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Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.


Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Bihl+Wiedemann Expands ASi-5 Counter Family With New Compact Module

Thanks to its compact design, Bihl+Wiedemann's newest addition to its family of ASi-5 counter modules offers manufacturers greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small-scale applications.


News Sep 26, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention Aims To Simplify Robotics With AI-Based Controller and ABB Collaboration

Vention has announced the release of an AI-based motion controller and compatibility between its automation platform and ABB cobots. Both moves are aimed at simplifying the use of robotics in manufacturing.


News Sep 25, 2024 by Seth Price
Control According to Webster: Defining a Motion Axis

Control According to Webster: Defining a Motion Axis

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or specifications, it can’t be expected to effectively complete the tuning process.


KV-X: The Latest Generation in PLC Technology From Keyence

KV-X: The Latest Generation in PLC Technology From Keyence

Keyence has released its latest next-gen PLC, the KV-X, with an impressive quad-core CPU, providing a machine ops recorder and granting preset access to over 300 peripheral device EDS files.


News Sep 23, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

Learn about the modules and systems that provide a network connection to the outside world, transforming traditional PLCs into true, modern process automation controllers (PAC).


Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

Understanding I/O Terminal Types And When To Use Them

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?


All About PLCs: Input/Output Modules

All About PLCs: Input/Output Modules

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and output devices. What kinds of I/O modules exist, and how can you tell the difference?


Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia DeviceLink Now Supports Siemens’ Step 7 5.x Software

Copia Automation has expanded its list of supported automation software for its popular DeviceLink platform, which monitors factory automation software in real time for code changes and backups.


News Sep 17, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Calling All Engineers: The 2024 Control Engineering Survey

Calling All Engineers: The 2024 Control Engineering Survey

The quality of our educational content comes from truly understanding our audience. We need your help to give us the best snapshot of today’s industry, plus a chance to win Amazon gift card prizes!


News Sep 16, 2024 by David Peterson
New to OpreX: Open Automation and OPC UA Upgrades From Yokogawa

New to OpreX: Open Automation and OPC UA Upgrades From Yokogawa

Yokogawa has added open technology and OPC UA offerings to the OpreX platform, enabling enhanced management, operation, and control technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and plant operations.


News Sep 12, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

All About PLCs: The Power Supply Unit

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.


Red Lion Releases Programmable Remote Terminal Units for Extreme Environments

Red Lion Releases Programmable Remote Terminal Units for Extreme Environments

Red Lion has expanded its Sixnet Series of VersaTRAK MIPM industrial remote terminal units (RTUs) with two new devices suitable for rugged environments in process applications.


News Sep 05, 2024 by Austin Futrell
PLC With a Miniature Twist: Crouzet Millenium Slim Tutorial

PLC With a Miniature Twist: Crouzet Millenium Slim Tutorial

One of the smallest PLCs on the market, the Millenium Slim by Crouzet, can handle advanced functions with a wireless interface and function block (FBD) style IEC 61131 programming.


A Polarizing Discussion: Using Diodes The Right Way Around

A Polarizing Discussion: Using Diodes The Right Way Around

Some devices, like switches, are non-polar; you can connect them in either direction. What makes diodes so special, and how can you tell the right way from the wrong way?


Emerson’s Rosemount 802 Expands Wireless I/O Transmission Capacity

Emerson’s Rosemount 802 Expands Wireless I/O Transmission Capacity

Emerson adds WirelessHART capability to the Rosemount I/O device catalog with an 8-channel transmitter to remotely monitor conditions and control outputs like motors, pumps, and valves.


News Sep 02, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Build A Low-Cost 32-bit PLC | OpenPLC and the ESP32 Microcontroller

Build A Low-Cost 32-bit PLC | OpenPLC and the ESP32 Microcontroller

Besides using a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Uno, a low-cost PLC can be built using the popular ESP32 microcontroller. The OpenPLC software supports this popular 32-bit platform.


How To Read Ladder Logic in PLC and Relay Controls, Part 1: Inputs

How To Read Ladder Logic in PLC and Relay Controls, Part 1: Inputs

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs. Although logical, they are difficult to interpret.


Olis Remote Monitoring for PLCs: Not Just for Robots Anymore

Olis Remote Monitoring for PLCs: Not Just for Robots Anymore

Remote control is a risky business for industrial automation, but the ability to remotely monitor, asses failures, and clear faults has been expanded from robotics to PLC systems by Olis Robotics.


News Aug 27, 2024 by David Peterson
Trial Partnership Tests AI-Powered Technology To Automate Greenhouses

Trial Partnership Tests AI-Powered Technology To Automate Greenhouses

Koidra and Nature Fresh Farms have established a trial partnership to test a new way of farming greenhouse environments using Koidra's AI-powered automation technologies.


News Aug 23, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida