Latest Advanced Mfg Technical Articles

Recent OpenPLC Editor versions offer an improved debugger, allowing real-time monitoring of variables and tags in…

Recent OpenPLC Editor versions offer an improved debugger, allowing real-time monitoring of variables and tags in industrial control applications running on an Arduino Uno PLC.

Industrial control systems are becoming increasingly dependent on network connections, exposing them to security risks.…

Industrial control systems are becoming increasingly dependent on network connections, exposing them to security risks. The IEC provides guidelines for establishing and maintaining security policies.

Learn how to configure a connection and download a simple digital I/O project using the newest Rockwell software, paired…

Learn how to configure a connection and download a simple digital I/O project using the newest Rockwell software, paired with the Ethernet version of the Micro800 PLC lineup.

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or…

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or initiate motion. Follow along as we dive deep into the world of virtual PLCs.

Working with data is no simple task. It requires a solid understanding of how to acquire the data, process it, and then…

Working with data is no simple task. It requires a solid understanding of how to acquire the data, process it, and then use it to deliver tangible benefits to the operation and the company.

Physical AI, where technology is applied to real-world devices like robots, is set to have a major impact over the next…

Physical AI, where technology is applied to real-world devices like robots, is set to have a major impact over the next few years. UR Shares some predictions, along with some exclusive deeper insights.

MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another.…

MQTT and OPC UA are very different, but they accomplish essentially the same thing: push data from one device to another. Which method to use relies on understanding how each process is accomplished.

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing,…

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing, training, and automation development without hardware.

Welcome to the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026! We’re excited to see where the industrial automation world takes…

Welcome to the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026! We’re excited to see where the industrial automation world takes us in this new year.

Cam profiles are a great way of strictly controlling two servo axes to follow a predefined path. Follow along as we dive…

Cam profiles are a great way of strictly controlling two servo axes to follow a predefined path. Follow along as we dive into setting up and programming an electronic cam profile.

The common narrative is that data-driven predictive maintenance can greatly reduce downtime costs. Learn about one…

The common narrative is that data-driven predictive maintenance can greatly reduce downtime costs. Learn about one critical feature of data collection that can enable manufacturing effectiveness.

Modernizing legacy plants requires careful dataflow design. See how audits, protocol choices, edge computing and security…

Modernizing legacy plants requires careful dataflow design. See how audits, protocol choices, edge computing and security layers can unify old and new systems for better insights and operations.

Not every control system requires an expensive PLC. This tutorial will introduce Node-RED, a popular programming…

Not every control system requires an expensive PLC. This tutorial will introduce Node-RED, a popular programming environment that can be installed on a low-cost single-board controller.

Smart greenfield design unlocks clean, scalable dataflow. Learn how defining KPIs, choosing open architecture,…

Smart greenfield design unlocks clean, scalable dataflow. Learn how defining KPIs, choosing open architecture, contextualizing data, leveraging edge computing, and using the cloud wisely can transform operations from day one.

Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC…

Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.

Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on…

Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on the computer? Take a look at Node-RED’s approach to low-code applications.

Data centers have been a focus of industrial automation in recent days. Control.com spoke with experts at Weidmuller to…

Data centers have been a focus of industrial automation in recent days. Control.com spoke with experts at Weidmuller to learn more about how control technology can solve data center challenges.

Automation is evolving. Today, this is marked by a shift towards more efficient, sustainable operations, enhanced by…

Automation is evolving. Today, this is marked by a shift towards more efficient, sustainable operations, enhanced by closer collaboration between humans and machines, enhancing safety and profitability.

Learn how to drive a compact Meca500 industrial 6-axis robot with a CompactLogix PLC over an Ethernet connection,…

Learn how to drive a compact Meca500 industrial 6-axis robot with a CompactLogix PLC over an Ethernet connection, transferring direct TCP set points in joint and world coordinate systems.