Latest Building Articles

Categories

Allen-Bradley PLCs - A Hardware History

Allen-Bradley PLCs - A Hardware History

Credited with coining the name ‘PLC’, Allen-Bradley and parent company Rockwell Automation are major players in the world of control systems. Learn how the hardware platforms have evolved into the familiar modern configurations.


End-to-End Automation Solutions: What Does That Mean?

End-to-End Automation Solutions: What Does That Mean?

Many companies offer automation solutions that work from the beginning to the end of a process. Not the progress of the product through the facility, but rather hardware from the shop floor to the cloud level and everything in between. We highlight here some solutions from Emerson and Bosch Rexroth from Automate 2022.


News Jun 09, 2022 by David Peterson
Podcast: Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Podcast: Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen is a self-described robotics geek who now runs one of the world’s leading collaborative robot (cobot) companies where they strive to develop robots for the 98% of the market that doesn’t yet know they need them.


News Jun 07, 2022 by Dale Wilson
OnRobot Releases New Palletizing System for Collaborative and Industrial Robots

OnRobot Releases New Palletizing System for Collaborative and Industrial Robots

Using a combination of software, gripper, lift mount, and loading station, the OnRobot Palletizer is a flexible, customizable option for all kinds of robot types and pallet-loading scenarios.


News Jun 03, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Invertek Drives Expands its German Operations into the DACH Region

Invertek Drives Expands its German Operations into the DACH Region

Invertek, a global manufacturer of VFDs for single and three-phase motors, announces its investment plans for growing business in Germany and expanding operations into other areas in Europe.


News Jun 01, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Understanding PLC Program Commands: Timers

Understanding PLC Program Commands: Timers

The timer is a fundamental function of ladder logic programming. In this article, we discuss on- and off-delay as well as retentive timers and define the inputs and outputs required to properly use them.


Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.


Using AWS Greengrass and SageMaker Tools to Detect Manufacturing Defects

Using AWS Greengrass and SageMaker Tools to Detect Manufacturing Defects

This article discusses Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon SageMaker and AWS IoT Greengrass, and how their capabilities at the edge can impact machine learning use cases such as defect defection.


Variable Frequency Drives: Managing Network Outage Responses

Variable Frequency Drives: Managing Network Outage Responses

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.


Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News May 18, 2022 by David Peterson
Visualizing Noise with Seven Bel’s Sound Scanner P132

Visualizing Noise with Seven Bel’s Sound Scanner P132

Seven Bel’s “sound camera” visualizes sources of physical sound to detect and isolate problems within industrial equipment, pinpointing and identifying trouble spots for predictive maintenance solutions.


News May 17, 2022 by Seth Price
DHL Pilots Robotic System to Increase Distribution Efficiency and Accuracy

DHL Pilots Robotic System to Increase Distribution Efficiency and Accuracy

Robotic sorting systems allow DHL to increase speed and accuracy for customers, but in a recent interview with Control Automation, we learned about some key exciting accomplishments of the new system.


News May 16, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
SGN and ULC Technologies Unveil World’s First Robotics Roadworks System

SGN and ULC Technologies Unveil World’s First Robotics Roadworks System

SGN and ULC Technologies introduce their all-electric autonomous robot for road and infrastructure repair, the Robotic Roadworks and Excavation System, which is set to begin UK trials in Epsom, Surrey.


News May 16, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics Meeting Global Demand for AMRs

MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics Meeting Global Demand for AMRs

MOV.AI and Lannar Electronics collaborate to provide an integrated computing and software platform to speed up mobile robot development and deployment.


News May 06, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.


Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

Siemens SIMATIC PLCs - Hardware History

In the first article of this series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup.


US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

US DoC Appoints 27 Board Members to the National AI Committee

The United States Department of Commerce has appointed 27 new members to the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC).


News Apr 27, 2022 by Seth Price
Rugged Robotics Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

Rugged Robotics Awarded $9.4 Million for Autonomous Construction Technology

Rugged Robotics receives $9.4 million in Series A funding led by BOLD Capital Partners and Brick & Mortar Ventures to develop and deploy floor layout marking robots for construction projects.


News Apr 25, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?


Introduction to Safety Relays

Introduction to Safety Relays

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?