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Ladder Logic for the Arduino Opta PLC: Creating Your First Program

Ladder Logic for the Arduino Opta PLC: Creating Your First Program

Arduino’s Opta mini PLC platform is supported by the new PLC IDE. Learn to create and download your first program and take advantage of built-in I/O for an easy introduction to the platform.


High Torque Hägglunds Quantum Motors Now Available Through Rexroth

High Torque Hägglunds Quantum Motors Now Available Through Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth’s new Hägglunds Quantum motors offer high torque at high efficiency—fit for use on mobile machinery, such as construction or mining equipment, or in stationary processing facilities.


News Apr 05, 2023 by Seth Price
A Hands-on Walkthrough of MQTT Protocol Using the paho-mqtt Open Source Library

A Hands-on Walkthrough of MQTT Protocol Using the paho-mqtt Open Source Library

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using nothing more than your local machine and some simple Python programming.


New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

Fischer Connectors has released several new series of heavy-duty cable layouts, allowing reliable fastening of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and USB 3.2, as well as offerings for combined data and fluid connection.


News Apr 04, 2023 by David Peterson
Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Leveraging IIoT and Energy Measurement Tools for Machine Optimization

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?


Power Reliability in the Cloud: ABB’s SmartTracker for UPS Systems

Power Reliability in the Cloud: ABB’s SmartTracker for UPS Systems

Track energy data and monitor trends remotely with ABB’s new SmartTracker software and hardware solution to monitor UPS system health, operation, and optimization from a secure, cloud-based platform.


News Apr 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Lasers and Their Uses in Sensing and Object Detecting

Lasers and Their Uses in Sensing and Object Detecting

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.


What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?


Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.


A Look at Additive Manufacturing and Its Potential In Production

A Look at Additive Manufacturing and Its Potential In Production

3D printers have come a long way over the years, but can we really expect to see them on the factory floor, taking the place of large machining centers? What benefits and challenges does printing offer to manufacturing?


Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.


News Mar 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.


Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.


ABB Adds IEC Frame Options to Award-winning Family of Motors

ABB Adds IEC Frame Options to Award-winning Family of Motors

ABB has expanded its line of Baldor-Reliance EC Titanium motors designed for HVAC and pumping systems to include IEC frame types, making the award-winning product lineup even more flexible for customer applications.


News Mar 16, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA has begun a portfolio-wide transition to a subscription model, expecting 80% of clients to be switched over by 2025. With the transition, clients can expect to see quicker ROI, reduced costs, and the latest in software.


News Mar 16, 2023 by Seth Price
Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?


Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401 IPC with expanded I/O and faster CPU/GPU capabilities, all in a rugged, fanless enclosure.


News Mar 14, 2023 by David Peterson
Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.


Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich