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With cases of cyber-crime occurring at an alarming rate, industrial manufacturing is caught in the crosshairs. What steps should you take to protect your systems?We talk to an industry insider, Keith Moore.  Keith has spent the last fourteen years in industrial IoT device development and has immense knowledge of internet protocols and their weaknesses.Before Keith joins the show, Brandon rants about what IoT is and what it isn't.We discuss how manufacturers can secure their data.The differences between a cyber risk and a vulnerability.The factors that can impact a risk assessment.How a threat analysis should be performed.If cybersecurity is a concern for your facility, you don't want to miss this episode!No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v_8SHqYhx1g If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#CyberSecurity #elliTekAutomationNation 

Sometimes your biggest pain point isn't your biggest problem. There are some processes that you may or may not want to automate. Come with us as we explore those processes.Brandon shares his perspectives, Brandspectives, on the types of industrial automation. He explains his two categories of automation, process automation and discrete automation, and why they matter.You'll hear examples of processes that can't be automated and why. Remember Brandon's Brandology about the four reasons to automate?Quality / ConsistencyDecrease Cycle Time / Increase ProductionReclassify LaborFlexibility / Quick SetupYou don't want to miss Brandon's new Brandology! The top four ways to determine if an application can be easily performed by a robot.🤖 This coincides with Brandon's latest BrandRant about feasibility and beneficial ROI. Stick around for examples of processes that can easily be automated and why.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/channel/UCRouULcIyr0lMNPaL4ohR4A If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#IndustrialAutomation #elliTekAutomationNation 

It's almost Thanksgiving here in the United States, and we have so much to be thankful for!Join us as we reflect on past guests and episodes for which we are grateful.  If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to elliTek's podcasts, this is a rundown of a few of our favorites. We had the opportunity to do a crossover podcast with Lisa Richter of CSIA's Talking Industrial Automation podcast.  During this episode, you'll hear how Brandon got into automation, how elliTek began, and how elliTek has grown over the years.Dave Rice with Datalogic joined us for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsafe."  Dave has been in safety product sales for more than a decade, so it's safe to say that Dave knows safety!Recently, Jon Fields with Yaskawa Motion & Drives and Peter Zafiro with LinMot joined the show to talk about supply chain issues and semiconductor chip shortages.  Listen to hear how their companies are navigating these disruptions, "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply."Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, was our special guest for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Last."  You'll hear how building a robot in six weeks isn't the team's biggest challenge!If you like welding -- robotic welding, you don't want to miss "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Boring."  For automation in general, check out "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Manual."ROI, return on investment, was much different pre-pandemic than it is now. Brandon breaks it down during "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Loss."For more on ROI and robotic automation, go to "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Menial."The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was the topic for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Untraceable."  If the Rule is passed and finalized, affected companies will have two years to meet the recordkeeping requirements.Reach Out!  www.elliTek.com • (865) 409-1555

This is an issue of Global Proportions! We're talking about the supply chain crisis. From aluminum to semiconductor chip shortages, the lack of essential materials is affecting just about everyone and nearly all levels of production.Why is there a chip set crisis, aka Chipageddon? How long will Chipageddon last?Is there a fix for manufacturers?Tesla's sales are through the roof this year. How has Elon Musk managed this crisis? And, what lessons can we learn from Tesla?What products are machine builders, system integrators, and end users waiting on?What products are available now?How are elliTek's Partners navigating the supply chain crisis?Stayed tuned to here interviews with Jon Fields, Senior Motion Sales Engineer with Yaskawa Motion & Drives Division and Peter Zafiro, General Manager with LinMot Linear Motors.You'll hear how these two companies are succeeding AND delivering even in this chaotic logistical ordeal that everyone is experiencing.There is light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't an oncoming train. You can find your way through the supply chain crisis, but you may need to look outside of your normal sources!If you're searching for product, check out elliTek's Partners in Automation. There are products available. The lead times may be a bit slower than normal, but you won't be waiting a year to get what you need to keep your business moving forward.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!The last episode was elliTek's video debut. If you want to check out the video podcast, head over to elliTek's YouTube channel. While  you're there, go ahead and subscribe, so you don't miss an episode.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.Videos courtesy of:Name:  IntelTitle:  From Sand to Silicon: the Making of a ChipLink to video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5paWn7bFg4Name:  Linas KTitle:  How Microchips are madeLink to video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KcZGwntgg#elliTekAutomationNation

Today's topic is definitely not boring! The sparks are flying as we delve into the world of robotic welding.🤖🔥Why would you use a robot to weld instead of a person? That's were Brandon's Brandoloy for the four reasons to automate come into play.Quality / ConsistencyDecrease Cycle Time / Increase ProductionReclassification of LaborFlexibility / Quick SetupListen to hear why collaborative robots might be better for welding applications than industrial robots.You'll also hear how the types of materials affect the robot welding application.Why isn't it reasonable to get a robot and an off the shelf welder?Stayed tuned as Brandon shares insights into the considerations that need to be made when you're working with an automation company to implement a robotic weld work cell.Last but not least... Is the mullet making a comeback?This is elliTek's podcast video debut! Feeds went live on Tuesday, October 19th at noon EDT. Here's the link to the podcast on elliTek's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/CZmFGMDDIrk. If you can't catch the video on YouTube, here's a link to the Welding Application video referenced during the show, https://youtu.be/0P1BIykOm2I. No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#elliTekAutomationNation

If you're considering the purchase of a collaborative robot, vision system, or industrial IoT system, this episode is for YOU!Before making an investment in the automation of a process, there are some commonly overlooked aspects that can be forgotten, overlooked, or even disregarded. With more than 25 years experience in the industrial automation market segment, Brandon shares his knowledge and experiences so others can hopefully avoid those pitfalls.For instance, why choose a collaborative robot if you have to guard it? What's the point? What about fast cycle times? Collaborative robots can't go as fast as a person, right? You may be surprised to hear the answers.As for vision applications, they can be fraught with problems if some details are left out. You won't be surprised to hear that lighting is important for vision systems, but seasonal changes and natural lighting can play an important role as well. Brandon shares several other details that need to be considered, including cybersecurity.Brandon has seen his fair share of failed or incomplete industrial IoT systems. That's why he invented the Data Commander™ MES Appliance. During this episode, he shares some of the biggest problems that he has encountered. One of the travesties that Brandon has seen in his career is holding onto a system that doesn't work. Sometimes portions of a system can be salvaged, sometimes not. The best way to avoid the common pitfalls is to ask the vendor to show you how it works.Seeing is believing. Schedule a demo to see the Hanwha collaborative robot, Datalogic vision system, or IIoTA™ MES appliance, email FreeDemo@elliTek.com.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Here is a link to elliTek's FAQ page, https://www.ellitek.com/faq. This page will soon be expanded to include FAQ on vision systems and IoT systems.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

This is a special crossover episode with CSIA, Control System Integrators Association.  Lisa Richter, host of CSIA's podcast "Talking Industrial Automation", sat down for a chat with elliTek's Brandon Ellis.CSIA is a global trade association that strives to advance the control system integration industry.  CSIA has more than 500 member companies that they provide many benefits for, one of which is a guest interview for CSIA's podcast.During this episode you'll learn how Brandon got into automation.  You'll find out how elliTek began and how elliTek has evolved over the years.  You'll also hear about trends, challenges, and predictions for the industrial automation segment.Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, system integrator, or end user, you'll be sure to learn something new and insightful.Links referenced during the show:Control System Integrators Association, CSIA:  https://www.controlsys.org/homeCSIA Exchange. elliTek's page:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/213607/elliTek-IncCSIA Featured Interview:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/podcast.aspx Talking Industrial Automation podcast:  https://talkingindustrialautomation.com/Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Are you confident your employees have the knowledge and skills to help your business grow and thrive?  Knowledge is power! We're starting Season 3 talking about training and leveling up.By providing technical training for your employees, you're fostering a work environment that promotes self-confidence knowing that they have the knowledge and skills to perform their daily tasks to the best of their abilities.That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of training and support, and why it's so important for manufacturers and end users.We then delve into the different types of training such as online courses, technical community colleges, universities, and other industrial automation companies. Each has their merits and also their glaring distinctions.How the training is done is where elliTek University stands apart from the rest. elliTek Universities instructors focus on real-world problems and how to solve them. The training is meant to EMPOWER the students to be capable of maintaining systems and equipment. The courses can be troubleshooting, programming, or a mix of both. The philosophy is the best way to troubleshoot a system is to break it and have the students figure out how to get the system back online and as quickly as possible.The types of courses offered at elliTek University include IoT, Motion Control, Vision, Robotics, and Industrial Hygiene. These courses are typically offered to manufacturers and end users. A calendar of courses will be available soon at www.ellitek.com/technical-training.Stick around to here about Brandon's workforce development initiative for manufacturers in the East Tennessee region. The Maintenance Troubleshooter Certification programs last several weeks and are true LEVEL-UP programs. If your manufacturing facility is in East Tennessee, our instructors can put together a specific plan just for your facility!Empowerment through training is elliTek's way to better our local workforce as a means of bettering our community.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Join us as we talk about some new ways to generate money, real money while saving the earth.  We're talking about green initiatives, aka Green Manufacturing, and how your manufacturing facility can benefit from sustainability efforts.During the show, we dig into the benefits of green initiatives in manufacturing.  We discuss how manufacturers can reduce waste - with real-world, actionable ideas.Stay with us as we discuss what elliTek's technology partners are doing to help reduce waste.  We hope you find these innovations as super-impressive as we do!elliTek's mission is one of empowerment. Whether you're a local customer or across the planet, we are here to help. Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

