by Gary Mintchell | Jan 5, 2026 | Industrial Computers, Networking, Technology, Wireless
I have shunned new year predictions for the entire time I’ve been writing about technology and manufacturing. As has been said (attributed to physicist Niels Bohr and philosopher Yogi Berra), predictions are hard, especially about the future.
Usually these reflect either wishful thinking about the future or recognition of trends that may play out.
Marketing guru Seth Godin noted, “The Paradox of ‘On Trend’—By the time you get around to embracing the fashion of the moment, it’s almost certainly too late. The leading edge is defined by the fact that most of us aren’t on it.”
However, I have chosen to highlight two sets of predictions that came my way late last year. One is from Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC); the other from Michael Weller, Practice Leader for Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities at Verizon Business.
OWC makes high performance compute and networking equipment mostly targeted to markets not ours. The Verizon release was a bit surprising. I do think about networks. Usually not from the major carriers.
Their thoughts and my thoughts. Enjoy.
I looked at these OWC compute predictions mostly because I think that these have been happening. I don’t know to what degree adoption will occur, but it will be interesting.
2026 Prediction 1: On-Prem Comes Back, Not as a Rebellion Against Cloud, but as the Sensible Default for Performance, Cost, and Control.
“In 2026, more teams are going to rediscover the joy of having their data and workflows close to where the work actually happens. Not because the cloud is bad. The cloud is a great tool. It is just not the right answer for everything, especially when you are talking about performance, predictable costs, and keeping control of your own data.
It is easy to move a workflow up into the cloud, and then you wake up one day and realize you are paying for every little thing, and you are also at the mercy of a lot of services you cannot fix or influence. If your internet is flaky, or the provider has an outage, or you get hit with egress costs at the exact moment you need your data, that is not a strategy. That is a hope. In 2026, the smart shops will keep cloud as redundancy and reach, but they will rebuild the core on-prem so they can get their job done with less drama.”
I saw this play out last year by the company called 37 Signals. They looked at their monthly bills and decided their was a better way.
2026 Prediction 2: The Real Differentiator Will Be ‘Boring’ Infrastructure: High Performance Tech That Disappears into the Workflow.
“I think 2026 is the year more people stop buying ‘fancy numbers’ and start buying results. Everybody can show a chart. Everybody can promise the sky. But in the real world, what matters is whether the product is low overhead, dependable, and actually makes your day easier. The best compliment we can get is that someone forgets we are there, because they are too busy getting real work done.
More buyers are going to get tired of the enterprise pattern where you buy the thing, and then you learn you need ten other modules, another server, and a pile of add-ons to get what you thought you already purchased. That is not delight. That is aggravation. In 2026, the winners are going to be the companies that show up, evaluate the environment honestly, and deliver what the customer actually needs, with the least amount of fuss. Under promise. Over deliver. And make it work in the real workflow, not just in a lab.”
The real question—when will the big AI players realize this.
2026 Prediction 3: AI Becomes a Creative Partner – but the Creativity Remains Human.
“AI finally settles into its proper role for creatives, in 2026. It stops trying to be the artist and starts becoming the best assistant a cinematographer, editor, or photographer has ever had. The true creative spark still lives with the human, not in the machine. You can’t automate taste, timing, instinct, and storytelling. What AI can do is clear the runway so creators can spend more time making decisions that actually matter.
Those that rethink where AI lives in the workflow will be the teams that get this right. Instead of pushing raw footage and unreleased work into distant clouds, they will bring AI closer to the media and closer to the creator. When AI runs next to your storage, things happen at the speed of thought. You can test an idea, throw it away, try another, and never break your flow. That immediacy changes how people create. In 2026, the most successful creative teams will not be the ones chasing the biggest models. They will be the ones who build infrastructure that keeps humans in control, keeps their content private, and lets AI quietly do the heavy lifting in the background while the creativity stays exactly where it belongs.”
I think AI and AgenticAI have been way over-hyped. On the one hand, AI has been embedded in much technology we already use. Industrial companies are embedding Microsoft Copilot. We’ll see continued searching for ways to use it as a tool to help workers do a better job.
Where I pick at OWC’s comments a little, I think Michael Weller is a bit optimistic. Check his thoughts. As I just wrote above about AI, don’t buy the hype.
AI moves from paralysis to production: “Many manufacturers are worried about AI, and uncertain where to put compute power. Next year brings breakthrough deployments focused on computer vision for quality control and AI ‘shells’ that wrap legacy systems in protective security layers. This finally moving innovation ‘out of the drawer.'”
He should say that manufacturing executives are worried about AI. The hype has consumed so much media space, that they feel they must tell the board they’re working on it.
Factories will embrace visual technology in a larger way: “Manufacturing floors will become highly visual environments, driven by computer vision, digital twins, AR/VR headsets, and gamification. Humans learn visually far more effectively than through text, and visual content. From just-in-time training videos to 3D schematics, visual environments will transform worker engagement and productivity.”
I’m not with him here. I’ve tried out the headsets for 10 years. There are selected places (training?) where there is a bona fide use case. If Zuckerberg is dropping the metaverse from Meta, I’d take a hint.
Connected worker technologies will deliver on their promise: “After years of hype, 2026 is when connected worker technologies prove their value on the factory floor. Wireless-enabled tools – especially mobile equipment – finally deliver on promises of improved safety, real-time asset tracking, and operational flexibility. Manufacturers are realizing they can modernize without extensive infrastructure overhauls.”
This is the one I expected from Verizon. We’ve been through the 5G hype. Not sure what wireless he’s promoting, but actually workers have had mobile tools for a decade. And, I expect to see evolving applications.
Increased importance of wireless tech as a sustainability achievement: “Beyond operational benefits, eliminating copper cabling and reducing network power consumption represents measurable environmental progress they can actually quantify. The math is compelling: a single cellular antenna can displace 3-10 Wi-Fi access points, significantly reducing energy needs across large facilities.”
Cellular in place of WiFi? The jury is still out.
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by Gary Mintchell | Nov 21, 2025 | Automation, Embedded Control, Industrial Computers, News
The Rockwell Automation Control team could not contain their enthusiasm for their latest product—ControLogix 5590. Yes, they are master at branding 😉 I saw long-time contact Dennis Wylie on the show floor. He shared his excitement with me there—and later.
At a later gathering of media and analyst people, the team talked up the product. The marketing team has chosen the word “powerhouse” to best describe the advances included in the product. The last controller news that came my was was years ago, so I’m a bit rusty analyzing this. See below for a list of capabilities and features. I’m sure machine designers and other automation geeks will love this.
Rockwell Automation announced the highly anticipated launch of its newest controller, ControlLogix 5590, the powerhouse at the core of the Logix platform. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing, this all-in-one controller delivers seamless software integration and multidiscipline control across the enterprise to streamline operations like never before.
All in one refers at the least to including safety as part of the package.
Manufacturers are navigating a perfect storm of challenges, from rising global competition and workforce shortages to growing safety and security risks. Contributing to the complexity are disconnected control and data systems built on propriety technologies, which limit flexibility and keep costs high. The ControlLogix 5590 controller is a purpose-built solution to help manufacturers tackle these challenges with ease and take control of their operations.
“The ControlLogix 5590 controller isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a powerhouse engineered for the future of industrial automation,” said Dan DeYoung, global vice president and general manager, production design & control, Rockwell Automation. “We’re giving our customers the ability to build smarter and more secure systems right out of the box, with a platform designed to meet the demands of today and ready to scale for tomorrow.”
Key capabilities of the ControlLogix 5590 controller include:
- Integrated Safety: Every ControlLogix 5590 controller includes advanced, integrated functional safety capabilities designed to help protect people, equipment and operations, without the need for separate safety models. Certified to meet rigorous global standards, it helps customers build safer systems with less complexity and more confidence.
- Powerful Performance for Demanding Applications: Delivers high-speed processing and expanded memory capacity to support complex operations. From process and batch to discrete, motion and robotics applications – the ControlLogix 5590 controller is ideal for manufacturers looking to design scalable architecture, optimize throughput and drive efficiency on a single high-performance and interoperable platform.
- Built-In Cybersecurity: Includes built-in security features designed to help protect systems from current and emerging cyber threats. These protections are based on global standards (IEC 62443) and help customers keep their operations connected and compliant with modern security requirements.
- Streamlined Engineering Experience with a Unified Software Suite: A unified software suite, including Studio 5000 Logix Designer® and FactoryTalk® Design Studio™*, helps streamline development, accelerate deployment and simplify workflows across the enterprise.
Key Features:
- Up to 80 MB user memory
- Integrated Dual 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports with CIP Security
- Expanded and scalable performance for motion and safety applications
- Higher performance for high availability process systems
- Integration with Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk platforms
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by Gary Mintchell | Feb 21, 2025 | Edge, Industrial Computers
We inhabit the early days of figuring out not only which AI (machine learning, large language models, voice, etc.) we need to deploy but also how to deploy it. Both remote servers (the cloud) and local edge servers have advantages and disadvantages.
Meanwhile, technology developers are busily devising upgrades to their systems that will enable those deployments.
This news comes from OnLogic, an edge computing technology developer.
OnLogic has launched the Axial AX300, a customizable edge server.
The company details a few advantages to local deployment.
The Axial AX300 empowers organizations to seamlessly move computing resources closer to the data source, providing significant advantages in performance, latency, operational efficiency and total cost of ownership over cloud-based data management. With its robust design, flexible configuration options, and advanced security features, the Axial AX300 is the ideal platform.
Features include:
- AI/ML inference and training: Leveraging the power of AI/ML at the edge for real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and improved decision-making.
- Data analytics: Processing and analyzing data generated by IoT devices and sensors in real-time to improve operational efficiency.
- Virtualization: Consolidating multiple workloads onto a single server, optimizing resource utilization and simplifying deployment and management.
Specs:
- Powered by up to two 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.
- Up to 7x single-slot or 4x dual-slot GPUs, enabling up to 5864 TOPS of AI performance. In addition a wide range of memory and storage options are available, accommodating a host of data management and analytics needs.
- Built-in security features such as locking front bezels, rear port-blocking attachments, and FIPS security level 1 and 2 compliance help protect valuable on-site data from tampering or intrusion. Onboard Intel Trust Domain Extensions (Intel TDX) offer increased confidentiality at the virtual machine (VM) level, while Intel Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) provide what Intel calls the most researched, updated, and comprehensive confidential computing technology in data centers on the market today.
- The Axial AX300 was engineered to thrive where data-center servers might struggle. Advanced dust filtration, hot-swappable fans, and robust thermal management help to ensure maximum availability.
- Shallow-depth 3U form factor. The system can also be installed in a tower orientation or wall-mounted. A license-fee free BMC enables remote monitoring and simplifies server management and maintenance.
- Leverage the company’s strong relationships with software providers including Avassa, AWS, Nodeweaver, Red Hat, Viso, ZEDEDA and many others to architect the ideal data management, virtualization, or AI solution for their specific needs.
by Gary Mintchell | Feb 11, 2025 | Industrial Computers
Ever since technicians and others wanted to take their iPhones into hazardous areas, technology developer companies have been making compute and communication products specifically for those areas.
This news comes from a seemingly unlikely pair—Pepperl+Fuchs and Rockwell Automation (identified in the press release by a product it acquired Automation Control Products in 2016—ThinManager).
This headline is marketing not at its best—being the first solution for a specific product:
Pepperl+Fuchs and ThinManager Unveil the World´s First ThinManager-Ready Tablet Solutions for Rugged and Hazardous Areas
Be that as it may, here is a tablet compute product specifically made for hazardous areas. That, in itself, makes it useful.
Pepperl+Fuchs and ThinManager – a Rockwell Automation technology – announced that they have partnered to provide operators and technicians an even easier and safer experience working with ThinManager software. Originally launched (sic) by Rockwell Automation more than 25 years ago, the ThinManager device management and content delivery platform is used by plant operators and maintenance technicians in manufacturing and process industries to centralize thin-client device management.
Together, Rockwell Automation and Pepperl+Fuchs now offer a complete portfolio of ThinManager-Ready products designed to meet the needs of any customer application. This includes everything from dedicated HMIs and industrial box thin clients to a newly introduced range of tablet products by Pepperl+Fuchs. The Tab-IND and Pad-Ex tablets are available with the ThinManager BIOS onboard and no other pre-installed OS. This allows users to boot firmware directly from ThinManager and transforms the tablets into centrally managed endpoints that provide mobile visualization for frontline workers—in harsh industrial and even hazardous environments. It also increases the cybersecurity of the solution. Pepperl+Fuchs offers hardware solutions for two application areas: non-hazardous and hazardous areas.
Tab-IND Features: (Non-Ex Areas)
- Available in 8” and 10” industrial-grade tablets with a bright, 700 and 800 cd/m2 display for outdoor use including glove and pen support
- Shortcut button and fingerprint sensor for fast authentication
- Rugged unit—designed for a life cycle of at least 5 years—offers extended -20 °C to 50 °C temperature range
- SmartBack technology allows easy USB accessory integration
- Accessories include scanner frames, docking stations, holders, and power supplies
Pad-Ex Features: (Hazardous Areas up to Class I, Div. 2 / Zone 2)
- 11” field mobile tablet and desktop PC with up to 8.5 hours of battery life
- Intel Core i5-1235U, 12 Gen processor with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory with NVMe, PCle and SSD
- Connects to a docking station via a 35-in. Pogo connector
- I/O ports include one Thunderbolt 4, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type A), one micro-HDMI, one audio in/out (combo jack), one microSD card (microSDXC), and one DC-in jack
- Supports 4G LTE / Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (802.11 ax), augmented reality, and Bluetooth 5.3
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 7, 2025 | Industrial Computers
Computing hardware has been part of my working life and study since the late 1970s. We incorporated PCs into automated assembly systems in the mid-1980s. Recently a publicist I’ve known for years signed on a new client that brings me back into computing technology innovations—Other World Computing (OWC). I’d never heard of the company only to discover the headquarters is located less than 30 minutes from my new home in northern Illinois.
I have successfully avoided the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) having had experiences exhibiting at the old COMDEX in Las Vegas. I am not there again this year. I do have news from CES by way of OWC. For you computer hardware junkies out there—enjoy.
OWC Archive Pro Now Includes Hedge’s Acclaimed Canister Software
Other World Computing (OWC) and Hedge announced a strategic partnership. Under terms of the agreement, every OWC Archive Pro purchase will now include a license for Hedge’s acclaimed Canister software for streamlined Linear Tape-Open (LTO) backups – a $399 value at no additional cost.
The alignment between OWC and Hedge addresses several critical challenges faced by professionals managing large volumes of data. As the demand for higher-resolution media and stringent compliance grows, organizations grapple with the complexity of securely backing up, archiving, and retrieving vast datasets. OWC Archive Pro, paired with Hedge Canister, simplifies this process with drag-and-drop functionality, automatic cataloging, and cross-platform compatibility, ensuring data preservation is fast, efficient, and reliable. This solution also mitigates risks associated with data sprawl, compliance failures, and operational inefficiencies, empowering users to focus on creative and business goals without compromising data protection.
The OWC Archive Pro Thunderbolt archiving solution for M&E pros, corporations, government branches, and small businesses seeking to preserve critical data, offers:
- A 577% ROI with up to 55% lower costs vs HDD storage
- Up to 18TB native and up to 45TB compressed storage capacity per tape cartridge
- Built-in IBM LTO-7, LTO-8, or LTO-9 drive options
- Up to 30-year tape longevity
- LTFS compatibility – archive files/folders with drag and drop ease
- Up to 300MB/s native, up to 750MB/s compressed transfer rates for fast tape creation
- Easy drag, drop, and retrieval of files with the included Hedge Canister archiving app
The Hedge Canister app offers:
- A canister filled to the brim with technology to ensure tapes are taxed as little as possible
- A canister that is at home on Windows just as well as on macOS – because all Hedge apps are crafted specifically for each OS, they make the most of what each OS has to offer
- Queuing – while transfers are running, keep queuing up new files and folders to be archived
- A Canister’s spanning engine that keeps track of your files across multiple tapes
- The all-new Library Manager — the only true drag-and-drop UI in the world for working with tape libraries
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 6, 2025 | Industrial Computers
Computing hardware has been part of my working life and study since the late 1970s. We incorporated PCs into automated assembly systems in the mid-1980s. Recently a publicist I’ve known for years signed on a new client that brings me back into computing technology innovations—Other World Computing (OWC). I’d never heard of the company only to discover the headquarters is located less than 30 minutes from my new home in northern Illinois.
I have successfully avoided the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) having had experiences exhibiting at the old COMDEX in Las Vegas. I am not there again this year. I do have news from CES by way of OWC. For you computer hardware junkies out there—enjoy.
OWC Unleashing Next-Level Performance, Connectivity, and Capacity for Creatives and Business Professionals
Other World Computing (OWC) announced its latest innovations: the OWC ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution – the next step in OWC’s TB5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. OWC also announced the general availability (GA) of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its unparalleled connectivity.
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is the answer to Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds in a portable solution. To be more specific, the biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive. Beyond that, it’s also considered a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with cutting-edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video). It’s the ultimate shuttle RAID for production use and the premium external editing drive for cutting-edge workflows.
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 will be available in March.
The OWC Active Optical Cable is the fastest, most powerful, and most reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb/s of stable bandwidth, up to 240W of power delivery, and up to 8K video resolution at up to 15 feet. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the 2-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings.
OWC Active Optical Cable – Key Features/Functionality:
- Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace
- Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long-distance
- Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
- Lab-certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (4.5M) to charge your devices quickly
- Supports high-resolution displays up to 8K, including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub
- Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub
Now generally available (GA), the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is the perfect compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now you can turn a single cable connection from your machine into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, you will redefine your productivity.
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub – Key Features/Functionality:
- Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
- Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
- No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility
- Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with any Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
- Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
- Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
- Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
- Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
- Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now generally available for $189.99
