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Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Dot Notation: A Different Way Of Addressing Integers in PLCs

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to understand.


Automate 2026: Opto 22 and the Full IT/OT Automation Adventure

Automate 2026: Opto 22 and the Full IT/OT Automation Adventure

Control isn’t a standalone hardware challenge these days. Check out the full journey on display at Automate in Chicago: from the ground floor up to the clouds!


News Jun 28, 2026 by David Peterson
Cincoze Highlights MD-3000 Vision Controller and Edge AI at Automate

Cincoze Highlights MD-3000 Vision Controller and Edge AI at Automate

At the Chicago event, the company showcased a new high-performance machine vision controller built around modular I/O scaling and robust EMC protection to tackle actual plant-floor challenges.


News Jun 27, 2026 by Dale Wilson
Getting Pumped for Chicago: Automate 2026!

Getting Pumped for Chicago: Automate 2026!

We’re looking forward to an amazing, exciting week at McCormick Place for the annual Automate show. Check out the lineup of great companies. Will we see you there?


News Jun 17, 2026 by David Peterson
Pepperl+Fuchs Rolls Out Ethernet Motor Control Module for Conveyors

Pepperl+Fuchs Rolls Out Ethernet Motor Control Module for Conveyors

The new G20 Ethernet system targets both simple and complex conveyor systems, controlling up to 120 motor rollers via one IP address.


News May 28, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Tutorial: Driving Mecademic Robots with Siemens PLCs

Tutorial: Driving Mecademic Robots with Siemens PLCs

Learn how to create programs that directly drive a Meca500 robot arm using a Siemens S7 PLC, including adding the hardware and using pre-built function blocks for STEP7 TIA Portal.


Acromag Releases I/O Modules With Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity

Acromag Releases I/O Modules With Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity

The new NTW series wireless I/O modules include secure, dual-band Wi-Fi, making it easier to monitor and control systems remotely when running cables is not an option.


News May 08, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Learning Some BASIC Programming in a PLC Environment

Learning Some BASIC Programming in a PLC Environment

Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events using integer data types.


High-Performance Edge Computing for Space-Constrained Applications

High-Performance Edge Computing for Space-Constrained Applications

Cincoze has launched the DX-1300, an industrial computer powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. The system delivers 36 TOPS of AI performance and features a compact, rugged design for tight spaces.


News May 02, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Debugging and Variable Watch Tables Using the OpenPLC Editor

Debugging and Variable Watch Tables Using the OpenPLC Editor

Recent OpenPLC Editor versions offer an improved debugger, allowing real-time monitoring of variables and tags in industrial control applications running on an Arduino Uno PLC.


Banner Pushes Control Logic Beyond the Cabinet With DXMR50

Banner Pushes Control Logic Beyond the Cabinet With DXMR50

DXMR50 Logic Blocks handle timers, counters, scaling, and I/O directly on equipment, enabling cabinet-free automation for smaller systems.


News Apr 28, 2026 by Austin Futrell
Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

Mitsubishi PLC to VFD Control: RS-485 Communication

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the FX3U-485-BD. You can control speed and monitor the system using ladder logic.


The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

The 100,000-Hour Myth: Decoding Industrial LED Life Cycles

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.


Turck TX400 Series Adds Power and Flexibility to HMI/PLCs

Turck TX400 Series Adds Power and Flexibility to HMI/PLCs

New TX400 panels from Turck combine HMI and PLC functions with faster hardware, CodeSys support, and multiple display sizes.


News Apr 21, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Turck Pulls Automation Out of the Control Cabinet at MODEX

Turck Pulls Automation Out of the Control Cabinet at MODEX

Turck placed a spotlight on decentralized control concepts, highlighting several product lines at MODEX: MDR controls, multiprotocol fieldbus, and RFID inventory tracking solutions.


News Apr 14, 2026 by David Peterson
TRi PLC Updates FX1616-BA PLC With Surface-Mount Redesign

TRi PLC Updates FX1616-BA PLC With Surface-Mount Redesign

The FX1616-BA controller’s transition to surface-mount technology aims to combat component obsolescence and improve manufacturing consistency.


News Apr 12, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
TRi PLC Fx Series Tutorial: Getting Started with Ladder Logic

TRi PLC Fx Series Tutorial: Getting Started with Ladder Logic

Learn how to connect, wire, and program a TRi PLC Fx controller in this step-by-step tutorial.


Siemens Introduces LOGO! 9 Next-Generation Logic Controllers

Siemens Introduces LOGO! 9 Next-Generation Logic Controllers

The LOGO! 9 logic controllers offer up to 800 function blocks, expanded I/O capacity, a color touchscreen display, and improved engineering tools for small-scale automation tasks.


News Apr 02, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Tutorial: Rockwell’s Micro800 PLCs With FactoryTalk Design Workbench

Tutorial: Rockwell’s Micro800 PLCs With FactoryTalk Design Workbench

Learn how to configure a connection and download a simple digital I/O project using the newest Rockwell software, paired with the Ethernet version of the Micro800 PLC lineup.


Arduino Launches Ventuno Q AI-Ready Single-Board Platform

Arduino Launches Ventuno Q AI-Ready Single-Board Platform

Arduino introduces the Ventuno Q, a single-board platform combining Linux computing and microcontroller control for AI and robotics.


News Mar 21, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich