March 2020

n SHOW PREVIEW First-time exhibitor SystemDevices UKwill use the Drives & Controls Show to launch a new IO technology from the Californian automation developer Opto 22, which it represents in the UK. Called groov RIO, the technology is being described as“the next step in transforming the industry for the IIoT (Industrial Internet ofThings), extending connected applications directly to traditional wired sensors and switches”. The first member of the groov RIO family, called the GRV-R7-MM1001-10, provides eight multi-signal, multifunction, software- configurable channels and two FormC relays, supportingmore than 52,000 unique signal combinations, which can be analogue or discrete, inputs or outputs. Combinedwith Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and embedded tools for configuration, data processing, and publishing, the system is said tomake connecting I/O to cloud IoT platforms, control systems, and databases easier than ever before. It has the flexibility to handle simple, fast connections froma handful of I/O, to large-scale IIoT-ready infrastructures. For more details onOpto 22’s groov RIO technology, see theTechnology section in this issue. ‘Transformative’ IO technology makes its UK debut n Ixon n Lighthouse In addition to the many exhibition stands, the NEC will also be hosting a pair of seminar theatres running programmes that will give visitors the opportunity to hear from experts and to keep abreast of the latest industry developments. The Digitalisation Forum will reflect the ongoing global transformation to the smart manufacturing era and provide an insight into potential plants of the future, covering all aspects of the digital transformation across the manufacturing spectrum. Leading experts will address a wide range of issues involving the fourth industrial revolution, as well as discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding the transition to, and implementation of, digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Over the course of the three- day programme, visitors will be able to learn how they can seize the opportunities that exist and promote the benefits of adopting emerging digital technologies. The second seminar stream, The Engineering Forum, will have a strong emphasis on technology. It will bring together aspects of plant and asset management, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics and automation, energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, legislation, system strategies and technological developments. Speakers will be drawn from across industry including government agencies, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers. The Digitalisation Forum is being sponsored by Pilz, while the Engineering Forum is being sponsored by the Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme. Another of the shows co-located with Drives & Controls is Plant & Asset Management 2020, the UK’s premier event for plant, asset, maintenance and works management engineers and directors. It will showcase the latest in condition monitoring, CMMS, outsourcing/contract maintenance, energy efficiency, boilers/burners/combustion, handling and storage plus much more. Exhibitors in Plant & Asset Management will include: n Ultimo n SolutionsPT n SPM Instrument n Fluke n UE Systems n Keytracker n Clockwork IT n Seepex n SimPro Software n DCO Systems The Society for Operations Engineers (SOE) will also have a major presence at Plant & Asset Management 2020, where it will be promoting efficient and environmentally sustainable operations engineering, through the support of best practice, health and safety initiatives, and a commitment to the professional development of its members. The Society will be able to talk about how it can help visitors’ careers in engineering with professional recognition through the Engineering Council, technical guides, accreditation standards, CPD events and much more. Another co-located event, Fluid Power & Systems 2020, will focus on hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, together with products that facilitate better system design and application for improved process automation, control, monitoring and analytics. Exhibitors in this show will include n SMC n Metal Work UK n Tom Parker n Abdex n Allswage n Alfagomma UK n MCS Hydraulics n Schwer Fittings n Custom Fittings 02476 980833 sales@electric-motors.online www.electric-motors.online DON’T KEEP ON GOING ROUND AND ROUND Contact us for all your electric motor and automation related needs Sales, Service, Maintenance & Mechanical Engineering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!