News

Farnell introduces the new innovative Clipzin Connector range as the exclusive distributor. Manufactured by EDAC and designed by OpenLX SP, the Clipzin range initially targets the Raspberry Pi Pico and PicoW, and Arduino Connect modules, with more options to follow.

Described as the edge connector for the IoT generation, Clipzin eases manufacturing and facilitates modularisation, encouraging sustainability by promoting easy inservice upgrades and reusability. It allows customers to produce one design that can be customised for flexibility, and to offer variants, reducing design time and the need to stock many versions.

Clipzin enables rapid connection and disconnection of sensor, communication and compute modules, such as Raspberry Pi’s new Pico. Designed for prototyping to production, a retention clip ensures that modules will not shake free after assembly or inservice, but allows PCBs to be easily swapped later if required. This makes it the ideal solution for developers, while also providing the security required for production.

Prior to Clipzin, modules like PicoW required users to solder through-hole connectors to the PicoW as well as fitting a connector to their PCB. Clipzin requires only a surface mount connector to be fitted to one PCB, greatly improving production efficiency.

Key benefits of the EDAC Clipzin PCB connectors include:

•  20 way is available at launch with 6, 8 and 17 way coming soon
• Ability to semi-permanently mount one PCB to another
• Quick, tool-less assembly with positive, confirming ‘click’
• Suitable for surface mount soldering, dramatically improving production efficiency
• Requires connector to be mounted on one side of one PCB only
• Gold plating for reliability

Romain Soreau, Head of Single Board Computing at Farnell, says, “Clipzin is a genuinely innovative connector for the Raspberry PI Pico. It provides a new, solderless way of mounting the Raspberry Pi Pico to another PCB, which allows interchange between Pico models. We are pleased to be the exclusive distributor of this new product, which further supports our long-term commitment to Raspberry Pi and our extensive portfolio of their products and accessories.”

Chrissy Cooper, Sales Director at EDAC Europe, says, “We have worked closely with Farnell for many years and have forged a strong working partnership. This initial exclusivity period for the launch of Clipzin is yet another demonstration of our mutual commitment to the success of our customers.”

Dr Andrew Robinson, Engineering Director at OpenLX SP Ltd. added, “With PiFace and CodeBug, we have a strong history of bringing innovative products to market with Farnell. Combined with EDAC’s years of experience it’s a fantastic partnership to develop a new connector that makes it easier for people to use and reuse the growing range of modules such as Raspberry Pi PicoW. Clipzin unlocks the efficiencies of surface mount manufacturing, over the cost and complexity of through hole assembly of existing header-pin solutions.”

The new Clipzin PCB Connectors from EDAC, OpenLX SP Ltd. are now available from stock at Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in APAC.

Advantech, a global leader in industrial IoT, has been ranked fifth among Taiwan’s global brands. With a brand value of US$ 776 million, the company has been firmly ranked in the top five of Taiwan’s global brands for five consecutive years and Advantech’s brand value rose 23%, which makes it one of the fastest risers in 2022.

Linda Tsai, President of Advantech’s Industrial-IoT group, stated that in response to drastic changes in the general environment in recent years, “Advantech has been actively promoting digital transformation, including building an AIoT live webinar and on-demand video platform called Advantech Connect, which amongst other things, promotes smart factories, supply chain management solutions, and the company’s B2B e-commerce global flagship store—all of which are aimed at creating a global digital business model.” 

Furthermore, in response to the global trend of net-zero emissions, Advantech Taiwan has set its carbon reduction goals to achieve 100% usage of renewable energy before 2032 while also expanding its investment in the intelligent energy management solution (iEMS) business. Advantech has implemented the solution in its own production and manufacturing facilities as a demonstration to assist customers worldwide in better understanding the core advantages of AIoT to their businesses.

Advantech is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023. In addition to hosting a series of global celebrations, the Advantech AIoT Co-Creation Campus will finally be completed in the same year. The campus is expected to become a landmark IoT campus in Taiwan and be a model showcase for a fully integrated industrial IoT ecosystem. Advantech will continue to focus on realising the intelligentization of industry by leveraging the advantages of IoT software and hardware, developing new business models, and deploying global brands and solutions. Advantech remains committed to establishing a solid business foundation for sustainable management and accelerating the realisation of its corporate vision of Enabling an Intelligent Planet.

