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MassRobotics and Lattice Semiconductor Aim to Accelerate FPGAs in Robotics

MassRobotics and Lattice Semiconductor Aim to Accelerate FPGAs in Robotics

Robotics incubator MassRobotics and FPGA-leader Lattice Semiconductor join forces to advance the development of new-age robotics applications.


News Oct 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Loop-powered (Two-wire) Transmitters for Analog Sensors

Loop-powered (Two-wire) Transmitters for Analog Sensors

In this introduction to l​​oop-powered transmitters, also known as two-wire transmitters, we discuss operation, applications, and options for signal isolation, displays, digital data transmission, and mounting.


New Six-axis Robot Speeds Deployment With No-code Programming

New Six-axis Robot Speeds Deployment With No-code Programming

Epson has expanded its line of All-in-One robots to include a six-axis robot that uses new No-Code programming software and does not require an external controller or drive cabinet.


News Oct 26, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Most engineers are not intimidated by simple mathematics, but when designing mission-critical systems, it’s important to have easy access to reliable tools and calculators. Introducing our first new set of tools designed for control engineers.


News Oct 25, 2022 by David Peterson
Fatigue Failures in Amorphous Materials

Fatigue Failures in Amorphous Materials

Fatigue failures in amorphous materials have long been a bit of a mystery in the engineering and scientific fields, but new research is removing some of the mystery and may open up new applications for amorphous materials.


Highlights from AMR and Logistics Week 2022

Highlights from AMR and Logistics Week 2022

The latest innovations in autonomous mobile robot vehicle technology were displayed at the AMR and Logistics Week 2022 show and included presentations from Boston Dynamics and Amazon Robotics, certification program expansions from InOrbit, and faster handling from OTTO Motors.


News Oct 24, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation Online Textbook: The Best Just Got Better!

Control Automation is proud to announce updates to several chapters of our popular online textbook. Check out the improvements in the PLC, Feedback Control, and Power Generation sections.


News Oct 23, 2022 by David Peterson
Understanding Floating Point Numbers in PLC Programming

Understanding Floating Point Numbers in PLC Programming

There are three main types of numeric values that must be handled by a PLC: boolean, integers, and floating point. These last floating-point values can create the most confusion for programmers and technicians.


Manufacturing Technologies For Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs

Manufacturing Technologies For Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs

Amid global economic concerns, businesses are looking towards automation. Explore the emerging technologies helping make the future of manufacturing more cost-effective and productive.


News Oct 21, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the equipment manufacturer. Understanding why the robot crashed also helps prevent future failures.


AI-based Bin Picking Software for Collision and Singularity-free Sortation

AI-based Bin Picking Software for Collision and Singularity-free Sortation

KUKA and Roboception have partnered to bring AI to bin picking, creating a 3D vision system that helps identify objects accurately before AI is used to pick and place them.  


News Oct 19, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.


Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Copia reduces the strain of backing up automation code on the factory floor with their latest software release DeviceLink. This automated backup software makes use of the Git workflow and backup running code automatically.


News Oct 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Tracking the position of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is often accomplished at a basic precision level, detecting only end stop limits with discrete digital values… But what methods accomplish this?


CAN-to-fiber Converters for Long-distance Sensor Monitoring

CAN-to-fiber Converters for Long-distance Sensor Monitoring

Moxa releases a CAN bus to fiber optic converter for industrial automation and automotive applications, giving the CAN bus protocol a speed and distance boost.


News Oct 17, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
German State of Bavaria Invests in Security of AI and Autonomous Systems

German State of Bavaria Invests in Security of AI and Autonomous Systems

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems announced the start of construction of a new research facility at its Garching campus for safe intelligence research.


News Oct 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.


Warehouse Automation - Robotics, Digital Twinning, and AI on the Rise

Warehouse Automation - Robotics, Digital Twinning, and AI on the Rise

Warehousing and distribution are critical parts of the growing global supply chain, and as a means to meet the demands, automation is playing an increasing role in these operations.


News Oct 14, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.


Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Increasing motor speed is critical in many situations, but it also poses serious risks in both electrical and mechanical performance if not driven properly. Enter Rockwell Automation’s new PowerFlex 6000T.


News Oct 13, 2022 by David Peterson