Latest Technical Articles

Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…

Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro

In a few short video tutorials, Festo engineers show how fast and easy it can be to design electrical and fluid…

In a few short video tutorials, Festo engineers show how fast and easy it can be to design electrical and fluid automation systems using free online tools.

Intuitive HMIs and strong UI/UX boost decision-making in manufacturing. Partnering with Inductive Automation ensures…

Intuitive HMIs and strong UI/UX boost decision-making in manufacturing. Partnering with Inductive Automation ensures effective UI/UX across industries.

This article will illustrate the setup and use of OpenPLC variables and math instructions within a ladder diagram program…

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.

Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be…

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.

Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder…

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.

Simplicity in automation is a great thing, but it must be weighed against the requirements of the project. When speed…

Simplicity in automation is a great thing, but it must be weighed against the requirements of the project. When speed control and precision are critical, we must consider feedback in CNC systems.

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels…

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels into resilient, self-healing systems.

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the…

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the software, so I turned to some experts for a little advice.

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

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

Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods,…

Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods, and industrial payloads.

Take a step back and check out a bit of the history of motors in the mining industry, from driving compressed air to…

Take a step back and check out a bit of the history of motors in the mining industry, from driving compressed air to generating various DC and AC voltages for mineral transportation.

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…

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.

In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the…

In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the onboard PLC.

In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the…

In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the axis, before creating a simple motion program in the onboard PLC.

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to…

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to get a whole lot more modular.

In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed…

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.

Handshaking between robots can be handled in many ways, one of them being GE-FANUC’s protocol called “Ethernet Global…

Handshaking between robots can be handled in many ways, one of them being GE-FANUC’s protocol called “Ethernet Global Data,” or EGD. Learn how to set up EGD on a pair of FANUC robots.

This article will explore CC-Link and how it is used in industrial automation. Learn its history, uses, and how to…

This article will explore CC-Link and how it is used in industrial automation. Learn its history, uses, and how to implement it in control systems.