ROI - Return on Investment - pre-pandemic vs post-pandemic. How ROI looked before the pandemic is completely different in a post-pandemic world. Does your perspective on ROI need to change as well?Traditionally, the focus for production engineering was to increase production. Automation was trying to increase production which meant getting more out of the line without adding people. And, in some unfortunate instances, there were times where it reduced the number of associates.Increasing production is a good goal to have. But is it the correct goal in a post-pandemic world when labor is difficult to find?When there are lots of job openings but no applications coming in, the whole ROI has to turn on its head. In the absence of labor, the goal should be the creation of labor. It's all about survival at this point.Automation in today's world doesn't mean reducing labor; it's reclassifying the labor you already have to processes that are more expensive or impossible to automate.In the past, automation was expensive. Now as we're reemerging from the pandemic, can you afford not to automate?elliTek's mission is one of empowerment. Whether you're a local customer or across the planet, we are here to help. Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.Here is the link to the Control System Integrators Association, https://www.controlsys.org/home. Here is the link to the Exchange where you can find Integrators and Suppliers, https://www.csiaexchange.com/. 

Doom and gloom. Enough of that - this episode is all about successes!Listen to hear how manufacturers can use automation (and sometimes not) to overcome and succeed in a competitive market when labor can be difficult to find. elliTek's Engineers have been asked about some interesting things lately that could benefit you. Anti-air? Listen to learn what it is, why it's important, and what manufacturers can do about it.Do you remember Brandon's Brandology about the 4 reasons to automate? We review those and why you can't pick all four.There are tasks that can be automated in each department. Starting with the Office, moving to the Plant Floor, Maintenance, and then the IT department, listen to hear ideas for what can be automated and some easy things that don't require automation.Stick around to hear about some things to consider before adding automation, especially for the first time. Looking for CMMS for maintenance and ordering? Here's the link to Pathways 7, Critical Machine Parts.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Labor shortages can be seen in nearly every industry. In manufacturing, frustration is rising because factories are seeing huge demands but are unable to take full advantage. WHY?Join us as we explore some of the reasons. Including why the labor shortages happening today are different than in the past.Why is the demand for blue-collar and manual services workers increasing?What factors are contributing to the massive drop in corporate profits, especially in manufacturing?It isn't all doom and gloom! Stick with us as we discuss some solutions for companies suffering from recruitment and retention difficulties. One of the solutions is automation - eliminating boring, burdensome, and dangerous tasks.  There are many ways to automate, and we review several ways to do so.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

