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Node-RED: Accessing the Edge With a PLC Module

Node-RED: Accessing the Edge With a PLC Module

Machine designers and OEMs have several practical, economical options to achieve edge connectivity using Node-RED, one of which reduces complexity by using traditional modular PLC control.


Festo CECC-AX Combines PLC Control and Python for Lab Automation

Festo CECC-AX Combines PLC Control and Python for Lab Automation

Designed for life sciences, Festo’s compact CECC-AX controllers automate liquid dispensing, sample transfer, and preparation while supporting Python and PLC control.


News 12 hours ago by Seth Price
Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

This guide examines common ladder logic structures and presents the equivalent structured text representation, mainly intended as a learning guide for those getting started with ST.


Beijer Electronics Nexto XF Combines PLC Control With Linux OS

Beijer Electronics Nexto XF Combines PLC Control With Linux OS

The Nexto XF from Beijer Electronics supports up to 1,000 PID loops in under 2 ms, with modular I/O, Linux, Docker containers, and industrial connectivity.


News Oct 16, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics Pave the Way for Autonomous Robotic Delivery in the UK

Deliveroo and Coco Robotics Pave the Way for Autonomous Robotic Delivery in the UK

Coco Robotics provides autonomous delivery in London and five other UK towns, and Deliveroo brings its customers its first robotic delivery service.


News Oct 15, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
Driving VFDs | What Does the S-Curve Parameter Mean?

Driving VFDs | What Does the S-Curve Parameter Mean?

Accelerating motors is a tricky topic, with profiles ranging from step inputs to polynomials. Which profile is the best choice, and why?


Banner Engineering Adds Sound to Its SD50 Status Display for Plants

Banner Engineering Adds Sound to Its SD50 Status Display for Plants

With 12 tones, a 77 dB alert, and multicolored status LEDs visible from 10 meters, Banner Engineering’s SD50 helps operators react to production events.


News Oct 13, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
AutoStore Updates Aim to Remove Autonomous Operation Barriers

AutoStore Updates Aim to Remove Autonomous Operation Barriers

Fall 2026 advancements introduce multi-sized bin picking, Robotics-as-a-Service for smaller businesses, and AI-powered design tools to simplify fulfillment center automation.


News Oct 13, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

Encoders rely on high-speed outputs supplying signals to a PLC. Learn why these signals cannot be interchanged at will, and some best practices for preventing false rotational counts.


Rockwell Brings Expertise to Anthropic’s Cybersecurity Project

Rockwell Brings Expertise to Anthropic’s Cybersecurity Project

Through Project Glasswing, Rockwell Automation will use Anthropic’s Claude Mythos 5 AI model to find vulnerabilities and help make industrial systems more resilient.


News Oct 11, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
New LM3S Electric Cylinders Give SEW-Eurodrive More Linear Force

New LM3S Electric Cylinders Give SEW-Eurodrive More Linear Force

The third-generation LM3S from SEW-Eurodrive adds up to 26 kN of force, strokes to 1,200 mm, flexible motor integration, and reduced routine maintenance.


News Oct 10, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Epson Introduces Six-Axis Robot Built for Safe, Intuitive Human Interaction

Epson Introduces Six-Axis Robot Built for Safe, Intuitive Human Interaction

The Epson AX6 offers compact six-axis automation with no-code or Python programming and integrated safety features for collaborative applications.


News Oct 09, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Cognex Unveils Vision Systems for Logistics and Semiconductors

Cognex Unveils Vision Systems for Logistics and Semiconductors

New Cognex vision systems help logistics operators scan bottom-side barcodes and semiconductor makers improve wafer and panel traceability and throughput.


News Oct 08, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Pilz Unveils IO-Link Safety Light Curtain and Multi-Function Radar

Pilz Unveils IO-Link Safety Light Curtain and Multi-Function Radar

The PSENopt II Advanced light curtains feature OSSD and IO-Link Safety operating modes, while the PSENradar live combines presence detection, counting, and tracking in a single sensor.


News Oct 07, 2026 by Seth Price
Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder logic is the legendary industrial graphical programming language that once resembled electrical drawings, but it has advanced far beyond a collection of digital electrical symbols.


Your Plant Floor: Can Diagnose Issues in Seconds, But Fix in Days

Your Plant Floor: Can Diagnose Issues in Seconds, But Fix in Days

Edge devices can spot plant problems fast but rarely fix them. Keep MQTT as the device interface and add a NATS backbone for local storage, two-way commands, and autonomous recovery.


Banner Engineering Introduces Machine-Mountable RSr Safety Relay

Banner Engineering Introduces Machine-Mountable RSr Safety Relay

Banner Engineering’s RSr remote safety relay offers high-current safety switching for machines. It features IP65/IP67 protection, an 8 A output, and requires no programming.


News Oct 04, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Sanyo Denki Adds EtherCAT to New Multi-Axis Stepping Drivers

Sanyo Denki Adds EtherCAT to New Multi-Axis Stepping Drivers

Sanyo Denki's new Sanmotion F stepping drivers combine two- or four-axis control with EtherCAT, delivering up to 17% more torque and 20% less vibration.


News Oct 03, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): ABB Releases e-Device Robot Interface

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): ABB Releases e-Device Robot Interface

With e-Device, users can now operate and program ABB OmniCore-powered industrial robots using their own computers or tablets.


News Oct 02, 2026 by Seth Price
SMC AC Adapter Makes Bench Testing M12 Devices Easier for Techs

SMC AC Adapter Makes Bench Testing M12 Devices Easier for Techs

Designed for automation technicians, SMC’s AC adapter provides a prewired M12 connection and up to 1 amp of output for quick device setup and diagnostics.


News Oct 01, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich