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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
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
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
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
Introduction to Safety Light Curtains: Operation and Installation 

Introduction to Safety Light Curtains: Operation and Installation 

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage. Learn about safety curtains, how they are installed, and their programmable functions.


Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens breaks new ground by having a solid-state circuit breaker UL listed for residential, commercial, and light industrial use.


News Oct 12, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Doosan Robotics Partners with Air-Oil Systems to Integrate Cobot Solutions

Doosan Robotics Partners with Air-Oil Systems to Integrate Cobot Solutions

Continuing to expand its market reach, Doosan is teaming with Air-Oil Systems to distribute its popular M, H, and A-SERIES collaborative robots to customers in the Mid-Atlantic.


News Oct 12, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

We'll run through the eight basic steps for implementing a predictive maintenance strategy in your business to improve critical asset availability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced revenues over time.


ABB Ability Smart Sensor Now For Use With General Machinery

ABB Ability Smart Sensor Now For Use With General Machinery

ABB expanded its Ability Smart Sensor capabilities to allow customers to perform predictive and preventative maintenance for not only powertrain equipment, but now general machinery and industrial motors.


News Oct 10, 2022 by Gunner Scott
Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?


Banner Engineering Now Offering Industrial Cloud Data Services

Banner Engineering Now Offering Industrial Cloud Data Services

The newly released Cloud Data Services (CDS) from Banner Engineering is a web-based platform for collecting and storing data in a cloud-based system, providing users an affordable and efficient IIoT solution.


News Oct 04, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.


“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

KUKA announces the release of two new lightweight, long-reaching industrial cobots for flexible automation applications—the “big iisys.”


News Sep 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence releases new safety-rated interlock switches for monitoring and locking the position of guarding and fencing. Unlike traditional door switches, the GS-M series switches use electromagnetic technology.


News Sep 26, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.


Doosan Robotics Partners with Industrial Automation Supply to Expand Reach in US

Doosan Robotics Partners with Industrial Automation Supply to Expand Reach in US

In a boost for manufacturing across the Northeast US, Doosan has announced a partnership with Industrial Automation Supply as a reseller for the popular collaborative robot M, H, and A-SERIES models.


News Sep 14, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
KUKA Expands KR SCARA Series for Standard and Cleanroom Applications

KUKA Expands KR SCARA Series for Standard and Cleanroom Applications

KUKA adds to their product line of SCARA robots. SCARA robots are great for applications with fast, short movements. By adding to its SCARA lineup, KUKA is ensuring its foothold in the industrial robot market.


News Sep 13, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
End of Arm Tooling: Power Sources and Sensors

End of Arm Tooling: Power Sources and Sensors

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.