Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for a process facility is disclosed. The method includes identifying a plurality of moving entities and a plurality of movable parts associated with the process facility. The method further includes determining an action event for each of at least some interactions between one or more of the plurality of moving entities and one or more of the plurality of movable parts, where one or more of the at least some interactions include a manipulation of at least one of the plurality of movables parts by at least one of the plurality of moving entities. Moreover, the method includes determining an actual duration for each of at least some of the action events. Additionally, the method includes tracking the actual duration for each of at least some of the action events in relation to an expected duration of each action event.

Abstract: A distributed automation control system includes a network for connecting members of the system to a central server for communication between the members and the central server. The members can include a device controlled by a microcontroller in communication with the network, a mobile object digitized to communicate with the central server via the network, and a facility component in communication with the central server. A member can be assigned to one or more groups of members for group learning and for generating a group heartbeat. Each member defines a safety volume which is monitored by the central server. When the safety volume of one member overlaps the safety volume of another member, the central server initiates a responsive action which can include ceasing the operation of at least one of the members.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking actions of mobile assets used to perform a process within a facility includes a plurality of object trackers positioned throughout the facility to monitor, detect and digitize locations and actions, including movement, of a mobile asset within the facility. The mobile asset includes an identifier which is detectable by each object tracker to track the movement and location of the detected asset in real time. Each object tracker includes at least one sensor for monitoring and detecting the asset and its identifier, where the input sensed by the sensor is transmitted to a computer within the object tracker for time stamping with a detected time, and processing of the sensor input using one or more algorithms to identify the asset type associated with the detected identifier, and the asset's location in the facility at the detected time.

Abstract: A distributed automation control system includes a network for connecting members of the system to a central server for communication between the members and the central server. The members can include a device controlled by a microcontroller in communication with the network, a mobile object digitized to communicate with the central server via the network, and a facility component in communication with the central server. A member can be assigned to one or more groups of members for group learning and for generating a group heartbeat. Each member defines a safety volume which is monitored by the central server. When the safety volume of one member overlaps the safety volume of another member, the central server initiates a responsive action which can include ceasing the operation of at least one of the members.

Abstract: A distributed automation control system includes a network for connecting members of the system to a central server for communication between the members and the central server. The members can include a device controlled by a microcontroller in communication with the network, a mobile object digitized to communicate with the central server via the network, and a facility component in communication with the central server. A member can be assigned to one or more groups of members for group learning and for generating a group heartbeat. Each member defines a safety volume which is monitored by the central server. When the safety volume of one member overlaps the safety volume of another member, the central server initiates a responsive action which can include ceasing the operation of at least one of the members.

Abstract: A distributed automation control system includes a network for connecting members of the system to a central server for communication between the members and the central server. The members can include a device controlled by a microcontroller in communication with the network, a mobile object digitized to communicate with the central server via the network, and a facility component in communication with the central server. A member can be assigned to one or more groups of members for group learning and for generating a group heartbeat. Each member defines a safety volume which is monitored by the central server. When the safety volume of one member overlaps the safety volume of another member, the central server initiates a responsive action which can include ceasing the operation of at least one of the members.

Abstract: A distributed automation control system includes a network for connecting members of the system to a central server for communication between the members and the central server. The members can include a device controlled by a microcontroller in communication with the network, a mobile object digitized to communicate with the central server via the network, and a facility component in communication with the central server. A member can be assigned to one or more groups of members for group learning and for generating a group heartbeat. Each member defines a safety volume which is monitored by the central server. When the safety volume of one member overlaps the safety volume of another member, the central server initiates a responsive action which can include ceasing the operation of at least one of the members.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking actions of mobile assets used to perform a process within a facility includes a plurality of object trackers positioned throughout the facility to monitor, detect and digitize actions, including movement, of a mobile asset within the facility. The mobile asset includes an identifier which is detectable by each object tracker to track the movement and location of the detected asset in real time. Each object tracker includes at least one sensor for monitoring and detecting the asset and its identifier, where the input sensed by the sensor is transmitted to a computer within the object tracker for time stamping with a detected time, and processing of the sensor input using one or more algorithms to identify the asset ID and the asset type associated with the detected identifier, and the asset's location in the facility and interactions at the detected time.