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Gentle and Intelligent—A Robot Gripper Made for Sensitive Tasks

Gentle and Intelligent—A Robot Gripper Made for Sensitive Tasks

Choosing the right robot gripper can be a daunting task, especially when a gripper that is fully controllable and is able to grip small, delicate components is needed. Enter Schunk’s new EGK smart gripper.


News Dec 02, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Planning for the Future: Productivity, Security, and Automation

Planning for the Future: Productivity, Security, and Automation

Thought leadership from Rockwell Automation execs point to future trends and how to leverage technology and skills to increase productivity and the security of operational technology (OT).


News Dec 01, 2022 by David Peterson
Teardown: What’s Inside a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?

Variable frequency drive units can be found inside tons of control cabinets, but what happens if you disassemble one to see what’s inside and how it works? We did just that. The results might surprise you.


Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.


PLC Discrete Inputs

PLC Discrete Inputs

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the wiring process for buttons, switches, and discrete sensors, applicable to virtually every PLC.


Creating a More Sensible Industrial Robot: The Sense of Touch

Creating a More Sensible Industrial Robot: The Sense of Touch

Using advanced sensing technology, robotic skin allows grippers and manipulators to “feel” and handle objects without damaging them. While emulating human touch is still in its infancy, it does show promise for future applications.


Introduction to Functional Safety (IEC 62061) and its Implementation

Introduction to Functional Safety (IEC 62061) and its Implementation

Functional safety is the safety of a system and is critical for industries such as medical devices, automotive, railways, and machinery. This article will focus on functional safety for machinery and the standards that help its implementation.


Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Proportional Gain and Proportional Band Explained

Learn about proportional gain and proportional band, two key proportional control concepts, to better understand the most popular control system method in industrial automation.


Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Differences Between a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Despite the many overlaps, PLCs and RTUs are two different devices, each with specific suitable applications.


Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Most engineers are not intimidated by simple mathematics, but when designing mission-critical systems, it’s important to have easy access to reliable tools and calculators. Introducing our first new set of tools designed for control engineers.


News Oct 25, 2022 by David Peterson
Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

Robot Collision Recovery and Prevention

When a robot crashes, it needs to be put back into position. The steps in this process depends on the end user and the equipment manufacturer. Understanding why the robot crashed also helps prevent future failures.


Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Copia reduces the strain of backing up automation code on the factory floor with their latest software release DeviceLink. This automated backup software makes use of the Git workflow and backup running code automatically.


News Oct 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

Understanding NPN vs. PNP for 3-Wire Sensors

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.


Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?


Honeywell Joins Leading Health Providers To Improve Digitalization in Healthcare

Honeywell Joins Leading Health Providers To Improve Digitalization in Healthcare

Honeywell furthers its investment in the healthcare sector, aiming to find digital and automation solutions to inefficiencies, fallible processes, and ineffective tasks highlighted by the pandemic.


News Oct 02, 2022 by Gunner Scott
“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

KUKA announces the release of two new lightweight, long-reaching industrial cobots for flexible automation applications—the “big iisys.”


News Sep 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79. 


Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence releases new safety-rated interlock switches for monitoring and locking the position of guarding and fencing. Unlike traditional door switches, the GS-M series switches use electromagnetic technology.


News Sep 26, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Humidity Measurement Basics: Relative Humidity, Sensors, and Applications

Humidity Measurement Basics: Relative Humidity, Sensors, and Applications

Humidity control is vital in many industrial applications. We'll take a look at nine different humidity measurement technologies, how they are used, and discuss the difference between relative humidity and dew point.


Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.