Rockwell Automation’s software is reported to improve throughput and operational responsiveness by connecting machines, material handling, and production processes into a unified operation.
CHICAGO—Rockwell Automation, Inc., describes itself as “the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation.” In June, the company launched its FactoryTalk® Orchestration™ software, designed to coordinate material flow and production processes from end to end, at the Automate trade show in Chicago.
Rockwell Automation’s new FactoryTalk Orchestration software coordinates end-to-end material flow and production processes to improve throughput and operational responsiveness across the factory floor. (Image: Rockwell Automation/PRNewswire)
As a key component of Rockwell’s production logistics strategy, FactoryTalk Orchestration software connects automated equipment with enterprise and plant systems to coordinate operations using real-time production signals. Built on the FactoryTalk® Optix™ platform, the software standardizes connectivity across the portfolio, including OTTO autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Additional ecosystem integrations are planned, according to a release from Rockwell Automation.
“As manufacturers continue investing in automation and robotics, the opportunity is shifting from deploying individual technologies to coordinating them across the operation,” said Ara Surenian, production logistics business manager at Rockwell Automation, in the release. “FactoryTalk Orchestration software is designed to help manufacturers move from fragmented automation toward more connected, autonomous operations.”
By connecting machines, material handling, and production processes into a unified operation, FactoryTalk Orchestration software is reported to help manufacturers improve throughput and reduce bottlenecks; respond faster to disruptions and changing demand; and simplify operations through real-time orchestration.
At Rockwell’s Twinsburg, Ohio facility, FactoryTalk Orchestration software enabled autonomous operations across key production processes. According to the release, it improved drop-off zone space utilization by 70 percent and reducing overall material handling space requirements by 50 percent. The software is now expanding to additional Rockwell manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Rockwell Automation, headquartered in Milwaukee, stated that it connects “the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable.”
At press time, Rockwell was planning to showcase the FactoryTalk Orchestration software through a live production logistics demonstration. It also stated that it was also planning to show visitors how Emulate3D digital twin software and OTTO AMRs work alongside the software to enable more coordinated, end-to-end operations across the plant.