Company News

IIoT edge devices and gateways vital to a monitoring strategy

-Daniel Sultana, Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Paessler. One of the key benefits of converging IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) systems in a manufacturing business is that it enables a more holistic approach to manage the entire infrastructure. The resulting digital interconnectedness provides vast improvements for manufacturers in terms of efficiency, reliability and profitability, but there are risks associated with IT/OT convergence, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. What are IIoT gateways? Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to a network of connected devices in the industrial sector and is a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT). An IIoT gateway is a bridge between a field network and the IoT platform or sometimes a business application. IIoT gateways can be viewed as data aggregation points for field devices or wireless networks. They provide local storage and compute capabilities as well as a user interface for data processing and system management. The defining characteristic of connected devices on IIoT networks is that they transfer data without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Connected devices communicate through IIoT gateways, which are physical servers that filter data and transmit it to other devices and software applications. IIoT gateways have therefore become a key part of a solution to monitor an entire infrastructure holistically, which provides a multitude of benefits for manufacturers that adopt it. Since digital transformation in manufacturing started, more and more connected and smart devices are appearing in factory settings. This includes sensors for monitoring environmental factors like temperature, humidity and vibrations, as well as devices needed for smart automation. Building monitoring systems There are concerning stories about poorly secured building automation networks being hijacked, resulting in hundreds of employees being unnecessarily evacuated and a loss of productivity. For this reason, facilities […]

Poralu Marine delivers longest public floating wave attenuator for Geelong project

Poralu Marine has just completed a major project in Victoria at Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) as the main general contractor for this turn-key entire multi-million-dollar project including design and installation. Poralu Marine engineered and delivered a perfect hybrid and resilient solution: heavy duty wide floating concrete wave attenuator to protect the first stage of a brand-new aluminium made marina and to benefit of all the advantages of this high-tech metal. The harbour that could previously shelter 280 berths has been completely remodelled simultaneously with the waterfront. The fixed jetties will eventually be replaced by the floating versatile system to offer around 360 berths which can moor boats ranging from eight to twenty-seven meters. This project marks an important milestone for the Victorian shores. Wangim Walk (which means boomerang in the Wadawurrung language) is a 440-meter-long concrete public wave attenuator and amongst the longest built in Australia in similar area exposed to strong winds. With its width of five to six meters and its 20-meter-long gangway, the wave attenuator is highly noticeable and was designed not only to welcome visitors for a unique on-water experience but also as a wave protection for the harbour and to facilitate the berthing of temporary vessels and mega yachts

Aussie hi-tech welder to join global defence industry

A manufacturer of hi-tech welding equipment is embarking on a joint project with a huge global player that it hopes will help it gain a foothold in the lucrative defence manufacturing sector. K-TIG Limited, based in Adelaide, South Australia, has commercialised Australian CSIRO technology to weld materials faster and stronger than traditional techniques. Until now, the publicly-listed company has focused on the pipe, tank and pressure vessel industries. But this week, K-TIG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with major Korean company Hanwha Defence Group and Hanwha Defence Australia, to develop advanced keyhole welding procedures for armoured applications. Hanwha is South Korea’s largest defence company and also operates in aerospace, fintech, mining and clean energy. It is also the preferred supplier for the Australian Army’s Land 8116 self-propelled artillery project and shortlisted for the Land400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle project. The K-TIG system can perform a traditional six-hour weld in less than four minutes to a quality standard and, unlike traditional welding, it requires no edged preparation or filler materials. K-TIG managing director Adrian Smith said the MOU with Hanwha would trigger a 24-week joint project to demonstrate the K-TIG technology in Adelaide on the specific defence materials at specific joint geometries to prove its “superior hardness characteristics”. “Traditionally when you weld two pieces of armour together you change the mechanical properties because you melt the metal and recrystallise it around the joint and the joint is not as hard as the base metal,” he said. “But our technology and the way we weld in a single pass involves much less degradation in the strength of the joint so our joint hardness is comparable to the base metals plus we have less defects. A Hanwha k9 self-propelled howitzer. Picture: Hanwha Defence. “Once we’ve proven the suitability then we will look […]

Energy Renaissance to deliver defence-grade cybersecure battery management system with CSIRO and IMCRC

Energy Renaissance, an Australian lithium-ion battery manufacturer, will develop a defence-grade cybersecure Battery Management System (BMS) for its superStorage family of batteries that are to be manufactured in Tomago, NSW. The A$1.46 million BMS project is jointly funded and developed by Energy Renaissance with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO and the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC). The BMS will monitor and report on the battery’s usage, lifespan and faults through a mobile network to Energy Renaissance and their customers. Communicating through an inverter, the system will enable secure real time data, analytics and remote management to drive down the risk of battery failure and operating costs for grid-scale energy storage users. Brian Craighead, Technology and Development Director of Energy Renaissance said, “The collaboration between Energy Renaissance, CSIRO, and IMCRC will promote an Australian Battery Management System instead of relying on an overseas technology platform. Working together with CSIRO will ensure we can create a world-class defence-grade cybersecure Battery Management System that is fully developed and managed in Australia for critical energy storage infrastructures.” “Software designed and developed in Australia has a strong global reputation and we’ve built a history and track record as an industry. Through this project, we will demonstrate the advantage that Australian intellectual property can bring to a highly competitive energy storage market where a superior Battery Management System is critical for the operating efficiency of a battery.” Dr Adam Best, Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO said, “CSIRO is delighted to be working with Energy Renaissance to develop a Battery Management System that is the ‘nerve centre’ of a battery, and will make batteries safer, more affordable and optimised to operate in high temperature environments. Our partnership with Energy Renaissance validates CSIRO’s capabilities to collaborate, train and transfer skills for the advanced manufacturing of batteries.” David Chuter, CEO […]

