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Engineering Editorial Perspective: 2023 Top Trends in Automation

Engineering Editorial Perspective: 2023 Top Trends in Automation

What are some of the most recent developments making waves in the world of robotics and automation? Learn about a few trends with some editorial thoughts about the future of the technology for end users.


News May 31, 2023 by David Peterson
Connectors Used in Industrial and Robotic Cable Termination

Connectors Used in Industrial and Robotic Cable Termination

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved in automation applications for cable-to-cable or cable-to-device termination.


Highlights and Photos from Automate 2023

Highlights and Photos from Automate 2023

Join Control Automation for a review of the show highlights and a special feature of some exciting booths visited on the last and final day of the Automate trade show. Excited for the next year of innovation!


News May 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Field Input and Output Blocks From Allen-Bradley

Field Input and Output Blocks From Allen-Bradley

Rockwell Automation has released an IO-Link master with configurable ports designed for harsh, on-machine environments with the ability to connect both discrete and IO-Link field devices.


News May 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

Developing Standardized Practices for PLC Programming

Any kind of computer programming can be challenging to determine what aspects are truly unique versus what aspects should be standardized across projects and platforms to streamline future development.


Covering all the Latest Control Technology: Automate 2023

Covering all the Latest Control Technology: Automate 2023

The second day of Automate 2023 in Detroit was a huge success! The Control Automation engineering and sales team met with a number of companies to discuss and explore the exciting, innovative demonstrations.


News May 25, 2023 by David Peterson
Introduction to System Dynamic Responses

Introduction to System Dynamic Responses

System dynamics is primarily concerned with understanding complex systems’ behaviors over time. Mathematical and computer models can help identify responses before turning to costly real-world experiments.


Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and greatest technology rocking the world of robotics and industrial automation!


News May 24, 2023 by David Peterson
Pneumatic Cylinders Used for Industrial Automation

Pneumatic Cylinders Used for Industrial Automation

Engineers face a common challenge of moving objects from one point to another, especially in a production line. This article will introduce the pneumatic cylinder as used in industrial automation.


Automate 2023 Is Kicking Off! Showcasing the “World’s First Cobot Spot Welder” and Other Automation Feats

Automate 2023 Is Kicking Off! Showcasing the “World’s First Cobot Spot Welder” and Other Automation Feats

Automate 2023 has begun! This year’s trade show features some exciting new technologies, including automation solutions from Universal Robots, Bosch Rexroth, and DENSO Robotics.


News May 22, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Emerson Creates Power Supply Solution Specifically Designed For IIoT

Emerson Creates Power Supply Solution Specifically Designed For IIoT

Emerson's SolaHD has created a communication module that brings IIoT capabilities to its SDN-D power supplies to help monitor systems for abnormalities to reduce costly downtime.


News May 19, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Back to the Basics: Understanding Industrial Buttons and Switches

Back to the Basics: Understanding Industrial Buttons and Switches

This article features an in-depth discussion of the various options for buttons and switches, including function, styles, shapes, and illumination options for all kinds of control panel inputs.


Fluke Releases Stand-alone Thermal Imager For Extreme Environments

Fluke Releases Stand-alone Thermal Imager For Extreme Environments

Fluke has introduced the space-saving, stand-alone ThermoView TV30 Thermal Imager for temperature control and monitoring in harsh industrial settings, doing away with connecting to vulnerable PCs.


News May 18, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Phoenix Contact Unveils Latest in Communication and Automation

Phoenix Contact Unveils Latest in Communication and Automation

Phoenix Contact has unveiled its latest products and solutions in industrial communication, connection, and automation for greater efficiency and ease of use among users.


News May 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
A Toolbox “Must-have”: Finding Network Faults With the CableMaster 210

A Toolbox “Must-have”: Finding Network Faults With the CableMaster 210

Softing has released a network cable tester with continuous testing, tone generation, and individual conductor testing, allowing users to troubleshoot for a faulty or incorrectly connected cable quickly.


News May 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Mechanic’s View of Control: Belt Drives

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Belt Drives

Rubber belts have lived under the hood of nearly every car since they first took to the streets, but they also transmit power through all kinds of industrial machine drives as well.


Vibration Sensors For Use In Condition Monitoring

Vibration Sensors For Use In Condition Monitoring

Vibration sensors measure the mechanical vibration of an object, making it possible to monitor machines for early signs of failure to prevent costly and dangerous breakdowns.


HIWIN Expands Linear Axis Offerings, Adds Profile Width to Established Technology

HIWIN Expands Linear Axis Offerings, Adds Profile Width to Established Technology

HIWIN has added to its existing linear motor and cantilever axis product lines, with each model now available with a profile width of 100 mm, making for a compact linear motor axis and a larger, higher-performing cantilever axis.


News May 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Measuring the Force of Rotation: Torque Sensors

Measuring the Force of Rotation: Torque Sensors

Understanding torque is a key method of preventing damage to machines and ensuring a long lifespan. We have all heard of torque, but what is it, and how is it measured in automated systems?


How To: Simple Programming with AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

How To: Simple Programming with AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and download a simple program using discrete input and output ladder commands.