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The Origin Story of the PLC

The Origin Story of the PLC

In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was developed. We’ll examine the early history of the PLC - not just the technology, but also the inspiration of the inventors as well.


Comparing Industrial Ethernet Protocols

Comparing Industrial Ethernet Protocols

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.


AGV Applications Utilize Luxonis Cameras With ams OSRAM Dot Projector

AGV Applications Utilize Luxonis Cameras With ams OSRAM Dot Projector

Luxonis has recently announced a partnership with ams OSRAM Group, to combine their individual technologies using OSRAM’s Belago 1.1 for its recent OAK-D Pro spatial AI camera.


News Feb 26, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Info Byte: What’s the Reason Behind Relay Terminal Numbering?

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?


RE2 Robotics Partners With JLG on Solar Field Construction

RE2 Robotics Partners With JLG on Solar Field Construction

How can RE2’s robotic arm and JLG equipment handle heavy payloads in the field?


NEC Develops AMR Control Technology Promoting Safety in Warehouses

NEC Develops AMR Control Technology Promoting Safety in Warehouses

Safety considerations of autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) benefit from control technology changes that consider uncertain factors of the environment around the device.


News Feb 17, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.


TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

TSN Ethernet Switches Enable Lower Latency Data Traffic Flows

Microchip Technology’s new family of switches increases the reliability of networks with higher speed components and Time-Sensitive Networking protocol conformity.


News Feb 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

Introduction to Industrial Network Gateways

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.


Emerson’s Edge Solutions Helps OEMs Implement IIoT and Edge Computing

Emerson’s Edge Solutions Helps OEMs Implement IIoT and Edge Computing

Emerson announces a new portfolio of solutions designed to address challenges and core issues control engineers face implementing edge computing for IIoT and Industry 4.0.


News Feb 05, 2022 by Sara McCaslin
Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Process Noise Sources and How to Fix Them

Noise signal sources occur primarily from radiofrequency interference (RFI), often in the form of impulse functions or arcing. How do you mitigate process noise from your control system?


Lockheed Martin Set to Open “Ultra-secure” IIoT-based Smart Factory

Lockheed Martin Set to Open “Ultra-secure” IIoT-based Smart Factory

As cybersecurity continues to be an important quality in aerospace and defense, Lockheed has plans for an “ultra-secure” smart factory. Can cybersecurity and IIoT go hand-in-hand?


News Feb 02, 2022 by Gunner Scott
Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Boolean Logic for Ladder Diagrams

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic as a base for their ladder diagrams. Learn the basics and structures for boolean logic.


An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

An Overview of AVEVA Solutions

AVEVA Solutions, formerly Wonderware, is a popular service that offers HMI, SCADA, and MES. How is each solution used in industrial automation?


Honeywell Updates OT Cybersecurity Portfolio by Adding Autonomous Deception Technology

Honeywell Updates OT Cybersecurity Portfolio by Adding Autonomous Deception Technology

Honeywell and security solutions provider Acalvio Technologies jointly announced a new solution to detect cyber attacks against operational technology (OT).


Symphony Industrial AI Advances Into Wearables by Acquiring Proceedix

Symphony Industrial AI Advances Into Wearables by Acquiring Proceedix

Symphony Industrial AI has acquired Proceedix, a move that will allow them to advance further into industrial wearables and expand their solutions for factory and plant processes.


News Jan 22, 2022 by Sara McCaslin
Mitsubishi Electric Pushes New Initiatives Toward Eliminating Black Boxes in AI Controls

Mitsubishi Electric Pushes New Initiatives Toward Eliminating Black Boxes in AI Controls

Mitsubishi Electric seeks to eliminate the black-box approach to AI controls—and takes steps toward establishing a more human-centric AI ethics policy.


News Jan 20, 2022 by Sara McCaslin
Automation Anywhere Expands Process Automation Solutions by Acquiring a Process Intelligence Company

Automation Anywhere Expands Process Automation Solutions by Acquiring a Process Intelligence Company

Data-driven performance has been on the tip of manufacturers' minds. Take a look at how Automation Anywhere is expanding its process automation.


News Jan 15, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Industry Leaders Strengthen Presence in Sustainable Energy

Industry Leaders Strengthen Presence in Sustainable Energy

GE Digital, Emerson, and Schneider Electric make strategic moves to help make energy more efficient and sustainable.


News Jan 13, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Latest PLC and Communication Technology From Phoenix Contact

Latest PLC and Communication Technology From Phoenix Contact

Automation supplier Phoenix Contact released several new PLC and communication technologies. What are they and how can they help control engineers?


News Jan 13, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich