Reviving Old Ideas with New Technology: Automation Research Group's Journey

Automation Research Group, a Philadelphia-based engineering and design company, was facing challenges in managing and transmitting data securely. With the advent of high-speed internet, data transmission became faster but also brought along security concerns. For some clients, having a private network tethered to a building was more secure than using WiFi or broadband internet connections. This led the company to revisit the idea of using power lines as an alternative to WiFi for data transmission. However, this method, while more secure, was slower and required specialized equipment. Additionally, the company was also struggling with managing parts for their custom-designed PCBs. The parts management was all in a local database and there was no way to determine if the parts were outdated.

Automation Research Group is a Philadelphia-based engineering and design company. They specialize in revisiting old ideas and adapting them to modern needs. One of their ambitious projects involves using power lines as an alternative to WiFi for data transmission, offering a more secure but slower method. The company also manufactures hardware devices, including controllers, smart thermometers, wheelchairs, Bluetooth data loggers, high-speed microarray printers, and more for clients across a wide range of industries. They serve a diverse clientele, including government agencies and large corporate clients, who value the company's innovative approach to data transmission and security.