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Held on March 5/6 2002 at the Hanover
International Hotel, Hinckley, in the Midlands, ASi-Tech attracted
over 250 attendees. The concept - to demonstrate the fast-expanding
world of AS-i - was highly successful, with five themed working
demo systems on show, illustrating process control, machine handling,
machine safety, connectivity and electrical distribution.
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A special feature of each day was a 4-hour seminar
introducing the five areas where AS-i is now being used. Machine Safety
proved a very popular session. in fact safety was one of the highlights
of the show, with at least five companies showing safety capability.
The third part of ASi-tech was the mini-exhibition, where member companies
showed their products. |
Visitors to be mini-exhibition discuss the potential of AS-i
products
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Conference attendees liked the short, presentations. Many people
came just for one or two presentations.
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More discussions in the mini-exhibition
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This conveyor system was built by Team Leaders ifm electronic to
demonstrate how AS-i works in the traditional markets of mechanical
handling systems.
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This robotic system showed off Machine Safety. It was organised
by Team Leader Siemens in conjunction with SI ADM and proved a show-stopper.
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Process Control was demonstrated by this brand new rig jointly
developed by Team Leaders Tyco and Burkert.
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The Connectivity themed demo (in background) showed how easy
it is to connect AS-i to just about any higher level network,
including Ethernet. Team Leader was Phoenix Contact.
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The international flavour of the event was underlined by the presence
of Heinz Walker (centre), Chairman of the AS-international Association,
Rolf Becker (left) Operations Manager of AS-international, and Mike
Bryant, CEO of the AS-i Trade Organization in USA. Heinz and Mike
both contributed to the daily seminars.
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Electrical Distribution, by Team Leader Schneider Electric, illustrated
the 'powerful' capabilities of AS-interface.
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The Reception desk during a quiet spell.
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Another picture of the mini-exhibition
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A quiet moment to reflect on AS-i Safety at Work
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Siemens' Paul Hingley entertained and informed in
the Safety at Work session. This was one of the best attended sessions,
showing how important AS-i Safety at Work is becoming in the UK
market arena.
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Guest speaker Jonathan Howard of ADM explained how
AS-i is helping his company integrate systems for customers.
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Guest speaker Keith Povey of Newfield Automation
described his experiences of AS-i Safety at Work in the context
of Airport Carousels.
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And finally ... ASi-tech 2002 marked the departure of David Green
from the UK AS-i Trade Association. David retired from Schneider
Electric on March 15th to live in France. He has been a very strong
supporter of AS-i in UK for many years and the Association presented
him with this magnificent Spode
Signatures Limited Edition plate. Come back sometime to see
us David!
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Plans are in hand to hold further ASi-tech events
during 2002 - possibly in conjunction with other National exhibitions,
and Asi-tech itself is currently being planned for March 2003
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In the meantime, keep visiting to keep up to date
with AS-i developments.
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