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Wednesday, December 10, 2008 |
Here's some news sure to bring some consternation to the ODVA (CIP Networks) people. Omron Corp. Motion Control Division has announced that it has selected EtherCat as its motion bus system. EtherCat is a motion control oriented, Ethernet-based fieldbus championed by Beckhoff Automation. Omron is an original member of ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association). I take this as a sign that the long anticipated CIPMotion protocol is still off in the distance. (If not, then I'm sure I'll hear from them. it's gmintchell@automationworld.com.)
Omron has also decided to take an active role in the EtherCat Technology Group "within the Japanese and Asian markets." It will also pursue adoption of EtherCat as a National Japanese Standard, as well as establish an EtherCat conformance and interoperability test lab in Japan. It expects to have compatible products by the summer of 2009.
4:09:04 PM 
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Great comment by the announcers at the half-time whistle of today's Manchester United v Aalborg match in the Champions League following a late goal by Aalborg. "I think Man U players will get a little of the hair dryer treatment at half time." The vaunted Man U are down 1-2 at half.
3:35:43 PM
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Busy morning, first working day in my home office in a while. Heard about two personnel moves at the executive level--and my congratulations to both. First, Tim Dehne is leaving National Instruments after many years as Sr. VP Research & Development. He's had that position about as long as I've been covering the company, and I really have enjoyed our chats and his keynotes. Wish him the best in a new spot. As we've witnessed a few times this year, there comes a time in one's life when personal growth requires a change.
Then Chris Lyden has left Invensys Process Systems--to which I am not surprised given the makeup and direction of the new executive team. He has landed as President of PAS--a supplier of software and consulting services in the process industries. I'm sure he will do well in the new position.
All the best to Tim and Chris. Hope to catch up soon.
3:14:13 PM
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© Copyright 2009 Gary Mintchell.
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