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Connecting Motion to a PLC: A Complete Project

Connecting Motion to a PLC: A Complete Project

In this article, we’ll connect a Festo CMMT to a Rockwell CompactLogix PLC, and as a bonus, we’ll add an HMI to provide some basic on/off and positional targeting controls.


Mitsubishi Releases FR-D800 Series Compact, Next-Generation Inverters

Mitsubishi Releases FR-D800 Series Compact, Next-Generation Inverters

The FR-D800 series inverters aim to save users time, power, and physical space across applications. The inverters support both induction and permanent magnet motors and feature a USB-C connection so users can set parameters with ease.


News Apr 30, 2025 by Seth Price
Quickly Test Sensors With Carlo Gavazzi’s ST-04

Quickly Test Sensors With Carlo Gavazzi’s ST-04

Carlo Gavazzi’s ST-04 sensor tester offers quick, portable diagnostics for 3- and 4-wire sensors, helping reduce factory downtime and speed up integration.


News Apr 29, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
How Dexterity’s Mech is Changing Industrial Work Dynamics

How Dexterity’s Mech is Changing Industrial Work Dynamics

Dexterity’s Mech robot is designed for warehouses to support labor-heavy tasks, sparking discussion about how automation fits into the modern workforce.


News Apr 28, 2025 by Austin Futrell
Get a GRIP With Tape Measure Inspired Robotic Gripping

Get a GRIP With Tape Measure Inspired Robotic Gripping

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have designed a robotic gripper inspired by measuring tape. This gripping method has potential for use in agricultural applications, like soft fruit picking, and beyond.


News Apr 27, 2025 by Seth Price
Wireless Auto Switches and Fieldbus Systems: SMC Unveils Latest Solutions

Wireless Auto Switches and Fieldbus Systems: SMC Unveils Latest Solutions

SMC has released three new products aimed at reducing system wiring complexity while improving communication efficiency and flexibility in industrial automation systems.


News Apr 26, 2025 by Damond Goodwin
Schmalz Expands Area Gripping Flexibility With the FQE-V

Schmalz Expands Area Gripping Flexibility With the FQE-V

Introducing the FQE-V, the newest scalable vacuum gripper system from Schmalz. The FQE-V is designed to deliver safe, precise handling of various workpieces in manufacturing and logistics applications.


News Apr 25, 2025 by Austin Futrell
ABB Unveils GenAI Tools for Training and Maintenance

ABB Unveils GenAI Tools for Training and Maintenance

GenAI tools from ABB, such as Knowledge Vault and Measurement Assistant, improve workforce training, retention, and device maintenance through natural language support.


News Apr 25, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
The Automation PC 3200: B&R Builds a Future-Focused Industrial PC

The Automation PC 3200: B&R Builds a Future-Focused Industrial PC

B&R has released an updated version of its APC 3100 industrial PC that offers faster data storage and the latest intel chipset. The new APC 3200 has been designed to meet current and future industrial computing needs.


News Apr 24, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
SICK Launches SIG300 IO-Link Master With Logic Tools

SICK Launches SIG300 IO-Link Master With Logic Tools

Sensing leader SICK releases the SIG300 IO-Link master with eight ports, EtherCAT support, local logic processing, and high-output power for flexible, decentralized automation.


News Apr 24, 2025 by David Peterson
Baumer Introduces EB260 Encoders for Compact, Precise Motion Control

Baumer Introduces EB260 Encoders for Compact, Precise Motion Control

Baumer has released the EB260 bearingless rotary encoder with proprietary LowHarmonics signal processing technology, which enables auto calibration to eliminate signal errors caused by physical inconsistencies.


News Apr 23, 2025 by Damond Goodwin
Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a simple electric linear axis.


New 50 mm EHMD Grippers Bring More Power to Laboratory Automation

New 50 mm EHMD Grippers Bring More Power to Laboratory Automation

Festo expands its EHMD rotary gripper line with a 50 mm option and Z-compensation, enhancing lab automation in biotech, pharma, and diagnostics applications.


News Apr 22, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Learn how to segment your sequential control logic for easy troubleshooting using Step (STL) and Return (RET) commands in Mitsubishi PLCs.


From Trash to Tech: 3D Printing Is Transforming Waste and Robotics

From Trash to Tech: 3D Printing Is Transforming Waste and Robotics

Researchers are turning plastic waste into 3D printing filament and building walking robots straight off printers with no wires or assembly required.


News Apr 21, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell
Beyond ProcessBook & PI Vision: Exploring Today’s Industrial Analytics Tools

Beyond ProcessBook & PI Vision: Exploring Today’s Industrial Analytics Tools

It's no secret that industrial organizations have more data at their fingertips than ever before, which offers the promise of higher production rates, more consistent quality, and reduced costs through data-driven strategies. The most challenging obstacle for most businesses hoping to realize these promises centers around understanding the many tools used to harness this data effectively


Industry Webinars In partnership with dataPARC
ASCII Table Infographic

ASCII Table Infographic

A high-resolution version of the ASCII table for converting text and special characters into equivalent hex and decimal formats.


Non-Invasive Measurement With Emerson’s New Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Non-Invasive Measurement With Emerson’s New Ultrasonic Flow Meters

Emerson’s clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are designed for non-intrusive gas and liquid measurements. With nine models, the Flexim FLUXUS / PIOX 731 series is designed to meet a variety of application needs.


News Apr 20, 2025 by Seth Price
Banner Engineering Releases IC70 Series In-Cabinet IO-Link Hub

Banner Engineering Releases IC70 Series In-Cabinet IO-Link Hub

Accessing untapped I/O in IO-Link devices can save money on budget builds. Have a look at Banner Engineering’s new IC70 series in-cabinet IO-Link hub with sixteen configurable PNP channels.


News Apr 19, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Autonics PRFD-K Sensors Deliver Equal Metal Detection in Harsh Environments

Autonics PRFD-K Sensors Deliver Equal Metal Detection in Harsh Environments

Autonics’ PRFD-K sensors offer equal detection of iron and aluminum, rugged durability, and plug-and-play reliability for harsh, mixed-metal environments.


News Apr 18, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell