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Understanding PLC Tags: Controller Scope vs. Program Scope

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.


Node-RED and a Low-Code Approach to Automation

Node-RED and a Low-Code Approach to Automation

Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on the computer? Take a look at Node-RED’s approach to low-code applications.


Industry Insights: The Challenges of Automating Data Centers

Industry Insights: The Challenges of Automating Data Centers

Data centers have been a focus of industrial automation in recent days. Control.com spoke with experts at Weidmuller to learn more about how control technology can solve data center challenges.


Rugged NT100 Industrial Switches Extend HMS Networks’ N-Tron Line

Rugged NT100 Industrial Switches Extend HMS Networks’ N-Tron Line

The new NT100 Series from HMS Networks offers durable, plug-and-play Ethernet switching with fibre options, wide temperature support, and certifications for demanding industries.


News Nov 20, 2025 by Bob Odhiambo
Pneumatically Actuated Exoskeleton Aims To Reduce Workplace Injuries

Pneumatically Actuated Exoskeleton Aims To Reduce Workplace Injuries

Researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington have created the Pneumatically Actuated Soft Elbow Exoskeleton (PASE), reducing muscle usage by 22% during lifting activities.


News Nov 14, 2025 by Seth Price
Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Workbench Simplifies Micro Control

Rockwell’s FactoryTalk Workbench Simplifies Micro Control

The new FactoryTalk Workbench from Rockwell streamlines programming, configuration, and diagnostics for Micro800 control systems.


News Nov 12, 2025 by Austin Futrell
What’s New at Autonics? A Look at Fiber Optic Units and Amplifiers

What’s New at Autonics? A Look at Fiber Optic Units and Amplifiers

The new fiber optics units, fiber optic amplifiers, and fiber optic amplifier communication converters offer system flexibility for a wide range of industrial applications.


News Nov 07, 2025 by Seth Price
What Is an HVAC System and What Role Do Control Systems Play?

What Is an HVAC System and What Role Do Control Systems Play?

Managing the climate inside a building is critical for both people and infrastructure. Managing the climate is the job of HVAC control systems, but what’s inside an HVAC system, and how do they work?


Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Methods of Precision Alignment: Mechanical, Laser, and Vibration Analysis

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.


Introducing Datalogic Connect, a Unified Platform for Datalogic Devices

Introducing Datalogic Connect, a Unified Platform for Datalogic Devices

The all-in-one IoT cloud platform serves as a centralized hub, built to improve visibility, configuration, and analytics across entire fleets of Datalogic devices.


News Nov 02, 2025 by Seth Price
Compact Balluff Laser Sensor Reaches 1.5 Meters With TOF

Compact Balluff Laser Sensor Reaches 1.5 Meters With TOF

Balluff’s latest BOD 6K laser distance sensor delivers accurate Time-of-Flight measurement and flexible IO-Link setup in a durable, compact form.


News Oct 31, 2025 by Austin Futrell
AutomationDirect Brings New CPUs, Embedded I/O, to Productivity PLCs

AutomationDirect Brings New CPUs, Embedded I/O, to Productivity PLCs

The Productivity1000 PLC lineup from AutomationDirect has been expanded with two new CPU modules, a mini PLC family that features digital and analog embedded I/O, and new software features.


News Oct 30, 2025 by David Peterson
Seco Launches Industrial-Grade HMI Powered by the Raspberry Pi CM5

Seco Launches Industrial-Grade HMI Powered by the Raspberry Pi CM5

The Pi Vision 10.1 Compute Module 5, a 10.1-inch industrial-grade HMI based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, is now available for preorder.


News Oct 30, 2025 by Bob Odhiambo
Grease to Green: Siemens’ Relays Get a Sustainable Spin

Grease to Green: Siemens’ Relays Get a Sustainable Spin

Envalior’s used cooking oil-based plastic gives Siemens’ 3RQ4 relays a greener edge, reducing carbon footprint and supporting circular design.


News Oct 27, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
Picture This: Balluff’s 5GigE Cameras See It All

Picture This: Balluff’s 5GigE Cameras See It All

Balluff introduces 5GigE Vision cameras designed for speed, flexibility, and integration across industrial and robotic inspection systems.


News Oct 23, 2025 by Austin Futrell
Compact Yet Capable: The UR18 Robot Steps Up Industrial Tasks

Compact Yet Capable: The UR18 Robot Steps Up Industrial Tasks

The UR18 robot delivers 18 kg payloads with a compact design, smart motion control, and enhanced safety for high-speed industrial automation.


News Oct 16, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
ABB Boosts India’s Energy Efficiency with New IE5 Motors

ABB Boosts India’s Energy Efficiency with New IE5 Motors

With a $17 million investment, ABB has expanded LV motor production to India, launching the country's first locally made IE5 ultra-premium efficiency motors.


News Oct 15, 2025 by Bob Odhiambo
Go With the Flow: Yaskawa’s iQpump605 Pumps Up Efficiency

Go With the Flow: Yaskawa’s iQpump605 Pumps Up Efficiency

The iQpump605 combines smart controls, flexible enclosures, and mobile connectivity to simplify setup and boost efficiency across pump systems.


News Oct 10, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell
SICK Launches Rugged Visionary AI-Assist Safety Sensor

SICK Launches Rugged Visionary AI-Assist Safety Sensor

The Visionary AI-Assist by SICK combines rugged 3D imaging, AI analytics, and CAN integration to prevent collisions in extreme conditions.


News Oct 09, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
Carlo Gavazzi Launches ATEX-Compliant Power Relay Series

Carlo Gavazzi Launches ATEX-Compliant Power Relay Series

The new CF/CS30 electromechanical power relays feature ATEX certification compliance, making them suitable for use in hazardous environments where flammable and combustible materials are used.


News Oct 08, 2025 by Seth Price