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Python Tutorial Part 5 | Data Structures: Tuples

Python Tutorial Part 5 | Data Structures: Tuples

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and dictionaries, tuples do serve some handy use cases where immutability is a critical requirement.


Tutorial: First Program With Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Platform

Tutorial: First Program With Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext Platform

Learn how to get started with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext and Engineer software, a platform that ultimately provides a PLC environment for plant control as well as an OS for more advanced IIoT projects.


Researchers Develop Automated System for Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing

Researchers Develop Automated System for Wind Turbine Blade Manufacturing

NREL researchers have brought robotics to post-molding operations in wind turbine blade manufacturing with a degree of success, sparking hope for automation and U.S.-based manufacturing in the wind energy industry.


News Jun 10, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
KEB Debuts Asynchronous 3-Phase Low-Voltage High-Power Motors

KEB Debuts Asynchronous 3-Phase Low-Voltage High-Power Motors

The new DM160 motors are highly configurable and offer users an efficient space-saving design providing up to 36 kW with IP65 ratings for many different industrial applications.


News Jun 10, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Introducing Weintek’s Latest Compact, Standard Human Machine Interface

Introducing Weintek’s Latest Compact, Standard Human Machine Interface

Weintek has added a new device to its compact cMT X series of human machine interfaces (HMIs). The new HMI brings intuitive features and enhanced functionality to users.


News Jun 08, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Python Tutorial Part 4 | Data Structures: Dictionaries

Both lists and dictionaries can retain structured data in Python. The dictionary is unique in that it stores individual entries with human-readable logical names rather than index numbers.


Phoenix Contact Releases Caparoc Power Module With EtherNet/IP Interface

Phoenix Contact Releases Caparoc Power Module With EtherNet/IP Interface

Customers will now be able to communicate via EtherNet/IP on their Caparoc circuit breaker system with the release of the new EtherNet/IP power module.


News Jun 06, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Logic at the Sensor Level: Can it Simplify Automation?

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?


The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

The Beginner’s Guide to Automation: Adding Control to the System

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?


Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Mitsubishi PLC Tutorial: Program and Display Strings In Ladder Logic

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series.


Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Enhanced Analog Sensing With New Compact 5000 HART I/O Modules

Rockwell PLC users can more easily integrate field-level analog HART devices with two new modules designed for the popular 5380 CompactLogix platform.


News Jun 03, 2024 by Austin Futrell
ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and Others Launch Edge Interoperability Initiative for Automation Ecosystems

ABB, Rockwell Automation, and other top industrial automation companies have come together to develop an open standard for interoperability between hardware and software in the industrial space.


News May 31, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

Python Tutorial Part 3 | Data Structures: Lists

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’


Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Understanding Sensors with Timer Functions: Applications and Advantages

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process controls to ease the strict requirement for an external, clock-based logic CPU.


Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

Converting DC to AC: Basic Principles of Inverters

This article investigates the basic principles of inverters, different types of DC-to-AC conversion, and common applications for generating AC voltage in manufacturing.


New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

New I/O Modules for AutomationDirect’s Productivity PLC Series

The new additions include a high-current relay output for the Productivity1000 and 2000 series and a TTL input and output for the Productivity2000, allowing interface with systems of varying voltages.


News May 27, 2024 by David Peterson
Control Techniques and KB Electronics Join the Nidec Family

Control Techniques and KB Electronics Join the Nidec Family

Nidec has added two more drive manufacturers, Control Techniques and KB Electronics, to its list of brands, increasing product availability and support for all things that rotate.


News May 24, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Driving DC Motors: Rectifiers vs. Pulse-Width Modulation

Driving DC Motors: Rectifiers vs. Pulse-Width Modulation

Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider not just the motor, but also the electrical supply and the environment.


Autonics Launches LSE3 Series LiDAR Sensors for Accurate Object Detection

Autonics Launches LSE3 Series LiDAR Sensors for Accurate Object Detection

Autonics has released its newest series of LiDAR sensors for object detection in industrial and commercial settings. The laser scanners feature a 90-degree detection angle and up to a 10 x 10 m detection area.


News May 23, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

Python Tutorial Part 2 | Basic Data Types

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.