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Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching. Check out some of the innovative factory automation and robotic solutions to be demonstrated on the show floor.


News Feb 01, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Understanding Power Quality, Monitoring, and Correction  

Understanding Power Quality, Monitoring, and Correction  

Power quality is an increasing concern for manufacturers all over the world as electrical equipment becomes more advanced and therefore sensitive to discrepancies in the supplied power.


Researchers Point to Ultrasonics and Microfluidics to Add Small-scale Capability to Robots

Researchers Point to Ultrasonics and Microfluidics to Add Small-scale Capability to Robots

ETH Zürich has developed a method to move small amounts of fluid using ultrasonic energy, giving micro-scale robots untapped capabilities in and outside of the laboratory.


News Jan 31, 2023 by Seth Price
Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

Introduction to Modbus and Modbus Function Codes

Modbus is one of the oldest industrial communication protocols still in use today. Continue reading to find out how the protocol works and how to use it for monitoring and control.


Extreme Power, Compact Design: KUKA Introduces Double Link Arm Robots

Extreme Power, Compact Design: KUKA Introduces Double Link Arm Robots

Compact, cost-effective, and climate friendly. KUKA has announced the release of its latest range of heavy-payload industrial robots designed with a double link arm for high inertia environments.


News Jan 30, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
 Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

Creating 3D Maps in Real-time: Teledyne’s Improved Time of Flight (ToF) Sensor

Teledyne e2v has released the Hydra 3D+, a 3D ToF CMOS image sensor capable of improved performance over previous 3D sensing devices.


News Jan 27, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and Analog I/O Tutorial 2

Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and Analog I/O Tutorial 2

Learn how to install and program analog modules into Rockwell’s hardware and software environments using a CompactLogix PLC and Studio 5000.


Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Rugged and Reliable: Belden Unveils Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) Portfolio

Belden’s Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) devices provide users reliable and fast network connection for safe and efficient operation and are designed to survive rugged environments while using less material.


News Jan 25, 2023 by Seth Price
Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.


An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

An Audible Alert Indicator For In-line Use with Tower Lights

Banner Engineering has introduced an audible indicator to its existing family of modular, in-line light tower indicators to provide real-time audible alerts to operators.


News Jan 23, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.


Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless potentiometers that come in different varieties with varying resistance ratings.


News Jan 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.


Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.


A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a robotic deployment solution that has been seven years in the making.


News Jan 16, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.


Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.


What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.


Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.