Sensors Insights: Bridging Hardware Collection and Software Analysis

Sensors Insights: Bridging Hardware Collection and Software Analysis

Author: All About Circuits April 21, 2026 Duration: 56:31

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.

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. 

 


In the world of electronics, the real story is often found in the people who design, innovate, and push the boundaries of what's possible. Moore's Lobby: Where engineers talk all about circuits is a monthly podcast that goes beyond datasheets and schematics to explore the human element driving technological progress. Host Daniel Bogdanoff sits down with a diverse range of guests-from hands-on engineers and visionary technologists to the executives steering major organizations-for conversations that are as much about personal journey as technical achievement. Each episode delves into the practical engineering and the broader industry trends shaping our future, but always through the lens of the individual's experience. You'll hear firsthand accounts of breakthrough moments, the challenges of bringing complex ideas to life, and the philosophies that guide leaders in this demanding field. This podcast from All About Circuits connects a global community of professionals who share a deep curiosity for how things work and who makes them work. It’s a space for nuanced discussion that aims to inform, inspire, and provide genuine insight into the circuit-driven world we inhabit. The dialogue here is for those who appreciate the substance behind the innovation, offering a blend of technical depth and narrative that you can naturally integrate into your own perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Moore's Lobby: Where engineers talk all about circuits
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