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Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.

5 days ago by Michael Levanduski

Troubleshooting PLCs and I/O Modules Using Tools and Instruments

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.

November 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 2: Initializing the Software

Data pipelines are software services that progress the data from source to storage, hopefully without too much programming complexity. In this article, we begin by initializing the mage.ai software.

November 20, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

STEP RIGHT UP, Get Your IP Address Here! Understanding BOOTP vs. DHCP

When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the assignment of network addresses, or when you would rather keep it under control.

November 16, 2023 by David Peterson

Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?

November 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.

November 13, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS): What Is It and Why Would You Want It?

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone else adopt the risks in exchange for an hourly or monthly subscription rate.

November 02, 2023 by Misa Ilkhechi, Formic Technologies

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Chain Drive Power Transmission

In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special about chain drives, and why would they be used in place of rubber belts?

November 01, 2023 by David Peterson

Industrial Computing Tackles the Challenge of Long Rebooting Time

Rebooting industrial controllers and computers incurs costs, not only from the downtime but also from cascading effects of communication with up/downstream controllers. How can this downtime be managed?

October 30, 2023 by Seth Price

The Art of Maintaining and Repairing Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.

October 25, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Using Loop Powered Isolators to Solve Ground Loop Problems

Many signal sources and process transmitters do not include isolation, which can cause problems when the instruments are at different locations. A loop powered isolator is often the solution.

October 08, 2023 by Harry Trietley

Human Machine Interface (HMI): Controls and Data Types

An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to construct informative and appealing HMI applications.

October 04, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

5 Reasons Why Sensors Are Crucial For Modern Manufacturing

Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.

October 03, 2023 by Eric Whitley, L2L

Understanding Fiber Optic’s Role in Photoelectric Sensing

Photoelectric sensors and fiber optic sensors are very similar in a lot of ways, but which one is superior in function and durability, and under what conditions might one be preferred?

September 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Cobot Roundup: Who Makes Them and What Makes Them Special

Cobots have recently been hailed as one of the latest and greatest innovations in production and manufacturing automation. But are collaborative robots living up to their reputation? Control.com investigates the benefits and drawbacks of these versatile industrial machines.

September 20, 2023 by David Peterson

PLC CPU Modes Explained: Run, Stop, and Program

A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?

September 18, 2023 by David Peterson

Raspberry Pi Sensors: Sense HAT Temperature, Pressure, and Humidity

Explore the sensors used to obtain temperature, pressure, and humidity for industrial applications on this value-packed, compact add-on for the Raspberry Pi.

September 17, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

PygWalker Data Visualization Library - Part 2, Advanced Charting Display

PygWalker is a useful tool to visualize data, with advanced features to make the data more constructive. This tutorial continues using the milling machine predictive maintenance dataset.

September 12, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Origin Story: Meet Unimate, the First Industrial Robot

Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind the development of Unimate, the world’s first.

September 06, 2023 by David Peterson

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?

September 04, 2023 by Seth Price