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Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

What are the similarities and differences between process and discrete manufacturing, and how can control engineers best equip themselves for these processes?


Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

After understanding how to select the right control system, learn how to design and plan control system retrofits.


SOLIDWORKS vs. AutoCAD for Mechatronics

SOLIDWORKS vs. AutoCAD for Mechatronics

Solidworks or AutoCAD? Which software is the right fit for you and your team? Take a dive into the fundamental components of both programs and the key differences between them.


Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Can industrial automation utilize blockchain's security integrated with IoT, ICS, and PAC?


Introduction to Micro PLCs

Introduction to Micro PLCs

Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?


Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Learn about symbolic regression in genetic programming, one of the breaking fields of research for algorithm development that can be used in the control systems of tomorrow.


Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

American history has undergone several industrial revolutions largely focused on mass production. Are we heading into a fifth revolution focused on human-machine interaction?


ABB’s Latest Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is Built Specifically for Industrial Applications and Harsh Conditions

ABB’s Latest Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is Built Specifically for Industrial Applications and Harsh Conditions

What is uninterruptible power supply, and how could ABB’s medium-voltage power supply help engineers on the factory floor or in harsh environments?


News Oct 14, 2021 by Shawn Dietrich
Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.


Bright Machines Introduces a “Self-service” Factory Automation Software

Bright Machines Introduces a “Self-service” Factory Automation Software

To enable their customers to reduce their dependence on vendors and enhance the efficiency and optimization of factory assembly lines, Bright Machines introduced the Brightware Studio software package.


News Oct 12, 2021 by Sara McCaslin
Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

XaaS, or the service model, has grown in the last several years. Pop-up terms like “SaaS,” “IaaS,” and “RaaS” are seen throughout the industry. But what do they mean, and do they provide dependable ROI?


Why are 6-axis Robot Arms so Common?

Why are 6-axis Robot Arms so Common?

In the typical articulated arm structure, six axes of motion are often seen as a standard design target. Why is six that target, and what are the benefits and losses from more or fewer axes?


Pilz Releases a Radar System Aimed to Make Robotic Operations Safer

Pilz Releases a Radar System Aimed to Make Robotic Operations Safer

How can this sensor make automation applications safer?


Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

What does “digital transformation” really mean, and what are the technologies involved in the process? Further, which of these technologies are facilities adopting?


Fluke Process Instruments Debuts Thermal Measurement Solutions for Harsh Environments

Fluke Process Instruments Debuts Thermal Measurement Solutions for Harsh Environments

What is this new furnace tracking system and why is it important to monitor temperatures in these extremely hot environments?


News Oct 05, 2021 by Seth Price
An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

An Introduction to Genetic Programming: A System That Programs Itself?

Can a system author itself? Genetic programming may represent the next revolution for control systems, robot navigation, pattern recognition, and more.


Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

Data Flow Programming in LabVIEW

One of the most confusing concepts for new LabVIEW programmers is the concept of data flow programming. Data flow programming determines the run order of nodes, making some data available before others.


Baumer Releases New Control Components for Flexible Systems

Baumer Releases New Control Components for Flexible Systems

Baumer, an international control and sensor technology company, announced two product offerings that solve notable issues in the industrial control sector.


News Oct 01, 2021 by Sara McCaslin
Boston Dynamics Adds More Autonomous Inspection Features to the Spot Robot

Boston Dynamics Adds More Autonomous Inspection Features to the Spot Robot

Boston Dynamics announces the latest update to its industrial mobile robot, Spot, adding flexible autonomy and repeatable data capture as part of Spot Release 3.0.


News Sep 30, 2021 by Stephanie Leonida
How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

How to Design a Fuzzy Logic Controller

Let’s review how fuzzy logic and ladder logic work together, how to design a fuzzy logic controller, and some advantages and disadvantages of using fuzzy logic.