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#1
Start by
Christian Gnädig
10-21-2013 10:40 AM

Mobile devices for industrial automation?

Do you think mobile devices (such as iPhone, iPad, Android) may become or are already important in the industrial automation sector? Can you imagine scenarios in which you would like to use such a device for e. g. configuration of a field device? Which kind of applications should be available on the mobile devices?
10-21-2013 01:13 PM
Top #2
Ian Rumley
10-21-2013 01:13 PM
This has been done in the past with some of the personal organizer devices, but it was done with custom software in that device. The use is exactly what you have identified - configuration or calibration of a field device. The big improvement which will make a difference soon, is that mobile devices now have browsers built in. The field device can be set up as a web server, and connected to the mobile device via USB or Bluetooth, etc. Now the user provides their own mobile device, opens their favorite browser, and connects to the field device. The manufacturer no longer has to maintain different executables for different OS's or devices (although, as I discovered in my first effort at this, there are considerations for different browsers that must be taken into account in the HTML pages in the field device).
10-21-2013 03:14 PM
Top #3
Daniele Di Leo
10-21-2013 03:14 PM
I made my Android Modbus TcpIp demo program, tested on Nexus One,
everything is explained in this web page:
http://www.nyx.net/~ddileo/
10-21-2013 05:16 PM
Top #4
Steve Apple
10-21-2013 05:16 PM
We supply mobile devices for the following purposed:
1. Stranded data- that which does not make it back to the DCS, but is desirable for control purposes. (Which pump is running, condition of equipment, heat exchanger temps, etc.)

1. Equipment/ asset information- how are the systems running? Does anything need attention? Combined with focused advice messaging, this cauases outside operators to cure equipment problems before they become abnormal situations for the inside operators. This can be augmented with RFID so that everything is time stamped for traceability should environmental (EPA) or safety (OSHA) issues prevail. In these cases, automated reports can be issued to regulatory agencies to avoid periodic audit visits.

1. Calibration information. This is a recent application, and usually requires a HART-to-Bluetooth adapter or similar way of wirelessly attaching into eevice information.

1. Equipment tracking- again with RFID, and sometimes WiFi. Warehousing applications are becoming more prevalent.

Biggest issue with the question as posted is the industrial hardness of the mobile device. YOur ordinary cell phone would be banned in most process environments. Most of the units we perform on are Class1 Div2 devices which means they have been classified by UL to be safe with occasional gasses present. If gasses are normally expected, then you need a C1D1 device, and they can be very expensive. These devices also usually survive the six-foot drop test, and some are even water- resistent. Normal cell phones, and smart devices are not industrially hardened, and most would not last more than a week in the hands of an operations person. The devices run windows mobile, and we optimize the relatively small real estate available on such a small screen similar to what you've seen with mobile browsers. The devices are usually handheld ones like you see with the CocaCola man in the grocery. They are mostly Motorola or Intermec brand, though if a larger device can be tolerated, we can even use the Panasonic Toughbooks.

There are quite a few others applications. If interested, you can see more at our website. http://mobilesolutions.wonderware.com/
10-21-2013 07:29 PM
Top #5
Seth Frielich
10-21-2013 07:29 PM
Hello Christian,

InstantHMI software has been able to run on mobile devices for about 10 years now.

Our development tool allow you to design the HMI system for any platform, desktop, touch panel or hand held. Only a minor changes are needed when changing platforms from desktops to accommodate the mobile screen format.

We also supply a range of hand held devices, ranging from HP iPAQs to rugged industrial hand helds rated for Class 1 Div 1 or Div 2 environments.

Demos of InstantHMI are available at our web site www.instanthmi.com

I would also be glad to do a Virtual Demo over Skype for you, where I can show a desktop, touch screen and hand held all running the same HMI and accessing a remote connected PLC.

Please call or Skype me if I can be of any help.

Yours truly,

Seth Frielich
Software Horizons

Skype sh-seth.frielich
10-21-2013 09:35 PM
Top #6
Nina Baker
10-21-2013 09:35 PM
For those who sell industrial automation, Rubber Tree Systems provides mobile technology to keep your salesforce in the loop real time. Their product, Insight OnDemand, uses "push" technology to tie in with your distribution software to give your sales people and management direct access to orders, quotes, and other mission critical data on their Blackberry or smart phone.

Check it out at www.rubbertreesystems.net
10-21-2013 11:43 PM
Top #7
Stephen Rowell
10-21-2013 11:43 PM
WEBER Schraubautomaten GmbH has developed the C-50 Station Control which is capable of operating an automatic feed screw, nut or pin insertion system including all station I/O being run through the C-50. This controller is offered with a virtual PC so that any web enabled device, can be used to audit production data, set or change program parameters and even manually function the machine remotely. This feature allows production managers to interrogate the productivity and accuracy of the equipment at any time, while giving service technicians the ability to diagnose issues from anywhere in the world. To see more information regarding the C-50 please visit the website www.weber-online.com/EN/produkte/process-control/network-c50s.html . The C-50 and all other equipment is available in North and South America and Canada, through our US based headquarters, Weber Screwdiving Systems Inc. www.weberusa.com .
10-22-2013 01:58 AM
Top #8
Adrienne Lutovsky
10-22-2013 01:58 AM
Hi Christian,

There is a great application for the iPhone platform available today. Sweet William Automation's new ScadaMobile application enables mobile management for process automation applications in real-time from control networks such as EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP.

We have tested it with our Industrial Hotspots with great success. See here for details and all the corresponding links for download.

http://www.prosoft-technology.com/content/view/full/14842
10-22-2013 04:54 AM
Top #9
Suresh Shanmugam
10-22-2013 04:54 AM
We are using Panasonic and Palm PDA for Construction and commissioning of new plants including equipments installation check,Inspection,loop check and commissioning of instruments.Emerson has a Service called QC3.
10-22-2013 07:41 AM
Top #10
SANTHIRAJ SATHANNA
10-22-2013 07:41 AM
Our company Futura Electronics have developed and tested and deployed

GSM based digital on/off control system with DUAL SIM technology.

We have successfully implemented for remote on/off of sprinkler systems to arrest suspended particulate matter pollution in coal yards. Water sprinklers are switched on automatically when ever coal dust level sensed is more than acceptable value.

We are using such systems with SCADA for Centralized Control and Monitoring of Street Lights for energy conservation
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