Latest Automotive Technical Articles

Meet the Meca500 6-axis arm, a robot known for its ultra-high precision and compact footprint. Learn how to use the web…

Meet the Meca500 6-axis arm, a robot known for its ultra-high precision and compact footprint. Learn how to use the web server for programming and 6-axis jogging with a structured text interface.

The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…

The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs…

Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.

After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we…

After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we really need lubrication? I turned to an expert for some answers.

Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections…

Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections of sensors and switches for functions like homing and setting travel limits.

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often,…

Networked remote I/O allows machine centers to operate while physically separated from the rest of the system, and often, the solution can drop right into place.

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…

When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.

Learn how AI, machine vision, and sensor breakthroughs are driving humanoid robots from sci-fi dreams to industrial realities.

Learn how AI, machine vision, and sensor breakthroughs are driving humanoid robots from sci-fi dreams to industrial realities.

Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in…

Alignment is an often overlooked element in operations, leading to both energy efficiency and equipment longevity in rotating machinery.

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

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.

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.

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices.…

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices. Learn how to configure logic directly on the IO-Link master.

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in…

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.

Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a…

Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a simple electric linear axis.