IEN: How can/will the sector answer industry demand for increased automation and flexibility?

Evans: We will continue to leverage the PC and its communication hardware and protocols . . . TCP/IP via Ethernet, for example.

IEN: Will distributed control architectures continue to displace centralized controls?

Evans: Yes, but only to the degree the distributed architectures are "open."

IEN: What innovations are in store for equipment, systems, peripherals, and software (MEMS, MST, Nano, etc.)?

Evans: From a software perspective, very fast processors and fast-and-cheap memory will be important in that we will be able to add more technology to products, but "shield" the user, thereby increasing usability, user-friendliness, and speed and accuracy. (Pictured, SSi1000 Series Language-driven servo drives from AC Technology.)

IEN: How much progress has been made in resolving software and hardware debugging issues? Documentation challenges? Installation headaches?

Evans: Progress has been made and will continue to be a top priority. Open architectures and better programmers will lead the way.

IEN: What advances do you see in plant floor connectivity? Open standards? Data sharing?

Evans: More memory, greater use of open standards, and more robust operating systems will add to the migration of even the most skeptical users from using computers for non-critical applications to the most critical applications.

IEN: Will embedded servers play more of a role in controls? Integrated development environments?

Evans: Embedded servers will play a role in machinery, especially those involved in a "long" process. However, embedded servers in components such as motor controls will not be prevalent any time soon.

IEN: What role will wireless play in control technology?

Evans: Wireless will add to the migration to high-speed serial communication. CE and related EMI/RFI issues will be obstacles early on.

IEN: Is Internet-based control gaining traction?

Evans: It is for process machinery (especially for "long" processes that last hours or days and that happen over multiple locations). But it is not realistic for real-time applications in broad volume.

IEN: How can companies maintain legacy equipment with advanced control technology, in the spirit of the lean enterprise?

Evans: Large-scale retrofitting will need to take place, and will likely be a large business. In the U.S.A. Lenze's business of retrofitting large systems has risen to 10% of our U.S. sales; and we expect it to be upwards of 20% for years to come. We're talking about a system one might find in steel processing or auto assembly: We replace low-speed-range motors, gearboxes, and mechanicals with servo systems and I/O that are network-ready. When we're finished, your machine will not only be usable for years to come, but its accuracy has been increased exponentially (virtually eliminating scrap), and, in most cases, the speed/throughput of the machine has been dramatically increased as well.