Siemens:
Founded in 1847 Siemens is a global engineering powerhouse who focus is on the areas of electrification, automation, and digitalization. They have expanded to over 200 regions worldwide; currently leading the world in producing energy-efficient, resource saving technologies and in 2014 generated revenues of €71.9 billion from continuing operations [1]. Some of Siemens businesses include; Power & Gas, Wind Power & Renewable, Power Generation, Process Industries and Drives, Healthcare, among various others.
PLC:
A PLC is a Programmable Logic Controller. It is an industrial computer control system that can continuously monitor the state of an input device and make decisions based upon a customized program to control the state of the output device [2]. Most PLC’s have the option to be programmed via 3 types of languages: Ladder Logic (LAD), Functional Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text Language (STL). Each has its pros and cons although with the option for these 3 many programmers with experience with text based languages can easily make the transition to PLC programming.
Gantry:
A gantry is a bridge-like frame 2 vertical pillar at either end of a horizontal rod creating an n shaped frame. An apparatus is usually attached to the vertical rode allowing it to move left and right with an X-Y type coordinate system also allowing up and down movement similarly to a common house hold printer. This type of device has a variety of applications which can be increased given a set of rails/wheels on the base to allow for a 3rd dimension of movement giving it an X-Y-Z coordinate system which is how these devices are most commonly produced. Some of these devices include: 3D Printing, Gantry Crane (sea container crane), CNC shape cutting, and Medial imagery [3].