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How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

How to Program a Robot: Industrial Robotic Arm Coding Basics

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?


Industrial Robot Cells: Designing for Safety and Effectiveness

Industrial Robot Cells: Designing for Safety and Effectiveness

Robot cells make for an efficient automation process, reduce labor costs, and increase worker safety. Learn about the common features, components, and safety requirements of industrial robot work cells.


Siemens Brings the Industrial Metaverse Another Step Closer

Siemens Brings the Industrial Metaverse Another Step Closer

Siemens acquires Senseye and expands its partnership with NVIDIA to establish an industrial metaverse where digital twin technology takes center stage, shifting the metaverse hype into a manufacturing reality. 


News Jul 15, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
UL Listed Devices For Industrial Automation

UL Listed Devices For Industrial Automation

UL Listed devices are certified as safe within North America, specifically, the US. Learn about the importance of UL Certification and the key role it plays in industrial automation.


Arduino Pro LoRaWAN Industrial Gateways

Arduino Pro LoRaWAN Industrial Gateways

Arduino has made the leap from the maker world to the industrial sector by combining its smooth user experience with RAKwireless' industry expertise to provide LoRaWAN connection capable of advanced IoT applications.


News Jul 14, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding Centralization vs Decentralization of PLCs

Understanding Centralization vs Decentralization of PLCs

Centralized control systems are often seen as outdated compared to decentralized systems; however, both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing which one to use in manufacturing. 


Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

Negative Effects of Grounding (Earthing) a DC Power Supply

DC voltage systems exist to provide controllers and field devices with stable power, but it is not always clear when these systems should be bonded with the earth ground of the AC line voltage supply.


Accessible Automation: ABB’s OmniVance Machining Cell and Software

Accessible Automation: ABB’s OmniVance Machining Cell and Software

ABB’s new OmniVance Machining Cell and Machining Software drastically reduce setup and reconfiguration time through auto calibration and path tuning advances, making automation more intuitive than ever. 


News Jul 08, 2022 by Seth Price
Singularity in Robotics: What Is It and How Can We Avoid it?

Singularity in Robotics: What Is It and How Can We Avoid it?

Singularity in robotics can be problematic for programmers and manufacturers alike. We will investigate the cause of singularities and how prevention can be considered in the design of a robot cell. 


Understanding PLC Program Commands: Comparison Instructions

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Comparison Instructions

​​​​​​​We will show you how to recognize, utilize, and efficiently operate your comparison instructions in Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 and Automation Direct’s Productivity Suite to make your program flow smoothly.


Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the important hardware elements that define a PLC, regardless of its size or purpose.


Control Automation Launches PLC Tutorial Video Series

Control Automation Launches PLC Tutorial Video Series

Watch our 'Introduction to PLCs' series by our very own Control Automation engineering staff. Join us for the YouTube premier LIVE event on Wednesday, July 6th with a Q&A from the video author and engineer.


News Jul 05, 2022 by David Peterson
Balluff Introduces I/O Module with the Protection of CIP Safety 

Balluff Introduces I/O Module with the Protection of CIP Safety 

The newly-announced CIP Safety I/O Module from Balluff supports CIP Safety specifications over an Ethernet network, providing a platform for safety device distribution directly on the machine center.


News Jul 03, 2022 by David Peterson
Additive Automation: 3D Printing Robots

Additive Automation: 3D Printing Robots

Achieving precision in 3D printing with industrial robots has been difficult with typical programming software. 3D CAD/CAM software opens up the possibilities of industrial robot additive processes. 


News Jul 01, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

Working With Legacy Systems—Why Use Serial to Ethernet Converters?

One common challenge when working with legacy control systems is establishing communication with old devices that use old protocols like RS232 and RS485. Learn about the importance of converting from serial to Ethernet.


ABB Introduces New Motor Solutions at EASA Convention

ABB Introduces New Motor Solutions at EASA Convention

ABB showcased its latest innovative motor solutions at the EASA Convention in Saint Louis, Missouri on June 26-28. The motors are designed to operate in harsh industrial environments, with different options available to fit customers' changing needs. 


News Jun 30, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
The Journey of a Product through the Smart Logistics Cycle

The Journey of a Product through the Smart Logistics Cycle

Industry 4.0 impacts all parts of the value chain, including logistics, which makes smart logistics a key aspect of digital transformation. In this article, learn about the smart logistics cycle and selecting the right components for the tools needed.


KUKA Creates a Stir at Automate 2022 with its Latest Technologies

KUKA Creates a Stir at Automate 2022 with its Latest Technologies

KUKA introduces its latest technology and software advancements at the Automate 2022 show, including robotic friction stir welding and 3D bin picking solutions.


News Jun 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Predictive Maintenance: Defect Analysis Using Electrical Current

Predictive Maintenance: Defect Analysis Using Electrical Current

Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial manufacturing by remotely identifying problems with electric motors and generators.


Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In our Control.com video tutorials, we will share information, experience, and tips for working with PLCs—from the hardware, to the wiring, to the programming logic of inputs, outputs, and communication processes.