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Differences and Relationship Between IT and OT in Industrial Facilities

Differences and Relationship Between IT and OT in Industrial Facilities

We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software we use in our own homes and offices are mostly IT. But when it comes to industrial workplaces, the rules are different.


Sinking vs. Sourcing for Control System Modules - Explained

Sinking vs. Sourcing for Control System Modules - Explained

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms sourcing and sinking (often abbreviated source and sink) are among the more confusing ratings found on I/O module datasheets. Part 1 of a 3-part series.


Yaskawa Cobots Switch Between Collab / Non-Collab Modes

Yaskawa Cobots Switch Between Collab / Non-Collab Modes

Yaskawa announces new features on the release of the latest collaborative robot models - the ability to toggle between standard and collaborative operating modes.


News Feb 24, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software

In this article, learn about the key features and benefits of some of the most popular PLM applications in the market.


Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


Introduction to ABB Robot Programming Language

Introduction to ABB Robot Programming Language

ABB robots are programmed using the RAPID language. Learn the basic structures and definitions of the robot catalog and the language in part 1 of this 2-part series.


All About Base-2 on this Tuesday, 2/22/2022

All About Base-2 on this Tuesday, 2/22/2022

Every day has historical significance - it will never happen again. But more importantly, today contains a lineup of a LOT of 2’s. Is there a better day to talk about the language of computers and PLCs, base-2?


News Feb 22, 2022 by David Peterson
Insights into Nontraditional Digitized Facilities of the Modern Age

Insights into Nontraditional Digitized Facilities of the Modern Age

Globally recognized companies and pioneering start-ups offer up technological stepping stones toward non-traditional digitized facilities required for Industry 4.0 operations.


News Feb 22, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Calibrating Digital Twins With Operational Data Optimizes Efficiency

Calibrating Digital Twins With Operational Data Optimizes Efficiency

Data feedback loops create a closed-loop digital twin (CLDT) driving increased operational efficiency and improved design iteration progress.


Presidents Day, and the Link Between Politics and Manufacturing

Presidents Day, and the Link Between Politics and Manufacturing

In honor of Presidents Day, we take a rare editorial dive into politics to examine just a few of the ways the government drove industry in the 20th century.


News Feb 21, 2022 by David Peterson
RE2 Robotics Partners With JLG on Solar Field Construction

RE2 Robotics Partners With JLG on Solar Field Construction

How can RE2’s robotic arm and JLG equipment handle heavy payloads in the field?


What is Statistical Process Control (SPC)?

What is Statistical Process Control (SPC)?

Learn how statistical process control (SPC) can provide a foundation for decisions used to reduce waste and increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.


Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

Introduction to Allen-Bradley Data Highway (DH) Networks

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.


Introduction to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Introduction to Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.


NEC Develops AMR Control Technology Promoting Safety in Warehouses

NEC Develops AMR Control Technology Promoting Safety in Warehouses

Safety considerations of autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) benefit from control technology changes that consider uncertain factors of the environment around the device.


News Feb 17, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


Emerson Debuts Noise Silencer to Help Protect the Industrial Workforce

Emerson Debuts Noise Silencer to Help Protect the Industrial Workforce

Emerson announces the release of its new noise suppression device, the Fisher WhisperTube Modal Attenuator, for protecting industrial workers.


News Feb 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
What Do “Smart” Technologies Actually Include?

What Do “Smart” Technologies Actually Include?

Technology advancements have provided us with terms that can seem foreign and confusing. Learn the definition of some of the important concepts that provide better efficiency for industrial manufacturing systems.


How Do Coils Reduce Waste and Increase Sustainability in Thin Sheet Metal?

How Do Coils Reduce Waste and Increase Sustainability in Thin Sheet Metal?

An interview with Andrea Dallan of Dallan S.P.A. highlights the advantages of using coiled metal instead of sheet metal, as well as improving overall efficiency in manufacturing.


News Feb 15, 2022 by Seth Price
TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

Microchip Technology’s new family of switches increases the reliability of networks with higher speed components and Time-Sensitive Networking protocol conformity.


News Feb 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich