Category: AI and Machine Learning

What is Machine Learning?

What is Machine Learning, Simply?

Machine learning, or rather the idea machines can learn to ‘do’ without an explicit set of instructions (programming), has been the basis of many movies where humans end up getting the short end of the deal. But is machine learning truly that dire?

Unlikely. Machine learning, which is a subcategory of artificial intelligence, is simply a way for machines to imitate intelligent human behavior. It’s a type of data analysis that allows programs to learn via experience in order to complete complex tasks, much like humans problem-solve. This type of learning typically breaks down into two specific types: deep learning and reinforcement learning. But what’s the difference?

Deep Learning

Deep learning is essentially what you see in any young child as they start to understand that while chickens are birds, not all large birds are chickens. It is based upon the ability to classify both the common features (in this case: feathers, beaks, wings, etc) as well as the uncommon features that separate each grouping from each other (sound, size, feather pattern, beak length). This kind of hierarchical feature learning stacks multiple layers of learning nodes as observed data from one layer produces new outputs that are then fed to a higher level.

In deep learning, the machine begins with raw data that must then be sorted into relevant and irrelevant subsets. The machine, exposed to more data, improves over time. This is similiar to how a baby learns.

Reinforcement Learning

Meanwhile, reinforcement learning relies more on trying out slight variations of a problem. As results occur (favorable and unfavorable) data sets change until the best outcome emerges. This is reminiscent of “The Good Place” as Michael tries to create a better version of his neighborhood.

Reinforcement learning uses a closed-loop algorithm where each action receives feedback in a trial-in-error process until the best action is determined.

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The Winding History of Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation is one of the biggest industrial automation companies in the world. But a little over a century ago it began as a small company devoted to one product started on a $1,000 investment.

The infographic below will give you many of the highlights, but the company has continually grown through other beneficial acquisitions,mergers, and divestitures as well. This includes

  • Allen-Bradley’s acquisition of Robotronics S.A. from Matra S.A. in 1985. Robotronics S.A. was active in robot vision. (1)
  • Allen-Bradley’s acquisition of the Electronics Corporation of America in 1986 for $99 million. The Electronics Corporation of America was based in Waltham, Mass. and manufactured electronic combustion sensors and photoelectric controls. (2)
  • Allen-Bradley’s acquisition of Creonics in 1990. Creonics created motion control products (3)
  • Allen-Bradley’s acquisition and partnership with Metal Leve Controles Eletronicos in 1992 The company specialized in electromechanical industrial control products. (4)
  • Rockwell’s acquisition of Reliance Electric for 1.6 billion dollars in 1994. The company focused on motors, drives, and mechanical drive components. Rockwell also buys ICOM and Controlware around this time. (5,6,7)
  • Rockwell International acquisition of California’s Intecolor Corp in 1997. The privately held company, which built high-performance computer monitors and industrial workstations, was purchased for an undisclosed amount. (8)
  • Rockwell’s acquisitions of Dynapro and EJA Engineering in 1999. Dynapro designed HMI interface software, while EJA specialized in industrial Automation safety components. (9,10)
  • Rockwell’s acquisition of several software companies, including Datasweep in 2005, GEPA in 2006, Incuity in 2008, and ACP in 2016. (11,12,13,14)
  • Rockwell merges Allen-Bradley with Electro-Craft, moving all motion control products under the Allen-Bradley name. (15)
  • Rockwell divested itself of Reliance Electric, selling the power systems business to Baldor Electric in 2006 for $1.75 billion in cash and $50 million in stock. (5)
  • Rockwell’s expansion of its MES (manufacturing execution systems) offerings with the acquisition of Interwave in 2003 and MESTECH Services in 2019. (16,17)
  • Rockwell’s move into advanced technologies with the acquisition of vMonitor in 2013, Jacobs Automation in 2014, Odos Imaging Limited in 2017, Emulate3D in 2019, and AvNet in 2020. (18)

Rockwell Automation
Download a high-quality PDF version of this Infographic below.
Rockwell-AutomationDownload

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