Rockwell Automation to Feature Extensive Line of Customizable Control Options at NA 2006


Integrated control technologies help material handling designers meet demanding performance, flexibility requirements

MILWAUKEE, March 27, 2006 - Designed to help OEMs and end users optimize material handling system designs and gain a key competitive advantage, attendees of the NA 2006 Material Handling and Logistics Show & Conference (March 27-30 in Cleveland), will get a close-up view of the broad range of new control solutions from Rockwell Automation (booth No. 1413), along with the company's extensive global support capabilities.

"Meeting performance, reliability and lean manufacturing requirements are top priorities for OEMs and end users today," said Ken Fry, business development manager, Material Handling, Rockwell Automation. "We're helping machine designers meet these demands by offering a broad range of flexible, high-performance control solutions that help simplify configurations, reduce costs and speed time to market."

Featured solutions from Rockwell Automation include:
RFID technology. As RFID moves upstream from the supply chain to manufacturing operations, Rockwell Automation can help businesses integrate RFID technology into existing automation control and information systems to extract value by using information to optimize production. Rockwell Automation has developed an RFID test lab at its Milwaukee headquarters to help manufacturers effectively design and implement this increasingly important technology.

Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 1768-L43 controller. High-performance, cost-efficient, networked machine control is now available in a small, modular footprint with the CompactLogix 1768-L43 controller. Controlling up to four axes of motion, the controller offers users full Logix integrated motion and is ideal for material handling applications that require speed, motion synchronization and information-sharing capabilities. As an addition to the Rockwell Automation Kinetix Integrated Motion offering, the new controller combines motion and sequential control into a single, integrated multitasking platform that helps users lower system costs, simplify installation and ease maintenance. CompactLogix 1768-L43 also supports a full range of networks, including DeviceNet, ControlNet and EtherNet/IP, enabling a seamless flow of information from the smallest device up through the enterprise business system.

DeviceLogix with ZIP Cards. DeviceLogix with Zone Interlocking Parameter (ZIP) cards allows the configuration of up to four zones to directly receive data from up to four other ZIP-capable sources on DeviceNet. DeviceLogix technology, which provides a simple method of embedding control technology, helps offer simple stand-alone control features and capabilities such as signal-conditioning, event detection, alarming and boolean logic execution. The ability to have networked I/O cards share data directly without hardwiring them together helps operators execute simple control at the device level - allowing them to control unique areas of a process, such as different sections of a conveyor - and lets central controllers concentrate on data gathering and other more advanced functions.

Material Handling Sensors. Proper sensor selection for a material handling system is critical for detecting changing conditions associated with an action or event. Rockwell Automation offers a wide variety of sensors for individual application needs - from application-specific sensors such as the Bulletin 44N Zone Control Sensor for material handling applications, to the general purpose, low cost sensors such as the RightSight photoelectric sensor. Rockwell Automation also assists customers with sensor selection methods to minimize product damage and enhance process integrity.

Connection Systems, Devices and Power Supplies Ideally Suited for On Machine Applications. OEMs and end users have found that moving industrial controls and hardware closer to the application or directly on the machine can save considerable time and money. Rockwell Automation offers a wide array of products including motor starters, drives, sensors, network media, distribution boxes and I/O, as well as HMI devices that are ideally suited for On-Machine solutions. These solutions offer real time savings when designing, building, installing and maintaining industrial equipment, giving manufacturers flexible, high-performance production lines.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 21,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on these solutions from Rockwell Automation, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800-223-5354.

Media contacts: Mary Novak Symes
Rockwell Automation
262-512-8507
mnsymes@ra.rockwell.com

Stephanie Snyder
Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.
612-455-1722
ssnyder@psbpr.com

All Topics