For more information on Advantech and their products and services, please contact a local sales support team or visit their website at www.advantech.com/en-eu

Novotek Solutions UK & Ireland, the industrial digital solutions provider, will host an open day at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, on March 24, 2023. The event follows the acquisition of Astec IT Solutions by Novotek and will focus on equipping customers for the ambitious journey to “Net Zero 2030”.

The combined business creates new avenues for collaboration between Novotek, industrial customers and the community of service providers around them. Executive leadership from Novotek and key technology partners will share the vision for the “new” Novotek in the UK & Ireland and lay out how the industrial technology ecosystem can aid industry in achieving their part of key national issues such as carbon neutrality.

The open day will consist of a series of stations or “pods”, designated spaces hosting short sessions with expert speakers and hands-on demonstrators that Novotek hopes will equip customers with the knowledge and skills needed to run their operations in a more sustainable – and more profitable – way. The organisers of the event are keen to demonstrate the measures companies can implement in the here and now to lower energy and other input usage, drawing upon the success stories of many existing customers.

Several high-profile speakers have already been confirmed, including Sam Kirby, an industrial automation specialist from Novotek Solutions and Matt Holland, Chief Commercial Officer at GE Digital. Veronika Grozdanovska, Chief Innovation Officer at Novotek AB, will be running a workshop throughout the day for anyone who wants a more general introduction to sustainability.

Topics for the pods include:  edge tech and IoT solutions; data visualisation and process optimisation through advanced AI/analytics; and productivity gains to be had from smart factory solutions. The event will also showcase a ‘wall of fame’, allowing attendees to come and see the success stories of customers who have already implemented Novotek solutions and achieved significant results.

‘‘It’s natural for many people to look towards the future when we talk about goals like Net Zero 2030. However, people don’t always realise what they can do now in the present to start that journey. We hope this event will equip people for the road ahead,’’ explained Grozdanovska.

Novotek recently acquired Astec IT Solutions, having worked in collaboration with the industrial IT and IoT systems integrator since the early 2000s. The newly re-branded Novotek Solutions UK & Ireland Ltd will play a key role in delivering vendor-led expert services, to ensure that customers benefit from modern architectures and deployment methods as they adopt the current generation of edge tech, automation, data management, and analytics solutions.

‘‘As the first major event to be held by Novotek Solutions, this open day will mark the beginning of a new era. We hope that by gathering together some of the leading experts in the industry, our series of pods can fast forward the journey to Net Zero,’’ said George Walker, managing director of Novotek Solutions UK & Ireland.

The open day will begin at 9:30 am on 24 March, at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. For more information and to register to attend, you can follow the link to the Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/join-the-new-novotek-at-mosi-tickets-530425536057

RS is working with the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) to achieve its environmental, social and governance (ESG) ambitions in this crucial renewable energy sector.

The OWGP’s WEST programme is a business transformation established and funded by the UK Government. It is part of ORE Catapult, the UK’s leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy, and promotes closer collaboration across the supply chain. It has introduced various programmes that drive shared growth opportunities in this sector.

Offshore wind will play a substantial and critical role in the generation of clean energy. It takes energy from the force of winds at sea and transforms it into electricity to supply to onshore networks.

Debbie Lentz, President ESG Solutions at RS Group, said: “Through our 2030 ESG Action Plan, we are committed to addressing environmental and social issues, which are critical to our future. We have big ambitions to significantly grow our presence in the offshore wind sector.

“We are extending our actions to develop solutions for our customers. Our plan is to establish ourselves as the first-choice partner to operators and maintainers through a curated, high-quality product range, high-service distribution and new innovations to make it easier for our customers. But we recognise, in order to do that, we need to gain further insight into the sector and by working with Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, we are confident this will progress us further.”

Reducing energy usage and looking at new ways to produce and create it, continue to be some of the greatest climate change challenges the world faces. Renewable energy production is favoured as one of the key solutions. 

