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Three Things Control Engineers Have Been Thankful for in 2021

Three Things Control Engineers Have Been Thankful for in 2021

Let’s look back at trends in 2021 and see what has skyrocketed industrial automation in the last year.


News Nov 25, 2021 by Aline Dias
Types of Process Manufacturing Equipment

Types of Process Manufacturing Equipment

During process manufacturing, raw materials are mixed together to create a product. This process includes many stages, and thus, copious types of equipment.


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.


Amidst Labor Shortages, Berkshire Grey Offers Warehousing Solution

Amidst Labor Shortages, Berkshire Grey Offers Warehousing Solution

A lack of labor is beginning to affect eCommerce order fulfillment, but Berkshire Grey introduced a solution designed to accelerate order fulfillment and throughput without additional labor.


News Nov 16, 2021 by Sara McCaslin
Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?


Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

What are some steps to consider before integrating a cobot, such as Universal Robots, into a facility?


Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

What are the similarities and differences between process and discrete manufacturing, and how can control engineers best equip themselves for these processes?


Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

Designing and Planning Existing Control System Upgrades

After understanding how to select the right control system, learn how to design and plan control system retrofits.


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Potential Applications and Challenges for Blockchain in Industrial Automation

Can industrial automation utilize blockchain's security integrated with IoT, ICS, and PAC?


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Introduction to Micro PLCs

Introduction to Micro PLCs

Micro PLCs are quite similar to their larger PLC brethren. What are the major differences, advantages, and disadvantages of micro PLCs?


Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Genetic Algorithm Examples: Evolving a Sorting Program and Symbolic Regression

Learn about symbolic regression in genetic programming, one of the breaking fields of research for algorithm development that can be used in the control systems of tomorrow.


Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

Assessing Buzzwords: Industry 5.0

American history has undergone several industrial revolutions largely focused on mass production. Are we heading into a fifth revolution focused on human-machine interaction?


Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.


Bright Machines Introduces a “Self-service” Factory Automation Software

Bright Machines Introduces a “Self-service” Factory Automation Software

To enable their customers to reduce their dependence on vendors and enhance the efficiency and optimization of factory assembly lines, Bright Machines introduced the Brightware Studio software package.


News Oct 12, 2021 by Sara McCaslin
Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

Assessing Buzzwords: X “as a Service” (XaaS)

XaaS, or the service model, has grown in the last several years. Pop-up terms like “SaaS,” “IaaS,” and “RaaS” are seen throughout the industry. But what do they mean, and do they provide dependable ROI?


Siemens Focuses on Closing the Skills Gap with New Education Initiatives in Automation

Siemens Focuses on Closing the Skills Gap with New Education Initiatives in Automation

Siemens is launching training and apprenticeship programs to help young engineers and students jump-start their careers in industrial manufacturing.


News Oct 08, 2021 by Stephanie Leonida
Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

Assessing Buzzwords: Digital Transformation

What does “digital transformation” really mean, and what are the technologies involved in the process? Further, which of these technologies are facilities adopting?