Promat is fake, High Flying Delivery Drones, PCs vs IPCs VS PLCs

Why did the robot go on a diet? Because it had too many megabytes!

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Robots come in al shapes and sizes. Here’s some tech for little bots that move like caterpillars!

Pay to play fake award goes to Rockwell Automation..

It’s time to get your nails did people, robots doing manicures?

Bits and Bytes

PROMAT…the material handling show putting on a happy face on vaporware and false hopes!

Yep, I went to Promat, and guess what I’ve been going to it since around 2005. I checked out the whole show making my way around looking for awesomeness. The longer I went the more dissapointed I became. I was looking for what tech was really getting people’s attention. The only booth with phones pointed at it almost non-stop is a tie between Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics. That’s it. 2 booths out of hundreds of vendors.

So shout out to the crew at Agility for bringing Digit out to play. But the funny thing about their demo was that one of the robots totally faceplanted. Hey Agility why not plan for the failure and have it extend it’s arms before it bashes it’s face on the ground!

This got me thinking. And you know that’s never good! As an industry the industrial robotics and automation space is dull. There’s almost no glitz, no glamour, no showmanship. Instead you have a population of ill fitting suits trying to scan your badge to sell you snake oil (google it).

What this industry needs is ENERGY! F’n rockstar level energy! Hell turn it into a freakin circus for all I care. But if the industry is to grow and engage the future generations you gotta get away from the old school tie wearing, pleated pant way of thinking.

And, of course there’s an “and”, a little industry insider tip. Not everything at the show is at it may appear. It’s a dirty little secret that vendors will put machines into demo loops, over-ride production systems, and otherwise create the illusion of machines and software that works. The goal for the not so great vendors that suck at these shows is one thing. Get to scan as many badges as possible. When they reach out you’ll learn that the machine at the show is just a prototype or it doesn’t really work like it was demonstrated but that they have another widget they can sell you. I’ve seen vendors that can’t get their machines to work so they keep them powered off and I’ve heard sales people laughing about hooking people. Buyer beware and ask for customer references!!!

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PC vs IPC vs PLC

Today we're gonna talk about something that's super important in our daily lives but often overlooked: computers! Now, I know what you're thinking - "Hey, I know what a computer is, I’m no dummy I use one every day!" But hold up, hold up - there are actually different types of computers out there, and it's important to know what makes them unique. Specifically, we're gonna talk about personal computers, industrial PCs, and PLCs. Let's get into it!

First up, personal computers. You probably have one of these at home or work - they're the machines that run Windows or MacOS and are used for everything from browsing the web to editing documents. Personal computers are designed for general-purpose computing and are meant to be used by individuals or small groups. They're typically pretty affordable and can be customized with different hardware and software to suit your needs.

Next, we have industrial PCs. These bad boys are designed for use in manufacturing and other industrial settings. They're built to be rugged and durable, able to withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures. Industrial PCs often have specialized features, like the ability to interface with different types of machinery or sensors. They can also be designed to meet specific industry standards, like those for food safety or explosion-proofing.

Finally, we have PLCs - or Programmable Logic Controllers. These are computers that are specifically designed to control machinery and other automated processes.

They're often used in manufacturing, transportation, and other industrial settings where precise control is needed. PLCs are different from personal computers and industrial PCs in that they're programmed using specialized software and are built to perform specific functions. They're often used in conjunction with sensors and other hardware to monitor and control things like temperature, pressure, and flow rate.

So, in simplest terms: personal computers are for general-purpose computing, industrial PCs are built for harsh environments and specialized functions, and PLCs are designed specifically for controlling machinery and other automated processes. Each type of computer has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

Now, you might be wondering why it's important to know the difference between these types of computers. Well, for one thing, it can help you choose the right computer for your needs. If you're running a business that involves manufacturing or other industrial processes, you might need an industrial PC or PLC to get the job done. On the other hand, if you're just using a computer for personal use, a personal computer is probably all you need.

Knowing the difference between these types of computers can also help you troubleshoot problems. If you're having issues with a PLC, for example, you'll need to know how it differs from a personal computer in order to diagnose the issue. And if you're trying to upgrade your computer, understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision about what hardware and software to invest in.

Computers are a big part of our lives, and it's important to know the difference between the different types. Now you're an expert, kinda, so go out and spread the word!

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