Fleet Space Technologies applies for a Federal MMI grant to build 50 nanosatellites a year

Adelaide satellite manufacturer Fleet Space Technologies has applied for a $5 Million Federal government Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) grant so that it can jump from building three hand-built nanosatellites a year to mass-producing 50. Additional support from the South Australian government will supplement nearly $4 Million the company is raising itself. If the grant application is successful, Fleet Space will become a major satellite manufacturing hub and increase its payroll from 31 staff today to 128 by 2024, says its CEO and co-founder Ms Flavia Tata Nardini. Most of the new employees will be engineers and specialist satellite assembly technicians. Fleet Space has spent $12 Million since 2015 on R&D to develop the world’s most advanced beam-steering antenna and to miniaturise its satellites’ communications payload. These make it possible to deliver its Nebula space-based data network using a 10kg nanosatellite where previously this level of connectivity was only possible with a 100kg satellite. The company, which has already launched four nanosatellites, has applied for a $5 million grant under the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) to help it make the jump. Fleet Space plans to build a new factory with more than double the space for R&D and manufacturing and has partnered with the University of Adelaide’s Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing, local company Redarc Electronics, Hawker Richardson in Melbourne and NSW-based Lintek to build the industrial capability to manufacture these nanosatellites in Australia. The Nebula service for utilities, mining and energy companies uses satellites to connect sensors monitoring critical infrastructure such as remote mine sites, alternative energy sites, gas pipelines and rurally dispersed electricity pylons with central base stations, 24 hours a day. This also allows operators to conduct geological surveys and operate unmanned vehicles such as drones remotely from a proper […]

AVEVA and OSIsoft combine to unlock potential for industrial organisations

Industrial Software Market Leaders Introduce ‘Performance Intelligence’ to create Industrial Software and Data Leadership AVEVA, a global leader in engineering and industrial software, has joined forces with OSIsoft to meet the expanding information management needs of industrial companies and accelerate their digital transformation. The combined portfolio brings OSIsoft’s world-class data management together with AVEVA’s leading industrial software to unlock Performance Intelligence. Providing greater operational agility and resilience, Performance Intelligence connects information and artificial intelligence (AI) with human insight, to enable faster and more accurate decision making, helping industries boost sustainability. By pairing the trusted capabilities of OSIsoft’s PI System with the leading industrial software of AVEVA, Performance Intelligence gives the people behind essential processes the rich, reliable data they need to better measure and understand the entire industrial lifecycle. Areas where Performance Intelligence is likely to have the most impact will include organisational productivity, operational agility, and sustainability. The global big data and analytics market is growing exponentially and projected to be worth $274 billion by 2022. Staying ahead of the curve requires a new understanding of the scope and scale of industrial information to leverage that data effectively. Insight into industrial information from edge to enterprise reduces downtime, production costs, and energy consumption – optimising resources and driving sustainability. The combined software portfolio is driving digital transformation for over 20,000 customers globally, operational efficiency to empower people, industries, and communities. Craig Hayman, CEO at AVEVA, said, “Together we’re redefining the capabilities of industrial software. Through Performance Intelligence, we can see worlds of data from bold new angles, and inspire better understanding of complex value chains, to boost performance and drive sustainability. The combined impact of AVEVA and OSIsoft will enable our customers to manage complex industries more efficiently. Our expanded capabilities elevate AVEVA’s commitment to deliver operational agility that […]

Hydraulink “can do” Dandenong branch rewarded for hard work during tough Covid conditions

The hardworking attitude and “can do” ethos of the Hydraulink Dandenong branch has earned the accolades of Managing Director Denis Matulin, for the staff’s dedication during challenging Covid conditions. The extended Covid lockdowns posed major challenges for this Victorian branch, as it did for many businesses across the state. But Hydraulink Sales and Service Technicians (HSSTs), along with branch staff, rose to the challenge, and worked within strict hygiene rules to provide breakdown services and other hydraulic work required by busy industries seeking maximum uptime. “Hydraulics are vital to all hard working machinery, and businesses in industries such as forestry, agriculture, construction, civil engineering, materials handling and food and beverage needed our help more than ever,” said Mr Matulin. “It was harder to travel, harder to sign in to individual sites, and there were a lot more rules, but I’m incredibly proud that our whole team rose to the task and remained open throughout the entire pandemic, providing vital service to industry,” he said. The Hydraulink Dandenong branch is part of a network of more than 400 hydraulic service points across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The network operates under the market signature “best under pressure” and delivers essential, safety-compliant and traceable hydraulic hose, fittings and services with expertise to industries requiring prompt, quality 24/7 service – either on-site or off-site. Service Awards In addition to praise for the branch’s outstanding performance in the past year, Mr Matulin also awarded long-service awards to two staff members. Craig Dorling received his 10 year service award and Aaron Harris received an award for five years of service to the company. “As a company, we seek to form long term partnerships. That applies to customers, suppliers and employees. I’m delighted that these two talented employees continue to provide value to the […]

Disinfecting robot prepares for return of students

Gen2 is using the innovative technology to disinfect the workshop area and main atrium at its HQ and training centre in Cumbria, UK, ahead of welcoming staff and students back to the building. The remotely-operated robot was developed by Forth in Cumbria last year as a response to the fight against Covid-19. The firm is known for its innovations to solve complex industry challenges all over the world in nuclear, oil and gas, renewables and other sectors. Disinfecting of the workshop area and main atrium will enhance current Covid-19 safety measures in place throughout the building, and provide extra peace of mind for staff and students. Gen2 has worked closely with Forth over a number of years delivering apprenticeship programmes and training for the engineering firm, which is based in Maryport, Cleator Moor and Barrow in Cumbria. The Forth team developed the disinfecting robot in a matter of weeks by combining its tracked robot, vapour cannon, camera and lights. The robot is able to be worked remotely, controlled from a safe distance, to disinfect any area – inside or outside – to help the country safely emerge from lockdown. It can be used in offices, warehouses, transport hubs, schools, shopping complexes, or on the streets, anywhere inside or outside, wherever it’s required. It can be deployed in any building or any area, before people return after lockdown to make sure the space they are going back to is safe to use, and can be regularly re-used to decontaminate areas, whether that’s once a week or several times a day. Radio-controlled, wireless and tetherless, the disinfecting robot can perform fogging or misting. It has the ability to climb flights of stairs and can disinfect large areas in a matter of minutes. It works in a similar way to a vapour cigarette […]

Futureproofing your manufacturing business to mitigate risk

By Kevin Dherman, Chief Innovation Officer at SYSPRO In 2020, Industry 4.0 technologies played a decisive role in many manufacturers’ pandemic responses and it helped these companies to keep their operations running during the crisis. Many were able to keep operating in the face of shortages of workers or raw materials, whilst others struggled to keep up with the sudden spike in demand. How did Industry 4.0 technologies help those companies in their efforts to reduce the negative impacts of the crisis and reduce the risks for their business? The SYSPRO 2020 Manufacturing CFO 4.0 Survey, which was conducted in October 2020, shows how manufacturers and distributors handled the operational shifts brought on by Covid-19. It revealed that 60% of manufacturers and distributors were impacted by supply chain disruptions. 47% of businesses were unable to function due to operational staff reliance on-site; while 29% of businesses felt that their business systems did not provide them with the availability and accessibility to manage the changes that the pandemic introduced. As these businesses attempt to stabilise, many are considering adopting emerging technologies and Industry 4.0 to mitigate the risk of major disruptions in the future. The challenge for many of these businesses is understanding which technologies to adopt, when to pursue this transformation and how to budget for it. There are several Industry 4.0 technologies that have real potential to help futureproof Australian manufacturing and distribution businesses in the next five years. The automated warehouse It is important to note that transitioning to an automated warehouse is a long and expensive journey. In most cases, it will take three to five years for manufacturing and distribution businesses to be fully automated. At which point there will still at least 65% of workers still in the warehouse. This is because the automation augments […]

Silostore offers first-to-market composite silos

Silostore, Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) composite silos, has revolutionised silo production by using a first-to-market, composite design. Silostore composite silos make handling of dry goods and liquids a far better experience for the end-user when compared to traditional materials such as concrete, aluminium, and steel for many reasons. “We have designed a world-class composite silo that gives the Australian market a more sustainable and far superior solution,” said Jerry Pridham, Director of Silostore. “The fact that we have been able to design and then manufacture such a revolutionary product right here in New South Wales is a phenomenal outcome for our industry.” The silos are fully sealed, have a very high insulation value, and do not rust. In addition, they are light-weight, easy to install, and virtually maintenance free. Externally, they are 100% UV-resistant, while internally they have a glass-like finish that ensures no internal catch points and excellent outflow properties. Zero condensation is also a bonus for grain storage and it also helps keeps the inside walls clean and reduces the risk of lump formation. Silostore silos include a market-leading 25-year warranty, never seen before in the industry. Silostore silos are ideal for the agriculture and food manufacturing sectors, as well as businesses such as seed and grain merchants, commercial bakeries and flour mills, pulp and paper, renewable energy, pet foods and liquid fertilizer industries. The superior weight-to-strength ratios and flexible design properties make them suitable for virtually any storage application across these sectors. With unforeseen events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are rethinking their global supply chains and looking for in-country solutions. As Australia’s only supplier of premium composite silos — backed by a proud century-long history as a leading manufacturer and supplier — Silostore can help combat the threat […]

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