Veronica Maxted, Director of Renewables in RS’ ESG Solutions Team, explained: “New capacity for generating electricity from renewables such as solar, wind and other clean energy has increased significantly in recent years, despite having to overcome construction delays, pandemic-driven supply chain challenges and higher prices for raw materials.

“Wind energy in the UK continues to break new records regularly, thanks to our exposed position in the Atlantic, making us home to some of the largest offshore wind farms in the world.”

Lynne McIntosh-Grieve, OWGP Programme Manager, added: “OWGP is delighted to be supporting RS Group through the OWGP #WEST Programme to review and enhance its position as a supplier to the offshore wind industry through dedicated and bespoke market intelligence, insight and business support.”

Torus Technology Group has partnered with Festo to create a purpose-designed integrated handling solution for its new TQ-Lab modular plastics packaging testing station.

Torus offers a range of custom designed automated inspection & testing systems that enable customers to control high speed processes, reduce costs and maintain quality in demanding environments. TQ-Lab is a unique, total quality testing station for plastics packaging such as bottles and jars, typically used for soft drinks, health supplements, cosmetics, and domestic cleaning products.

Festo’s inhouse design expertise and online software tools played a critical role in helping Torus to develop the optimum solution for the complex handling requirements involved.

Expanding horizons

Plastics packaging requires precision measurement of aspects such as material thickness, outer body and neck physical dimensions, neck diameter and volume as well as load testing for crushing and pressure.

The TQ-Lab can undertake all the necessary tests on both empty and filled containers or preforms in a single system. Once batches of containers are placed onto the turnaround conveyor, the operator simply selects the relevant program and walks away. A bespoke vision system locates the position of the neck and an intelligent gripper and multi-axis pick and place system transfers the product from the conveyor between measurement modules. Customers can select the Torus test modules to suit their particular test requirements or budgets. Controlled via a single interface, TQ-Lab delivers reliable data to the network with no operator influence.

Accurate handling and repeatability were key to delivering customer benefits; such as reduced time and labour costs, the potential to collect a large amount of measurement data, and a reduced footprint.

Torus investigated the option of building the handling system themselves but identified issues with compatibility and reliability using multiple suppliers. It also considered using an ‘off-the-shelf’ robot solution, but this involved design modifications and specialist automation skills outside their core expertise. They needed an automation expert to help them optimise the system design.

“Festo had been a valued supplier of automation components to Torus for many years, but this was the first time we decided to tap into their design support services,” says Brian Wilson, Engineering Director at Torus. “It was the best decision we could have made.”

Handling with care

TQ-Lab was developed over twelve months and Festo was involved from an early stage. Chandra Patel, Business Development Manager at Festo, explains: “We reduced design lead-in times quite significantly using our extensive software tools and experience to identify the best components for the handling system specification. We also simplified the handling system into a single integrated solution and used the Festo ELCC cantilever axis to replace the original custom-built vertical module with a technically neat and commercially attractive single part.”

“The highly technical specification and complexities of movement made it crucial to test that the design would work in principle before building out the handling system. Festo’s dedicated sizing and simulation software enabled them to test different configurations and prove to Torus that the final design would deliver the desired performance in terms of accuracy and repeatability.”

Mission accomplished

Festo’s automation expertise enabled Torus to reach a final design more quickly and delivered a fully optimised solution. Festo then built and delivered the complete handling solution for installation in the TQ-Lab.

Their support does not stop at the point of delivery. Festo have also made it easier for Torus to order the handling system in future by assigning it a single order number, which automatically generates a comprehensive list of all the necessary components. This streamlines purchasing and stores, while still supporting any repair or replacement needs.

Concludes Brian Wilson: “Festo were there all the way, from early concept discussions, through component selection and system design, testing to commissioning, to fine-tuning and completion. With their support, we have delivered a unique automated testing solution at least six months earlier than predicted – giving us and our customers a real competitive advantage.”

