Abstract: An intelligently controllable food waste disposal system and method are provided. A food waste disposal machine has operational components adapted to assist in the disposal of food waste. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is in data communication with the operational components and configured to control operation of the operational components. A minicomputer is connected to the PLC and adapted to write PLC instructions to the PLC. A network connection is in data communication with both the minicomputer and an analytics cloud. The minicomputer receives data from the analytics cloud and transfers PLC instructions corresponding to the received data to the PLC to thereby alter the operational control of the operational components of the food waste disposal machine via the PLC. The PLC controls the operational components via a default operational program written into the PLC when the PLC detects that the minicomputer is not in communication with the PLC.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely communicating with and controlling industrial machinery. At least one piece of industrial machinery has at least one sensor for monitoring at least one condition of the piece of industrial machinery; and a programmable logic controller (PLC) directly controlling operation of the piece of industrial machinery and in communication with the sensor. A local computer is in communication with the PLC adapted to query and write data from and to the PLC. A remotely accessible chatbot interface is provided in communication with the local computer, adapted to enable natural language interaction between a user and the piece of industrial machinery. A user accesses the chatbot interface on a remote device adapted to communicate with the local computer.