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Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Force Control | An Adaptive Method of Robotic Navigation

Learn about force control in robots and what sets it apart from typical point-to-point programming. This feedback method can overcome many small irregularities in manufacturing processes.


The Rise of AI-Powered Humanoid Robots in Industry

The Rise of AI-Powered Humanoid Robots in Industry

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


Basic Principles of Industrial Instrumentation and Control

Basic Principles of Industrial Instrumentation and Control

In this instrumentation and control (I&C) article, we will explore the fundamental terminology and concepts used when working with industrial plants.


Power Supply Input and Output Troubleshooting

Power Supply Input and Output Troubleshooting

Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the potential to fail. Although there can be several root causes, there are a few simple methods of testing a power supply.


Troubleshooting Linear Hydraulic Motion

Troubleshooting Linear Hydraulic Motion

Motion systems come in many forms. Hydraulic motion brings some unique problems, not seen in electric systems. This article will focus on how to recognize prominent failures quickly and correctly.


Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

Factory I/O: A Modern PLC Simulation Tool to Learn the Fundamentals

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.


Tutorial: Single-Axis Motion Control with CMZ Drive, Part 1

Tutorial: Single-Axis Motion Control with CMZ Drive, Part 1

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.


Tutorial: Setting up an IO-Link Network With Built-in Logic

Tutorial: Setting up an IO-Link Network With Built-in Logic

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.


Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

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.


Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Learn how to segment your sequential control logic for easy troubleshooting using Step (STL) and Return (RET) commands in Mitsubishi PLCs.


Installing and Using Modern Industrial Joystick Controls

Installing and Using Modern Industrial Joystick Controls

Discover how digital and analog industrial joysticks can provide crucial precision in sectors like manufacturing and industrial automation, used mainly for motion control applications.


Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data and commands between I/O devices and the PLC control system level.


Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

IO-Link devices can be inputs or outputs, and often a mix of both. In this article, learn how to interpret datasheets that list the indexes and purpose of the bytes to read and write process data.


What Do Light-on and Dark-on Mean for Photoelectric Sensors?

What Do Light-on and Dark-on Mean for Photoelectric Sensors?

Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but for optical sensors, the terms “light-on” and “dark-on” must also be understood.


Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

Shunt Resistors and Applications in the Field of Instrumentation

A shunt resistor connects in series with a load to measure the high current in the DC circuit. Using Ohm's law, the current value can be calculated by measuring the voltage across the shunt.


Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.


The Science Behind Electromagnets: Induction and Coils

The Science Behind Electromagnets: Induction and Coils

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic induction and how magnetic fields can be utilized to generate motion.


A Visit From Safety Nick

A Visit From Safety Nick

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.


Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.


AI-Powered Depalletization: the Key to Grocery’s Automated Future

AI-Powered Depalletization: the Key to Grocery’s Automated Future

Advanced 3-D imaging and pattern recognition algorithms are required for robotic depalletization systems to deal with the different shapes, sizes, and textures of packaging materials using in grocery logistics.