RSTechEd event

We recently attended RSTechED, the Rockwell Automation event that focuses on education about their products. 

Some of the things they are doing include:

• Partnering with PTC to bring us an IoT platform, Augmented Reality, Machine learning and Data analytics. Most of the tools are already there. PTC has been around for a long time and calls their entities ‘things’, along with the necessary templates, components, modules…Rockwell have developed add-on clients. 
• Purchased ACP and Thin Manger. Thin Manager will safely and securely deliver content to any combination of Device, User and Location. Features include Location awareness, Shadowing, Quick replacement, Screen splitting. 
• Developing Process Library: They continue to develop the PlantPax and the Process library. Application Code Manager is a great engineering tool that cuts development time enormously. The next release of RS5000 (v34) will include the library in firmware, but this library will not support the PV5000, (FactoryTalk ME) as they are wanting us to use FactoryTalk View SE for machines. 
• Considering OEM licences: FactoryTalk View SE standalone or machine, which is typically what an OEM supplies, will automatically convert to a client licence when connected to a Factory Talk SE server.
• Continuing to work with Cisco. Rockwell’s Stratix switches have improved, and become more expensive. Rockwell have started to introduce what I can only call intuitive GUIs. This makes designing high performing networks easier, as you just design rather configure. VLans, security, filters etc, are created behind the scenes and do not consume configuration time.
• Continuing their partnership with many others such as Prosoft, OSI, HMS, Stratus, NHP, Stratus
• Introducing PowerFlex 755T. (TotalForce). Its claim to fame is Crane Anti-swing. They have a very impressive video of a glass of water with no wave. The theory behind the anti-sway is when you know the length of the drop, you can determine the hysteresis point and notch out that frequency in the drive. 

Our overall impression of the RSTechEd event is that it was well worth attending to keep up-to-date with what our various suppliers are doing.