Latest Building Articles

Categories

Understanding PLC Tags: Controller Scope vs. Program Scope

Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.

one day ago by Shawn Dietrich

Engineering Editorial Perspective: 2023 Top Trends in Automation

What are some of the most recent developments making waves in the world of robotics and automation? Learn about a few trends with some editorial thoughts about the future of the technology for end users.

one day ago by David Peterson

Connectors Used in Industrial and Robotic Cable Termination

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved in automation applications for cable-to-cable or cable-to-device termination.

2 days ago by Simon Mugo

New OnLogic Edge Server Promises to Convert Raw Data into Real Value

OnLogic has recently released a new edge server built on Intel’s 13th-gen i-series processors, ready to harness the processing power of technology for increased power and efficiency on the shop floor.

2 days ago by Shawn Dietrich

Highlights and Photos from Automate 2023

Join Control Automation for a review of the show highlights and a special feature of some exciting booths visited on the last and final day of the Automate trade show. Excited for the next year of innovation!

4 days ago by David Peterson

Field Input and Output Blocks From Allen-Bradley

Rockwell Automation has released an IO-Link master with configurable ports designed for harsh, on-machine environments with the ability to connect both discrete and IO-Link field devices.

May 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.

May 25, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Covering all the Latest Control Technology: Automate 2023

The second day of Automate 2023 in Detroit was a huge success! The Control Automation engineering and sales team met with a number of companies to discuss and explore the exciting, innovative demonstrations.

May 25, 2023 by David Peterson

Introduction to System Dynamic Responses

System dynamics is primarily concerned with understanding complex systems’ behaviors over time. Mathematical and computer models can help identify responses before turning to costly real-world experiments.

May 24, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Intrinsic Partners With Comau for Testing and Improving Flowstate Robotics Software Platform

Alphabet’s Intrinsic has partnered with Comau for testing and continued development of its Flowstate robotics programming and software package.

May 24, 2023 by Seth Price

Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and greatest technology rocking the world of robotics and industrial automation!

May 24, 2023 by David Peterson

Voice Commands for Robot Programming? Konica Minolta’s New CoboVox

Starting as an exciting novelty that has gained a foothold in many consumer technologies, voice control has struggled with industrial traction, but Konica Minolta has a new method of programming robotics.

May 23, 2023 by David Peterson

Automate 2023 Is Kicking Off! Showcasing the “World’s First Cobot Spot Welder” and Other Automation Feats

Automate 2023 has begun! This year’s trade show features some exciting new technologies, including automation solutions from Universal Robots, Bosch Rexroth, and DENSO Robotics.

May 22, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Mitsubishi Invests in Clearpath Robotics to Realize Smart Factories of the Future

Mitsubishi Electric has announced its investment in Clearpath Robotics, owner of OTTO Motors, to bolster AMR adoption for full factory automation and realize smart factories of the future.

May 21, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida

Emerson Creates Power Supply Solution Specifically Designed For IIoT

Emerson's SolaHD has created a communication module that brings IIoT capabilities to its SDN-D power supplies to help monitor systems for abnormalities to reduce costly downtime.

May 19, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Fluke Releases Stand-alone Thermal Imager For Extreme Environments

Fluke has introduced the space-saving, stand-alone ThermoView TV30 Thermal Imager for temperature control and monitoring in harsh industrial settings, doing away with connecting to vulnerable PCs.

May 18, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida

Phoenix Contact Unveils Latest in Communication and Automation

Phoenix Contact has unveiled its latest products and solutions in industrial communication, connection, and automation for greater efficiency and ease of use among users.

May 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Building a Temperature Controller Simulator Using OpenPLC and an Arduino

Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!

May 16, 2023 by Dr. Don Wilcher

Gas, Smoke, and Fire Sensors for Industrial and Commercial Applications

We see smoke detectors on a daily basis in every house and building we visit, but the same sensor elements, and others, can be used to detect the presence of harmful gasses and heat in all industries.

May 16, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Understanding Wire Color Codes for Industrial Electrical Applications

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?

May 15, 2023 by Seth Price