See the TQ-Lab in action at www.festo.co.uk/tqlab

For more information about Festo products and services, visit: www.festo.com/gb

For more on the measurement and inspection machines from Torus visit www.torus-group.com

Innovative technology company Bloc Digital is breaking new boundaries within data visualisation – demonstrating the power to transform manufacturing operations with a production line digital twin for JCB.

Introducing advancements in solution scale and visual fidelity, the Derby-based company is marking its most successful year in the Industry 4.0 space – helping the sector to improve quality and efficiency while reducing risk and cost within manufacturing processes and production management.

Its digital twin of the JCB cabs factory in Uttoxeter – the first UK ‘factory of the future’ for the construction equipment giant – was designed to enable production to be more easily monitored and managed, ultimately enhancing productivity.

The application combines real-time data with 3D-modelled environments to provide an accurate virtual replica of the factory, enabling the location tracking of specific units along the complete production line. It also records stock levels, ensures maintenance needs can be quickly detected, and monitors build progress against target efficiencies. The solution’s enhanced scalability can accommodate the addition of other factories, increased product demand, and overall growth.

JCB is one of a number of organisations working with the company to harness digital twin technologies in order to transform its operations. Growth within the industry, including as part of a government-funded research project named UltraMQL, has seen Bloc Digital invest in new talent – welcoming staff and being an industrial partner in the upcoming East Midlands Institute of Technology.

Keith Cox, Co-Founder of Bloc Digital, said; “By developing Industrial Metaverse solutions that use 3D environments and enterprise data to simulate manufacturing production in real-time, we’re thrilled to be helping our clients and partners work smarter and be future proof.

“We’re consolidating our sector growth with expansion in our own specialist research and development team, and will also be helping to ensure the next generation is equipped with the skills needed to continue to drive the digital revolution.”

To track units throughout the Uttoxeter facility, the solution for JCB uses Industry 4.0 hardware installed by Sato, a global provider of auto-ID solutions, with the data being gathered by RFKeeper, an RFID technology company, for visualisation within the solution.

RS Group has significantly expanded the availability of its range of products from Keysight Technologies Inc., a leading technology company that delivers advanced design and validation solutions to help accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world.

Keysight offers a broad range of electronic test and measurement equipment for industrial applications. These include benchtop power measurement and supply, bench multimeters and accessories, oscilloscopes, signal generators and electronic loads, as well as handheld electrical test equipment

RS has been a long-term distribution partner of Keysight and during the past 18 months, RS has continued to grow its range of Keysight products by more than 600 new products and devices, now available across the EMEA area. RS and Keysight also work closely together across several areas of customer engagement including direct client contact and marketing communications programmes.

A key product offering is Keysight’s ‘Smart Bench Essentials’, which is a package of benchtop test equipment that includes a digital multimeter, power supply, function generator and oscilloscope, plus application software that quickly enables engineers to connect in unprecedented ways. Another key product is the InfiniiVision range of oscilloscopes that deliver leading-edge performance to enable the capture of rare anomalies and glitches with industry-leading waveform update rates or quickly isolate signal events using the range’s Zone Touch triggering capability.

“As a global innovation partner, Keysight brings its strength as a leading test and measurement company to help engineers and test technicians quickly solve challenges,” said Jerry Paton, Senior Category Manager Test & Measurement at RS. “The range of Keysight products and technologies now in stock at RS will provide an unparalleled choice of world-class test and measurement technologies to help get products to market faster across a spectrum of demanding markets such as industrial, communications, aerospace and defence.”

The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is donating €20,000 to the Turkish city of Antakya in the province of Hatay in the south of Turkey. Aalen’s twin city has been severely affected by the earthquakes. The donation goes to the German Red Cross e.V., which coordinates relief supplies and rescue measures in Antakya and surrounding villages.

“We are deeply saddened by the news reaching us from the earthquake zone. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the disaster. It is now important that fast and unbureaucratic aid reaches the crisis areas,” says HENSOLDT Chief Human Resources Officer Dr Lars Immisch.

HENSOLDT is in close contact with the German Red Cross and the city of Aalen. Employees of the company are also organising other aid campaigns to be made possible in an unbureaucratic manner.

