Sensors Insights: Bridging Hardware Collection and Software Analysis

The "old school" way was simple: a sensor sees a part, tells the controller, and the actuator moves. It was pure hardware logic, and it worked. But in today’s smart factories, that’s only half the story.

Modern sensors aren't just on/off switches anymore—they are eyes and ears, and sometimes even the brains, of the automation. However, surprisingly few engineers really understand both the hardware and software sides of machine data.

This FLUXUS G ultrasonic gas flow meter is an example of Emerson leadership in measurement instrumentation. Image used courtesy of Emerson

In this episode of the Moore’s Lobby podcast, Control.com’s David Peterson discusses sensors with Nils Beckmann, an expert with a background in both sensor hardware and IIoT software analytics. They explore the various solutions and best practices that ease the pathway to productively using sensor information.

Emerson has been a leader in measurement instrumentation for over 50 years. They have a broad portfolio of measurement and analytical instrumentation, software, integrated systems, and services.

Meet Nils Beckmann

In his role as Director of Engineering, Intelligent Automation at Emerson, Nils Beckmann brings extensive industry experience in Digital Transformation, IIoT, and Software across a wide range of applications in the discrete manufacturing industry. He leads globally distributed team that supports Emerson’s Discrete Automation group with hardware and software solutions designed to enhance productivity and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), while minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. The team also facilitates connectivity, AI and data analytics across all brands within the group.

Nils previously served in various positions across IT, software, data analysis, AI, product management, and development. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science from Fachhochschule Hannover.