What happened with Colonial Pipeline and could it have been prevented?This episode isn't a dig at Colonial Pipeline. It's a cautionary tale for businesses, and their cybersecurity preparedness efforts.The reason Colonial shut down their pipeline was they were uncertain. They were unsure what systems were going to be affected over and above the accounting systems. They lacked confidence in the separation of their Business/IT Networks and their Operational Technology (OT) Networks.Listen to hear a simple solution!We discuss the philosophical conflict between IT and OT and the marriage between the two. Both play important roles. We applaud each. This episode is dedicated to the hard working IT professionals who we only think about when something isn't working properly. Learn how a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system works. Yes, there are problems with OPC. We overcome those problems with Native Drivers. People use elliTek's IIoTA™ MES platform for many reasons. For brevity sake, we talk about just two of the reasons in this episode.Native DriversSeparation of the NetworksDiscover how a SCADA system and an IIoTA™ MES platform can work together.Learn the differences between an appliance and a Windows PC and why that is important. Why is Windows the problem?Stay tuned to hear some basic things that businesses can do to protect themselves and their customers data.We quote Kiersten E. Todt, managing director of the nonprofit Cyber Readiness Institute. Her insights are spot-on! Here's the link to her quotes in the New York Times article. The Cyber Readiness Institute offers free, online programs to help SMBs protect themselves from cyber risks.Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated! Reach out for a FREE online demo, FreeDemo@elliTek.com.Let's get to know each other! Connect with elliTek on your social platforms.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

This is a HOT topic -- Condition Monitoring (CM).  Brandon pierces through the sales and marketing fodder to expose some really cool stuff.Sales and marketing would have you monitor just temperature and vibration. But wait, there's more! Remember the refrigerator analogy? What indicators are really enough? Manufacturers are developing some fantastic capabilities for sensors that allow users to grab data without being invasive. We call it the EKG method. Condition monitoring sensors are a way to do that. Most condition monitoring systems out there are just going to alert you by sending a text or email, which is good. Why not take it to the next level?Why not take the next step by having the ability to monitor AND the ability to do something about it -- Machine to Machine Artificial Intelligence (M2M AI).elliTek and Balluff have formed an alliance to take you to that next level.Balluff has a phenomenal condition monitoring sensor that's the size of a postage stamp, their BCM sensor. This compact sensor can monitor not just one but FOUR physical variables. elliTek's IIoTA™ (Industrial Internet of Things Appliance) can connect directly to Balluff's BCM sensor. By using the IIoTA's drag and drop dashboard, you can display the data from your BCM sensor on any viewable device connected to the local network or a static IP address. See data from Balluff's BCM sensor being displayed by the IIoTA SCMs (Smart Condition Monitoring System).Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

When you think of motors, do you think of a spinning shaft for running things like the fan in an air conditioner or an exhaust fan?  What happens if something needs to move in a linear fashion?  Motors are more than rotation.  This episode is about motion control, rotary and linear motion.You'll learn about the types of rotary motors:  stepper motors and servo motors.  You'll learn how stepper and servo motors are constructed, the applications suitable for each, and the advantages, as well as the limitations of stepper and servo motors.Keep with us as we explore the world of linear motion.  You'll hear about linear servo motors.  The construction, applications, advantages, and the complexities of linear servo motors. Stick around to discover the world of linear actuators and the types of linear actuators:  belt-driven and ball screw actuators.  You'll learn that there are two types of ball screw actuators:  rod and rodless.  There are advantages and limitations to each that you will become aware of.  By the end of this episode, you will know the benefits, applications, and trade-offs with these motors and solutions available.Here are some resources.  Learn more about LinMot's linear motors.Discover the world of belt-driven actuators:  Nidec, Tolomatic, and Yaskawa.Read up on ball screw actuators:  Tolomatic and Yaskawa.For more information on sizing or elliTek's pre-engineered solutions, reach out to one of elliTek's engineers, (865) 409-1555.In case you missed it, elliTek is the official distributor for Hanwha Robotics in the United States.  To schedule a free demo, please email freedemo@ellitek.com or follow this link to elliTek's contact page.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Menial tasks are those repetitive, tedious, or dangerous tasks that a robot is capable of doing freeing up time for associates to focus on high-value-added tasks.The types of robots used to automate applications can be different and sometimes confusing, so we're breaking it all down for in this episode.Please join us as we explore collaborative robots, also called cobots.  You'll hear the differences between an industrial robot and a collaborative robot.  As well as:What makes a cobot collaborative  Are there cost savings between an industrial robot and a cobotThe types of applications that are better suited for collaborative robotsHow collaborative robots can be used to empower employeesThe ROI (return on investment) for a cobotDid you hear?  elliTek has partnered with Hanwha Robotics to provide United States manufacturers their HCR Advanced Series collaborative robots!  Take a look at these sleek cobots.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Have you been seeing the phrase Robotic Process Automation lately?  Well, you're not alone.  This episode we learn about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and some of the misconceptions surrounding RPA.What are the benefits of RPA?How would one implement RPA? What are the four reasons to automate, according to Brandon's Brandology?What does RPA have to do with cobots?Learn more about Hanwha robots.  Check out FANUC's robots.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