“The images from the devastated regions are deeply moving. The close ties between the city of Aalen and its partner city Antakya are also reflected in the commitment of many HENSOLDT employees. It was therefore quickly clear to us that we had to make a contribution here,” says Andreas Hülle, Head of Optronics & Land Solutions and Managing Director of HENSOLDT Optronics. Tanya Altmann, Andreas Hülle’s designated successor, has personal connections in the region: “Anyone who knows the region and the people there feels a special responsibility to help,” says the future Optronics Managing Director.

MVTec Software  will once again hold its popular Innovation Day on 21 March 21 2023. In line with the motto “Discover the Full Potential of Machine Vision,” the company will present practical first-hand machine vision knowledge in the Event Forum in Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany. Attendees will be able to learn about current trends as well as the latest technologies and product features. They will also gain valuable tips and tricks that they can implement right away in their daily machine vision use cases. Fascinating live demos and presentations will provide practical insight into the development and use of machine vision applications in the industrial setting. Not least, Innovation Day once again offers many networking opportunities and serves as a forum for professional technical exchange and stimulating discussions.

Machine vision doesn’t get any better than this!

“We are pleased to finally hold Innovation Day 2023 as an in-person event again after the pandemic forced us to take a break for three years. It has become a key event within the international machine vision industry and has an excellent reputation among machine vision experts. We have created an important exchange platform where machine vision developers can also learn about the latest features and technologies. Of course, our experts will once again provide participants with practical insights into the many possibilities that industrial image processing has to offer,” explains Dr. Olaf Munkelt, Managing Director of MVTec Software GmbH.

Innovation Day 2023 has a comprehensive program. During a hands-on presentation, MVTec experts will illustrate such things as how users can best implement HALCON’s wide range of calibration options. Attendees will also learn how to address the special challenges of using deep learning in industrial applications. They will also gain practical insights into key topics such as standardisation and can learn about recent in-house research projects in the areas of 3D and OCR. Helpful tips and tricks as well as useful information on how MVTec products can make day-to-day work even more pleasant and efficient round out the event.

Head of Product Development gives fresh impetus to the development of products

On Innovation Day 2023, MVTec will also introduce Johannes Dieterich, its new head of Product Development. His goal is to improve MVTec’s high standards in its development processes even further and thus strengthen the company’s position as an extremely attractive high-tech employer. This is intended to turn the in-house research department’s ideas into market-ready software products even faster. Johannes Dieterich has more than 20 years of experience in the IT sector, 15 of which he spent as an IT consultant. He has held leadership positions in software development for more than ten years, most recently as Vice President of Data Solutions at a prominent media and entertainment company. At MVTec, he is responsible for engineering, and thus also for the development of the company’s flagship products: HALCON, MERLIC, and Deep Learning Tool. 

“With Johannes Dieterich, we have brought on board an extraordinarily experienced software development expert. This will enable us to continue offering our customers powerful software products in the future and at the same time set new technological standards,” remarks Dr. Olaf Munkelt on the new appointment. Johannes Dieterich adds, “MVTec’s highly motivated and professional team sets the company apart. I look forward to working with my colleagues to raise the already high technical level of MVTec products even further. We will place our focus squarely on quality and cutting-edge processes in research and development.”

Hamamatsu Photonics, a leading provider of cutting-edge photonics technology, announces that Mr. Tadashi Maruno has been named as Representative Director and President during the 75th ordinary meeting of Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. in mid-December 2022.

Mr. Tadashi Maruno has been working with Hamamatsu Photonics for forty years. Prior to this role, he has been Representative Director and Senior Managing Executive Office. He also worked as Manager (2014) and then later as Division Director (2017) of the System Division which includes all of the Manufacturing and Semiconductor support systems, Photometry systems, and Life science & medical systems.

“We are looking forward to working with Mr. Tadashi Maruno and the new Management team as they navigate us toward further success!” Max Skoglund, Hamamatsu Photonics Europe Managing Director.

Hamamatsu’s previous Representative Director and President for 13 years, Mr. Akira Hiruma is now the Representative Director and Chairman.