Automation Chat

Automation Chat

By The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetworkBusinessTechnologyManagement
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Automation Chat episodes

  • How Digital Twins are Used for Automation Design — and Why Users Love Them

    You’ve heard of digital twins, but do you really know how they work? It’s a big deal. Find out how they’re used for industrial automation design, in this chat with Chris Harduwar, Vice President of Automation with Maplesoft, and Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

    Also learn why designers swear by digital twins for virtual modeling because of how they streamline production and commissioning. Get examples of them at work in injection molding, food, packaging and other applications. Chris also addresses reasons some people hesitate to use digital twins. And get his insights about digital twins’ next evolution.

    And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • White Paper: Using Virtual Commissioning to Develop Faster, Safer Machines for Less
  • Products Mentioned: MapleSim Software by Maplesoft
  • Learn more about Virtual Commissioning with MapleSim and Rockwell Automation Studio 5000
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.

    Video of this podcast conversation is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/NzsobIIauqo.

    19 min
  • Tech Spotlight: SSCP Stainless Steel Linear Motors

    In this special “Tech Spotlight” episode of Automation Chat, host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Kevin Reed, Technical Support & Applications Engineer at LinMot USA, a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner.

    They talk about the company’s intelligent SSCP stainless steel linear motors, designed for applications with high demands on materials and protection class, such as pharmaceutical and food & beverage. They discuss the motors’ composition and how they operate; guided options; assembly configurations; and applications for these corrosion-resistant motors.

    Access more resources here:

    • LinMot USA Inc.
  • Stainless Steel Linear Motors SSCP
  • Stainless Steel Linear Modules SM01
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and subscribe.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/51DKUUCMg-4.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    6 min
  • Remarkable Warehouse Automation Digital Transformation & What Manufacturers Can Learn

    Warehouse automation is an early adopter of smart technologies that enable innovative digital transformation. Host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Mike Berg, Solutions Marketing Manager - Industrial Automation with Panduit, about industry trends putting increased pressure on warehouses and distribution centers.

    They examine new technologies that make them more efficient, reliable, and better equipped to handle demand – especially with the substantial growth in online ordering since COVID-19 hit. You might be surprised at the high-tech operations inside a fulfillment center.

    Also learn about the network infrastructure required to support those technologies, and what manufacturers can learn from warehouse automation.

    And of course, you get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • Panduit Warehouse Automation Solutions
  • Rockwell Automation and Panduit Strategic Alliance
  • Special Report: How to Keep Up with - and Contribute to - Single Pair Ethernet Standards
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/GvjJD2btcq4.

    17 min
  • Tech Spotlight: Industrial Linear Modules

    In this “Tech Spotlight” episode of Automation Chat, host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Adam Shank, Regional Sales Engineer at LinMot USA, a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner.

    They talk about the company’s DM01 industrial linear modules for the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll learn how direct-drive system eliminates the need for high-wear components such as belts, screws, cams, or gears, and thus reduces maintenance and extends service life.

    Access more resources here:

    • LinMot USA Inc.
  • DM01 Linear Modules
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and subscribe.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/MyWNdci6CyI.  

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    5 min
  • Tech Spotlight: HMI Systems for Hazardous Locations

    In this special “Tech Spotlight” episode of Automation Chat, host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Aaron Severa, Product Manager for HMI, FieldConnex and Remote IO at Pepperl+Fuchs, a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner. They discuss two of the company’s HMI systems.

    The new VisuNet GXP HMI for Zone 1 hazardous applications, and an option for Zone 2 and for Division 2 locations, is a modular platform comprised of a few individually protected and certified components. Also see the VisuNet Edge HMI for Division 1 areas. Learn how they both integrate with Rockwell Automation ThinManager thin client software.

    Access more resources here:

    • Pepperl+Fuchs
  • VisuNet GXP HMI
  • VisuNet Edge HMI
  • Rockwell Automation ThinManager Thin Client Software
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/wZidwxGdiY8.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    12 min
  • How to Use Protective Relay Data to Cut Costs

    Host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Mark Zeller, sales and customer service director at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a Rockwell Automation Digital Partner.

    They discuss how digital protective relays gather and use data for electrical protection in manufacturing plants, and how to download the data. Also see examples of how the information can help you monitor health of devices connected to your power system, and thus predict problems before they occur, such as a circuit or motor failure.

    And of course, you get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL)
  • Webinars from SEL
  • White Papers from SEL
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a good rating and a review.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ny1NukGKfaA.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    11 min
  • Smart Water Initiatives for the Water Wastewater Industry

    Host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Damon Sepe, Business Development Manager at Rockwell Automation, about digital transformation and smart water initiatives for the water wastewater industry.

    They discuss why we need smart water initiatives, and where investments are increasing across hardware, software and services. You’ll also learn what 3 key areas comprise digital solutions for smart water plants; why cyberthreats are a real concern; and how the COVID pandemic has affected water infrastructure.

    And of course, you get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • Rockwell Automation Automated Water Wastewater Systems
  • Case Study: City of Lima Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Operations Flow Smoothly After DCS Migration: https://bit.ly/3dccroL.
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a good rating and a review.

    Video of this podcast chat is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/4ci3r3FXcfs.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    9 min
  • Lessons from the Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack & Steps to Take

    The ransomware attack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline on May 7, 2021, is considered the most impactful cyberattack against U.S. critical infrastructure to date, but it’s not the only one. Many infrastructure and manufacturing facility cyberattacks occur that we don’t hear about.


    So in this episode, host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Grant Geyer, Chief Product Officer at Claroty, a leading industrial cybersecurity firm and a Rockwell Automation Digital Partner. They examine how the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack happened, as well as how the February 2021 Oldsmar, Florida water treatment cyberattack occurred, and the far-reaching effects. Also learn about the importance of the asset operator as the first line of defense.

    Also learn about the asset operator’s role as the first line of defense; how converged IT/OT networks are vital for ICS efficiency, but also increase the attack surface available — and what to do about it; the technical and organizational features of a well-thought-out cyber defense; lessons learned that are useful for every industrial firm and critical infrastructure facility. And much more.

    And of course, you get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • Blog: Ongoing Colonial Pipeline Attack Unprecedented Against U.S. Critical Infrastructure: https://claroty.com/2021/05/10/blog-research-colonial-pipeline
    • Blog: Implications of the Cybersecurity Executive Order for Industrial Enterprises: https://claroty.com/2021/05/13/blog-cybersecurity-executive-order
    • ICS Risk & Vulnerability Report, with data points pertaining to the energy sector: https://security.claroty.com/biannual-ics-risk-vulnerability-report-2H-2020
    • Claroty website: https://claroty.com  

    If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a rating and a review.

    Tell your friends and peers about “Automation Chat,” and hit the “share” symbol to share your favorite episode so others can benefit from these fun and useful discussions.

    Video of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/rFxa2-wyquw.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    26 min
  • How Wearable Computers are Changing the Workforce

    Host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats with Andrew Chrostowski, Chairman of the Board and CEO of RealWear, a Rockwell Automation Technology Partner. They talk about how head-mounted, hands-free wearable tablet computers are helping with workforce challenges, including the retiring workforce and increased remote workers because of pandemic, as well as efficiency and safety.  

    They also talk about the role of the “connected worker,” typical applications such as maintenance and operations, and what kind of problems wearable computers are designed to help with. Also see how your work will change as wearable communications become more common, how the role of wearable computers will expand in the next few years, and more.

    And of course, you get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Access more resources here:

    • Video: RealWear Intrinsically Safe HMT-1Z1s with Microsoft Teams for U.S. Plant Operators: https://youtu.be/KqL-iMlBKjE
  • RealWear Rolls Out Enterprise Wearables to Link Auto Maker Maintenance Teams: https://www.realwear.com/newsroom/press-releases/groupe-psa/
  • RealWear Products: https://shop.realwear.com/
  • RealWear Website: https://locator.rockwellautomation.com/Technology/CompanyDetails/90fe0ac9-bc37-ea11-a813-000d3a8db64a
  • MicroSoft Teams for RealWear: https://www.realwear.com/solutions/microsoft-teams/
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a rating and a review.

    Tell your friends and peers about “Automation Chat,” and hit the “share” symbol to share your favorite episode so others can benefit from these fun and useful discussions.

    Video of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/FsrfGrcXR2E.

    The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine: http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    16 min
  • What is Edge Computing, and Is It for You?

    **Video of this podcast is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/SVEzPU5TVGU.**

    Host Theresa Houck, Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, chats about all things edge computing with Jason Andersen, Vice President of Strategy and Product Management at Stratus Technologies, a Rockwell Automation Encompass Product Partner. 

    We answer the question many people have: What is edge computing, and how is it different from the cloud? You’ll learn how to know if it will help you, with considerations for types of applications and the amount and speed of data collection. We chat about what’s involved in implementing edge computing and examples of edge computing at work in real companies. Jason also describes how OEMs are using edge computing to provide new capabilities for customers.

    And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

    Additional resources:

    • Edge Computing Trend Report: https://bit.ly/35vTmKY
  • eBook: Edge Computing for Dummies: https://bit.ly/3f2MtUH
  • Stratus Technologies Website: www.stratus.com
  • If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a rating and a review on your podcast app.

    And tell your friends and peers about us. You can even hit the share symbol to share your favorite episode with others.

    Video of this episode is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/SVEzPU5TVGU.

    Visit The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine online at http://rok.auto/thejournal.

    22 min

About Automation Chat

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Winner of the 2022, 2023 & 2024 Apex Awards of Excellence for Best Podcast.