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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.


Using DC/DC Converters for Industrial Automation

Using DC/DC Converters for Industrial Automation

Learn the basics of DC/DC converters and their uses in industrial automation.


What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”


Is It Time to Upgrade Your Control System?

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Control System?

This article discusses how to successfully research and replace control systems and its components.


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


SOLIDWORKS vs. AutoCAD for Mechatronics

SOLIDWORKS vs. AutoCAD for Mechatronics

Solidworks or AutoCAD? Which software is the right fit for you and your team? Take a dive into the fundamental components of both programs and the key differences between them.


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?


Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Genetic Algorithm Applications and Limitations

Learn about the applications and future directions of genetic programming.


Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial energy systems are imperative for continuous manufacturing production and should be maintained to ensure efficiency. Learn how to maintain these systems and implement automation devices.


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?


Blockchain for Industrial Automation: Are We There Yet?

Blockchain for Industrial Automation: Are We There Yet?

Learn about how blockchain technology works, why it’s secure, and how to use it in industrial automation.


RTDs vs. Thermocouples in Control Systems

RTDs vs. Thermocouples in Control Systems

Control systems can utilize temperature sensors such as RTDs or thermocouples. Which device is best for your application?


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?


Error Clusters in LabVIEW

Error Clusters in LabVIEW

Simple errors may corrupt data files, crash LabVIEW, or crash the entire computer system. Implementing error clusters will help prevent these issues. Learn how to set up error clusters for your VI.


An Introduction to Track Conveyance Systems

An Introduction to Track Conveyance Systems

What are track conveyance systems, and how are they different from traditional belt conveyor systems?