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Idem Safety Introduces Guard Locking Switches for Harsh Environments

Idem Safety Introduces Guard Locking Switches for Harsh Environments

The new HLZ safety switches deliver 10 kN of locking force and IP69K protection for heavy-duty safety in demanding industrial applications.


News Aug 02, 2026 by Seth Price
Your Exclusive How-to Guide for Control Automation Day 2026

Your Exclusive How-to Guide for Control Automation Day 2026

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2026, custom-built for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Jul 09, 2026 by David Peterson
Patlite Unveils Panel-Mount Audible Alarm With High-Volume Sound Output

Patlite Unveils Panel-Mount Audible Alarm With High-Volume Sound Output

The new BD series audible alarm features a maximum 98 dB sound output in a slim, 54-mm-deep design and offers rugged, IP65 protection for use in harsh environments.


News Jun 19, 2026 by Seth Price
Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Applying Fail-Safe Solutions to Protect Motor Control Systems

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads toward a defined safe state under real‑world faults.


Bihl+Wiedemann Launches High-Current ASi Safety Gateways

Bihl+Wiedemann Launches High-Current ASi Safety Gateways

New ASi-5/ASi-3 safety gateways deliver up to 8 A per circuit, helping larger automation systems support more devices and safety signals.


News Jun 16, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Fail‑Safe Motor Circuits: When Loss of Power Moves You Toward Safety

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.


Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Tutorial: How to Set Up a Light Curtain

Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam curtains and the new DCM4 extension module for advanced operating modes.


Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Customizing Light Curtain Configuration: Muting and Blanking

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.


Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Installing and Configuring Light Curtains

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.


Balluff Launches Compact SmartLight Rigid Signal Light

Balluff Launches Compact SmartLight Rigid Signal Light

New SmartLight Rigid from Balluff offers glare-free illumination, slim design, and flexible signalling in tight spaces.


News Apr 28, 2026 by Bob Odhiambo
Dunkermotoren Introduces Functional Safety Encoder for Reliable Positioning

Dunkermotoren Introduces Functional Safety Encoder for Reliable Positioning

The AFS58 encoder delivers SIL2 and Performance Level d compliance, high-resolution Sin/Cos feedback, and a rugged, plug-and-play design for smart and precise axis monitoring in demanding environments.


News Apr 25, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Gefran Introduces Safety-Certified Draw Wire Sensors for Mobile Machinery

Gefran Introduces Safety-Certified Draw Wire Sensors for Mobile Machinery

The SIL2 / PLd-certified versions of the GSH series draw wire sensors offer linear and angular position monitoring for safety-critical mobile machine applications.


News Apr 23, 2026 by Seth Price
MODEX Brings Supply Chain Automation to Atlanta

MODEX Brings Supply Chain Automation to Atlanta

Mobility, inventory tracking, and efficient operations were the central themes of the recent trade show, focusing on supply chain automation at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.


News Apr 19, 2026 by David Peterson
Bihl+Wiedemann Releases Configurable ASi-5 Safety I/O Module

Bihl+Wiedemann Releases Configurable ASi-5 Safety I/O Module

The new safety I/O module, the BWU4277, replaces complexity with flexibility. The device features up to 14 safe inputs and two safe outputs, targeting a wide range of safety applications.


News Apr 19, 2026 by Seth Price
KUKA Brings the Fleet: Mobile and Fixed Robots at MODEX

KUKA Brings the Fleet: Mobile and Fixed Robots at MODEX

KUKA presented a compelling view of Physical AI at MODEX, integrating heavy-duty robots, mobile platforms, and software to address the gap between the supply chain's current capacity and growing demand.


News Apr 14, 2026 by David Peterson
Yaskawa Does the Heavy Lifting at MODEX 2026

Yaskawa Does the Heavy Lifting at MODEX 2026

Yaskawa’s Motoman supply chain robotic solutions were showcased as examples of AI-driven and collaborative solutions aimed at tackling common labor and scalability challenges.


News Apr 14, 2026 by David Peterson
Banner Expands Safety Light Curtains To Include More Lengths

Banner Expands Safety Light Curtains To Include More Lengths

The 14 mm resolution S4B safety light curtains now include 1,350 mm, 1,500 mm, 1,650 mm, and 1,800 mm long models, accommodating a wider range of machine guarding applications.


News Mar 24, 2026 by Shawn Dietrich
Brain-Inspired NeurOSmart System Improves Robot Safety

Brain-Inspired NeurOSmart System Improves Robot Safety

Fraunhofer’s NeurOSmart system uses neuromorphic computing and integrated LiDAR sensors to improve safety and efficiency in human-robot collaboration.


News Mar 18, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
Banner Introduces Programmable Indicators and Wireless Ethernet Radios

Banner Introduces Programmable Indicators and Wireless Ethernet Radios

The new S22 programmable indicators and touch buttons offer IO-Link and Modbus communication, while the DX700ER Ethernet Data Radios serve as a replacement for long Ethernet cable runs.


News Mar 12, 2026 by Austin Futrell
Fenceless MR-1 Robot Sets New Benchmark for Human-Robot Safety

Fenceless MR-1 Robot Sets New Benchmark for Human-Robot Safety

Mantis Robotics introduces the MR-1, a high-speed, safety-certified robot designed for fenceless human-robot collaboration in modern industrial environments.


News Mar 08, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida