In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck reviews news highlights in industrial automation and manufacturing. This month, we cover an impactful robotics and simulation collaboration between READY Robotics, NVIDIA & Toyota for the automaker’s aluminum hot forging production. We also report on important cybersecurity reports from Fortinet and Dragos Inc.; a cybersecurity firm acquisition by Rockwell Automation; cybersecurity awards; and sustainability achievements in hydroponics farms, green hydrogen and decarbonization. As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Dragos Inc. 6th Annual “Dragos OT Cybersecurity Year in Review.”Fortinet White Paper: “A Solution Guide to Operational Technology Cybersecurity.”System Integrator Avid Solutions.Learn about the READY Robotics and Toyota & NVIDIA collaboration.To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading the article, “Why Plant Managers Care About Outcomes, Not AI.” It's written by Mike Bacidore, contributing editor of The Journal and Editor in Chief of our sister publication Control Design. You'll learn the difference between and automated and autonomous system; how they're changing industrial automation; and artificial intelligence's role in determining results. Resources from this episode: Read the article online: “Why Plant Managers Care About Outcomes, Not AI.”To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it. Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Manufacturing is now the #1 target for hackers. Smart, connected devices on the plant floor are high-value cyberattack targets because of the intellectual property they contain — and just one day of downtime can cost millions. In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck talks with Richard Springer, Director of Marketing, OT Solutions at Fortinet, about findings of its revealing study, “Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk,” developed in collaboration with the Manufacturers Alliance Foundation. They discuss key takeaways, cybersecurity trends, and lessons that can help manufacturers fortify their cybersecurity efforts. Also learn how IT/OT collaboration is a key to finding mutual goals that balance security and operational priorities. And discover what the U.S. SEC has to do with cyberattack reporting. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Download the report, “Advancing Digital Transformation in a Time of Unprecedented Cybersecurity Risk.”Richard Springer’s blog: “Tracking Cybersecurity Progress at Industrial Companies.”Richard Springer on LinkedIn.Fortinet.Manufacturer’s Alliance.Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. You can also watch Theresa & Richard’s conversation on YouTube at https://youtu.be/esFAKPAbCSY. Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Find us on LinkedIn. Find us on Facebook. Find us on X (Twitter). ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

We’re bringing you a surprise this episode of “Automation Chat” by providing a guest episode from our sister publication Control magazine. Rockwell Automation just released its 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report, and for its “Control Intelligence” podcast, Control VP and Group Publisher Keith Larson interviewed Gerry Abbey, Rockwell Automation Manager of Analysts, Relations and Insights, to talk about the results. You’ll learn how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) rocketed up the technology priority list. Why cobots, AMRs, AGVs and wearables ranked highly in new areas for technology investments. How cybersecurity continues to increase as OT and IT work together more and connectivity increases between digital and physical operations. And more. “Control Intelligence” is hosted by Control editors and provides in-depth discussions with industry experts about important topics in the process control and automation field. Episodes explore underlying issues affecting users, system integrators, suppliers and others. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and get an archive of past episodes at www.controlglobal.com/podcasts.  And as always with each“Automation Chat" episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck shares a family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode:   Download the Rockwell Automation 9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report. Visit Control magazine online at controlglobal.com. Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Find us on LinkedIn. Find us on Facebook.  Find us on X (Twitter). Please subscribe, and leave us a 5-star rating and review. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Imagine using your phone to take a picture of a machine process or part, telling the software it’s not working, and the software providing suggestions and solutions for solving the problem. That’s what generative AI is doing right now. In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses how Microsoft is doing this and changing the industrial metaverse. Based on a report by Contributing Editor Jim Montague from the 2023 Automation Fair event, you’ll see how Rockwell Automation and Microsoft are using generative AI, ChatGPT and other digitized tools to build better products and processes. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Read the article online, “How Microsoft is Changing the Industrial Metaverse.”Rockwell Automation Strategic Alliance Partner Microsoft.How Microsoft & Rockwell Automation are partnering to leverage Generative AI.Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Find us on LinkedIn. Find us on Facebook. Find us on X (Twitter). Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode of Automation Chat, written by Rockwell Automation, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses how to limit access to networks, processes and intellectual property by using modern human-machine interface software with security features for user authentication, mobile use and more. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Read the article online, “5 Ways to Make Your HMI Secure.”Rockwell Automation white paper: “Improve Processes, Gain Greater Control with High-Performance HMI.”Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Find us on LinkedIn. Find us on Facebook. Find us on X (Twitter). Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck reviews news highlights in industrial automation and manufacturing, including cybersecurity, HMI and edge computing research reports; ODVA’s cybersecurity network extension for EtherNet/IP; the WEF’s Scope 3 emissions in manufacturing white paper; awards for manufacturing and DE&I performance; and more. As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode:   ARC Advisory Group Report: Operator Panels Market Driven by IT/OT Convergence.ARC Advisory Group Report on Industrial Edge Apps.World Economic Forum white paper, “The 'No-Excuse' Opportunities to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions in Manufacturing and Value Chains.”Rockwell Automation 2023 Sustainability Report.Plex, by Rockwell AutomationTo subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses how to go home safely at the end of your workday by applying good electrical safety practices. Written by Fluke Corp., you’ll learn key safe work methods for using electrical testing tools, including CAT ratings, NFPA 70E, visual inspection, verifying absence of voltage and more. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: Read the article online, “How to Go Home Safely at the End of Your Day.”Fluke Corp. web page.Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.   Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

The renewable energy sector is leading the global energy transition away from fossil fuels. To keep up with this explosive growth in demand, renewable energy manufacturers must modernize operations to increase reliability, efficiency and their ability to scale quickly — all without sacrificing product quality. In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck talks with Craig Blondin, Industry Sales Manager, Hybrid, at Rockwell Automation, about how the sector can do this to satisfy manufacturers awaiting these renewable energy products. They also discuss breakthrough technologies that enable faster speed to market and increased capacity, empowered workers, realized ESG goals and bolstered financial performance. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Blog: “Scaling Sustainability.”Case Study: “Driving the Circular Economy with Renewable Natural Gas.”Web Site: Renewable Energy Solutions from Rockwell Automation.Contact Craig Blondin, Industry Sales Manager, Hybrid, Rockwell Automation, cnblondin@rockwellautomation.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/IMiMXGDcyPY. Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and a review. Thank you! ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode, written by Reid Schook, President of CoreTigo Inc., Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses what the IO-Link Wireless standard is, and how it helps optimize production to operate with reduced manual operations and changeovers and increased throughput. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from the episode: Read the article online, “How IO-Link Wireless Enables Flexibility and Capacity.”CoreTigo Inc. web site.IO-Link explained.The IO-Link IEC 61131-9 standard.Subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.   Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck explains how the Panama Canal became horribly backed up with freighters, and its profound effects on the global supply chain. This is a follow-up to last week’s episode (Jan. 29, 2024) about trends & strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions. As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: “Automation Chat” Podcast January 29, 2024, Episode #85: “11 Trends & Strategies for Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions.”To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we really appreciate it. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence. In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights 11 key trends and strategies industrial firms are using to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Then she interviews Steve Riordan, Global Director, Consulting & Supply Chain Capability at Kalypso, A Rockwell Automation Business. They talk about what’s causing disruptions; how automation is helping manufacturers; what specific challenges the food & beverage and retail & apparel industries are facing; and changes he sees coming. And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: Article: “4 Strategies For Creating a More Agile, Resilient Supply Chain.”Blog: “The Future of Supply Chain Planning is Here.”To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — it helps us a lot, and we really appreciate it. “Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

The ability to replace human organs could be more impactful on humanity than cell phones — and it’s happening now. In this “In Case You Missed It” episode, we bring the written word to life by reading an article from The Journal. Executive Editor Theresa Houck reads story, “A Look Inside a Ground-Breaking Human Tissue Foundry.” It’s written by Mike Bacidore, Editor in Chief of our sister publication Control Design and contributing editor for The Journal, based on his tour of BioFabUSA, created by the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute. You’ll see how automation, life sciences, and engineering unite to create amazing disruptive tools and FDA-compliant manufacturing processes for organ regeneration, and the profound impact tissue regeneration could have on people’s lives and the health care system. Resources from this episode: Read the article online: “A Look Inside a Ground-Breaking Human Tissue Foundry.”To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it. Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. In this brief episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our February print magazine that mails Feb. 20. Learn about upcoming stories on: Smart machines & modern human-machine interface software.A case study about how Green Bay Packaging is building a state-of-the-art facility, leveraging digital technology.A case study about how a meat production facility used a modern DCS to automate its control system for a pilot alternative-protein plant.Highlights from the 2023 Automation Fair event. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines by visiting http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

