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Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

Siemens Debuts Updated PLC: The S7-1200 G2

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the S7-1200 G2, demonstrated at Hannover Messe, contains an array of new features.


News Apr 16, 2024 by David Peterson
What Is a ‘Valve Spool’ and How Do Spool Valves Work?

What Is a ‘Valve Spool’ and How Do Spool Valves Work?

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do they look like inside, and how do these ‘valve spools’ actually work?


Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Rockwell Makes Automation Look Easy With Updates to ArmorBlock 5000

Integrators and machine builders can automate and maintain systems with greater ease thanks to Rockwell Automation’s enhanced firmware and features for the ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link device series.


News Apr 15, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Third Dimension Noncontact Gauging Solution Now Available for Fanuc Cobots

Third Dimension Noncontact Gauging Solution Now Available for Fanuc Cobots

Fanuc's CRX collaborative robots can now be integrated with Third Dimension's peripheral device, Vectro2, a plug-and-play noncontact gauging solution for metrology and process control.


News Apr 12, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

Using a PLC to Track Data Within Automated Equipment

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.


LUTZE Debuts New LCIS2/3 Relay Series With Double-Pole Contacts

LUTZE Debuts New LCIS2/3 Relay Series With Double-Pole Contacts

LUTZE has introduced twelve new units in the new LCIS 2 and LCIS 3 relay series that come with either 1, 2, or 4 changeover contact sets, all while maintaining a compact design.


News Apr 11, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Take a Look Inside a Research and Demo Lab at Epson Robotics

Take a Look Inside a Research and Demo Lab at Epson Robotics

Recently, the Control.com engineering team had the opportunity to visit the R&D demo lab facility for the robotics division of Epson, located in Los Alamitos, CA. Come learn how the magic happens!


Object Detection With a Touchscreen: The New W10 Sensor from SICK

Object Detection With a Touchscreen: The New W10 Sensor from SICK

SICK recently launched the W10, a touchscreen sensor that includes selectable operating modes, a durable stainless steel housing with IP69K protection, and IO-Link functionality.


News Apr 09, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Accelerate PLC Ladder Logic Learning with New Arduino Starter Kit

Accelerate PLC Ladder Logic Learning with New Arduino Starter Kit

Tackling a growing need for education in industrial automation, Arduino has launched a starter kit for PLC learning based on the new Opta, the PLC IDE, and hardware to integrate I/O devices.


News Apr 08, 2024 by David Peterson
New Solid-State Relay From Carlo Gavazzi Optimized for DC Loads

New Solid-State Relay From Carlo Gavazzi Optimized for DC Loads

Rapid switching of load devices requires solid-state components, like the new SSR from Carlo Gavazzi, designed for 3 A loads up to 60 V, targeted for key applications in vehicle electrification.


News Apr 08, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?


Fraunhofer Develops AI-powered Cobot Inspection Workstations for Production

Fraunhofer Develops AI-powered Cobot Inspection Workstations for Production

To combat the time-consuming and error-prone manual visual inspection of parts, Fraunhofer has helped design a cobot workstation that utilizes artificial intelligence and an IoT platform for inspection.


News Apr 04, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Breaking: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Taiwan

Breaking: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Taiwan

The largest earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan around 8:00 local time on Wednesday, April 3rd. Emergency response reports loss of life and major impacts to infrastructure and industry.


News Apr 03, 2024 by David Peterson
Easily Integrate Smart Sensor Networks: Banner’s New IO-Link Hubs

Easily Integrate Smart Sensor Networks: Banner’s New IO-Link Hubs

Save space and time with Banner Engineering’s new R130C and the R95C series IO-Link hubs. These hubs allow customers to connect up to 16 sensors or actuators for wider network signal distribution.


News Apr 03, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.


Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.


Next-generation AI-vision Software: Micropsi Industries Launches MIRAI 2

Next-generation AI-vision Software: Micropsi Industries Launches MIRAI 2

Micropsi Industries has released its latest AI-driven machine vision software, MIRAI 2. Built on earlier generation software, MIRAI 2 boasts new features focused on reliability and scalability.


News Apr 02, 2024 by Seth Price
Precise Motion With New Servos and Drive Units From Oriental Motor

Precise Motion With New Servos and Drive Units From Oriental Motor

Oriental Motor recently released the new AZX series of servo motors and drives, designed to deliver higher speeds and torque than the previous product line.


News Apr 02, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Object Detection With a Lower Investment: Balluff’s New BGL Fork Sensor

Object Detection With a Lower Investment: Balluff’s New BGL Fork Sensor

The new BGL fork sensor series by Balluff eases the entry into automated object detection. The cost-effective sensors are easy to install and configure for assembly line and work cell automation.


News Apr 01, 2024 by Seth Price
How Is Your Code Backed Up? Maximizing DevOps in Industrial Automation

How Is Your Code Backed Up? Maximizing DevOps in Industrial Automation

Shifting from manual code backup processes to more modern, automated solutions can provide more benefits to manufacturers, far above simply the time saved compared to manual techniques.