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An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

Banner Engineering has introduced an audible indicator to its existing family of modular, in-line light tower indicators to provide real-time audible alerts to operators.


News Jan 23, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Simplifying Mobile Robotics with Laser Localization Software

Simplifying Mobile Robotics with Laser Localization Software

Bosch Rexroth’s mobile robot orientation software, designed to enhance the integration of AGVs and AMRs in manufacturing plants, is now available in the US.


News Jan 22, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.


Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless potentiometers that come in different varieties with varying resistance ratings.


News Jan 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.


Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.


A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a robotic deployment solution that has been seven years in the making.


News Jan 16, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.


Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.


Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.


What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.


Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.


Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?


Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Timer Relay?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!


How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.


Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

Meet SWIFTI, the “First” Industrial Cobot

ABB looks to bridge the gap between industrial and collaborative robotics, resulting in the new SWIFTI CRB 1300 'industrial cobot,' capable of higher speeds and payloads than traditional cobots in its class.


News Dec 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Introducing the “Smallest PLC Ever” to the Market

Crouzet introduces the "slimmest PLC" to the industrial automation market. At only 17.5mm wide, the Millennium Slim is changing the way we think about control automation topology.


News Dec 19, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
How Does a Servo Motor Work?

How Does a Servo Motor Work?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?


Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.