ISA NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Infantino
(919) 990-9287
jinfantino@isa.org
ISA EXPO 2008 Features Programmable Logic Controller Panel Discussion
Research Triangle Park, NC (30 September 2008) – ISA has teamed up with Schneider Electric to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with a variety of activities at ISA EXPO 2008, including an expert panel discussion on Thursday, 16 October at 11:45 a.m. at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas.
Introduced in 1968, the Modicon PLC revolutionized machine control and changed the standard for performance and efficiency. The PLC industry continued to grow rapidly with advances in digital technology and upgrades in the quantity and quality of discrete parts manufacturing. During the panel discussion, PLC experts will discuss relationships and synergies with other automation technologies such as motor drives & motion control, CNC, robotics, automatic ID, and wireless. Panelists will also address trends in applying newer MEMS based programmable devices.
Moderator Ken Ball will lead the discussion with a distinguished group of experts, including Dick Morley, originator of the PLC, co-founder of Modicon, and advanced manufacturing and start-up consultant.
Additional panelists include Bill Fletcher, the first President of Modicon; Jeff Jervah, Director of Automation & Drives at Schneider Electric; Kelvin Erickson, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla; Terry Divelbiss, CEO and Founder of Divelbiss Corporation and developer of the PLC-on-a-Chip.
“This panel of old guys will discuss more than the technology. The world is not a rational place. You can expect to hear fictional history and future roadways for the 40-year-old philosophy. As a pundit once said; ‘Future under Repair, Use Caution’,” said Morley.
For more information about the panel, or any of the activities at ISA EXPO 2008, visit www.isa.org/isaexpo2008 or call (919) 549-8411.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
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