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Node-RED: Accessing the Edge With a PLC Module

Node-RED: Accessing the Edge With a PLC Module

Machine designers and OEMs have several practical, economical options to achieve edge connectivity using Node-RED, one of which reduces complexity by using traditional modular PLC control.


Festo CECC-AX Combines PLC Control and Python for Lab Automation

Festo CECC-AX Combines PLC Control and Python for Lab Automation

Designed for life sciences, Festo’s compact CECC-AX controllers automate liquid dispensing, sample transfer, and preparation while supporting Python and PLC control.


News 13 hours ago by Seth Price
Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

Companion Guide to Ladder Logic / ST Conversion

This guide examines common ladder logic structures and presents the equivalent structured text representation, mainly intended as a learning guide for those getting started with ST.


Beijer Electronics Nexto XF Combines PLC Control With Linux OS

Beijer Electronics Nexto XF Combines PLC Control With Linux OS

The Nexto XF from Beijer Electronics supports up to 1,000 PID loops in under 2 ms, with modular I/O, Linux, Docker containers, and industrial connectivity.


News Oct 16, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

NPN and PNP Wiring | Incremental Encoders Are Not Interchangeable

Encoders rely on high-speed outputs supplying signals to a PLC. Learn why these signals cannot be interchanged at will, and some best practices for preventing false rotational counts.


Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder Logic: It’s Not Just Digital Electrical Prints Anymore

Ladder logic is the legendary industrial graphical programming language that once resembled electrical drawings, but it has advanced far beyond a collection of digital electrical symbols.


The Conveyor | September 2026 Control, Automation, and Robotics News

The Conveyor | September 2026 Control, Automation, and Robotics News

We’re back, and we’re excited to share all kinds of product news from September 2026. See what you may have missed from all of your favorite control, automation, and robotics brands!


News Sep 30, 2026 by David Peterson
Engineering Around AI Hallucinations

Engineering Around AI Hallucinations

AI has a reputation for reporting incorrect facts and making faulty assumptions, all with an attitude of confidence. Learn to identify those situations that require extra care and verification.


Tutorial: Commissioning a Balluff BNI IO-Link Master

Tutorial: Commissioning a Balluff BNI IO-Link Master

IO-Link is regarded as a robust field-level network that adds tremendous sensing capability beyond standard analog and digital I/O. Yet it can be difficult to set up. Here’s a guide.


AI-Generated Code: To Trust or To Verify?

AI-Generated Code: To Trust or To Verify?

AI is a hot topic across nearly all facets of modern life. In control engineering, AI can save time, or it can ruin a project. The difference lies in understanding what’s happening under the hood.


ASRock Industrial’s IoT Controller Now O-PAS Certified for Open Automation

ASRock Industrial’s IoT Controller Now O-PAS Certified for Open Automation

The iEP-5010G-010 industrial IoT controller has achieved Open Group’s O-PAS certification, helping to promote open, secure, and compatible process automation across vendors.


News Sep 06, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Banner Engineering Combines IO-Link and Edge Processing in One Device

Banner Engineering Combines IO-Link and Edge Processing in One Device

The DXMR190 IO-Link master combines eight-port connectivity with edge processing to stream data directly to cloud systems and web servers without an edge PC.


News Sep 03, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
The Right Controller: Comparing Industrial PCs and PLCs

The Right Controller: Comparing Industrial PCs and PLCs

This article offers a brief review of controllers: their use through history and an analysis of factors to consider when deciding what to use.


Automated Water Management Safeguards the Suds for a Rural Coin Laundry

Automated Water Management Safeguards the Suds for a Rural Coin Laundry

Suds-n-Duds is a staple for local Atmore, AL residents. It's critical to protect the washing machines with a system that monitors well pressure while automatically switching and flushing the municipal supply.


Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives With Ethernet/IP

Introduction to Allen-Bradley PowerFlex Drives With Ethernet/IP

An overview of the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex variable frequency drive with Ethernet/IP protocol: features, wiring diagrams, and parameterization methods.


The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

The One Where A Modbus Output is Controlled by Two PLCs

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?


Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Networking Tutorial: Connect and Configure a Mitsubishi iQ-F PLC

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.


Mitsubishi Electric Simplifies Machine Control With MELSEC MX Controllers

Mitsubishi Electric Simplifies Machine Control With MELSEC MX Controllers

The new controllers combine sequence, motion, and network control into a single, multi-core platform capable of supporting up to 256 axes.


News Jul 31, 2026 by Seth Price
Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

Adding Remote I/O to a PLC Project: Synergy Logic Meets CompactLogix

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic, which promises to simplify the integration. We’ll see how it lives up.


MIKROE Accelerates PLC I/O Testing with Photorelays from Toshiba

MIKROE Accelerates PLC I/O Testing with Photorelays from Toshiba

MIKROE’s Opto 8 Click helps PLC designers compare Toshiba photorelays, so they can build prototypes and pick components more quickly and easily.


News Jul 16, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo