B&R reports successful 2007 user group meeting

B&R experts and external speakers were also available for an intensive exchange of ideas. Rdiger Eikmeier from the EPSG gave an exciting overview of the latest developments in real-time Ethernet systems. In his opinion, Powerlink - so far the only industrial Ethernet system based on standard Ethernet physics in series production - will remain at the very top of the list of top competitors due to its benefits such as safety, redundancy, and gigabits. Renowned safety expert Dr Peter Wratil presented both fundamental concepts as well as their applications in machine manufacturing. He provided some valuable information about the issues that need to be addressed during development and construction in order to make machines even safer for the future.

The main focus of the event, 'Simulation', was presented by Franz Enhuber, Key Project Agent for B&R. Enhuber highlighted the cost and resource savings made possible when a simulation is created once, and then transferred via interfaces to the automation software and thereby onto the hardware. One of the only software tools to offer this capability is B&R's Automation Studio. Last but not least, a number of B&R system integrators demonstrated their expertise in the areas of safety and engineering consulting.

Participants in the event included technicians interested in innovative automation solutions for optimising hardware, engineering and commissioning costs.

In 2008, the B&R User Meeting will again be an important opportunity for co-operation between partners.