In the forty-third episode of the Manufacturing Hub, we've invited Benson Hougland from Opto 22 to speak with us about the evolution of control systems and what role the company played throughout the years. Benson walked us through the software and hardware changes that led to where we are today.

Guest Bio
Benson Hougland has three decades of experience in manufacturing automation. In his early career, Benson founded a computer software, hardware, and consulting company which exposed him to the technical and business challenges of technological change. An opportunity to join Opto 22 was presented to him in mid 1990s where he was brought on as a technical expert. By participating in various industry-defining initiatives, Benson delivered products that had a major impact on the automation industry. Today, in his role as the Vice President of Opto 22, Benson brings awareness to the new lines of products released by the company and still finds time to be hands-on with the hardware and software! His entire home is automated on groov EPIC and RIO.

Main Discussion Points
- The evolution / history of control systems.
- The impact of various protocol and software changes that made modern control systems possible.
- The future of control systems, automation, and related fields.

Recommended Books
- Switch by Dan Heath, Chip Heath | https://amzn.to/3rjdZ6C
- The Book of CODESYS by Gary L. Pratt | https://amzn.to/31UFwmg

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Dave Griffith | https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/
Manufacturing Hub | https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-podcast/

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