OptoBlog

The IIoT has never been easier

Posted by Janice Colmer on Oct 30, 2024 11:17:00 AM

New podcast discusses key takeaways and benefits from using open source technology.

Are you thinking about investing in IIoT but don't know where to start? It used to sound like a futuristic concept, but industrial internet of things technologies are here and you don't want to be left behind.

IIoT protocols like MQTT and Sparkplug are becoming more popular for good reason—and an important part of Opto 22's groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines.

Tune in to this new podcast, Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast for a better understanding of the role MQTT, TCP/IP, and VPN play in the IIoT. 

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, MQTT, Sparkplug, podcast, open source

Meet your new OptoDistributor in Australia

Posted by Janice Colmer on Aug 12, 2024 12:20:15 PM

Binford Tech delivers state-of-the-art engineering innovations for your digital transformation projects.

Good news for those of you in Australia: Binford Tech is now your official Opto 22 distributor! Whether you need a replacement part, information and training on the groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines, or help migrating legacy industrial systems to Industry 4.0 standards, Binford Tech is ready to help you.

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, industrial automation, groov RIO, digital transformation, OptoChannel

IIoT Megatrends for 2023

Posted by Janice Colmer on Feb 7, 2023 2:20:17 PM

Learn about the tools and technology trends industry experts expect to shape IIoT this year in the Industrial Ethernet Book.

Have you downloaded your copy of the January/February issue of Industrial Ethernet Book yet? IEB kicks off each year with a Special Report, and this year's report focuses on what will be changing in the world of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things).

Opto 22 engineer and Director of Business Development, Arun Sinha, was asked to provide his insight on the changes he anticipates for the IIoT and the industrial controls/automation industry.

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, edge computing, Industrial Ethernet Book

The Evolution of Control Systems

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jan 12, 2022 7:59:03 AM

Tune into this recent Manufacturing Hub podcast where Opto 22's Benson Hougland discusses how control systems have changed over time and what the future looks like.

In today's world of industrial automation, podcasts, webinars, online forums and communities are playing a vital role in educating engineers and keeping them informed of the latest technologies. The Manufacturing Hub podcast is growing in popularity and has become a great resource for all levels of automation professionals.

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, industrial automation, podcast

Comparing OPC UA with MQTT

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jul 14, 2020 8:32:42 AM

A new white paper published by Cirrus Link Solutions takes a deep dive into comparing these two industrial IoT protocols.

A common challenge is happening on manufacturing floors, process plants, and remote equipment sites everywhere. How do we deliver process data to consumers across the enterprise? But the industry is still deciding on a standard tool set that can be used at the scale of the Industrial Internet of Things.

A new white paper from Cirrus Link, IIoT Protocols: Comparing OPC UA to MQTT, compares two options that are on opposite ends of the spectrum; the traditional approach vs the modern solution.

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, MQTT, white paper, Inductive Automation, OPC UA, Cirrus Link Solutions

New technology for our trusty toolboxes

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 8, 2020 9:31:22 AM

Opto 22 will be participating in a Smart Industry webinar, part of the Base Camp digital online series that introduces you to the latest edge technology.

Before COVID-19 changed the way the world does business, Opto 22 was scheduled to exhibit and sponsor the 2020 Smart Industry Base Camp conference. Although the event was cancelled, our Smart Industry hosts remain committed to sharing the important IIoT and Industry 4.0 related content that was part of the conference agenda. Therefore, the show must go on (line)!

Read More

Topics: Webinars, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, edge computing, digital transformation

Making digital transformation a reality

Posted by Janice Colmer on Mar 4, 2020 3:16:27 PM

Join Opto 22 at the 5th annual Smart Industry Base Camp conference in Chicago March 30 - April 1.

**UPDATE!! Smart Industry Base Camp has just announced this event has been cancelled due to travel concerns surrounding the Coronavirus. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to see you at another Industry 4.0 event soon!**
Check our Events schedule for conference and trade show updates.

 


Opto engineers are looking forward to returning to Smart Industry Base Camp to share some key insights on helping you meet your digital transformation and IIoT goals in 2020.

This three day conference focuses on the digital transformation of industrial organizations, including manufacturing, processing as well as energy and water infrastructure.

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, groov RIO, digital transformation

groov EPIC announced as a Finalist in the 2020 Engineers' Choice Awards

Posted by Janice Colmer on Oct 21, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Control Engineering magazine hosts its annual awards program, which highlights some of the best new control, instrumentation, and automation products.

We're excited that Opto 22's groov EPIC (Edge Programmable Industrial Controller) is once again in the running for an Engineers' Choice award! 

Major new features were added to the groov EPIC controller this year, making it a repeat contender:

1 - Programming options now include IEC 61131-3 compliant languages like:

  • Function Block Diagram (FBD)
  • Structured Text (ST)
  • Sequential Function Charts (SFC)
  • Ladder Diagram (LD)

2 - For greater security in data communications, you can now connect the GRV-EPIC-PR1 to a virtual private network (VPN), and configure the EPIC as a client to connect to an OpenVPN server.

3 - For Ignition users, you can now choose Ignition or Ignition Edge platforms. Full Ignition gives you access to more Ignition modules, external access to the OPC UA server (no need for a PC!), scripting, and database support.

But groov EPIC can't get the recognition without your help!

Read More

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

Automation & IIoT Learning Center includes free Premium Factory Training

Posted by Janice Colmer on Jun 25, 2019 10:57:02 AM

Two complimentary seats (a $1990 value!) with your purchase of the groov EPIC Learning Center

Start your control or industrial internet of things (IIoT) project today with the groov EPIC Learning Center (GRV-EPIC-LC). Packed with fully-functioning EPIC hardware and software, the Learning Center gives you a compact and complete system to prototype your projects.

AND you get two complimentary seats in our instructor-led, hands-on training at
Opto 22's Southern California headquarters. 

Read More

Topics: IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, groov EPIC Learning Center

Browse, watch, and learn with Opto 22's new website video library

Posted by Janice Colmer on May 15, 2019 9:47:01 AM

Now easily find videos you want to see.

We think you'll like our redesigned Videos page on Opto22.com. We've learned you'd rather see our videos logically grouped together rather than search through a long list of titles.

Read More

Topics: Videos, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, groov EPIC, automation 101

    Subscribe to Email Updates

    Recent Posts

    Posts by Topic

    see all