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Fraunhofer Develops MWIR 3D Sensor to Aid in Detection of Transparent Objects

Fraunhofer Develops MWIR 3D Sensor to Aid in Detection of Transparent Objects

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research organization announces the development of a sensor system that can help robots detect transparent objects in three dimensions.


News May 04, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.


Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

Keyence Announces New NQ IO-Link Master Module

The Keyence Corporation recently announced the NQ series network communication module, with the ability to automatically detect any Keyence branded IO-Link devices for rapid installation and monitoring.


News Apr 30, 2022 by David Peterson
Circular Economy - Manufacturing to End User… And Back

Circular Economy - Manufacturing to End User… And Back

‘Reduce-reuse-recycle’ is a common slogan for promoting reduction of waste associated with end use of materials. But a circular economy model includes manufacturing processes and raw materials as well.


Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.


Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal System for Easy IIoT Development

The Snap Signal System by Banner Engineering brings industrial IoT to all devices, including sensors and actuators - regardless of age or origin.


News Apr 26, 2022 by Seth Price
How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

How to Use Analog to Digital Converters in a Control System

Using an ADC can be very useful when dealing with analog devices in microprocessors, and a necessity when adding analog devices to an industrial controller. But once you connect the hardware - what next?


Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?


SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

SmartScan: Could it Improve the Quality of Metal 3D Printed Parts?

A University of Michigan team recently created a new control software called SmartScan, which promises to increase speed and reliability of printing (particularly in metal) by optimizing toolpath based on material properties.


News Apr 20, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Mechanisms of Linear Sensing and Linear Encoding

Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.


ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics Introduces First Ex-Proof Quad-Legged Inspection Robot

ANYbotics announces the release of its new four-legged inspection bot, ANYmal X, for use in extreme environments, designed specifically for the oil & gas and chemical industries.


News Apr 19, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

How-To: Programming with IO-Link Devices

Advanced features such as programmable limits, diagnostics, and remote configuration are available with IO-Link devices. Learn how to connect an example IO-Link block into an actual PLC project.


Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

Industrial Protocol Standards and The IEC

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background information on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the publishing organization.


Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise Employs AI, Robotics, and Vision to Monitor and Safeguard Bee Populations

Beewise receives $120 million in funds to continue the development of its solar-powered, artificial intelligence-driven beehive management technology.


News Apr 15, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear Position Sensors - Control is Only as Precise as the Feedback

Linear position sensors are used in electrical and fluid-actuated motion devices. They allow extremely precise position, velocity, and acceleration control, and provide feedback to ensure product quality and tolerance compliance.


Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle Recycling Uses AI and 3D Imagery To Reduce Waste

Vehicle part recycling locates and reads part numbers to know which vehicles a replacement part may fit - but wear and tear, grease, and corrosion can make them hard to truly identify, even to an experienced eye.


News Apr 14, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Control Techniques Launches VFD With App-Based Commissioning Tools

Commander S series of variable frequency drives from Control Techniques enables parameter upload and download as well as performance monitoring through secure NFC, app-based communication.


News Apr 13, 2022 by David Peterson
Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

Keyence Launches new FD-H Series of Clamp-On Fluid Flow Sensors

New non-obstructive sensor series adapts to a wider variety of piping materials, providing accurate data with lower influence from viscosity and bubbles.


News Apr 07, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Info Byte: What’s the Deal With Debouncing Switches?

Before digital control systems, responses were fairly slow. Push a button, and a motor contactor engaged. These days, the speed of computers introduces some new challenges but brings solutions as well.


Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering Releases RGB Programmable Light Towers

Banner Engineering recently released a series of programmable multicolor (RGB) indicators for advanced industrial machine status and diagnostics.