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Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the FX3U-485-BD. You can control speed and monitor the system using ladder logic.


Robotics Growth Drives FANUC’s Major Michigan Investment

Robotics Growth Drives FANUC’s Major Michigan Investment

FANUC will invest $90 million in a new Michigan facility to expand U.S. robotics production and support growing North American demand.


News Apr 22, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.


Under Pressure? AutomationDirect Rolls Out Two Pressure Switch Series

Under Pressure? AutomationDirect Rolls Out Two Pressure Switch Series

The new AchieVe LPPS and S18-1C mechanical pressure switches deliver reliable pressure sensing in demanding industrial environments, supporting pressure ranges from 2 to 3,000 psig.


News Apr 18, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Cutting the Spin: Fluke Streamlines Alignment Work

Cutting the Spin: Fluke Streamlines Alignment Work

Fluke’s RotAlign Core and Elite improve shaft alignment with faster setup, real-time feedback, and reduced measurement errors.


News Apr 14, 2026 by Austin Futrell
Comau Teams with Reis Robotics to Expand Automation Reach

Comau Teams with Reis Robotics to Expand Automation Reach

A new partnership between Comau and Reis Robotics targets advanced automation with multi-robot control, real-time data processing, and scalable solutions.


News Apr 13, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
Data Centers, AI, and the New Control Playbook: Weidmüller’s Perspective

Data Centers, AI, and the New Control Playbook: Weidmüller’s Perspective

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security, environmental impacts, regulations, and more.


Maxolution MR P1600 Targets Heavy-Duty Mobile Robotics

Maxolution MR P1600 Targets Heavy-Duty Mobile Robotics

A new AMR from Maxolution combines high payload capacity, EtherCAT integration, and wireless charging for industrial automation.


News Apr 06, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
A Look at the Latest Sensors From Murata, EBE, and Endress+Hauser

A Look at the Latest Sensors From Murata, EBE, and Endress+Hauser

The new releases include a sensor for high-frequency vibration detection, a contactless sensor for foam detection, and an OEM-configured electromagnetic flowmeter for liquid cooling.


News Apr 05, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Fluke and Washington State University (WSU) Align Education With Industry

Fluke and Washington State University (WSU) Align Education With Industry

The continued Fluke-WSU partnership includes a donation of professional-grade equipment across five WSU campuses and the establishment of the Fluke Engineering Lab at WSU Everett.


News Apr 04, 2026 by Seth Price
Universal Robots Debuts AI Trainer with Real-World Feedback

Universal Robots Debuts AI Trainer with Real-World Feedback

With force-aware learning, UR AI Trainer enables robots to train using real-world data, improving automation performance.


News Apr 02, 2026 by Seth Price
Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Methods of Controlling Motor Speed With a VFD

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed values, digital or analog signals, or communication networks.


Flexiv Secures Investment to Advance Adaptive Robotics

Flexiv Secures Investment to Advance Adaptive Robotics

New funding will help Flexiv advance force-guided robotics and scale its collaborative robot solutions worldwide.


News Apr 01, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Compact BXI Drives Bring Precision Motion to Robotic Joints

Compact BXI Drives Bring Precision Motion to Robotic Joints

Faulhaber’s BXI Series integrates motor, gearhead, and encoder into a compact drive for precise, high-torque robotic joint movement.


News Mar 30, 2026 by Seth Price
Ethernet-Driven Energy Monitoring Arrives with EM600 Series

Ethernet-Driven Energy Monitoring Arrives with EM600 Series

Carlo Gavazzi’s EM600 Series transforms energy analyzers into connected, real-time system components with flexible integration options.


News Mar 27, 2026 by Austin Futrell
New ABB 500 X Sensor Targets Harsh pH and ORP Applications

New ABB 500 X Sensor Targets Harsh pH and ORP Applications

Built for demanding processes, ABB’s 500 X sensor resists fouling and provides real-time data through EZLink connectivity.


News Mar 25, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Pepperl+Fuchs Releases ATEX-Certified M12 Connectors

Pepperl+Fuchs Releases ATEX-Certified M12 Connectors

Designed for hazardous environments, these ATEX M12 connectors simplify installation while improving safety and reliability.


News Mar 20, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Explaining the Tech: Common vs. Isolated PLC I/O Modules

Explaining the Tech: Common vs. Isolated PLC I/O Modules

Learn the difference between common and individually isolated PLC I/O modules; how do we know when isolation might be helpful or required for outputs, inputs, and analog signals?


Inline Isolator Safeguards Modbus RTU Wiring

Inline Isolator Safeguards Modbus RTU Wiring

Banner Engineering’s S25GI galvanic isolator protects RS485 and Modbus RTU networks from EMI, ground loops, and power surges.


News Mar 06, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
ABB Expands Energy Software With SaaS OPTIMAX

ABB Expands Energy Software With SaaS OPTIMAX

A new cloud-based OPTIMAX platform helps businesses optimize energy use, cut emissions, and deploy advanced analytics faster.


News Mar 03, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida