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Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?


Newly Released: Exclusive Control.com Robotics Textbook

Newly Released: Exclusive Control.com Robotics Textbook

The engineering team at Control.com has written a brand-new textbook section explaining the fundamentals of robotics, explaining the most recent innovations in industrial, collaborative, and mobile robots.


News Jul 14, 2023 by David Peterson
Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why would we use VLANs, and how can you segment a network switch to create a VLAN?


Automating Wire Labels With the New IDENTCO VortexID

Automating Wire Labels With the New IDENTCO VortexID

IDENTCO announced the release of the new VortexID, promising reliable label application on wires, cables, and wiring harnesses, solving several challenges regarding speed and flexibility of marking.


News Jul 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Last year, Beckhoff created the MX-System for cabinetless automation control, and has recently updated the power supply modules to be compatible with drives, robotics, and conveyance devices.


News Jul 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
ABB’s Newest Additions to the Robot and Cobot Families

ABB’s Newest Additions to the Robot and Cobot Families

ABB has added several new industrial and collaborative robots to its automation catalog, intended primarily to meet growing production demands in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) markets.


News Jul 09, 2023 by Seth Price
Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

Basic Structured Text Programming in Mitsubishi PLCs

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to use structured text to write executable programs for MELSEC’s FX series PLC.


Mechanisms Used in Robotic Compliance Devices

Mechanisms Used in Robotic Compliance Devices

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of compliance devices are used, and what distinct advantages are held by each?


Leuze Offers New Ultrasonic Sensors for Position and Fill Applications

Leuze Offers New Ultrasonic Sensors for Position and Fill Applications

Leuze released the HTU200 and DMU200 series of ultrasonic sensors, providing accurate distance measurements designed for a variety of industrial production applications.


News Jul 04, 2023 by Seth Price
Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

Math and Comparison Commands In Mitsubishi’s FX and Q Series PLCs

Mathematical operations are essential in PLC programming as they help in creating an argument output that is based on proportionality and numbers. Learn how to implement mathematical operations in FX and Q Series PLCs.


ABB Robotics Introduces Partner System To Speed Project Development

ABB Robotics Introduces Partner System To Speed Project Development

ABB recently announced the deployment of the partner ecosystem which offers packaged ABB and B&R automation solutions to help reduce integration and design time.


News Jun 28, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Tutorial | First Program Using Rockwell’s Micro800 Series PLC

Tutorial | First Program Using Rockwell’s Micro800 Series PLC

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!


Leuze Develops New TL 305 Tower Light Indicator Series

Leuze Develops New TL 305 Tower Light Indicator Series

Tower lights can offer vital information about automated cell status from a distance via visual cues. Leuze has announced the TL 305 series of tower lights to provide robust, customizable indicator options.


News Jun 27, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
MIRAI: Using AI to Detect Variances and Improve Robot Operations

MIRAI: Using AI to Detect Variances and Improve Robot Operations

Even small variations (routing, light, part deformation) in robotic operations can pose huge challenges. I discuss with the CTO of Mocropsi Industries, Dominik Boesl, how AI is advancing robot accuracy.


News Jun 26, 2023 by David Peterson
Understanding Robotic Force Compensators and Compliance End Effectors

Understanding Robotic Force Compensators and Compliance End Effectors

Force compensators and force compliance end effectors can expand the capabilities of traditional robotics to reach into difficult processes, ranging from grinding and alignment to precision measurement.


Automatica 2023: TM Robotics Showcases Complete THE SCARA Robot Range

Automatica 2023: TM Robotics Showcases Complete THE SCARA Robot Range

Have you seen the complete THE range of SCARA robots from Shibaura Machines? TM Robotics will reveal the entire series for the European audience at the upcoming Automatica 2023 trade fair in Germany.


News Jun 21, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on single-phase motors. Can these types of motors be reversed, and if so, how?


Banner Expands Light Curtain Lineup With New Easy-To-Install Devices

Banner Expands Light Curtain Lineup With New Easy-To-Install Devices

Banner Engineering has added the new S4B light curtain lineup to improve light curtain functionality for customers with tricolor LED alignment and preventative maintenance capabilities to reduce downtime.


News Jun 20, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.


CIP Safety and Its Applications to Robotic Installations

CIP Safety and Its Applications to Robotic Installations

Industrial robots are becoming safer and more economical by utilizing safety signals over Ethernet networks via CIP safety technology.