of VR by allowing people to do real practical things in the virtual world with natural hand interactions — just as they do in the real world. The gloves provide missing touch feedback and make users feel like the virtual world is tangible for more realistic and safer training for business and enhanced VR gaming experiences. BeBop Sensors Forte Data Gloves new features: Hand tracking ties natively into each system’s translation system. Top-of-the-line finger tracking supplied by Bebop Sensors’ fabric sensors. Unparalleled haptic feelings for hitting buttons, turning knobs, opening doors, etc. for touch sensations in VR/AR. All versions are available for purchase right away and price competitively. Comfortable, universal open palm design design fits most people. Cleanable, hygienic and breathable with waterproof sensors. Powerful haptics for an intuitive feel of different textures and surfaces. Long battery life for all day use. Fast sensor speeds at 160Hz with instantaneous response. 9 degree IMU (Inertial Measurement Units) provide extremely low drift and reliable pre-blended accelerometer and gyro sensor data. 6 haptic actuators are located on 4 fingertips, the thumb, and the palm. Up to 16 unique haptic sound files can be resident on the glove with new files rapidly uploaded over Bluetooth or USB.
Opto 22’s groov EPIC Firmware 1.5.0 adds new Visualization Features and External Mass Storage Support
New groov View gadgets and functions come to groov EPIC along with external HDMI touchscreen management and USB file access As the groov EPIC® platform passes the year-and-a-half mark in its maturity, appropriately enough, Opto 22 releases version 1.5.0 of its firmware. This release broadens the palette of visualization and storage options for groov EPIC to suit an even wider variety of applications and hardware. The embedded groov View server is updated to version 4.2, with functions to create even more dynamic web and mobile HMIs, dashboards, and Andon boards. New shape gadgets allow users to create custom SVG images and animations directly in groov View, and to dynamically change their color and size (height and/or width) based on process variables or on any other data source connected to groov EPIC. This version also introduces tag-driven conditional formatting for other gadgets, allowing users to make elements visible or invisible, as well as change text color and formatting. These options could be used, for example, to enhance overhead displays for a bottling line by changing the color of text and numerical readouts to reflect line status or quality metrics stored locally in PAC Control™, CODESYS®, Node-RED, or Ignition®. For batch and continuous control applications, users could enhance situational awareness in operator interfaces by creating custom level and range indicators that change height and color in response to level, temperature, pressure, or alarm readings. With groov EPIC 1.5.0, OEMs can also choose from a broader range of external HDMI monitors and touchscreens, including models from DELL, Hope Industrial, SuperLogics and AIS. This makes it even easier to eliminate Windows PCs and OITs for local viewing and operator interfacing, significantly reducing material and maintenance costs and total cost of ownership. groov EPIC 1.5.0 supports both resistive and capacitive models via its built-in HDMI port, and makes it possible to calibrate and configure them through groov Manage. For engineers leveraging groov EPIC to implement distributed database, communication, and file servers, 1.5.0 now adds support for USB mass storage devices. This feature makes it possible to expand edge device servers beyond groov EPIC’s 6GB of SSD user space, further reducing the need for high-maintenance, general-purpose PCs in critical applications. This update also adds USB file access for PAC Control, CODESYS, Node-RED, and groov Manage, allowing engineers to programmatically manage files, like uploading recipe configurations from a thumb drive to a control application running on groov EPIC, or creating a rolling buffer that automatically archives old data logs to attached storage. groov EPIC has two USB ports that can support multiple drives, hubs, or serial adapters, as well as a single Netis USB WiFi adapter. Other enhancements in this upgrade include: Support for the new CAN bus integration module, GRV-CCANI-2. Upgrade to Node-RED 0.2, including editor, search, and core node enhancements, as well as under-the-hood changes for better debugging and more predictable flow logic. Version 1.5.0 is a free upgrade for all groov EPIC users. Current customers can log into manage.groov.com and simply download the file and update their EPICs. Complete upgrade instructions are available in the groov EPIC User’s Guide. For new customers, all groov EPICs now ship with this latest firmware version.
JLT Mobile Computers launches upgraded VERSO™ series
JLT Mobile Computers, a supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, announces the launch of its upgraded VERSO™ Series vehicle-mount computers. Customers with high demands on computing performance now have the choice of powerful state-of-the-art Intel® Core™ i3 or Core™ i7 processors with the 7th generation Kaby Lake CPU architecture. With their upgraded VERSO computers, JLT cements its leadership position by offering the most powerful rugged vehicle-mount computers in the industry. VERSO models equipped with a Kaby Lake Core i7 processor deliver 30-70% higher performance compared to previous generation VERSO computers and any known direct competitor. Designed from the ground up to combine industry-leading performance with the highest level of quality and ruggedness, the upgraded VERSO Series takes vehicle-mount computing performance to the next level. Customers with maximum performance requirements will benefit from 50% higher CPU and 30-70% higher graphical performance with the Intel Core i7 option. Further, the standard 8GB configuration of fast, efficient DDR4 memory can be extended to 16GB or even 32GB to assist in processing large amounts of data in real-time. With this massive performance boost, customers can now run advanced thick client applications such as real-time video analysis or high-resolution graphical animations, as well as create advanced new user interfaces for improving overall user productivity. Customers with lesser performance requirements will also benefit from the processor and technology upgrades. Even with the Intel Core i3 option, customers will see the same or better performance than was offered in prior high-end VERSO models, but with lower power draw and lower cost as additional benefits. That’s because the more advanced Intel Kaby Lake processor generation technology yields considerably more performance per watt than the current option. With the new high-performance VERSO Series, JLT targets customers that typically run thick client applications with high demands on computing power as well as the need for reliable, trouble-free operation in challenging environments. Target customers are found within industry segments such as mining, oil & gas, offshore, agriculture, GIS, and defence. VERSO Series computers are available with 10-, 12-, or 15-inch LED displays and are designed to withstand the harshest environments. They are impervious to dust and highly resistant to liquids, can be used in extremely cold and hot temperatures, and handle power interruptions without stoppages. Customers can choose between the Intel Core i3-7100U processor or the more advanced Core i7-7600U processor with Turbo Boost. Both are dual-core/quad-thread designs, optimized for Windows 10 LTSC and with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support. The computers also feature integrated dual-band WLAN 802.11ac, optional 4G LTE WWAN and GPS/GLONASS, and Bluetooth 4.2 communication to ensure reliable connectivity and positioning over large areas. “JLT is all about boosting customers’ business by enabling hassle-free data communication even in the most remote and challenging environments,” said Per Holmberg, CEO at JLT Mobile Computers. “That’s why we developed the highest performance and most reliable rugged vehicle-mount computers in the world. The new VERSO Series delivers enough performance to handle very advanced applications within mining, energy, agriculture and similar industries.” The VERSO 15 and VERSO 12 computers are available today. The VERSO+ 10 model, which is the industry’s smallest 10-inch rugged computer, is available in the first quarter of 2020 with the same processor choices. Like all JLT products, the VERSO Series computers are available with JLT:Care service agreements that provide customers with guaranteed service levels at predetermined cost for up to five years.
2020 Equipment Leasing and Finance U.S. economic outlook
The 2020 Equipment Leasing and Finance U.S. Economic has been released. This comprehensive report analyzes global and domestic trends impacting capital spending and economic growth in the coming year. It identifies key signposts specific to the equipment finance industry and features Momentum Monitors that identify turning points for 12 verticals in their respective investment cycles. Each economic outlook is updated quarterly. Equipment and software investment growth decelerated for the second consecutive quarter in Q2 but remained positive, primarily due to moderate annualized growth in software (equipment investment was essentially flat). Although a recession in the next six months appears unlikely, business conditions for the equipment finance industry are also unlikely to improve materially over the rest of the year, particularly for equipment verticals that serve the manufacturing sector. Over the next three to six months: Agricultural Machinery investment growth should improve; Construction Machinery investment growth should increase modestly; Materials Handling Equipment investment growth may improve; All Other Industrial Equipment investment growth is likely to remain moderate; Medical Equipment investment growth should strengthen; Mining & Oilfield Machinery investment growth should improve modestly, but is likely to remain weak overall; Aircraft investment growth is likely to remain in negative territory; Ships & Boats investment growth should remain weak; Railroad Equipment investment growth should soften; Trucks investment will likely weaken; Computers investment is likely to remain weak; and Software investment growth growth should remain strong. U.S. Capital Investment & Credit Markets: Capital investment contracted for two consecutive quarters in 2019 and is expected to remain muted in early 2020, in large part due to the ongoing trade war with China and other slowing economies around the world. Despite weak or negative investment growth and faltering business confidence, credit market conditions remain broadly healthy. Financial stress, while up slightly, remains subdued by historical standards and credit supply, while slightly tighter, is still not cause for concern. However, demand for credit — especially by businesses — has weakened notably, which may portend a further slowdown in business investment in 2020. Overview of the U.S. Economy: The U.S. economy saw uneven growth over the course of 2019 and ultimately decelerated from its 2018 pace. Consumers were the economy’s driving force throughout the year, buoyed by the strongest labor market in a generation and faster wage growth. However, political uncertainty, tariffs, and reduced economic activity among several key trading partners have weighed on U.S. exports and business investment. These headwinds show few signs of abating, which should lead to slower growth in 2020.
Seeq Corporation announces AWS Industrial Software Competency achievement
Seeq’s advanced analytics solution now available as SaaS application in the AWS Marketplace Seeq Corporation, advanced analytics applications for process manufacturing data, announced it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status. This designation recognizes that Seeq has demonstrated technical steps proficiency and proven customer success building solutions targeting one or more of the primary steps in discrete manufacturing or process industries in Product Design, Production Design, Production/Operations. These specialized software solutions enable companies in process and discrete manufacturing industries to increase the pace of product innovation while decreasing production and operational costs in their value chain. Achieving the AWS Industrial Software Competency differentiates Seeq as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member that has delivered proven customer success providing specialized solutions aligning with AWS architectural best practices to support the Production and Operations category in the AWS Industrial Software Competency. “Seeq is proud to be one of the APN Partners to achieve AWS Industrial Software Competency status,” says Steve Sliwa, CEO of Seeq. “By leveraging the agility of AWS, Seeq enables process engineers, managers, teams, and data scientists to derive more value from data already collected by accelerating analytics, publishing, and decision making.” AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Partner Competency Program to help customers identify Consulting and Technology APN Partners with deep industry experience and expertise. To receive the AWS Industrial Software Competency designation, APN Partners undergo rigorous AWS technical validation related to industry specific technology as well as an assessment of the security, performance, and reliability of their solute Seeq’s advanced analytics solution is also now available in the AWS Marketplace, enabling customers to rapidly investigate and share insights from process manufacturing data stored either on premise on in the AWS cloud. This announcement caps an impressive year for Seeq. The company recently ranked #369 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and #43 on this year’s Entrepreneur 360 list. In October Automation World included Seeq in its list of top technology startups to watch. “Leveraging both the expertise of the engineers and machine learning innovations, leading-edge solutions like Seeq enable organizations to gain intelligence from operations and obtain business value very quickly,” observes Janice Abel, Principal Analyst at ARC Advisory Group. “Seeq is designed for ease of use by a variety of plant employees, making it simple and quick for them to find and share insights in their data.”
U.S. Manufacturing technology orders increase in October; Gains shared by small, medium, and large job shops
U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $376 million in October 2019 according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. October orders increased 2 percent over September 2019. New orders placed in October 2019 fell 21 percent from October 2018, which was one of the best Octobers in USMTO history. Despite month over month gains, the gap between the year-to-date totals grew larger with the addition of October data. Orders placed to date in 2019 totaled $3.75 billion, a decrease of 18.4 percent from the annual total through October 2018. The industrial machinery manufacturing sector experienced robust growth in October 2019. Orders from machine shops grew at a modest pace but have not returned to their later-summer levels. The automotive sector increased orders by about 40 percent in October, while the aerospace sector decreased orders by slightly over ten percent. “Since March, job shops have accounted for an unusually large share of orders, reflecting the fact that large players deflected capital spending decisions to their sub-tier supply chain,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of The Association For Manufacturing Technology. That trend began a reversal in October, however, as companies of all sizes placed orders. Our research and the data point to a shifting of capital investment activity from small companies downstream to tier two and one suppliers. Based on quotations activity, orders in November and December are likely to be from larger companies expiring their capital spending budgets rather than small manufacturers continuing to invest at their second and third quarter rates.” “It’s clear that a lack of stability in the market coupled with the shifting winds on trade issues are dampening U.S. manufacturers’ enthusiasm for investing in new capital equipment. At the same time, we are nearly half way through the Tax Reform’s five-year window of providing lower tax rates and investment incentives. The former creates instability, and while the latter should be creating an urgency to invest, our analysts and leading industry economists believe that the confluence of drivers will yield a positive impact on the market in late 2020 and throughout 2021.”
Smartrac to sell its RFID inlay business to Avery Dennison
Smartrac Technology Group, a global provider in RFID technology and IoT solutions, has announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its RFID Transponder Division to Avery Dennison Corporation. Headquartered in Glendale, California, Avery Dennison is a global materials science and manufacturing company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. Its products include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and RFID solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Smartrac’s RFID inlay and tags business will complement Avery Dennison’s Intelligent Labels platform, expand its existing product portfolio, enhance the company’s R&D, manufacturing and sales capacity and increase its RFID offerings for a broad variety of customer requirements and applications. The transaction will also provide the opportunity to expand market coverage and to accelerate RFID growth opportunities. “What we are announcing today is a big change in Smartrac’s history. Our people and capabilities are very complementary to Avery Dennison, hence offer a perfect basis to expand market success. We are convinced that our RFID inlays and tags business will face a bright future as part of Avery Dennison’s Intelligent Labels business, which is set to thrive on the rise of the Internet of Things and the growing customer demand for connected products. At the same time, our successful Solutions Business Division will continue to independently build on its offerings supporting the digital transformation,” said Christian Uhl, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Smartrac. “We believe in a future where every physical item will have a unique digital identity and digital life, which will transform the visibility of products throughout the supply chain, all the way to the consumer, helping to improve efficiencies, increase sustainability, and enhance consumer experience,” said Francisco Melo, vice president and general manager, intelligent labels for Avery Dennison. “The capabilities of Smartrac will enable us to accelerate our strategy and deliver on this vision across multiple verticals.” As part of the transaction, Avery Dennison will acquire Smartrac’s Transponder business and associated assets, including all manufacturing, R&D, sales and administration facilities, and will take over all affected employees. Avery Dennison will also assume all contractual obligations to employees, customers and suppliers. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
New IMPULSE®·Link 5 Professional Software provides faster Crane Diagnostics and Troubleshooting from your PC
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of motion control products, technologies, and services for material handling, has announced the new IMPULSE®·Link 5 Professional software as the latest addition to its portfolio of drive diagnostics tools. IMPULSE·Link 5 enables easy programming, monitoring and troubleshooting of industry-leading Magnetek® brand AC and DC drives from a PC. “IMPULSE·Link 5 provides easy-to-access system monitoring and diagnostics information no matter where you are, whether a single crane or multiple cranes are operating,” said Casey Cummins, product manager for Magnetek controls. “Utilizing the Professional version of our IMPULSE·Link 5 drive diagnostic tool means customers will be able to remotely monitor, diagnose, or reset an AC or DC drive fault in real time from the factory floor.” Available in two versions, Professional and Viewer, IMPULSE·Link 5 is a Windows-based interactive drive software that supplies critical information to keep systems functioning effectively. Ethernet communication is 50% faster than previously available tools, providing actionable information quickly. System feedback means maintenance can be planned to minimize downtime and enhance drive efficiency. Offering a direct connection to Magnetek brand drives, IMPULSE·Link 5 Professional includes a new automatic drive discovery tool for simple setup, operating over wireless industrial communications and hardwired serial COM ports. This the one-to-one link between drives and a PC is a key factor in improving safety and performance. IMPULSE·Link 5 Professional enables a comprehensive set of interactive features that can be unlocked with a low-profile USB key. Plus, troubleshooting is quick and easy, eliminating the need to diagnose and reset a fault from the crane itself. The free Viewer version offers basic features such as viewing parameter, trend, and event files, and interfacing with the DataLogger Series 4 (DLS4). Optional Wireless Diagnostic System (WDS) hardware is available to connect to and monitor drives wirelessly. WDS enables connection of up to 31 drives to a single remote unit. Multiple remote units can connect to a single base unit. IMPULSE·Link 5 supports IMPULSE®·G+/VG+ Series 3 and 4, IMPULSE®·G+ Mini Variable Frequency Drives, IMPULSE®·D+ HHP, OmniPulse™ DDC Series 1 and 2, OmniPulse™ DSD, and MagnePulse™ DMC Series 1 and 2.
U.S. Manufacturing Technology orders decrease in September, but Automotive sector sees slight increase
U.S. manufacturing technology orders fell 1 percent from the previous month to a total of $361.5 million in September 2019 according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT—The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Orders decreased 41 percent from September 2018, yielding a 10 percent decline in the first three quarters of 2019. Aerospace orders were flat, machine shops were down modestly, and the automotive sector saw a slight increase despite a decrease in orders in the transmission and powertrain sector. “Manufacturing technology orders were lower in September than in August, which has only happened twice since USMTO started tracking data,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “The automotive and aerospace sectors were higher, however, possibly due to companies looking to buy capital equipment and complete installation by year-end to take advantage of tax incentives. It could also be an indication that there was a bump of optimism in August around the GM and labor union talks and progress on trade issues. “Contract machining, which typically represent about 30 percent of all manufacturing orders, totaled about 40 percent over the last five months. However, in September, orders fell to 35 percent. This is likely due to customers reducing their reliance on contract machining and increasing capital investments in their own plants. “Spending in the auto industry was up by about 10 percent despite a significant decline in orders by the power transmission segment of the industry. This is indicative of a supply chain that felt confident that the GM strike would be short and that NAFTA 2.0 would be resolved favorably, again, coupled with the desire to get in orders before the end of the tax year. The supply chain in the automotive sector was feeling comfortable making modest investments to gear up for 2020. In addition to USMTO data, another key data point that supports this is that the industry saw the projection for the annual sales of vehicles go back up to over 17 million units in October. There is clearly optimism that things will be better by end of year. “The aerospace industry has been a stalwart in this downturn since the beginning of 2019. Spending in September was up modestly from August, and this is significant because it was achieved by broad investment across many companies, whereas August orders were based on only a few significant orders.”
New Automated Wire Cutting Management gives Electrical Distributors a competitive edge
Advanced feature set expands upon Latitude WMS’s existing wire cutting management capabilities and provides valuable solution to control remnants PathGuide Technologies, a provider of warehouse management system (WMS) and shipping solutions for industrial and retail distributors, just announced the availability of a Wire Cutting Management module that integrates seamlessly with the company’s Latitude WMS solution. The new module is a precise way to electronically prioritize, group and plan wire cuts. Now Latitude users can define wire cuts that go together, along with the containers and grouping required, eliminating the need for cut operators to manually manage this process. For distributors struggling to track remnants, the module provides an essential new tool to maximize existing remnants and avoid the need to take cuts from a new spool. “This advanced module was specifically designed to effectively manage, control and ship high value wire assets sold by electrical distributors, allowing them to increase productivity and efficiency while reducing the manpower required for the wire cutting process,” said Eric Allais, president and CEO of PathGuide. “It’s a robust planning tool that provides the flexibility needed to quickly fill orders accurately and reduce waste thanks to the visibility of precise wire inventory lengths.” PathGuide’s Wire Cutting Management module allows electrical distributors to: Define and direct wire cuts and groupings (e.g., parallel reels, etc.) at the point of order entry to the ERP. Automatically batch and prioritize cuts upon order import and tailor them as needed. This effectively (and simply) drives order picking of these items. Tag and identify specific cuts and groupings, ensuring orders are picked and shipped error free.