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Beckhoff Releases its New Modular Industrial Robot System

Beckhoff Releases its New Modular Industrial Robot System

Beckhoff showcases its latest modular industrial robot system at Automatica 2022, the ATRO, which features added link modules of different designs and dimensions, giving users the flexibility to meet their automation needs.


News Jul 10, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
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.


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
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.


Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.


Data from Control System to Cloud - Industry 4.0 Communication Protocols

Data from Control System to Cloud - Industry 4.0 Communication Protocols

Communication protocols are a key component for an industry 4.0 compliant facility and are used to enable communication back and forth between cloud servers to transmit data or receive instructions.


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.


Getting Starting with the HART Protocol for Sensing Instruments

Getting Starting with the HART Protocol for Sensing Instruments

The HART protocol enables instruments to send analog and digital signals over the same physical wire. This provides multiple advantages for remote configuration, increased accuracy, and more.


Nokia Advances Industrial Wireless Technology

Nokia Advances Industrial Wireless Technology

Nokia looks to enable industrial-grade wireless communication solutions that may be particularly useful in facility upgrades or agile manufacturing environments where laying new cable may not be feasible.


News Jun 10, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Emerson Showcases First Pneumatic Valve System with Integrated OPC UA at Automate 2022

Emerson Showcases First Pneumatic Valve System with Integrated OPC UA at Automate 2022

Emerson introduces its new AVENTICS Series Advanced Valve (AV) valve system with Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture at Automate 2022.


News Jun 08, 2022 by David Peterson
Ewon Launches New M2Web for PLC Data Access

Ewon Launches New M2Web for PLC Data Access

Remote access to equipment offers the benefits of both data visualization and remote programming ability for faster operation. Ewon’s recent announcement of the free M2Web offers remote access solutions.


News Jun 01, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.


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.


How-To: Implementing a Data Highway Plus (DH+) System

How-To: Implementing a Data Highway Plus (DH+) System

Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.


The Cat’s Out of the Bag - Demystifying Network Cables

The Cat’s Out of the Bag - Demystifying Network Cables

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.


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
Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.


Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.


News Apr 30, 2022 by David Peterson
Parker Hannifin Announces PAC Motion Controller and Modules

Parker Hannifin Announces PAC Motion Controller and Modules

Hydraulic component leader Parker Hannifin recently announced a new PAC motion controller and module series with web-based visualization for instant remote monitoring of up to 40 motion axes.


News Apr 28, 2022 by David Peterson
Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.


News Apr 26, 2022 by Seth Price