If you are trying to connect to a remote OPC server from Windows XP SP2 and you are getting the message “DCOM was unable to communicate with the computer using any of the configured protocols”, then think about the additional security features and firewall configuration provided by Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Let’s consider the following points while configuring XP SP2 for OPC communication.

• “Turn Off” firewall only for testing purpose (OPC client should work if firewall is “Off” and DCOM settings are correct). 
• If firewall is “On”, proceed with the following steps.   
  • Goto “Exceptions” tab and select “Add Program”. Add all OPC Clients ...

 Microsoft has sponsored RoboCup 2007 in Atlanta and will host competitive soccer matches using the Microsoft Robotics Studio. The matches are simulation-based and will be hosted within the Microsoft Robotics Studio physics-based 3D simulation environment which uses the licensed PhysX™ engine from AGEIA™ Technologies Inc.

While this contest will demonstrate a competitive simulation environment, Microsoft is also working with robot manufacturers developing hardware for RoboCup to demonstrate how easily player competition software can be transferred to physical robots.

Balluff industrial RFID systems now support Ethernet, which offers higher communication speeds at lower network costs. Balluff RFID systems have been designed to be compatible with all preferred communication bus formats such as Interbus, Profibus, DeviceNet, and Ethernet, including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet TCP/IP protocols.  Ethernet RFID systems are finding multiple uses with automotive Tier One assembly, general automated assembly processes, inter-logistics, and material handling operations. Balluff RFID systems are well suited for reliable product identification at the source, station-based re-write and process step update at each station ...

Frost & Sullivan selected Emerson Process Management as the recipient of the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement within automation and software solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.

With its PlantWeb® digital automation architecture, Emerson has successfully differentiated itself from other companies by translating its vision of an integrated solution into reality thus becoming a one-stop shop for all pharmaceutical industry customers More

The ZigBee protocol is a worldwide open standard providing low-power, wireless connectivity for a wide range of applications that perform monitoring or control functions.

The protocol is designed to allow devices to appear and disappear from the network, so devices can be put into a power-saving mode when not active. This means that many devices in a ZigBee network can be battery powered, making them self-contained and reducing installation costs.

Read the following articles to be more familier with real Industrial Applications of Zigbee Networks.

http://www.microcontroller.com/Embedded.asp?did=149

http://rfdesign.com/next_generation_wireless/short_range_wir ...