To celebrate National Women's History Month, this episode is dedicated to the countless women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math who have blazed a trail for women in STEM today.  At elliTek, a couple of women are carrying the Engineering torch today.Julie Shaw is an Applications Engineer with elliTek.  Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering at Tennessee Technological University.  Not only is Julie a superstar with Vision Systems, but she is a whiz when it comes to PLC Programming, HMI Programming, Mechanical Applications, and troubleshooting to name a few. Allis Burris is the outside Sales Engineer with elliTek.  Allison earned her BS in Electrical Engineering with a Mathematics minor from Western Kentucky University.  Allison excels not only in Complex Circuit Analysis, Electrical Hardware Debugging, Jig Design, and Machine Troubleshooting, but her team focus, critical thinking, and problem solving have served her well in her career.Allison took some time out of her busy schedule to talk with us about being a woman in a predominantly male work environment.Allison tells us what got her on the path to engineering.  We talk about the classes she took and how her studies prepared her for entering the workforce.  Allison lets us in on her challenges and successes as a Production Engineer and Sales Engineer.Stay tuned to hear Allison's advice for girls considering a career in engineering.  You DO NOT want to miss it!Last but not least, we highlight a few women who have paved the way for women such as Julie and Allison.  It was tough to pick just a few.  Take some time to learn more about the Women Engineers in Science History at Science Buddies.www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/women-in-science-historyReach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Making Robots ~ Building Leaders, Gracious Professionalism, and Coopetition  are just a few terms you'll hear during this episode.Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, is our special guest!  More than just robots and more than a student run enterprise, FIRST® Robotics & Red Nation Robotics has it all.  Listen to hear how tomorrow's leaders get real-world opportunities to build a robot in six weeks.  But that is NOT their biggest challenge!Communication, problem solving, working together and planning - the soft skills.  Students gain these valuable skills as well.  Red Nation Robotic team members participate year-round in FIRST® activities that range from robot design, building, and programming to website and branding to networking.Morgan's passion for learning and the well-being of the students is contagious! FIRST® is a global, youth-serving, nonprofit robotics community that advances STEM Education.  Learn more about FIRST® and find your local community.  Discover more about Red Nation Robotics Team 4576 and the amazing things our future leaders are doing!Follow the RNR 4576 team on Twitter, like the RNR 4576 team on Facebook,  while you're at it, subscribe to the RNR 4576 YouTube channel.There are more acronyms.  Here's the list:FIRST®:  For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and TechnologyFRC:           FIRST® Robotics CompetitionRNR:          Red Nation RoboticsSTEM:       Science, Technology, Engineering and MathIf you aren't fired up about what the future holds, listen to the episode again.  Reach out to your local team to see how you can help them.  Empowering others!#omgrobots #morethanrobots #rednationrobotics #hallshighschool #stemeducation 

This episode is dedicated to the Edge - Edge Computing that is.  Listen to learn all about Edge Computing.  What is the Edge?  Where is the Edge?  What's the big deal?Brandon gives a down-to-earth explanation of what the edge is outside of manufacturing that nearly everyone can relate to.Find out what lives on the Edge in the world of manufacturing.  Learn the differences between  smart and intelligent devices.  Discover the differences between product data and process data and how these types of data relate to edge-based computing.Hear how edge computing can be used in new applications, as well as existing architecture.Learn how elliTek's Team helped a manufacturer use edge computing to save time and resources.Stay tuned for Brandon's Brandology along with some advice for manufacturers looking to utilize edge computing.Here are some links that were referenced during the show.ISA levelsTEEP episodeIoT Doesn't Have To Be Overwhelming episode5 Stages of IoT Grief video