This is another episode in our regular series “In Case You Missed It,” where we bring the written word to life by reading an outstanding article from The Journal. In this episode, Josh Heath, Endress+Hauser USA’s Content Marketing Specialist, reads the article, “Understand the Pressure Effect on Coriolis Flowmeters.” The article is written by Victor Rojas, Coriolis Product Manager at Endress+Hauser Flow. It originally appeared in our 2023 Oil & Gas Automation eHandbook. And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Read the article by downloading our Sept. 2023 Oil & Gas Automation eHandbook.Visit the Endress+Hauser website.White Paper: Pressure Effect on Coriolis flowmeters and compensation.To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.   Please leave us a 5-star rating & review, and subscribe to “Automation Chat.” ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Enjoy this encore presentation of our #1 most popular episode of 2023! Learn how to use a repeatable, step-by-step process called DCSNext to migrate legacy systems to modern distributed control systems. Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Nick Kristan, Process Solutions Manager, and Scott Hayes, DCSNext Portfolio Manager, at Rockwell Automation. Also learn about the Front-End Loading (FEL) framework applied for project investigation, solution planning and feasibility. And discover the key to a successful migration. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: Web Site: Distributed Control System | DCS Migration Solution (mavtechglobal.com).Contact Nick Kristan, Process Solutions Manager, at nkristan@ra.rockwell.com.Contact Scott Hayes, DCSNext Portfolio Manager, at scott.hayes@mavtechglobal.com.To subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/N2RlvQKcceI. If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating & review, and subscribe. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Edge computing revolutionizes manufacturing operations for enhanced efficiency and continuous improvement. In this episode, guest moderator & Managing Editor Amanda Joshi talks with Stratus Technologies’ Andrew Hinz and Conperio Technology’s Ron Harrison about how edge computing supports Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions by reducing downtime and improving real-time data processing, agility and performance. Their chat includes an overview of MESs and how edge computing in MES can help optimize industrial operations. Learn about the gap between HMI/SCADA and the enterprise/cloud and what to do about it. And hear case studies about how MES and the edge helped food & beverage and oil & gas firms. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Plex MES by Rockwell Automation.Stratus Technologies web site.Conperio Technology Solutions web site.Search the Stratus Session at Automation Fair 2023 On Demand.Webinar: “Modernize & Optimize OT with Edge Computing.”White Paper: “How to Modernize & Optimize Operational Technology from Plant Floor to Enterprise.”   If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review. Video of this conversation is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/MexQXUiTtaA. ** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Enjoy this encore presentation of our 2nd most popular episode of 2023! This is from our “In Case You Missed It” series, where we bring the written word to life by reading a great article from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. Executive Editor Theresa Houck reads, “How to Control an Electric Motor During a Network Failure.” Learn why programming in the appropriate motor state is crucial to prevent unexpected production losses when network communication issues arise. And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources: Read the article online: “How to Control an Electric Motor During a Network Failure.”To subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating & review, and subscribe. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Enjoy this encore presentation of our #3 top episode of 2023! Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Jason Pennington, Director of Digital Solutions at Endress+Hauser, about trends affecting the increasing demand for digital transformation in process automation. Learn about some of the downsides when manufacturing leaders don’t use digital tools; advancements and unique practices in process instrumentation smart technologies; and how Coriolis technology is improving process automation. Resources: Endress+Hauser Web Page.Contract Endress+Hauser at info.us@endress.com.White Paper on Digitization: “IIoT and Sensing on the Edge.”Blog: Digitalization in the manufacturing world: How level sensors benefit from IIoT connectivity.To subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Video of this conversation is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/w4qwETowO20. Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and subscribe. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

This is another episode in our “In Case You Missed It” series, where we bring the written word to life by reading an article from The Journal. Executive Editor Theresa Houck reads the case study, “How an Ethanol Producer Increased Capacity by 12%.” Learn how predictive analytics help optimize a closed-loop dryer process so the ethanol producer can meet market demand while reducing energy use and controlling costs. And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. Resources from this episode: Read the article online: “How an Ethanol Producer Increased Capacity by 12%.”Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Analytics Pavilion8 predictive analytics software.To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe. Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it. Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine. ** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.