Task Controller software for agricultural machinery
Parker Hannifin is expanding its ISOBUS Suite software by launching the full version of its ISOBUS Task Controller (TC) for standardised work management on agricultural vehicles such as tractors, harvesters and other self-propelled machines. ISOBUS TC functions as a link between FMIS (Farm Management Information System) software and implements controls on the vehicle, managing an ISOBUS task from FMIS and issuing accurate documentation of completed work and other relevant data. The major benefit for users is that farming becomes more precise and effective, while costs and time reduce. To help meet the demands of modern precision farming, ISOBUS TC is able to gather geo-referenced data using GPS. As a result, it is possible to plan location-based tasks by means of variable-rate prescription maps. Variable rate control can utilize vegetation growth map data captured by satellites and drones, or crop yield map data captured from the previous season by harvesters. The use of GPS also offers another type of functionality known as section control. During operations such as spraying, sowing or fertiliser spreading, farmers can avoid distributing the product twice in the same place by automatically closing sections of the implement in areas where application has already occurred. Parker’s ISOBUS TC features an easy-to-use interface that provides an intuitive and simple way to configure even the most complex multi-function implements. Features such as clear product assignment and drag-and-drop functionality provide particular assistance. Besides the ISOBUS TC app, Parker’s ISOBUS Suite software also includes an app for the ISOBUS Universal Terminal (UT), a user interface for ISOBUS-compatible implementations, and a file server for the ISOBUS network to facilitate easy data transfer.
Coils for demanding applications in agriculture, forestry and farming
ATAM, provider of encapsulated coils and industrial connections, has introduced a new range of coils, the series 471, 472 and 473. The coils are offered with the 3 different external diameters of 37mm, 45mm and 65mm, and with different electrical connections, DIN, DEUTSCH and AMP JT, to meet several customer requirements.
New row spacing technology – a move towards pure agronomy
A key to secure productive and sustainable farming, is the placing of seeds at optimal distance from each other. However, most present seeders have fixed row distance and thus have low adaptability for different crops or soil conditions. Now, a recently launched concept called Flexrow has been designed for dynamically adjusting the row spacing in agricultural machines. According to the company, it paves the way for pure agronomy when it comes to row spacing.
Improving sustainability in food processing
Energy efficiency is an important consideration for sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing. In any industry, sustainability is a growing concern. Manufacturers are taking action by implementing innovative technologies that tackle the waste of energy but also wider sustainability concerns, such as recyclability and waste management. Here, Neil Bellinger, head of EMEA at automation parts supplier EU Automation, discusses three of the most popular trends for improving energy efficiency and sustainability in food and drink processing.
Boosting glass vial and syringe production
Fluke Process Instruments, the international manufacturer of industrial temperature measurement systems, offers powerful sensing tools for glass vial and syringe production that allow manufacturers to ramp up production while ensuring consistent high product quality.
New jet pump hydraulic artificial lift for lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid
Wanner International Ltd has launched its new Hydra-Cell jet pump hydraulic artificial lift solution that is claimed to offer the lowest cost of lifting a barrel of fluid, reducing costs in oil and gas production, generating major savings over the lifetime of a well. The seal-free, no packing API 674 system is suitable for mainstream oil and gas production. It does not require a workover rig, pulling unit or slick line unit for servicing or well production optimisation.
Beyond Brexit – insight on the industry impact in 2021
The UK has left the single market and customs union, meaning the rules for moving goods between the UK and the EU are now more complex. The free trade agreement means that tariffs and quotas won’t apply but businesses must still navigate customs declarations, requirements on products’ origins, and other sources of increasing paperwork and cost.
Virtual operator training offers learning without limitations
By Matthew Masarik, marketing manager, design software, Rockwell Automation.
Keeping the blades turning to ensure customer continuity during the pandemic
There is little doubt that the world is witnessing unprecedented times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A vast majority of the world’s population and businesses have been affected in some way, and the global engineering community is no exception. National lockdowns have proven particularly challenging for factories trying to remain operational and ensure deliveries to key customers.
Innovative companies changing the face of vertical farming
Vertical farming, the practice of growing crops indoors under tightly controlled conditions, is continuing to expand rapidly. Here, we explore some of the most innovative vertical farming start-ups, based on the recent IDTechEx report, ‘Vertical Farming 2020-2030’.
Festo gives the future of safe automation a hand
Industrial change has accelerated, demanding a new level of interaction between people, machines and data. Within its Bionic Learning Network, Festo has been studying and developing safe automation systems to relieve people of monotonous or hazardous tasks. The BionicMobileAssistant is a prototype robot system that deploys artificial intelligence to move independently, identifying and gripping objects and adaptively working with humans.
Fluid Power & Systems, Air-Tech and co-located shows rescheduled to take place on 5th-7th April 2022 at NEC, Birmingham, Halls 9 & 10
As a consequence of the Government’s recent announcement to the delay of events taking place from October 2020, and the continued uncertainty and local lockdowns, DFA Media, organiser of Fluid Power & Systems, Air-Tech and co-located shows, has announced the event has been rescheduled for 5th - 7th April 2022, which will take place alongside MACH Exhibition. The co-location of events include:
Could remote working become the new normal?
Back in 2015, a survey of business owners by Virgin Media Business predicted that 60% of office-based employees would regularly work from home by 2022. This year, global disruption saw us prematurely exceed this figure. The majority of office workers began working from home to ensure business continuity. Could our current experiences of remote working mean that we continue to exceed this prediction?
‘Fit and Forget’ actuators provide low maintenance solution for bread manufacturing
In recent months, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a spike in demand for bread far in excess than previously seen. Whereas many people usually buy a ready-made lunch every day, now they are buying bread and eating at home. The UK bakery market is one of the largest markets in the food industry, and not surprisingly, there is a high need for modern technology to rise up to market demands. To keep up with today’s demand, the food processing industry needs to be efficient; this means most of the tasks need to be automated. But in every automated system, there are a host of smaller components that perform simple yet essential processes. Without these components, the automation could not take place.
Sensonics achieves ISO 45001:2018 certification
Condition monitoring specialist Sensonics has recently achieved ISO 45001 certification and now has a fully integrated management system that also encompasses ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
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