The use of smart devices for data collection and control has increased in recent years, but what is a smart edge device, really? What does it do? And how does edge computing make machines smarter? Aric Prost, senior director of business development, Stratus Technologies, and Craig Resnick, vice president of consulting, ARC Advisory Group, explain how to leverage this technology to create more resilient smart machines in Control Design's May 20 webinar.
Before jumping into the topic, Control Design editor in chief Mike Bacidore caught up with Prost. A portion of the Q&A follows.
How will machine automation and controls alter the way companies staff their operations in the future?
Aric Prost, senior director, business development, Stratus: COVID has highlighted the need for automation and has caused organizations to evaluate their level of operational resilience. They recognize the need to deploy control architectures using edge-computing platforms that offer zero-touch operation, zero downtime and the ability to run multiple software applications in a single platform. They are also faced with limited IT skills to operate and maintain machines. Automation offers the potential to empower operators with better information to be more efficient with fewer mistakes, as well as to operate equipment remotely with mobile devices.
