Schneider Electric is celebrating 50 years of automation transformation, with its invention in 1968 of the first PLC. Prior to the introduction of the PLC, the level of real-time measurement and control was limited to the most basic levels due to technology constraints. “It would be hard to imagine where our industry would be today without the PLC system. It is used in transportation, manufacturing, energy management and so many other industries. I am proud to have this legacy and be part of Schneider Electric’s DNA,” says Schneider Electric chairman and CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire.
Schneider Electric chairman and CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire.
The invention initiated the effective use of digital computer technologies in industrial automation, which triggered a massive transformation to the pervasive use of digital technology to deliver industrial measurements, controls and real-time information management. The use of digital technology introduced capability well beyond basic measurement and control to expand control system functionality by utilising the computing power of this innovative technology.
Throughout the 50 years following the invention of the PLC, the expansion capability delivered by automation systems appears to be limited only by human imagination. The results have been the introduction and common use of capabilities and functions that were not previously considered possible. These include advanced process control, process optimisation, manufacturing execution systems, inferential measurement systems, safety control, condition management, process historians, workflow control, batch management, real-time accounting, real-time profitability control and many others.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master Technews Publishing
News & events
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. Now two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, have won the Nobel Prize ...
Read more...Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice News & events
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.
Read more...Eskom Expo International Science Fair honours top young scientists
News & events
Excitement filled the air as the 44th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) opened its doors, welcoming young scientists with an electrifying line-up of activities, including robotics and coding workshops, and riveting science shows.
Read more...Young robotics team takes world title igus
News & events
In an inspiring demonstration of innovation and teamwork, Texpand, a young South African robotics team, recently made history by winning the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships.
Read more...Bosch Rexroth Africa announces retirement of COO, Mike Harrison Bosch Rexroth Africa
News & events
Bosch Rexroth Africa would like to announce the retirement of one of its stalwarts. Group chief operating officer, Mike Harrison will retire at the end of the year. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career spanning 34 years.
Read more...Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case SMC Corporation South Africa
News & events
Little consideration is generally given to 2-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal 2-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.
Read more...MeerKAT radio telescope array
Editor's Choice News & events
Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice, Zutari is continuing its involvement with the world-leading MeerKAT radio telescope array, where it has played a leading role since the project first broke ground.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The weakest link Technews Publishing
News & events
Lately I’ve been getting an ever-increasing number of articles on cybersecurity in my inbox. It’s easy to put it on the backburner, but there is no doubt that this is a very serious problem that’s not ...
printer friendly version