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Advantages of Remote I/O Devices With Networking Technologies

Advantages of Remote I/O Devices With Networking Technologies

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.


Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

Should I Connect the Commons or Not? Power Supplies Across Systems

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.


Industry Partnerships Fuel Sustainability, Startups, and Cognitive Robotics

Industry Partnerships Fuel Sustainability, Startups, and Cognitive Robotics

Phoenix Contact, Siemens, and Neura Robotics have all formed partnerships, aiming to cut inventory waste, fuel manufacturing-focused startups, and expand the use of cognitive robotics in Asian markets.


News Sep 13, 2025 by Austin Futrell
AutomationDirect Releases DC I/O and Pluggable Option Modules for BRX PLCs

AutomationDirect Releases DC I/O and Pluggable Option Modules for BRX PLCs

AutomationDirect has released several new modules for its BRX PLCs, including DC I/O expansion modules for higher-voltage systems and Ethernet pluggable option modules that support OPC UA or Sparkplug B.


News Sep 06, 2025 by Seth Price
Emerson Rolls Out Process Safety Controller for SIL2 Designs

Emerson Rolls Out Process Safety Controller for SIL2 Designs

Emerson has designed its PACSystems RX3i CPS400 safety controller to be a compact and intuitive solution to enable IEC 61508 Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2) design in the process automation industry.


News Sep 04, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Modbus: The Original Industrial Fieldbus Protocol

Modbus: The Original Industrial Fieldbus Protocol

This article introduces Modbus, an industrial protocol that laid the foundation for fieldbus communication in industrial systems.


Introducing a Compact Remote I/O System From Synergy Logic

Introducing a Compact Remote I/O System From Synergy Logic

A new compact, expandable remote I/O system hits the market with a wide variety of modules and built-in Modbus TCP support.


News Aug 17, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Math Operations Using the OpenPLC Platform

Math Operations Using the OpenPLC Platform

This article will illustrate the setup and use of OpenPLC variables and math instructions within a ladder diagram program on a microcontroller or single-board computer platform.


Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Enhance HMI Hardware and Software

Fuji Electric, Pepperl+Fuchs, and Bosch Enhance HMI Hardware and Software

Fuji Electric has developed a new series of touchscreen monitors, Pepperl+Fuchs has released a new generation of firmware for its HMIs, and Bosch has launched a PLC-independent web-based HMI software.


News Jul 31, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Advanced Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Advanced Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be implemented in a PLC function block programming environment.


Intro to Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Intro to Boolean Logic with FBD PLC Programming

Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder logic and other IEC languages with a digital flair.


How to Use Mitsubishi’s GX Simulator and MX OPC Server in Factory I/O

How to Use Mitsubishi’s GX Simulator and MX OPC Server in Factory I/O

Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.


Yokogawa Updates DCS, Invests In Robotic Plant Monitoring

Yokogawa Updates DCS, Invests In Robotic Plant Monitoring

Yokogawa doubles down on AI and autonomous operations with the latest release of its Centum DCS. The company has also partnered with Shell to develop a robotic and AI plant monitoring and maintenance solution.


News Jun 28, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.


Beckhoff Expands Cabinet-Free Automation With MX-System Baseplates and Modules

Beckhoff Expands Cabinet-Free Automation With MX-System Baseplates and Modules

Beckhoff has expanded its modular MX-System with the addition of 3-row baseplates and bigger function modules. Now, larger machines with more complicated requirements can benefit from cabinet-free automation.


News Jun 14, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
Mitsubishi Debuts MX Series PLC With Built-In AI Tools

Mitsubishi Debuts MX Series PLC With Built-In AI Tools

The new MX PLC from Mitsubishi enables rapid, precise motion control with multi-core CPUs, digital twin support, and cybersecurity built in.


News Jun 12, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Gefran Tackles Factory Complexity with the G-Mation P6 PLC Platform

Gefran Tackles Factory Complexity with the G-Mation P6 PLC Platform

Gefran’s new G-Mation P6 platform simplifies industrial automation with app-based flexibility, cloud integration, and real-time control.


News Jun 10, 2025 by Austin Futrell
Tutorial: Mitsubishi FX PLC With VFD and HMI Controls

Tutorial: Mitsubishi FX PLC With VFD and HMI Controls

In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed parameter settings, wiring, and HMI integration.


MachineMind: Vention’s AI Brain Boosts Automation

MachineMind: Vention’s AI Brain Boosts Automation

Vention’s MachineMotion AI controller debuts with built-in AI, cellular + WiFi, and drag-and-drop automation to simplify smart industrial operations.


News May 22, 2025 by Stephanie Leonida
A Clea Path Ahead: Raspberry Pi Gets Smarter at the Edge

A Clea Path Ahead: Raspberry Pi Gets Smarter at the Edge

Seco’s Clea software is now integrated into Raspberry Pi OS, giving developers native tools to build and scale secure IIoT systems with ease.


News May 21, 2025 by Joshua Tidwell