Tech Briefs brings the latest technical news from NASA, the military, federal laboratories, universities, and commercial companies to automation designers and engineers.

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, New products, Awards and recognition, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, EPIC

The 22nd Annual ARC Industry Forum in Orlando this February focused on digitizing and securing industry and infrastructure. 

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, IoT, PACs, New products, Events & conferences, API, REST API, REST, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Node-RED, Data acquisition, Ignition Edge, EPIC

Opto 22's groov EPIC^® system starts shipping on May 18.

You can start ordering now!

Pre-orders will ship first, and based on early feedback from several EPIC Roadshows, this new system will be in high demand. Customers are excited about the built-in features of groov EPIC, not only for IIoT applications but for all automation and data acquisition applications.

Here are just a few of these features:

Topics: Process control, Discrete control, groov, Internet of Things, PLCs, Remote monitoring, IoT, Machine builder, New products, Integrators, I/O, PAC Control, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Node-RED, Data acquisition, MQTT, Ignition Edge, EPIC

In part 1 we met two communication models for computers on a network: request-response and publish-subscribe. Now let's take a look at when you might want to use each, and why.

Request-response: proven and reliable

In a request-response architecture, each client opens a direct connection to each server, because the client requests data directly from the server.

In automation, typically clients are PCs and servers are PLCs or PACs. So each PC opens a direct connection to each PLC or PAC from which it needs data. 

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, Remote monitoring, IoT, Machine builder, OEM, Integrators, Networking, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, MQTT, Ignition Edge, EPIC

You've been asking for more details about our brand-new groov EPIC^® system for the IIoT and automation, and here they are! 

We just published a part numbers list and the first several data sheets, with preliminary descriptions, specs, wiring diagrams, and dimensions. So take a look and start planning the system you want. 

Topics: Process control, Discrete control, groov, Internet of Things, PLCs, Remote monitoring, IoT, Machine builder, PACs, OEM, New products, Integrators, I/O, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, EPIC

When we announce a new product, we want you—our loyal customers and OptoBlog readers—to be the first to hear about it. 

And this isn't just one product. This is EPIC: the world's first Edge Programmable Industrial Control system—a brand-new I/O and control system built for the future of automation and designed for the way you work.

Topics: Energy management, Process control, Food & beverage, Discrete control, groov, Internet of Things, PLCs, Remote monitoring, Water & wastewater, IoT, Machine builder, PACs, OEM, New products, Integrators, I/O, PAC Project, Building management, Oil & gas, PAC Control, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Node-RED, Data acquisition, MQTT, Ignition Edge, EPIC

We all know that computers and other electronic devices—printers, routers, laptops, smartphones, and more—are networked so they can exchange information.

But how does that information get where it’s supposed to go?

How does a spreadsheet get to the printer, a YouTube video get to your smartphone, or—most important for automation engineers—a value from a sensor get to your HMI?

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, Networking, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, MQTT

The web has transformed the way engineers, technicians, and plant managers find, select, and buy industrial automation, instrumentation, and controls.

I recently binge-watched the series "Halt and Catch Fire" on Netflix. It’s a fictional but historically based drama about the rise of the personal computing industry starting in the mid 1970s and running through to the internet age.

It was really interesting, especially for those of us who lived through it, or some of it (I started college in 1985). Not to mention the great soundtrack, if you like 1980’s punk, new wave, and alternative music!

Topics: Videos, Internet of Things, IoT

You've shown a lot of interest in our blog posts this last year—thank you. We hope they answer some of your questions and help make your automation projects easier.

So to round out the year, take a look and see if you missed any of these popular posts. 

Predictive maintenance on a compressor. We'd all like to get a better handle on equipment maintenance, to reduce unnecessary expense, maximize efficiency, and avoid outages.

See how a simple internet of things project could provide real value for your company.

Topics: Case studies, Food & beverage, groov, Internet of Things, IoT, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Ignition Edge

Topics: groov, Internet of Things, IoT, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Node-RED, MQTT, Ignition Edge