EMEnRose Magazine

Copia Automation
Copia delivers modern developer tools for industrial automation.

Industrial automation software developer Copia Automation announced the release of its newest product DeviceLink™, delivering automated backup and change detection for industrial control devices. DeviceLink extends the value of Copia's source control platform. Cloud-hosted and Git-based, Copia empowers controls engineers to unlock the advantages of DevOps workflows in driving greater team efficiency, code quality, and operational uptime.

"Once a machine is deployed to the factory floor, most manufacturers lose visibility into how control programs change. Teams are focused on keeping machines running and not documenting the code tweaks and edits that always occur over time," explains Copia CEO Adam Gluck. "DeviceLink automatically backs up these control programs to one centralized location giving teams code security, up-to-date visibility, and most important - change traceability."

Copia's DeviceLink works with Allen-Bradley, CODESYS, Beckhoff, and FANUC devices and can schedule code backups at any time or frequency. FTP and Bash scripting are also supported, and Siemens device support is coming soon. Once the code is backed up, DeviceLink will compare it to the last known version. When changes are detected, it will create a new committed version, and if desired, the new edits can be reviewed, approved, and merged into any ongoing development code.

"Regardless of how much equipment we're managing and how many sites that equipment is spread across, DeviceLink shows us all the live control code in one place," says Kellen Murray, founder at Konductive. "We always have up-to-date restore points in case of failures and are proactively alerted to unauthorized changes."

Device Link builds on the power of Copia Automations Git-based source control and its ability to render control programs in standard formats, including ladder logic (LD), function block diagram (FBD), and structured text. As changes occur, Copia can highlight the difference between versions. 

"Not only do you gain knowledge of when PLC or robotic code changes, but you can also immediately see the exact edits," states Gluck. "This insight is crucial in determining whether the change was authorized and needs to be the restore point moving forward." 

DeviceLink adds to Copia's mission of bringing modern DevOps practices to industrial automation, equipping control engineers with the same game-changing workflows used in traditional software development. The Git-based source controls allow engineers to work simultaneously on the same codebase, review code efficiently, and ensure that all changes are documented and accessible.

"By integrating Copia Automation's platform into our daily workflow, we can better utilize our engineering resources to handle more projects and ensure the highest quality code development," Murray explains. "DeviceLink builds on these benefits by providing the same level of visibility into the control programs running on the factory floor."

About Copia Automation: Copia Automation delivers modern developer tools for industrial automation. Used by machine designers, system integrators, and product manufactures, Copia's robust version control, change visibility, and collaboration streamlines how industrial machinery is commissioned and operated, resulting in faster delivery and maximized uptime. To learn more about Copia Automation, visit www.copia.io

Copia Automation
Copia delivers modern developer tools for industrial automation.

All backups in one location
DeviceLink's intuitive dashboard shows all backup jobs and their status, including if a change was detected.

DroneSense Remote
DroneSense Remote view from the operator's station

DroneSense (www.dronesense.com), developers of the most trusted and reliable software platform for public safety drone operations, today announced the general availability of DroneSense Remote and Axon Air Remote powered by DroneSense. This breakthrough technology allows public safety agencies to remotely operate and deploy drones in emergencies, giving first responders a real-time view of what is happening before they arrive at the scene.

Many public safety agencies have drone programs where officers or firefighters operate a drone on scene while responding to an incident. Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs go further, providing vital situational awareness on calls for service even before personnel arrives on scene. This approach protects both communities and public safety by giving agencies more time and information to determine the most appropriate response to a situation. The system retains detailed records of every flight, so that agencies can easily maintain transparency and accountability regarding their use of the technology within the communities they serve.

Agencies looking to start a DFR program now have everything they need for remote operations, thanks to DroneSense and Axon Air powered by DroneSense. DroneSense Remote and Axon Air Remote allow agencies to respond to any 911 call within seconds, with a single mouse click. The platform enables a teleoperator to remotely pilot drones from anywhere and aims to improve tactical decision-making and improve efficiency with fewer officer dispatches. Additionally, Axon Air Remote works seamlessly with Axon Evidence, Axon's digital evidence management system, and Axon Respond, Axon's real-time operations solution.

"We are excited to offer first responders the most advanced and comprehensive remote flying experience through DroneSense and Axon Air," said Chris Eyhorn, CEO of DroneSense. "DroneSense Remote is leading the industry with innovation and support for more drone models than any other platform, allowing agencies of all sizes and budgets to increase officer safety, improve incident response time, and achieve better outcomes."

With thousands of operational flights across leading agencies over the past few months, DroneSense Remote and Axon Air Remote have set a new bar for speed and precision in public safety remote drone operations and established an exciting new option for modern policing. The platform allows agencies to create fully-customizable flights to fit their needs, including flying DFR missions Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) under an FAA waiver or remaining within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) under an existing Certificate of Authorizations (COA) or Part 107 regulations. Built-in preflight checks, simple user interface, customizable geofences, continuous network integrity monitoring, and emergency landing sites create the industry's safest approach for demanding operational environments. DroneSense Remote and Axon Air Remote even adjust for elevated takeoff locations to ensure strict adherence to designated flight altitudes.

"DroneSense Remote is the platform that has enhanced our drone program," said Sgt. Daniel Anders with the San Antonio Police Department. "We now utilize drones to respond to calls for service much faster than we can with other assets."

DroneSense Remote is available for the DroneSense platform, and Axon Air Remote is available for the Axon Air powered by DroneSense platform. DroneSense and Axon Air Remote applications work with public safety's most popular drones, including the DJI Matrice 300, Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual and Zoom, and DJI's new Matrice 30 and Mavic 3 Enterprise series drones.

To learn more about DroneSense Remote, please visit www.dronesense.com/remote or for Axon Air Remote, please visit www.axon.com/products/axon-air.

DroneSense Remote
DroneSense Remote view from the operator's station

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