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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
Patlite Expands LR5 Signal Tower Lineup With New LAN Model

Patlite Expands LR5 Signal Tower Lineup With New LAN Model

LR5-LAN Φ50 signal tower adds direct HTTP, Modbus/TCP, and EtherNet/IP control, eliminating I/O boards in connected factory systems.


News Mar 07, 2026 by Joshua Tidwell
Schurter Releases Mechanical Switch With Standardized M12 Connector

Schurter Releases Mechanical Switch With Standardized M12 Connector

The new MSM II switch features an integrated M12 (8-pin) connector for simplified installation and built-in RGB illumination for visible machine status in industrial and commercial systems.


News Feb 24, 2026 by Austin Futrell
How Combustible Dust Hazards Affect Automated Process Control

How Combustible Dust Hazards Affect Automated Process Control

Learn how to integrate fail-safe logic and explosion-proof design to keep your processes running safely and smoothly.


Comau Launches MATE-XT GO Exoskeleton for Worker Safety

Comau Launches MATE-XT GO Exoskeleton for Worker Safety

The MATE-XT GO exoskeleton from Comau offers non-motorized biomechanical support for lifting and overhead industrial work.


News Feb 19, 2026 by Stephanie Leonida
Kollmorgen’s Latest Motion Solutions Focus on Performance and Safety

Kollmorgen’s Latest Motion Solutions Focus on Performance and Safety

The AKME servo motors feature ATEX and IECEx certifications for use in hazardous environments, while the SafeMotion Monitor 3.0 firmware expands functional safety for Kollmorgen’s linear motors and axes.


News Feb 17, 2026 by Seth Price