Oh My Gosh, I Know What Siemens Is Going To Do With SSE!
Siemens Technology Train Rolls into Grand Central Station
"Exider," a 1,000-ft. train specially outfitted with an array of products and demonstrations from Siemens Energy & Automation, made a stop in New York City's Grand Central Station in March. The 14-car train is traveling coast-to-coast giving U.S. manufacturers a first-hand look at some of the most advanced manufacturing processes available. On the train, there are more than 40,000 Siemens products, systems and solutions on view. Here are some of my observations from my tour when the train stopped at Grand Central Station.
As impressive as Grand Central Station is, the Exider sleek, blue train also carried an impressive amount of information displayed on 224 plasma screens supplemented by 189 DVD players, four servers, nine miles of electrical cables, and almost two miles of data lines. There was even a "virtual reality" type of introduction to the exhibit, with flashing lights, film, sound and a "moving" floor. The individual cars featured demonstrations of how modern automation technology is transforming the industrial workplace. Simulated application examples showed how Siemens products are used in the pharmaceutical, chemical and automobile industries.
One of the most interesting exhibits showcased a virtual golf ball factory. An entire train car was given over to featuring Siemens products and systems that can be used to automate the manufacturing process from production and storage, to material handling and packaging. Actual golf balls were sent spinning through pneumatic tubes from one end of the car to the other, to simulate products traveling through the manufacturing process. The end result was a perfectly packaged golf ball (a great souvenir!).
Other cars on the Exider train showcased themes such as process and discrete manufacturing, machine tool components, commercial and residential power distribution, and engineering services. In the process automation car, visitors pass through a tube with process planning steps demonstrated in animated video installations. In another car, a simulated control room allows visitors to oversee an entire production process in realistic detail.
Highlights of the technology train included how to achieve Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) by using Siemens products to reach higher manufacturing speeds, tighter machine integration and safer production environments. Two of the cars focused on OEM solutions featuring the latest in electric and automation components, and a Safety Integrated exhibit with products for industrial safety technology.
For facility managers and engineers, two cars highlighted Totally Integrated Power, a new concept being introduced in the U.S. The concept brings cost savings to the design, installation and operation of plant facilities in the areas of power distribution, power management and building technology services.
Each car was a profusion of lights, animated video screens, informational signs, interactive exhibits and multi-media product demonstrations -- all explained by Siemens technology experts. The train experience coupled with the technology presentations made this a unique product exhibit.
On its global tour, the Exider traveled thousands of miles across Europe and China before crossing the Pacific Ocean by ship and plane on its way to the States. After stopping in several cities in the U.S., the train will travel to Mexico and then head north for the rails of Canada. The Exider technology train confirms Siemens commitment to the U.S. market and their confidence in the U.S. economy, according to Aubert Martin, president and CEO of Siemens Energy & Automation. "While some multinationals hint about exiting the U.S. market, we believe in U.S. manufacturing and are committed to this market for the long run," says Martin.
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