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Tutorial: First PLC Program with a Beckhoff IPC

Tutorial: First PLC Program with a Beckhoff IPC

These days, the industrial PC (IPC) is changing the way that engineers approach control logic solutions. Learn how to set up a basic project in a Beckhoff IPC using structured text programming.


Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

Comparing SLC and ControlLogix PLCs: An In-Depth Review

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.


Balluff Simplifies Position Detection With New BMF T-Slot Magnetic Sensors

Balluff Simplifies Position Detection With New BMF T-Slot Magnetic Sensors

The new BMF line of T-slot magnetic sensors from Balluff is designed to bring simplicity and cost efficiency to non-contact position measurement for pneumatic cylinders and robotic grippers.


News Oct 03, 2024 by Seth Price
Banner Engineering Releases S15L Pro Series In-Line Sensor Status Indicator

Banner Engineering Releases S15L Pro Series In-Line Sensor Status Indicator

The new in-line sensor indicator from Banner Engineering is designed to help users facilitate easy-to-see visual machine status indication and troubleshoot automated systems.


News Sep 27, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Thanks to its compact design, Bihl+Wiedemann's newest addition to its family of ASi-5 counter modules offers manufacturers greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small-scale applications.


News Sep 26, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

Info Byte: Normally Open vs. Normally Closed: What Does It Mean?

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.


Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention has announced the release of an AI-based motion controller and compatibility between its automation platform and ABB cobots. Both moves are aimed at simplifying the use of robotics in manufacturing.


News Sep 25, 2024 by Seth Price
KUKA Expands KR Series of SCARA Robots To Include Higher Payloads

KUKA Expands KR Series of SCARA Robots To Include Higher Payloads

The latest KR SCARA robots feature not only increased payloads but also a flexible reach and high precision. The four-axis robots are suitable for various uses, expanding the series' application possibilities.


News Sep 24, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Advantech Unlocks Edge AI Power With Compact DIN-Rail Industrial PC

Advantech Unlocks Edge AI Power With Compact DIN-Rail Industrial PC

The latest edge-computing controller from Advantech leverages artificial intelligence to speed up control decisions. The controller can be integrated with a carrier stack for even greater edge AI capability.


News Sep 21, 2024 by Seth Price
Leuze’s Latest Inductive Sensors Feature Contactless Detection at Longer Ranges

Leuze’s Latest Inductive Sensors Feature Contactless Detection at Longer Ranges

The newest sensor series from Leuze provides users with the low-cost and compact design of inductive sensors while featuring up to a 40 mm switching distance for larger-range applications.


News Sep 18, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia Automation has expanded its list of supported automation software for its popular DeviceLink platform, which monitors factory automation software in real time for code changes and backups.


News Sep 17, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

Fundamentals of Grounding and Safety: Protecting People and Equipment

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.


Control Bits: A Roundup of Sizzling Summer Automation News

Control Bits: A Roundup of Sizzling Summer Automation News

Catch up on all the news from your favorite companies. We cover all the latest innovations in motors, sensors, robots, networking, and even some exciting company development news!


News Sep 11, 2024 by David Peterson
Researchers Optimize 3D Printing for Complex Designs With “Self-Improving” AI

Researchers Optimize 3D Printing for Complex Designs With “Self-Improving” AI

A team of researchers from Washington State University used artificial intelligence to manipulate 3D printing processes to make optimally designed models of kidneys and prostates.


News Sep 10, 2024 by Seth Price
All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.


Aerotech Expands Automation1 Motion Control Platform With Version 2.8

Aerotech Expands Automation1 Motion Control Platform With Version 2.8

Aerotech has released a new version of its popular motion control platform, Automation1, which includes new features for data acquisition, HMI visualization, and CNC machine features. 


News Sep 08, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Meet Astorino, Kawasaki Robotics’ Affordable Educational Robot Platform

Meet Astorino, Kawasaki Robotics’ Affordable Educational Robot Platform

Kawasaki Robotics' new educational robot has been designed to provide students and educators with affordable, hands-on learning to prepare for real-world industrial robotics applications.


News Sep 06, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Maintenance and Troubleshooting for 6-Axis Robot Arms

Maintenance and Troubleshooting for 6-Axis Robot Arms

Across every make and model of articulated robot, certain maintenance procedures must be followed as motion occurs. Failure to do so can often result in warnings, alarms, and even failure.


Yaskawa America Expands Offerings in GA800 AC Drive Product Lineup

Yaskawa America Expands Offerings in GA800 AC Drive Product Lineup

Yaskawa has expanded its GA800 variable speed drive product line to include drives and configured packages with power capabilities up to 1000 HP in a reduced footprint.


News Aug 31, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Nachi-Fujikoshi Expands Cobot Line-Up, Emphasizes Speed and Precision

Nachi-Fujikoshi Expands Cobot Line-Up, Emphasizes Speed and Precision

Nachi-Fujikoshi has released a 12 kg CMZ collaborative robot capable of motion speeds up to 1,000 mm/sec in collaborative mode and up to 3,000 mm/sec in non-collaborative mode.


News Aug 28, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich