Open Source Industrial Control: Turning 2,800 Tons of Metal with Python...

on YouTube ↗32m

" summary

An operational system uses Python and Flask on distributed Raspberry Pi CM4 controllers with celery + Redis, PMBus/smbus2, SCR gating and off‑the‑shelf power supplies to slow and index 2,800 tons of rotor mass to one thousandth of a degree. It replaces days of hazardous manual pushing with palletized Pelican cases, a browser UI, once‑per‑rev laser and rotary encoder mapping, and calibration routines. The prototype runs in the field, scales to multiple control boxes, and demonstrably reduces crew time and risk.

AI-written summary · about

" chapters (12)

1. 0:00Open source industrial control
2. 1:11Rotating machines at scale
3. 3:39Manual to stepper logic
4. 7:15Python and web apps vs PLCs
5. 10:50Hardware for modular systems
6. 13:58Control process walkthrough
7. 18:34Sensors for precise positioning
8. 22:29Future automation improvements
9. 24:35Insulation failure detection
10. 26:41Air gap measurement in real time
11. 27:23IT and OT asset management
12. 28:09Q&A

" related talks

• 30mBuilding versatile operating setups for real world use and testing with Python and the Raspberry PiJens Nie · PyCon DE & PyData 2025
• 16mPython in Smart FarmLex Bryan · Pycon PH 2017
• 29mPython for Hardware FolksAlec Delaney · PyOhio 2025
• 30mEmpowered by Python - A success storyJens Nie, Peer Wagner · PyCon.DE 2017
• 23mCreating Quality Control Dashboard using Python for Manufacturing IssuesHemant K Baxi · Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference + OSPOCon 2021
• 27mHow a major museum runs on PythonGreg Turner, Ali Haberfield, Simon Loffler · PyConline AU 2020
• 25mA website controlled Lego Robot using the Raspberry PiBrad Nielsen · PyConline AU 2020
• 33mSmart and Simple Data Driven Hydroponic Sensing Applications Using Python, Flask & Raspberry PiBethany Poulin · PyOhio 2018