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Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Robot Motion Command Types: Understanding Linear, Joint, and Arc Movement

Programming robots may seem like a simple task of moving from point to point, like a really expensive game of Connect the Dots. Linear, joint, and circular motion commands affect robot movement differently, each meant to be used in certain settings.


Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?


Rockwell Expands Support and Features for Studio 5000

Rockwell Expands Support and Features for Studio 5000

Rockwell Automation released a new version of Studio 5000 Logix Designer with process automation in the spotlight. Industry 4.0 and digital twin features have also been added.


News Dec 27, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!


Snowbotics: Paving the Way for a Shovel-free Holiday

Snowbotics: Paving the Way for a Shovel-free Holiday

With snow piling up in many parts of the world this holiday season, the use of robotic and autonomous technologies are being used to pave the way on driveways and runways for a shovel-free snow season.


News Dec 23, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Holiday Woes? Robotic and Automation Technologies Can Help!

Holiday Woes? Robotic and Automation Technologies Can Help!

Crying loud for all to hear? For many, holidays can be a stressful time. Luckily, you can ease your woes with the help of the latest robotic and automation technologies to get gifts under the tree and cookies on the table.


News Dec 22, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.


Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

ABB looks to bridge the gap between industrial and collaborative robotics, resulting in the new SWIFTI CRB 1300 'industrial cobot,' capable of higher speeds and payloads than traditional cobots in its class.


News Dec 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Crouzet introduces the "slimmest PLC" to the industrial automation market. At only 17.5mm wide, the Millennium Slim is changing the way we think about control automation topology.


News Dec 19, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
How Does a Servo Motor Work?

How Does a Servo Motor Work?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?


Beyond the Factory Floor—Robots for the Retail Sector

Beyond the Factory Floor—Robots for the Retail Sector

DOBOT has launched its Nova Series of collaborative robots for the area of retail to help with customer-oriented tasks like coffee making and physical therapy.


News Dec 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Counters with OpenPLC: Count Down Instructions on an Arduino Project Kit

Counters with OpenPLC: Count Down Instructions on an Arduino Project Kit

Counting is a fundamental task for any process controller. Learn how to implement a PLC counter instruction (CTD) with an Arduino or compatible board using the OpenPLC Ladder Diagram (LD) platform.


Compact and Contamination Free: A Hygienic Line of Servo Actuators

Compact and Contamination Free: A Hygienic Line of Servo Actuators

Mechanical devices can harbor environments that encourage the growth of bacteria, which is why designing hygienic equipment is crucial for sterile production lines. Enter WITTENSTEIN's newest servo actuators.


News Dec 15, 2022 by Seth Price
Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.


Allied Opto 22 groov Rio | New Product Intro

Allied Opto 22 groov Rio | New Product Intro

Opto 22’s groov RIO is a remote Ethernet I/O for industrial internet and automation applications.


Industry Videos Dec 14, 2022 by RS
Control.com Celebrates 2022 and Looks Toward the New Year!

Control.com Celebrates 2022 and Looks Toward the New Year!

Join us as we celebrate the end of 2022 and look toward the new year! Check out our most popular articles of the past year, what you may have missed, and what you can expect to see in 2023.


News Dec 14, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
Servo Motor vs Stepper Motor: Understanding the Differences

Servo Motor vs Stepper Motor: Understanding the Differences

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is the difference between the two, and which is the right choice?


A Wider Variety of Signal Options Within a Single I/O Module

A Wider Variety of Signal Options Within a Single I/O Module

Beckhoff released a 12-channel, multi-functional expansion module with special configurable features such as an encoder input, a PWM output, and an up/down counter for a variety of signal options.


News Dec 13, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Using Frequency Filters for Control Systems

Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need frequency filters in industrial automation and where they are commonly found.


Arduino Releases Official PLC IDE for Machine Control Platforms

Arduino Releases Official PLC IDE for Machine Control Platforms

At Control.com, we’re PLC and machine enthusiasts, but we are also makers at heart. This recent announcement by Arduino is ready to make waves and break boundaries in control cabinets around the world!


News Dec 12, 2022 by David Peterson